Perito Moreno

Where is Glacier Perito Moreno? A First-Timer's Guide to the Perito Moreno Glacier Location

​Perito Moreno Glacier lies about 80 km (50 miles) west of El Calafate, tucked inside Los Glaciares National Park, one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking corners. Reaching this icy wonder is easy once you know the Perito Moreno Glacier location: roughly a 1.5-hour journey by car or bus through stunning steppe and mountain scenery. Most visitors choose between a guided tour or a bus to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate. In summer, the road stays open and lively; winter trips may face icy patches or limited bus schedules.

Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier located?

Address: Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, Provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Distance from El Calafate: 80 km (50 miles)

Time taken from El Calafate: 1.5 hours by road (car, taxi, or bus)

Access: Road access into the national park. Park entrance, parking, and the tiered walkways put you within easy viewing distance of the glacier’s face. Short paved walks from the parking areas lead to the main viewpoints.

Recommended tour: Perito Moreno Guided Tour with Transfers from El Calafate

More about Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier: Time & distance

Passengers seated inside an AC bus on a one-day guided tour.
  • From El Calafate: 80 km (50 miles)
  • Bus: 1.5–2 hours (El Calafate → Perito Moreno Glacier)
  • Car: 1.5 hours (no stops)
  • Taxi: 1.5-hour direct ride (taxi from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier)
  • Guided tour (round trip): 8–9 hours with door-to-door including sightseeing, walkways, and a short boat ride (if option selected)
Your quick guide to Perito Moreno Glacier opening hours

How to get to Perito Moreno by guided tours (Recommended)

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier location is an unforgettable experience, but logistics can be tricky if you go it alone. Roads can get icy in winter, park tickets are separate, and the Perito Moreno Glacier bus doesn’t always sync with glacier cruise timings. A guided tour solves all that, so you can just enjoy the magic.

Here’s why most travelers prefer it:

  • Stress-free transfers: No need to juggle buses or find parking, as tours handle round-trip transport from El Calafate.
  • All-in-one access: Perito Moreno Glacier tickets, walkways, and optional boat rides are bundled together.
  • Perfectly timed: Tours are designed to match park hours and avoid peak visitor surges.
  • Expert local guides: Learn glacier facts, park ecology, and where to spot ice calving from the best angles.
  • Weather-ready comfort: Heated coaches and flexible itineraries make even windy Patagonian days enjoyable.

If you’re wondering how to get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate, these tours make it seamless, and they’re the easiest way to visit without missing a thing.

​Looking for other options? Find your perfect day trip to El Chaltén ➜

How to get to Perito Moreno by public transport

Highway coaches and local operators run the bus to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate, offering an easy, affordable way to reach the national park without driving. The route covers open Patagonian plains before entering the Perito Moreno Glacier, with views of Lake Argentino along the way.

  • Duration: 1.5–2 hours (slower in peak season)
  • Cost: USD 25–35 one way
  • Frequency: 2–3 departures daily
  • Best for: Travelers on a budget
  • Cons: Limited departure times, less comfort than tours or private cars

If you’re planning to take a bus to Perito Moreno, book early in summer, as seats fill up quickly on morning departures.

How to get to Perito Moreno by taxi/self-drive

Driving from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier location takes about 1.5 hours via Route 11, a smooth, scenic road that hugs Lake Argentino. It’s ideal if you want freedom to stop for photos, but parking near the viewpoints fills up fast in summer. Not up for driving? A taxi from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier follows the same route and lets you relax while enjoying the views.

  • Duration: 1.5 hour (each way)
  • Cost: Rental + fuel + park entry + parking (USD 20–30 total extras)
  • Best for: Groups, photographers, or travelers wanting flexibility
  • Cons: Limited parking, windy winter drives, added fuel and entry costs

Compare your options

Mode of transportTravel timeCostBest forKey notes

Guided tour

8–9 hours (round trip)

USD 80–120

First-timers and families

Includes transfers, expert guides & glacier viewpoints; no driving needed

Bus

1.5–2 hours each way

USD 25–35

Budget travelers

Fixed schedules; slower but direct bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier

Car/self-drive

1.5 hours each way

Rental + fuel + entry + parking (USD 30+)

Groups and photographers

Flexible stops along Route 11; parking is limited at the Perito Moreno Glacier location

Taxi

1.5 hours each way

USD 100–130 (round trip)

Comfort seekers

Easy alternative to self-driving; book a taxi from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier for flexibility

Getting around at Perito Moreno Glacier

Walking: The network of metal and wooden walkways is the main way to explore. Routes are well-marked and range from easy, flat paths to stair sections leading to higher viewpoints. Expect about 1–2 hours to cover the main loops comfortably.

Shuttle bus: A small Perito Moreno bus connects the upper car park with the lower viewing decks. Handy if you’d rather skip the steep walk back uphill.

Things to do at Perito Moreno Glacier

Visitors on a viewing platform overlooking Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina.
Cruise ship in front of Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina, with tourists on deck.
Tourists seated inside Perito Moreno Cruise with guide speaking at front.
Tourists hiking with a guide on the icy terrain of Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina.
Tourists exploring ice caves at Big Ice, Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina.
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Glacier boardwalks

The easiest and most rewarding way to take in Perito Moreno. A series of walkways and viewing decks wind through forests and cliffs, giving you sweeping perspectives of the glacier’s 70-meter ice wall. Take your time, as each platform reveals a new angle and often, the thunder of ice breaking into Lake Argentino.

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Short cruise

Hop aboard a short boat trip that sails right up to the glacier’s southern face. You’ll feel the chill of the air, hear the cracks of shifting ice, and capture those postcard-perfect shots that define how to get to Perito Moreno Glacier up close.

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Full-day cruise

A day on Lake Argentino that goes beyond Perito Moreno, gliding past the vast Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. It’s a relaxed, all-day exploration of Patagonia’s ice giants, complete with stunning cliffs, floating icebergs, and tranquil glacier bays.

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Minitrekking on Perito Moreno

Strap on crampons and step directly onto the glacier for a moderate-level guided trek. Navigate deep-blue crevasses and icy ridges with expert guides, a thrilling mix of adventure and awe that ends with a toast to the ice itself.

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Big Ice trekking on Perito Moreno

Designed for experienced hikers, this full-day Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice trek takes you far beyond the usual viewpoints and deep into the glacier’s frozen heart. It’s demanding, raw, and unforgettable, the closest you’ll ever get to walking on another planet.

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Handy tips 

  • Best time: Leave El Calafate before 8am to reach the Perito Moreno Glacier location by opening time. You’ll find lighter crowds, easy parking, and softer morning light on the ice.
  • Booking hack: Reserve cruise and trekking experience tickets at least 2-3 weeks before; both can sell out in peak months (December–February).
  • Seasonal note: Roads remain open year-round, but strong winter winds (June–August) can delay buses and boats. Always check schedules before you go.
  • Transport tip: If you’re taking a bus to Perito Moreno Glacier, book a morning departure and a late return so you have time for both walkways and a cruise.
  • Local insight: Bring snacks, water, and layers, as the weather shifts quickly, and the on-site café gets busy during lunch hours.

​Make the most of your Perito Moreno visit ➜

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Perito Moreno Glacier location

It’s located about 80 km (50 miles) west of El Calafate, inside Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, part of Patagonia’s UNESCO World Heritage region.

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