What is included in a Perito Moreno Glacier tour from El Calafate?

Standard Perito Moreno tours include round-trip transfers, a bilingual guide, and boardwalk access. Some options add a short cruise or Minitrek on the glacier itself.

Do I need to book El Calafate glacier tours in advance?

Yes. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season (Nov–Mar) due to daily visitor limits and limited trekking permits.

Can I do Perito Moreno Glacier tour on my own?

Absolutely. Buses from El Calafate’s terminal run daily, but guided tours are easier, with transport, timing, and guides handled for you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

El Calafate glacier tours operate year-round, but strong winds may alter or delay boat trips. Operators monitor conditions and adjust timings for safety.

Where do tours depart from in El Calafate?

Most Calafate tours include hotel pickup. If your hotel has no reception, a nearby meeting point will be shared by email or WhatsApp before departure.

Are guided tours available in multiple languages?

Yes. Most Perito Moreno tours have English and Spanish-speaking guides.

What’s included in the Perito Moreno trekking tours?

Perito Moreno trekking tours, like Minitrekking, Big Ice, and Blue Safari tour, include boat crossings, safety gear, and expert mountain guides. You’ll walk on the glacier and explore ice caves and crevasses.

What can I expect on the Perito Moreno Glacier cruise?

Cruises range from a 1-hour navigation along the glacier’s southern face to a full-day cruise from La Soledad Port visiting Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers on Lake Argentino.

What’s the best way to visit Perito Moreno from El Calafate?

The best option depends on your time and travel style. Choose a boat cruise for close-up glacier views, walk the balconies for panoramas, or combine both for the fullest experience at Perito Moreno Glacier.

Don’t just see the glacier: walk on it!

Want to take your tour to the next level? Perito Moreno trekking experience lets you walk between bright blue pools and age-old ice formations. An adventure you won’t forget.

See Perito Moreno from the water

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime glacier experience? A cruise brings you closer to the towering ice walls you simply can’t see from land. Choose an overnight ride for cinematic moments.

From happy customers

Loved by 49 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Volodymyr B

Couple

2 weeks ago

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Helpful and well informed guide, bus is clean and comfortable, all the schedule on time. Definitely recommend the boat addon.

Myriam A

Guatemala

Couple

3 weeks ago

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The tour guides are very knowledgeable and make it very fun! The whole way to the glacier was filled with fun facts and a fun atmosphere.

Zacharias K

Netherlands

Couple

Feb 2026

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What an unforgettable experience to walk on the glaciar in between towering summits. Very well organised by the team of Hielo y Aventura. They made us feel very welcome and made sure everything went smooth.

Rachel B

United States

Couple

Jan 2026

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This was a highlight of our time in southern Argentina! You get close up to the glacier and can feel just how expansive it is. We saw multiple ice calvings - it's stunning. You get to stand outside most of the time and the boat slows down for most of the tour so you can take photos and soak in the views. Highly recommend!

Karina B

United States

Group

Last week

The tour guide really went above and beyond and made all the difference. The weather was awful—it was raining, windy, and snowing. But with her positive attitude, she made sure we did the one-hour hike, followed by a shorter one, and that the trip there went by quickly (almost three hours). It was a great experience to visit El Chaltén. It’s a shame the weather was so bad that we couldn’t see the mountain peaks. It’s worth staying longer to do more tours and hikes.

Helena B

Dominican Republic

Group

Last week

A really great tour, with smooth sailing and beautiful scenery. The guides provided clear and detailed explanations about every stop we made. They gave us plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Lunch was plentiful and of high quality. They were very punctual with all the schedules, and we were able to fully appreciate the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Senno T

Netherlands

Couple

Feb 2026

A very beautifull cruise where we came very close to three glaciers! The lunch was perfect. Toilets were good. Clear information.

Andreas K

Germany

Solo

Jan 2026

Friendly staff on the boat tour with VIP lounge with 14 other guests and private deck in the wind-protected stern. On January 24, 2026, at approx. 18-21°C. I had salmon with vegetables as my main course, unfortunately it was completely dry and tasteless. The 35-minute walk break was nice. I chose the "Perito Moreno exit" option, which means that a shuttle bus waits at the pier and drives a little way up the mountain to the footpaths with a view of the glacier, which I could hear about every 5-10 minutes (calving, mostly inside). Cool paths and almost 2 hours until the return trip in the minibus to El Calafate. Except for the food and the slightly too high price, a great tour.

