The Best Ways To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

Embarking on the adventure of a lifetime to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles begins with understanding how to visit Perito Moreno Glacier, the crowning jewel of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. This massive ice formation is staggeringly beautiful.

Nestled in the heart of Patagonia, Perito Moreno commands the attention of travellers from all corners of the globe. All seeking to gaze upon its icy facade and listen to the thunderous roar of calving icebergs.

As a travel blogger, I’ve navigated the nuances of planning a trip to this icy giant. I’m here to help guide you on the best ways to visit Perito Moreno Glacier to ensure that your journey is as seamless and memorable as the landscape itself.

If you don’t have time to read this full blog post, here is a summary of the best tours for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier based on your travel style.

Why Go To Perito Moreno Glacier?

The Perito Moreno Glacier, named after the famous Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno, is located in the Los Glaciares National Park. It is truly one of the must see natural wonders of the world. Its towering ice walls, stretching over 70 metres high and spanning an area larger than the city of Buenos Aires, is a sight to behold. The thunderous sounds of ice chunks breaking off and crashing into the turquoise waters below create a spectacle that is both breathtaking and humbling.

In 1981, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its geological importance. The glacier forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the southern chain of the Andes, and it’s the third-largest reserve of fresh water in the world.

How To Get To The Perito Moreno Glacier

The glacier is located near the town of El Calafate, which serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. You can easily fly into El Calafate’s Comandante Armando Tola International Airport from Buenos Aires, which takes about three hours. From there, it is a 78-kilometre drive to the glacier, which can be reached by car, taxi, or bus.

One of the main reasons El Calafate is the best entry point for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is its well-established transportation network. The town has numerous bus services and tours that take you to the glacier, making it easy to plan your trip.

Additionally, El Calafate is equipped with a range of accommodations options from hostels to luxury stays.

Finally, El Calafate offers a variety of dining options, shops, and other amenities, providing all the necessary conveniences for your stay.

In summary, El Calafate’s proximity to Perito Moreno Glacier, coupled with its excellent transport links, range of accommodation options, and amenities, make it the best and most convenient gateway to visit Perito Moreno Glacier.

The Best Ways To Explore Perito Moreno Glacier

Here are the best ways available to visit Perito Moreno Glacier depending on your travel style and budget.

Best For Budget Travellers

One of the most cost-effective ways to visit Perito Moreno Glacier is by taking the bus from El Calafate. The journey is straightforward and allows you to soak in the stunning Patagonian landscapes en route. The bus journey takes around 90 minutes.

You can purchase your bus ticket for the Perito Moreno Glacier at the main bus terminal in El Calafate (Terminal de Ómnibus de El Calafate). Buses depart daily (from around 8:30am) from El Calafate terminal and take you straight to the bus terminal for the glacier (located in the national park).

If you use the bus, make sure you book your return ticket to Glaciar Perito Moreno (and not Perito Moreno, as the town is not near the glacier).

When arriving, you’ll need to pay the national park entrance fee. This fee is separate from your bus ticket. The entrance fee is around AR$ 12.000. (The price can vary due to inflation so it is always best to check the entrance fee information in advance). This fee is payable separately whichever option you choose for getting to the glacier.

After paying the entrance fee, you can take the park’s shuttle bus (which is included in your entrance fee) to the glacier viewing area. From here you can spend time exploring the boardwalks and viewing platforms at your own pace. These paths offer various viewpoints of the glacier, providing unique perspectives of the glacier.

Another great budget option to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier is to take the Footbridges of the Perito Moreno Glacier tour.

This tour includes hotel pick up (from El Calafate) and so removes the hassle of using bus timetables, getting to bus terminals and relying on public transport. The tour gets you to the boardwalks and viewing platforms and back to your accommodation in El Calafate.

The Footbridges Tour therefore offers an affordable, convenient, and flexible way to experience Perito Moreno Glacier, making it an excellent option for anyone travelling on a budget.

Best For Trekking On The Glacier

Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and hailed as one of the best things to do for those visiting Patagonia. On this trek you can witness the grandeur of nature as you navigate the rugged, otherworldly terrain, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of towering peaks and pristine icy landscapes.

One of the best and most comprehensive tours to take is the Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise.

One of the key reasons the trekking tour and cruise stand out is due to all the unique perspectives offered. The cruise component allows you to witness the sheer walls of ice from the water’s level, providing an incredible vantage point for understanding the glacier’s scale and for observing the calving process, where chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake with thunderous roars.

The trekking aspect of the tour brings a sense of adventure and intimacy with the glacier that you simply can’t get from viewing platforms. To get onto the glacier itself, you start by taking a boat across the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino, approaching the glacier’s towering ice walls. Upon disembarking, you’re led to the glacier’s edge by expert bilingual guides, who provide you with crampons—special spiked shoes that allow you to walk on ice without slipping.

Once equipped, you’re ready to step directly onto the glacier’s surface, an otherworldly landscape of deep crevasses, pristine blue ice, and intricate ice formations.

Finally, and for completeness, this tour also includes time on the boardwalks and viewing platforms.

The combination of cruising, viewing platforms and trekking on the glacier offers one the best comprehensive experience of Perito Moreno Glacier.

Best For Adventurers

The best tour for adventurers is going on the Big Ice Trek.

The Big Ice Trek spans approximately 6-8 hours of active hiking. On this hike you will navigate through a variety of terrains, encountering steep inclines and rugged ice formations. The trek is guided by expert who ensure safety while providing insights into the glacier’s geology and ecology, enhancing the overall experience.

The real draw, however, lies within the dynamic landscape of the Perito Moreno Glacier itself. You will be treated to an array of ice formations, including deep crevasses and ice caves, each offering a different shade of glacial blue.

