⭐ 4.8 (293 reviews)

Perito Moreno Glacier Tour from El Calafate: Walkways & Navigation

Walk the iconic boardwalks above the ice and sail beneath 80-meter walls of blue glacial ice — an experience that rewards every sense and stays with you forever.

Featured Tour

Walkways, Ice Walls & a Sail You'll Never Forget

The Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate is the definitive way to encounter one of Patagonia's most breathtaking natural wonders. You'll explore the glacier's legendary network of walkways — either with an expert guide or at your own pace — before boarding a vessel for a one-hour sail directly in front of the towering ice facade. Standing up to 80 meters high, the walls of ancient compressed ice groan, crack, and occasionally calve enormous chunks into the milky turquoise water below. This combination of land and water perspectives gives you a complete, 360-degree appreciation of the glacier's sheer scale and power. With a 4.8-star rating from 293 travellers, the experience consistently delivers wonder.

  • Explore the glacier's famous boardwalk network from multiple viewpoints
  • One-hour boat navigation along the ice wall face
  • Ice walls reaching up to 80 metres high — witness live calving events
  • Choice of expert-guided or self-guided walkway exploration
  • Convenient daily departures from El Calafate
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⭐ 4.8 (293 reviews) Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate
Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate
Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate
Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate
Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate

About This Experience

Where Ice, Water & Patagonian Sky Meet

Few natural spectacles on Earth compare to standing at the edge of Perito Moreno's boardwalks as the glacier fills your entire field of vision. Stretching nearly five kilometres wide and rising dramatically above the waters of Lago Argentino, it is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. The combination of scale, colour, and constant acoustic activity makes every moment feel charged with raw geological energy.

The navigation component elevates the experience to another level entirely. Gliding along the base of the ice wall on a stable vessel, you'll feel the chill radiating from centuries-old ice and hear the deep rumble that precedes a calving event. On lucky days, watching a school-bus-sized block of ice thunder into the lake is the kind of spectacle that renders language useless. Expert local naturalists are on hand to explain what you're witnessing in real time.

Departing from El Calafate, the gateway town to Los Glaciares National Park, this tour is thoughtfully structured to make the most of your time at the glacier. The flexible walkway format means solo travellers, couples, and families all enjoy the outing on their own terms. Whether you linger at a favourite viewpoint or keep a steady pace through all the viewing platforms, the glacier rewards curiosity and patience in equal measure.

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Duration Full day (~8 hours)
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Group Size Small to medium groups
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Meeting Point El Calafate city centre
✅
Included Transport, park entry & 1-hr navigation
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Difficulty Easy — paved walkways
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Languages Spanish & English

Travel Guide

Perito Moreno Glacier Tour From El Calafate Everything You Need to Know

Everything you need to know before you go

What to Bring & Pack

Patagonia's weather is famously unpredictable, and the microclimate at the glacier is even more so. Temperatures near the ice can drop sharply even on sunny summer days, and wind gusts off the lake surface can be intense. Layering is the single most important packing strategy: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof and ideally waterproof outer shell will keep you comfortable across all conditions you're likely to encounter.

Footwear deserves as much thought as clothing. The boardwalks are paved and well-maintained, but they involve inclines, steps, and wet surfaces. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential. You'll also want to protect your eyes and face from both sun and wind, and carry enough water and snacks to keep energy levels high throughout the day. Camera gear benefits from a waterproof bag, especially during the boat portion.

  • Windproof and waterproof outer jacket
  • Warm mid-layer fleece or insulated gilet
  • Sturdy, non-slip closed-toe shoes
  • Sunglasses and SPF sunscreen
  • Refillable water bottle and trail snacks
  • Camera or phone in a waterproof case/bag
  • Small backpack to keep hands free on walkways

What to Expect

Your day begins with a comfortable transfer from El Calafate, travelling roughly 80 km through the sweeping Patagonian steppe into Los Glaciares National Park. As you approach the glacier, the scale of the ice slowly reveals itself through the tree line — a moment that never fails to draw gasps. Upon arrival, you'll have time to settle into the atmosphere before choosing your walkway route or joining your guide for a narrated exploration of the viewing platforms.

After the walkway experience, the group makes its way to the embarkation point for the one-hour navigation. The boat moves along the full face of the glacier, allowing unobstructed views from water level. The guide provides commentary on glaciology, the Patagonian ecosystem, and the cultural significance of the ice. The return transfer to El Calafate completes the day, typically arriving in the late afternoon so you still have time to explore the town.