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If there’s one reason travelers flock to El Calafate, it’s to meet the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier located inside Los Glaciares National Park. Spanning 250 square kilometers, this ever-growing wall of blue ice defies climate trends and steals the spotlight on every glacier Perito Moreno tour. This is Patagonia’s headline act! Wild, thunderous, and worth every chilly second.

Overview:

Distance from El Calafate: 80 km (1.5 hrs each way)
On-site visit: 4–6 hrs exploring viewpoints, boardwalks, or the glacier itself
Cost range: USD 100–300 (depending on trek or cruise options)
Best time to visit: October – April
Meeting/drop-off point: Central El Calafate hotels
Key attractions: Glacier boardwalks, boat rides, and guided ice treks
Top experiences: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour and Perito Moreno Full-Day Cruise

Ready to explore Perito Moreno Glacier? Here’s how

What to expect on an El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier tour

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Setting out from El Calafate

Your Perito Moreno tour begins bright and early, either from your hotel (if you’ve chosen the transfer option) or directly at Los Glaciares National Park. The 80-km drive is a visual appetizer. Think endless Patagonian steppe, mirror-blue lakes, and snow-dusted peaks that grow bigger with every mile.

Entering Los Glaciares National Park

Welcome to one of Argentina’s most breathtaking UNESCO sites. Before the main act, enjoy a scenic walk through native lenga forests and viewing platforms that build anticipation with every turn. The glacier reveals itself slowly, a towering sheet of blue ice framed by rugged mountain drama.

Tour & ticket options

There’s more than one way to meet this glacier up close. Choose boardwalk access for epic panoramic views, a short cruise to sail past its towering face, or go big with a full-day cruise that visits Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers (lunch included). Feeling bold? The Minitrekking or Big Ice hikes let you actually walk on the glacier itself.

Experiencing Perito Moreno Glacier

Here’s the star of the show! A 70-meter wall of pure, electric-blue ice that moves and roars before your eyes. Watch as thunderous cracks echo across Lago Argentino, sending chunks of ice crashing into the water below.

The ride back to El Calafate

After a day of pure natural spectacle, relax on your comfy air-conditioned coach (if transfers are included). Windows become screens of Patagonian cinema—fading sunlight over Lago Argentino, wild guanacos grazing by the roadside, the perfect ending before you return to town.

Things to know before booking your Perito Moreno glacier tour

Discover the many ways to experience Perito Moreno, from guided boardwalk tours and a scenic 1-hour cruise to immersive full-day and premium full-day cruises. For adventure lovers, the Minitrekking, the Big Ice trek, and Blue Safari tour bring you right onto the glacier itself.
Looking for something truly exclusive? This rare 2-day, 1-night cruise lets you sleep inside the national park, surrounded by towering glaciers. Enjoy guided hikes and glacier landings by day, then unwind with gourmet meals and unforgettable views by night.
If you’re craving a change of scenery, extend your Patagonia journey with a full-day trip to El Chaltén, the hiking capital of Argentina.
Park tickets are not included in your tour. You’ll need to buy the Los Glaciares National Park entry separately. Official booking links and processes are shared after you book your tour.
Tours usually last 8–9 hours, departing El Calafate around 7:30am–9am and returning late afternoon. It is better not to combine the El Calafate glacier tour with other experiences.
If your Perito Moreno tour doesn’t include transfers, the El Calafate shuttle buses are the best and most affordable way to reach the park independently.
If your hotel lacks reception, a meeting point nearby will be shared via WhatsApp or email. Check messages the day before departure.
The Big Ice trek is demanding, recommended only for fit travelers aged 18–50. Choose Minitrekking or the boardwalks if you prefer a moderate experience. Whereas the Blue Safari tour is perfect for those who love nature walks.
Expect walking from the park entrance to the glacier’s viewing boardwalks. The cruise option offers close-up views of the ice wall from the water instead.

