- Best time of day: Late morning to mid-afternoon offers amazing lighting for photography and higher chances of seeing glacier calving. If you prefer fewer crowds, arrive before 10am.
- Best time of year: The walkways are accessible year-round, but November to March (Patagonia summer) offers the most daylight and comfortable temperatures. Shoulder seasons (September–October & April) are quieter but cooler.
- Opening hours: Typically 8am to 8pm in summer and 9am to –7pm in winter. Hours may vary slightly by season.
Why choose a Perito Moreno Glacier walkways tour
✔️ See the glacier from multiple viewpoints
✔️ Ideal for families and all fitness levels
✔️ Includes transfers from El Calafate
✔️ Optional boat add-ons for closer views
✔️ Perfect for photos and glacier calving watching
What to expect on the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways tour
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The journey begins
Your day starts in El Calafate, where a comfortable transfer picks you up and takes you into Patagonia’s wild scenery. As the road winds past open steppe, lenga forests, and turquoise lakes, your guide shares stories of the region, glaciers forming over millennia, explorers who charted the land, and the fragile ecosystem you’re about to witness.
First glimpse of the glacier
Before reaching the walkways, the bus pauses at scenic overlooks. This is where you first see it: the electric-blue walls of Perito Moreno rising above the water. Cameras come out, conversations pause, and there’s usually a quiet “wow” from someone seeing it for the first time.
Time to explore the walkways
Once you arrive at the balconies, you’re free to wander. The elevated paths stretch across different levels and angles, so every turn gives you a new perspective. Towering ice cliffs, deep crevasses, and cracks running like veins through the glacier. You’ll hear it before you see it: the sharp echo of ice calving, followed by waves rippling across the lake. Some visitors walk briskly, others sit and wait, because here, every few minutes, nature performs.
Optional: get even closer
Depending on your tour option, you may board a boat that glides along the glacier’s face, a chance to see the ice walls from water level for a completely different scale and emotion.
Highlights of your Perito Moreno Glacier walkways tour
Panoramic glacier viewpoints
Walk along purpose-built Perito Moreno Glacier walkways offering sweeping views of the north and south face. Perfect for photography, glacier watching, and those unforgettable moments.
Spots are filling fast, don’t miss the best glacier experience!
Walk the panoramic boardwalks, sail along the icy front wall, and hike across ancient blue ice. Popular dates sell out weeks in advance, especially in peak season.
Plan your visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways from El Calafate
Most visitors reach the glacier as part of a tour, but you can visit independently too.
- By tour/coach (Most convenient): Pickups run from central El Calafate hotels. Drive time is about 1.5 hours, with photo stops along the way.
- By car: The road to Los Glaciares National Park is well-signed and fully paved. Expect a 1.5–2 hour drive, with designated parking near the walkways.
(No train access)
Patagonia weather shifts quickly, so come prepared.
- Warm layers + windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, SPF
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone (extra battery recommended)
- Snacks (limited food options inside the park)
- If you're joining a boat add-on, bring a waterproof jacket or dry bag.
- Clearly marked walkway network with varying slopes
- Benches and rest points with scenic views
- Visitor center with bathrooms and a café
- Wheelchair-accessible sections available
- Guardrails and non-slip walkways throughout
How to make the most of your Perito Moreno Glacier walkways tour
- National park entry is not included. You’ll receive the official booking link after your tour confirmation. Purchase it online as soon as you receive it.
- Avoid buying park tickets onsite if possible. Lines can be long, and peak-day capacity limits mean same-day tickets may sell out.
- Screenshot your ticket. Mobile signal around the glacier is patchy, and showing a digital pass offline avoids delays.
- Expect 1.5–2.5 hours on the walkways. Use your time strategically. upper sections for panoramas, lower sections for dramatic close-ups.
- Want the best chance of seeing glacier calving? Spend time at the north-facing viewpoints; that’s where most action happens.
- Layer your clothing. Glacier winds make temperatures feel colder than the forecast. A windproof jacket and closed shoes make a big difference.
- Bring a backup battery for photos. Cold weather drains devices quickly, especially if you’re filming calving movements.
- If your tour includes a boat tour, do the walkways first, as lighting tends to be better earlier in the day.
- Good for most accessibility levels. Walkways are paved, stable, and have rest areas; we recommend sticking to the upper loops if mobility is limited.
- Take a warm drink break at the visitor centre. It’s a great spot to warm up, recharge, and enjoy glacier views behind glass if the wind picks up.
Frequently asked questions about Perito Moreno Glacier walkways
Most tours take 6–8 hours, including transfers from El Calafate and free time to explore the balconies at your own pace.
Usually no. You’ll receive a link to purchase an entry after booking. It’s best to buy online early, as onsite tickets can sell out.
Yes, Perito Moreno walkways tours include round-trip transfers from central El Calafate accommodations for a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Yes. The walkways are accessible, well-maintained, and include rest areas. Ideal for families, seniors, and anyone avoiding long hikes.
Yes, the tours offer an optional 1-hour boat tour. Great if you want closer views of the glacier wall without trekking.
