⭐ 4.4 (14 reviews)

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike, Sail & Blue Safari Adventure

Walk on ancient ice, cruise alongside towering blue walls, and witness one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders on this unforgettable Patagonian experience for all ages.

Featured Tour

Blue Safari: Hiking the Ice & Sailing the Glacier

The Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation is a rare double adventure that lets you experience the glacier from two stunning perspectives. First, you'll lace up crampons and trek across the glacier's ancient ice surface, guided by experts who reveal the secrets of this living, moving landscape. Then you'll board a vessel and sail right up to the towering ice walls, watching chunks calve into the milky turquoise water below. Suitable for all fitness levels and ages, this tour is the most complete way to connect with one of Patagonia's greatest natural icons.

  • Trek on the glacier's surface with crampons and expert guides
  • Sail alongside the iconic blue ice walls by boat
  • Suitable for all ages and most fitness levels
  • All safety equipment and crampons included
  • Small-group experience inside Los Glaciares National Park
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⭐ 4.4 (14 reviews) Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation
Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation
Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation
Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation
Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation

About This Experience

Two Ways to Experience an Iconic Glacier

Few destinations on Earth command as much wonder as Perito Moreno in Argentine Patagonia. This tour gives you not one but two extraordinary angles on the glacier: a guided walk across its rippled blue surface and a scenic navigation that brings you face to face with its dramatic ice cliffs. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time visitor, this experience is thoughtfully designed to be accessible and deeply memorable for every type of traveler.

The hiking portion of the tour is led by certified glacier guides who provide crampons, safety harnesses, and constant instruction. You'll move across a landscape of ridges, pools, and crevasses that shift and groan underfoot — a vivid reminder that this glacier is very much alive. The guides share fascinating insights about glaciology, climate, and the broader ecosystem of Los Glaciares National Park, adding rich context to every breathtaking step you take on the ice.

After the trek, the navigation segment whisks you onto the water for a completely different vantage point. From the boat, the glacier appears even more colossal, its sapphire-blue walls rising dramatically above the lake's surface. You may witness the thunderous spectacle of ice calving — chunks the size of buildings crashing into the water. It's a humbling, unforgettable finale to an already extraordinary day spent exploring one of South America's most celebrated natural wonders.

⏱️
Duration Approx. 7–8 hours
👥
Group Size Small group
📍
Meeting Point El Calafate, Patagonia
📦
What's Included Crampons, safety gear & navigation
💪
Difficulty Easy to moderate
🌐
Languages Spanish & English

Travel Guide

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

What to Pack for Your Glacier Adventure

Patagonia's weather is famously unpredictable, so layering is essential. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer such as a fleece, and top it with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Temperatures on the glacier can drop sharply even on sunny days, and wind gusts are common. Bringing the right clothing means you'll stay comfortable throughout both the hiking and sailing portions of the day.

Footwear is particularly important for the trekking section. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended — crampons will be fitted over whatever boots you wear, so low-cut trainers or sandals are not suitable. Sunglasses with UV protection are a must, as glare off the ice can be intense. Pack a small day bag to keep your hands free and carry snacks, water, and any personal items you need throughout the excursion.

  • Waterproof, windproof outer jacket and trousers
  • Warm mid-layer fleece or down jacket
  • Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
  • UV-protection sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Gloves and a warm hat or beanie
  • Reusable water bottle and energy snacks
  • Small waterproof daypack for personal items

What to Expect on the Blue Safari Tour

Your day begins with a transfer from El Calafate to the glacier sector of Los Glaciares National Park. On arrival, your certified guide will brief the group on glacier safety, fit everyone with crampons, and lead you onto the ice. The trekking route weaves through a surreal landscape of blue ridges, meltwater streams, and deep crevasses, with the guide pausing regularly to share knowledge about the glacier's formation, movement, and ecological significance.

After the hike, you'll make your way to the embarkation point for the navigation segment. The boat glides slowly along the glacier's front face, allowing you to appreciate the sheer scale of the ice walls up close. The skipper and guide point out notable features and explain the calving process. You may hear tremendous booming sounds before watching ice break free and plunge into the lake — a dramatic, natural spectacle that forms the unforgettable climax of the entire Blue Safari experience.

  • Transfer from El Calafate to the national park
  • Safety briefing and crampon fitting on arrival
  • Guided trek across the glacier surface (approx. 2 hours)
  • Stops at scenic viewpoints and glacial features
  • Board vessel for close-up navigation along the ice face
  • Opportunity to witness live ice calving from the boat
  • Return transfer to El Calafate at day's end

Good to Know Before You Book

This tour operates in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so all participants must follow the guide's instructions at all times to protect both the environment and their own safety. The activity involves walking on uneven ice terrain, and while it is rated easy to moderate, anyone with serious knee, hip, or balance concerns should consult a physician before booking. Children are welcome but should be able to walk independently on the glacier for a sustained period.