Your Perito Moreno Glacier tours explained

Ticket type	Duration	Inclusions	Transfers	Best suited for	Add-ons/upgrades	Price
Guided tour of boardwalks	8 hours	Guided tour of Perito Moreno Glacier, English and Spanish-speaking guide, Access to scenic boardwalks	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate	First-timers and photography lovers	1-hour cruise to the glacier	From $75
Short cruise	1 hour	Cruise to Perito Moreno Glacier, English and Spanish-speaking guide	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate (if option selected)	Relaxed travelers, families, and seniors	Guided tour of the glacier, Access to scenic glacier boardwalks	From $50
Full-day cruise	8 to 13 hours	Cruise to Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers, English and Spanish-speaking guide, Guided walk to the Las Vacas Post	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate (if option selected)	Explorers and nature enthusiasts	Access to Perito Moreno Footbridges, Return bus transfer to El Calafate from Perito Moreno, Gourmet box lunch	From $165
Full-day premium cruise	8 to 13 hours	Cruise to 3 glaciers, Expert guide, Guided walk to the Las Vacas Post, Access to the premium lounge, 4-course meal, Exclusive balcony for a group of 16, Chef and waiters	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate (if option selected)	Luxury seekers and couples	Access to Perito Moreno Footbridges with a 2-hour guided hike, Return bus transfer to El Calafate from Perito Moreno	From $301
Minitrekking	5 to 10 hours	Guided trek on Perito Moreno, Expert guide, Safety briefing, crampons, and helmets, A glass of celebratory surprise, Round-trip boat ride between Bajo de las Sombras port and glacier base	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate (if option selected)	Active travelers, adventurers, and fit beginners	❌	From $254
Big Ice trek	7 to 12 hours	Full-day hike through the forest and the glacier, Expert guide, Small group of 10 guests, Free time for lunch (at your expense), Round-trip boat ride between Bajo de las Sombras port and glacier base	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate (if option selected)	Experienced hikers, thrill seekers, and adventurers	Access to the glacier boardwalks	From $469
El Chaltén day trip	11 hours	Guided tour of El Chaltén, English and Spanish-speaking guide, 2 guided hikes to Mirador de los Cóndores and Chorrillo del Salto	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate	Explorers, hikers, and mountain lovers	Lunch at a traditional restaurant	From $107
Blue Safari tour	8 hours	Expert guide, 20-min boat ride, 30-min walk along a forest trail, 1.5-hour return hike, Boat ride to the glacier's closest points, 2-hour free time to explore	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate	Nature lovers and curious explorers wanting more than just ice treks	❌	From $170
Spirit of the Glaciers cruise	22 hours	2-day, 1-night cruise, Expert guide, Cruise to Spegazzini, Upsala or Perito Moreno Glaciers, Guided forest hikes, Meals onboard	Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate (if option selected)	Slow travelers, couples, and comfort-seekers	Deluxe, premium, and grand suite cabins	From $800

See the glacier, skip the hassle!

Don’t just see the glacier—experience it. Glide from your hotel straight to Perito Moreno’s boardwalks with expert guides who turn ice into a living story. Every moment planned, every view unforgettable.

Couple admiring Perito Moreno Glacier from viewing deck in Argentina.

Perito Moreno maps

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Boardwalks, viewpoints & visitor amenities

This map is your backstage pass to the El Calafate glacier tour. Color-coded boardwalks weave across balconies facing the glacier, each line leading to a bigger “wow.” Icons spotlight restroom spots, cafés for warm breaks, and parking bays, so you can hop between viewpoints without losing the glacier in sight.

Boat docks & glacier trekking zones

Here, the map zooms into the glacier’s action zone. Colored lines trace boat journeys that skim past ice walls, while shaded areas mark where trekking adventures kick off. Clear boundaries, dock labels, and guide points show exactly where water routes meet icy trails.

Perito Moreno cruises in a nutshell

If you like your vacation cinematic and effortless, cruises are where Perito Moreno truly shines. They give you front-row views you simply can’t get from land, paired with expert guides who explain what you’re seeing as it happens. The options include optional transfers from El Calafate, onboard commentary, and optional access to the boardwalks.

Cruise boats in front of Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina.