The Big Ice Trek is much more than just a challenging physical activity; it’s a full-day adventure that immerses you in the raw beauty of the Patagonian wilderness, offering a sense of accomplishment and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone looking to step out of your comfort zone, this trek is one for you.

Best For Families

One of the best ways for families to visit Perito Moreno Glacier is to take the Full Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier including Navigation. This experience caters to all ages, combining ease, education, and excitement in one comprehensive package. This tour simplifies the logistics of planning a family outing allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the day without the stress of coordinating transportation and activities.

The tour starts with convenient pickup from your hotel in El Calafate, and makes the journey to Los Glaciares National Park. The tour gives you time to explore the network of boardwalks and viewing platforms that provide various perspectives of the glacier. The tour is then followed by a boat trip across the lake for spectacular views of the glacier from the water.

Choosing the Full Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier including Navigation is an excellent option as it provides a safe, accessible, and memorable outing for the entire family.

Best For Getting Up Close To The Glacier (Without Physical Trekking)

The Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier Navigation, Footbridges, and Blue Forest Tour presents an exceptional way to experience the grandeur of this icy colossus without the physical demands of trekking. This makes it an ideal option for all ages and fitness levels who wish to delve into the glacier’s beauty intimately and comfortably.

Firstly, the boat journey offers a unique proximity to the vast ice walls, sailing along the stunning facade of the glacier where the blue hues of the dense ice can be fully appreciated. On this serene voyage, you are positioned at an optimal distance for witnessing the dramatic ice calving events, where enormous blocks of ice detach and thunderously plunge into the waters of Argentino Lake, creating a powerful spectacle of nature.

This tour also includes time on the system of footbridges and boardwalks located in the national park.

An added value to this tour is the visit to the Blue Forest (Bosque Azul), a enchanting area near the glacier. The Blue Forest is an enchanting natural forest close to the glacier’s edge.

In essence, the Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier Navigation, Footbridges, and Blue Forest Tour is an excellent choice for if you are seeking an immersive experience without the physicality of glacier trekking.

Best For Seeing The Glacier Ice Field

The best tour for seeing the many glaciers that make up this ice field is to take the Glaciers Full Day Sightseeing Cruise aboard the Maria Turquesa. This tour offers a truly unforgettable experience if you are looking to witness the majestic ice fields of Lake Argentino. This full-day tour is an exceptional way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region’s glaciers, which are among the most impressive in the world.

One of the compelling reasons why the Maria Turquesa cruise is an excellent choice for exploring the ice fields lies in the comprehensive nature of the tour. The cruise takes you on a journey through some of the most famous glaciers such as Upsala, Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and, of course, the Perito Moreno Glacier.

In addition to viewing the glaciers from the comfort of the cruiser, there are moments when the ship’s engines are stopped, and you can partake in guided walks to discover panoramic viewpoints.

Overall, the Glaciers Full Day Sightseeing Cruise on board the Maria Turquesa stands out as a top-tier choice for anyone eager to explore the Patagonian ice fields.

So To Wrap Up On The Best Ways To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is an experience like no other. This natural wonder offers a unique blend of breathtaking views and thrilling activities. Whether you choose to trek across the icy surface, sail up close on a boat, or simply marvel at its majesty from the viewing platforms, you will undoubtedly be left in awe.

Further FAQs…

Best Times To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is a stunning spectacle all year round. However, if you’re seeking the most comfortable weather conditions and vibrant scenery, the Argentine summer months from December to February are ideal. During this period, the temperature typically ranges between 6°C and 15°C (43°F – 59°F), making it perfect for glacier trekking and boat tours.

To note, the national park is less crowded during the shoulder seasons of March to April and September to November, offering a quieter experience with milder weather. Autumn, particularly April, paints Patagonia in brilliant hues of orange and red, while spring brings blooms of wildflowers.

National Park Entrance Fees, Times & Regulations

There is an entrance fee to pay to enter the Los Glaciares National Park and visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. The entrance fee is paid when you enter the park and is around AR$ 12.000. (The prices can vary due to inflation so it is always best to check the entrance fee information in advance).

The entrance times to national park are: Summer – (Sep-Apr) 8am-6pm and Winter (May-Aug) 9:00am-4pm.

As the park is a protected area, there are strict rules to ensure the conservation of its pristine environment.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

To ensure that your trip to Perito Moreno Glacier is enjoyable and safe here are some great tips:

Restrooms – The main restroom (bathroom) facilities at Perito Moreno Glacier are located near the main viewing platforms. The are clean and well-maintained.

Dress In Layers – It”s crucial to pack appropriately for the glacier’s unpredictable weather. The temperature can vary widely throughout the day, so dressing in layers is recommended. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, followed by an insulating middle layer, such as fleece or wool, to retain heat. Lastly, pack a waterproof outer layer to protect against water and wind. Finally, make sure you take gloves and wear warm socks and comfy shoes.

Sunscreen – Is another must-have item for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can be surprisingly strong, especially when reflected off the ice. It’s wise to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, and remember to reapply it every two hours.

Take Some Snacks & Water – Are also essential when spending a day exploring the glacier. The physical exertion of hiking can burn a lot of calories, so it’s important to refuel regularly. Pack high-energy foods like nuts, dried fruit and granola bar. It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Take A Bag For Rubbish – Remember, this is a national park and rubbish bins are limited so take a bag to bring your rubbish back with you. It’s a small act, but one that contributes significantly to responsible tourism and environmental conservation.

For Argentina Buenos Aires read our great blog on the Best Things To Do In Buenos Aires.