  • Morning transfer from El Calafate to the national park
  • Guided or self-guided walkway exploration across multiple levels
  • Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the glacier face and Lago Argentino
  • Embarkation for a one-hour boat navigation along the ice wall
  • Live commentary on glaciology and Patagonian ecology
  • Opportunity to witness ice calving events
  • Afternoon return transfer to El Calafate

Good to Know

Los Glaciares National Park entrance fees are included in this tour, so you won't need to budget separately for park admission. The boat navigation operates on a fixed schedule within the tour itinerary, and departure times are subject to weather and lake conditions. In the rare event that navigation is suspended for safety reasons, the operator will communicate alternatives. Always follow crew instructions during the boat portion and stay behind safety barriers on the boardwalks.

There are basic café and restroom facilities at the glacier visitor complex, but options are limited, so it's wise to carry your own snacks and a full water bottle. The walkways are accessible to most fitness levels and do not require trekking experience, but guests with significant mobility limitations should contact the operator in advance. Photography is strongly encouraged — just be mindful of other visitors and never cross any marked barriers to get a better shot.

  • National park entrance fee is included — no extra payment needed
  • Boat navigation depends on weather; flexibility is advised
  • Stay behind all safety barriers on boardwalks and the vessel
  • Basic café on-site — bring your own snacks for comfort
  • Confirm hotel pickup availability when booking
  • Arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early
  • Calving events are natural and unpredictable — patience pays off

Traveler Reviews

Perito Moreno Glacier Tour From El Calafate What Visitors Are Saying

See why thousands of travelers choose this perito moreno glacier tour from el calafate for the ultimate Patagonian adventure.

★★★★★

"Absolutely breathtaking experience from start to finish. The boat navigation brought us so close to the glacier's face that we could hear the ice cracking and calving — a sound I'll never forget. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the geology and history of Los Glaciares National Park. Without a doubt the best excursion we booked during our entire South America trip."

SM
Sarah M.March 2024
★★★★★

"The combination of the boardwalk walkways and the navigation cruise made this excursion truly special. Seeing those massive walls of turquoise ice from the water gave a completely different perspective than standing on the viewing platforms. Hotel pickup was right on time and the whole day felt very well organized. Highly recommend booking this over any land-only option."

JT
James T.January 2024
★★★★☆

"A fantastic day out at one of the world's most impressive natural wonders. The navigation portion of the tour was the highlight — getting so close to the 60-meter-high ice walls is simply humbling. I'm docking one star only because the lunch stop felt slightly rushed, but that's a minor complaint for what is otherwise a flawlessly run excursion. The guides spoke excellent English and answered every question we had."

CR
Claudia R.November 2023
★★★★★

"We did this perito moreno glacier tour from el calafate on our last full day in Patagonia and it was the perfect finale. The scenery on the drive through the steppe is already dramatic, and then the glacier itself completely blows your mind. Watching a house-sized chunk of ice collapse into the water right in front of our boat was surreal. Every traveler visiting El Calafate absolutely needs to do this."

M&
Mark & Fiona B.February 2024

FAQ

Perito Moreno Glacier Tour From El Calafate Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you go — answered so you can book with total confidence.

The Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from El Calafate, entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park, guided time on the boardwalk viewing platforms, and a scenic navigation cruise along the glacier's face aboard a comfortable catamaran. English-speaking guides are provided throughout the day. Meals and personal expenses are generally not included, so bring some cash for lunch at the park's cafeteria.
Plan for a full day of approximately 8 to 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. The drive from El Calafate to the national park takes around 1.5 hours each way, which gives you ample time to enjoy the sweeping Patagonian steppe scenery. Once at the glacier, you'll typically spend 2 to 3 hours on the walkways followed by a roughly 1-hour navigation cruise. There is also a short break near the visitor facilities before the return journey.
Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable, so layering is essential even in summer. Bring a waterproof windproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes with good grip, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Temperatures near the glacier can feel significantly colder than in town, and wind chill on the water during the navigation cruise can be intense. A small daypack with water and snacks is also recommended, and don't forget your camera or a fully charged phone.
Yes — the boardwalk system is well-maintained and accessible for most fitness levels, though some sections do involve stairs and uneven surfaces. Children of all ages are welcome and tend to be completely mesmerized by the glacier. Elderly guests or those with limited mobility should note that the walkways are not fully wheelchair accessible in all sections, so it's worth contacting the operator in advance to discuss specific needs. The navigation cruise is calm and suitable for all ages.
The glacier is open year-round, and each season offers a different experience. The Patagonian summer (November through March) brings longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the highest probability of witnessing dramatic calving events. Shoulder seasons like April and October offer fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors in the surrounding landscape. Winter visits (June–August) are possible and strikingly beautiful, but some navigation services may operate on reduced schedules, so confirm availability when booking.
You can reserve your spot on the Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate directly through Viator, which offers secure payment and instant confirmation. It's strongly advised to book at least a few days in advance during peak summer months as spaces fill quickly. Most bookings allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, giving you flexibility if your travel plans change or if weather looks unfavorable. Always check the specific terms on your booking confirmation for the most accurate policy details.

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