1-hour Perito Moreno cruise: Short, intense, and incredibly close. Depart from Puerto Moreno pier, Bajo de las Sombras, or your El Calafate hotel, this is the fastest way to feel the scale of Perito Moreno Glacier, sailing right up to its northern or southern face depending on your ticket.
Full-day standard cruise and premium cruise : One day, three legendary glaciers. Start from Puerto La Soledad (45 km from El Calafate) or the city centre and cruise past Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno, each bigger and more dramatic than the last. Add a gourmet box lunch or a premium 4-course meal, and this turns into a full-scale Patagonian experience.
Overnight cruise (2 days/1 night): Spend two days sailing across Lago Argentino, sleep onboard in Deluxe, Premium, or Grand Suite cabins, and wake up surrounded by glaciers. Between meals, you’ll cruise to Upsala, walk to Spegazzini viewpoints, explore forest trails and waterfalls, and finish with a dedicated Perito Moreno sail.

Why should you go on a Perito Moreno trekking tour?

Trekking is for travelers who don’t want to keep the glacier at arm’s length. These experiences take you along rocky trails, ice formations, and glacier edges. Led by expert guides, with safety briefings and equipment included, trekking tours turn Perito Moreno from something you admire into something you experience. Options offer transfers from El Calafate and access to the walkways, depending on the tour.

Tourists hiking on Perito Moreno Glacier with vibrant blue ice pools in Patagonia, Argentina.

Perito Moreno Blue Safari
: You hike through forest trails, cross sand, rocks, and steps, then take a boat ride that brings you right up to the glacier’s edge, close enough to touch the ice. Note: For safety reasons, only guests aged 6 to 70 years are allowed on this experience.
Perito Moreno Minitrekking
: Choose between medium and advanced trekking and walk directly on the glacier’s surface with crampons. The advanced route goes deeper, adding moraine terrain, lake edges, and a waterfall visit. Note: Medium is available for guests 8–65 years, advanced for 18–55 years, for safety reasons.
Perito Moreno Big Ice
: A long approach hike through the Patagonian forest, followed by hours spent trekking far into the glacier, in small groups of just 10 people. It’s made for travelers who want to say they truly walked Perito Moreno. Note: For safety reasons, this experience is limited to guests 8–50 years.

Highlights of Perito Moreno Glacier

Explore more along the way

Glaciar Spegazzini

Cruise through icy waters to meet the park’s tallest glacier, a 135-meter wall of jagged blue rising straight from the lake. Watch icebergs drift silently past as you take in one of Patagonia’s most cinematic views.

Time required: 1.5 hours

Included in select tours

Know all about the cruises to Glaciar Spegazzini

Upsala Glacier

Sail deeper into Lake Argentino to see the mighty Upsala, framed by floating ice fields and sharp granite peaks. Its vast, fractured surface glows an electric blue, a raw, wild contrast to Perito Moreno’s symmetry.

Time required: 1 hour

Included in select tours

More about cruises to the Upsala Glacier

El Chaltén

Three hours from El Calafate lies Argentina’s trekking capital, El Chaltén, a compact mountain village surrounded by trails and towers of stone. Hike up to Mirador de los Cóndores for sweeping Fitz Roy views, then unwind by the forested Chorrillo del Salto waterfall.

Time required: 5 hours

Included in select tours

Plan your visit to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

Visitor tips

Weather here changes fast—clear skies one minute, snow flurries the next—so layers are your best friend. As Patagonians like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.”
On windy days, the best viewing spots on the glacier Perito Moreno tour are near the lower balconies’ inner railings, less exposed and with steadier footing for photos.
Lunch timing matters. The café fills up around 1pm. Pack a quick snack and eat later (around 2:30pm) when the crowds clear and tables by the window open up.
Stay quiet when you hear cracking sounds, as it’s the warning of a calving event. Don’t move; the splash and echo are far more impressive from stillness than through a camera lens.
If you’re driving yourself, top up fuel in El Calafate; there’s no station near the park, and queues in town build up after 6 am departures.
For photographers, El Calafate glacier’s color peaks between 11am and 3pm when the sun hits it side-on; mornings are great for contrast, and afternoons for reflection shots over the lake.
Keep an eye out for Andean condors, one of the largest flying birds in the world, soaring above the glacier face on your Perito Moreno glacier tours. Spotting them is a quiet bonus that few visitors notice amid the noise of breaking ice.

Make the most of your Perito Moreno visit ➜

Frequently asked questions about Perito Moreno glacier tours from El Calafate

Most El Calafate glacier tours last 8–9 hours, including the scenic 1.5-hour drive each way and about 3–4 hours exploring the boardwalks and viewpoints.