⭐ 4.6 (24 reviews)

Perito Moreno Glacier Walking Tour: Walk the Iconic Walkways

Journey from El Calafate into Los Glaciares National Park and stand face-to-face with one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Watch massive ice blocks calve into the milky-blue waters of Lake Argentina on a guided day you will never forget.

Featured Tour

Walk the Walkways of the Ice Giant

The Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour takes you on a full-day adventure from El Calafate along the breathtaking Route 11, through open Patagonian steppe alive with guanacos and condors, to the shores of Lake Argentina. Expert guides share the fascinating geology and history of the glacier as you approach. At the park, you will stroll the famous walkway system at multiple levels, each offering a distinct panoramic perspective of the towering blue ice wall. A highlight stop at the Mirador de los Sigurs frames the glacier in all its glory. If conditions allow, you may witness the thunderous spectacle of giant ice blocks breaking away and crashing into the lake — a raw display of nature's power that leaves every visitor speechless.

  • Guided journey along scenic Route 11 through Patagonian steppe and wildlife
  • Expert commentary on the glacier's geology, history and ongoing movement
  • Iconic stop at the Mirador de los Sigurs with sweeping panoramic views
  • Free walk along the multi-level walkways directly in front of the ice wall
  • Chance to witness dramatic ice calving — blocks breaking into Lake Argentina
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⭐ 4.6 (24 reviews) Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour
Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour
Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour
Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour

About This Experience

A Day You Will Carry With You Forever

Departing from El Calafate, this tour covers the scenic corridor of Route 11, where the open Patagonian landscape unfolds around you. Rolling steppe, silver-blue lakes and occasional wildlife sightings set the mood long before you reach the glacier itself. The gradual approach builds anticipation, and the first glimpse of that colossal wall of ice emerging above the treetops is a moment that stops every visitor in their tracks, no matter how many photos they have seen beforehand.

Once inside Los Glaciares National Park, knowledgeable guides lead you through the story of how this remarkable glacier formed over millennia, why it continues to advance unlike most of the world's retreating glaciers, and what makes its periodic dam-rupture cycle one of the most extraordinary natural events on the planet. This context transforms a beautiful landscape into a deeply meaningful encounter with Earth's geological forces, enriching everything you see on the walkways.

The walkway system itself is thoughtfully designed across several levels, letting you choose your own pace and linger at the viewpoints that move you most. The rumble of calving ice — a sound like distant thunder followed by an enormous splash — can occur at any moment, keeping every visitor on alert and rewarding patience generously. By the time you board the return vehicle to El Calafate, you will have experienced one of South America's greatest natural spectacles in the most immersive way possible.

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Duration Full day (approx. 8–9 hours)
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Group Size Small group tour
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Meeting Point El Calafate (hotel pickup available)
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Included Transport, guide, national park entry
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Difficulty Easy — flat walkways, suitable for most
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Languages Spanish & English

Travel Guide

Perito Moreno Glacier Walking Tour Everything You Need to Know

Everything you need to know before you go

What to Bring & Pack

Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable, and the microclimate near the glacier adds another layer of variability. Temperatures can feel warm in the sun but drop sharply when wind picks up off the ice. Layering is the single most important packing strategy — a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid-layer and a windproof waterproof outer shell will cover nearly every scenario you are likely to encounter during the day.

Comfortable, grippy footwear is essential since the walkways can be damp and occasionally slippery. Bring enough water and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the long day, as on-site facilities are limited. A good camera or fully charged phone is a must — you will want to capture the scale of the ice wall and, with luck, the dramatic spectacle of calving. Pack sunscreen and sunglasses too, as glacier glare is intense even on overcast days.

  • Waterproof windproof outer jacket
  • Warm mid-layer fleece or down
  • Sturdy non-slip walking shoes or boots
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and UV sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle and snacks
  • Camera or fully charged smartphone
  • Small daypack to carry everything comfortably

What to Expect on the Tour

The day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point in El Calafate in the morning. The drive along Route 11 takes roughly 80 minutes and is far from dull — your guide provides commentary on the steppe ecosystem, points out wildlife, and offers the first glimpses of Lake Argentina shimmering in the distance. Arriving at Los Glaciares National Park, you will pass through the entrance and head directly toward the glacier viewpoint area.

At the walkway complex, you have free time to explore the multi-level platforms at your own pace while your guide remains available for questions and storytelling. The experience is unhurried — there is no rushing from point to point. After spending ample time at the glacier, the group reconvenes for the return journey to El Calafate, arriving back in the late afternoon. The entire outing typically lasts between eight and nine hours door to door.

  • Hotel or central pickup in El Calafate
  • Scenic 80-minute drive along Route 11
  • Park entry and guided introduction to the glacier
  • Stop at the Mirador de los Sigurs viewpoint
  • Free exploration of the multi-level walkway system
  • Opportunity to witness live ice calving events
  • Return transfer to El Calafate in the afternoon

Good to Know Before You Visit

Calving events are entirely at nature's discretion — they cannot be scheduled or guaranteed. However, the glacier calves with notable frequency compared to most glaciers worldwide, so patience on the walkways is well rewarded. Arrive at each viewpoint platform ready to wait quietly; sudden rumbling sounds are your cue to watch the ice face closely. Photography is encouraged from designated walkway areas, but never attempt to move beyond marked barriers.