Weather in Patagonia can change rapidly, and in rare cases tours may be modified or rescheduled due to safety conditions. Wearing crampons requires boots with a rigid sole, so check your footwear before departure day — sandals, ballet flats, or soft-soled shoes cannot be fitted with crampons. Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early with your confirmation voucher. Motion sickness patches or bands are worth considering if you are sensitive to boat movement on choppy water.

  • Bring your booking confirmation and a valid ID
  • Rigid-soled waterproof boots are required for crampons
  • Tour may be adjusted in extreme weather for safety
  • Motion sickness remedy recommended for sensitive travelers
  • Tipping guides is appreciated but never obligatory
  • Photography is encouraged — bring a camera or phone case that handles cold and moisture
  • Arrive at the departure point 10–15 minutes before scheduled start

Traveler Reviews

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike What Visitors Are Saying

See why adventurers call this perito moreno glacier hike the most unforgettable day in Patagonia.

★★★★★

"Walking across the glacier was something I never imagined I'd do in my lifetime. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the ice formations and made every step feel safe and exciting. The navigation portion on the water gave us a completely different perspective of the towering blue walls. Honestly the highlight of our entire three-week South America trip."

SM
Sarah M.March 2025
★★★★★

"The combination of trekking on the ice and then boarding the boat for the navigation segment is pure genius — you experience the glacier from every angle. Our crampons were fitted perfectly and the guides explained how to walk on the ice right from the start. I was nervous beforehand but felt completely confident within the first few minutes. Do not hesitate to book this one."

JR
James R.January 2025
★★★★☆

"Overall a fantastic excursion with an exceptionally well-organised crew. The ice trekking portion was thrilling and the views of the cerulean seracs up close were breathtaking. I gave four stars only because the morning transfer from El Calafate ran slightly behind schedule. Everything else — the equipment, the guides, the boat ride — was absolutely top-notch."

CB
Claudia B.February 2025
★★★★★

"This was my second visit to Patagonia but my first time actually setting foot on the ice, and the difference is indescribable. The guides shared fascinating facts about glacial movement and pointed out ice caves and moulins I never would have spotted on my own. Finishing with the navigation and watching chunks calve into the lake was pure magic. Absolutely worth every peso."

MT
Marco T.December 2024

FAQ

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before lacing up your boots and stepping onto one of the world's great glaciers.

The Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation includes round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate, all park entrance fees, professional bilingual glacier guides, crampons and trekking poles, and the boat navigation segment on Lago Argentino. A light snack and water are also provided on the ice. You will not need to arrange any logistics independently — everything is handled from pickup to drop-off.
The trek is rated moderate and is suitable for healthy adults and teenagers with a reasonable level of fitness. You will walk with crampons over uneven ice terrain for roughly 90 minutes, navigating ridges, gullies, and small streams. No prior mountaineering or climbing experience is necessary, as guides provide a full briefing before you set foot on the ice. Participants should be comfortable walking on irregular surfaces and must be at least 10 years old. Those with serious knee, hip, or cardiac conditions are advised to consult a doctor beforehand.
Layering is essential because temperatures on the ice can be 10–15 °C colder than in El Calafate town. Bring a waterproof outer jacket, thermal mid-layer, warm hat, gloves, and moisture-wicking base layers. Sturdy ankle-supporting hiking boots are required — crampons will be strapped over them. Sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, a small daypack, and a refillable water bottle are also strongly recommended. Avoid cotton fabrics, open-toed shoes, or anything you would not want to get wet.
The tour runs year-round, but the most popular window is October through April, which is Patagonian spring and summer. During these months daylight is long, temperatures are milder, and the chance of clear skies is higher, making for dramatic photography. Winter visits (May–September) offer a quieter, more solitary experience on the ice, though wind and cold can be more intense. Calving events — when massive blocks of ice break off into the lake — happen unpredictably throughout the year and are equally spectacular in any season.
From hotel pickup to return drop-off, plan for approximately 8 to 9 hours. The drive to Los Glaciares National Park takes around 80 minutes each way. Once there, you will spend roughly 90 minutes on the ice, followed by 30–40 minutes aboard the boat for the navigation segment, and additional time on the park's boardwalks watching the glacier face. Time is also built in for gear fitting, the guide briefing, and a short break for snacks.
Patagonia is famous for fast-changing weather, and guest safety is the operator's top priority. If conditions on the glacier are deemed unsafe — typically due to high winds or heavy ice instability — the ice-trekking component may be shortened or substituted with extended boardwalk viewing and navigation time. In rare cases of full cancellation due to weather, you will be offered a rebooking or a full refund. It is always worth bringing gear for wind and rain regardless of the forecast, as conditions can shift within hours.

Ready to walk on ancient ice? Secure your spot on the Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation before it sells out.

Reserve Your Spot

Book the Blue Safari Before Spaces Fill Up

Spots on this small-group glacier experience sell out fast, especially during Patagonia's peak season from November to March. Secure your place today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on one of the planet's most spectacular ice formations.

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