The national park entry fee is typically included in the tour price, but it is worth confirming at booking as fees are occasionally revised by the Argentine national parks authority. Facilities inside the park are basic — there is a small café and restrooms near the walkway entrance. Mobile connectivity is limited in the park, so download any offline maps or translation apps you might need before departing El Calafate. Arrive at the meeting point at least ten minutes early.

  • Ice calving is natural and cannot be guaranteed — patience pays off
  • Stay within marked walkway barriers at all times for safety
  • National park entry fee is generally included — confirm at booking
  • Basic café and restroom facilities are available at the walkway entrance
  • Mobile signal is weak inside the park — download maps beforehand
  • Arrive at the pickup point 10 minutes early to avoid delays
  • Weather can change fast — keep all layers accessible in your daypack

Traveler Reviews

Perito Moreno Glacier Walking Tour What Visitors Are Saying

See why thousands of adventurers call this perito moreno glacier walking tour the highlight of their entire Patagonia trip.

★★★★★

"Standing on top of that massive blue ice field was something I will never forget for the rest of my life. Our guide Marcos explained the glacier's formation in a way that was genuinely fascinating, not just a rehearsed script. The crampons were easy to use and we felt safe the entire time. Honestly, this was the single best thing I did in all of Argentina."

SM
Sarah M.February 2025
★★★★★

"We were a bit nervous about the physical demands beforehand, but the pace was very manageable and the guides checked in with everyone constantly. The color of the ice up close is an unreal shade of electric blue that no photo can fully capture. Our group was small which made it feel personal and unhurried. Booking through Viator was seamless and the pickup from El Calafate ran perfectly on time."

JR
James R.January 2025
★★★★☆

"An extraordinary experience that I would recommend to almost anyone visiting Patagonia. The walking portion on the ice lasted around 90 minutes and covered some genuinely dramatic terrain with deep crevasses right beside the path. I'm giving four stars only because the morning weather was overcast, though the guides assured us that's completely normal out here. The boat transfer across the lake adds a lovely scenic touch before you even set foot on the glacier."

CT
Claudia T.March 2025
★★★★★

"I've done a lot of adventure travel and this perito moreno glacier walking tour genuinely ranks among the top three experiences of my life. The sound of the ice creaking and calving in the distance while you're standing on it is surreal and humbling. Our bilingual guide was knowledgeable, funny, and kept the whole group energized throughout. Don't hesitate — just book it."

DK
David K.December 2024

FAQ

Perito Moreno Glacier Walking Tour Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you lace up your crampons and step onto the ice.

The Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour includes round-trip transportation from El Calafate, a short boat transfer across Lago Argentino, professional crampons and all necessary safety equipment, and a certified bilingual guide for the full ice trek. Park entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park are also covered so there are no surprise costs at the gate. Lunch and personal drinks are not included, so bring a packed snack and a water bottle. The total experience from hotel pickup to drop-off runs approximately eight to nine hours.
The trek is rated moderate and is suitable for reasonably fit adults who are comfortable walking on uneven terrain for around 90 minutes. You do not need any prior mountaineering or hiking experience, as guides demonstrate crampon use before you step onto the ice. There are some uphill and downhill sections over ridges and around crevasses, so sturdy ankle-support hiking boots are strongly recommended. Guests with serious knee or mobility issues should consult a doctor beforehand, and children under eight are generally not permitted on the ice.
Patagonian weather can change rapidly, so layering is essential — think a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof wind jacket on top. Warm gloves, a hat, and UV-protection sunglasses are equally important since the reflected glare off white ice is intense even on cloudy days. Wear or pack sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, as crampons strap over your footwear and sneakers are not safe on glacial ice. Bring a small daypack with water, snacks, sunscreen, and your camera or phone in a waterproof case.
The tour operates year-round, but the most popular window runs from October through April when Patagonian summer brings longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. That said, Perito Moreno is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still actively advancing, so it impresses visitors in every season. Winter visits between June and August offer dramatically fewer crowds and a beautiful stark landscape, though temperatures can drop well below freezing on the ice. Spring months like October and November tend to offer a balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and excellent calving activity.
This excursion is very popular, especially between December and February, and time slots often sell out two to three weeks in advance during peak season. Booking early through Viator secures your preferred departure date and gives you access to the free cancellation policy, which typically allows changes up to 24 hours before the tour starts. If your trip dates are flexible, shoulder-season slots in October, November, or March tend to have more availability. Always check the specific cancellation terms on the Viator listing at the time of booking as conditions can vary.
Most operators require participants walking on the ice to be at least eight years old due to the physical demands and safety requirements of wearing crampons on uneven terrain. Older travelers in good health regularly enjoy this experience, and guides are trained to set a pace that works for the whole group. Families traveling with very young children or guests who prefer not to trek can still visit the glacier via the extensive boardwalk system at the Balcony viewpoints, which offers spectacular close-up views of the ice wall from a safe distance. Talk to your guide on the day if you have any concerns — they are genuinely there to help everyone have the best possible experience.

Ready to walk on one of the world's most spectacular living glaciers and book the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour today?

Reserve Your Spot

Ready to Stand Before the Ice Giant?

Spaces on this guided day out are limited, and this experience consistently sells out during Patagonia's peak season. Secure your spot on the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway Tour today and get ready for a day that redefines what breathtaking truly means.

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