All Destinations
ArgentinaSanta Cruz

Perito Moreno Glacier

Experience the dynamic Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia. Witness colossal ice calving, explore panoramic walkways, or embark on a thrilling ice trek. This accessible marvel near El Calafate offers unforgettable natural beauty and adventure.

Argentina, Santa Cruz7 highlights

The Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site located within Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina's Santa Cruz province, is one of Patagonia's most iconic and accessible natural wonders. Unlike most glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is one of the few growing glaciers, creating a dramatic, ever-changing landscape of ice and water. Its colossal ice front spans 5 kilometers (3 miles) and rises up to 74 meters (240 feet) above Lake Argentino, offering a truly spectacular sight.

Visiting Perito Moreno is an essential part of any Patagonian itinerary, attracting nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. The glacier is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from El Calafate, the main gateway city, connected by excellent paved roads. Travelers can choose between self-driving, taking an organized bus, or joining a guided tour. Self-driving offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to time your visit for ideal light or to avoid peak crowds, and significantly reduces costs compared to tour packages, especially for groups or families.

Upon arrival, a network of well-maintained walkways provides stunning panoramic views from various angles, allowing you to witness the thunderous ice calving – massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the lake – a truly humbling experience. Beyond the walkways, adventure awaits with boat tours offering closer perspectives and exhilarating ice trekking excursions directly on the glacier itself. Understanding the different ways to experience Perito Moreno is key to planning your perfect visit.

Complete Guide to Perito Moreno Glacier

Everything you need to plan your trip

Top Things to See & Do

Glacier Walkways (Pasarelas)

nature

Explore an extensive network of accessible walkways offering multiple vantage points of the glacier's front and sides. This is the most popular way to see the glacier, providing stunning photographic opportunities and excellent spots to witness ice calving.

Mini-Trekking on the Ice

adventure

Embark on an incredible guided walk directly on the glacier's ice field. This half-day excursion involves a short boat ride, a hike to the ice, and about 1.5-2 hours of walking with crampons, offering a unique close-up perspective of the ice formations, crevasses, and blue ice.

Big Ice Trekking

adventure

For the more adventurous, the Big Ice trek is a full-day experience, offering 3.5-4 hours of extensive trekking on the glacier, exploring deeper into its vastness. It's a more physically demanding option, providing an even more immersive and challenging ice experience.

Navegación Safari Náutico (Boat Tour)

adventure

Take a boat tour across Lake Argentino to get incredibly close to the glacier's towering front wall. This 1-hour cruise provides a different perspective of the ice, perfect for capturing its immense scale and feeling the spray from ice falls.

Witnessing Ice Calving

nature

Patience is key to witnessing the dramatic spectacle of ice calving, where massive blocks of ice detach from the glacier's front and crash into the lake with thunderous roars. It's a powerful and unforgettable display of nature's force.

Photography at Sunrise/Sunset

nature

Visiting during sunrise or sunset, especially if self-driving, allows for magical lighting conditions on the ice. Fewer crowds during these times offer a more serene experience and better opportunities for spectacular photos.

Los Glaciares National Park Exploration

wildlife

Beyond Perito Moreno, the surrounding Los Glaciares National Park offers other stunning natural beauty, including other glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala (accessible by boat tours), diverse Patagonian flora and fauna, and opportunities for hiking.

Best Time to Visit

☀️

summer

December - February

Mildest weather, average temperatures 10-15°C (50-59°F), long daylight hours, but also strongest winds.

Peak season

Book all tours and accommodations well in advance. Arrive at the glacier early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid the densest crowds on the walkways.

🍂

autumn

March - May

Cooler temperatures 5-10°C (41-50°F), stunning fall foliage in golden and red hues, less wind and more stable weather than summer.

Moderate crowds

Excellent time for photography with the changing colors. Pack warm layers and waterproof gear. Road conditions are usually still good.

❄️

winter

June - August

Coldest temperatures 0-5°C (32-41°F), possibility of snow, shorter daylight hours. Some activities may be limited or require specific cold-weather gear.

Low crowds

Enjoy a tranquil, snow-dusted glacier experience with very few tourists. Some boat tours or ice treks might operate on a reduced schedule or be weather-dependent. Ensure your rental car has winter tires or chains if planning to drive.

🌸

spring

September - November

Gradually warming temperatures 5-12°C (41-54°F), wildflowers begin to bloom, still can be windy, but conditions improve towards November.

Moderate crowds

A good balance of fewer crowds and improving weather. Activities gradually increase. Book popular treks for late spring as availability can still be limited.

Getting There

FromMethodDurationCostNotes
El Calafatecar1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes$20-40 USD (fuel roundtrip)Driving yourself via paved Ruta Provincial 11 allows maximum flexibility for photography, staying longer for ice calving, or arriving before/after tour buses. Parking is available at the glacier. This is often the most cost-effective option for groups or families.
El Calafatebus1 hour 30 minutes$30-50 USD (roundtrip per person)Regular bus services depart from El Calafate bus terminal. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive, but adheres to fixed schedules. They drop you off at the main entrance, and you use the park's internal shuttle to the walkways.
El CalafatecarN/AIncluded in tour price (typically $80-200 USD per person, plus park entry)Many tour operators offer packages including transport, park entry, and sometimes a boat trip or ice trekking. While convenient, they are significantly more expensive and adhere to strict schedules, limiting flexibility at the glacier itself.

Where to Stay

Hostel

$25-50/night/night

Stay in El Calafate for budget-friendly dormitory beds or private rooms. Good options include Hostel America del Sur or Calafate Hostel, offering social atmospheres and central locations.

Mid-Range Hotel

$80-150/night/night

El Calafate has many comfortable hotels like Hotel Posada Los Álamos or Kau Yatún Hotel & Spa, offering good amenities and services. Perfect balance of comfort and value, often with breakfast included.

Boutique Hotel/Luxury Lodge

$200-500+/night/night

For a premium experience, consider hotels like Xelena Hotel & Suites or Eolo Patagonia Spirit, often featuring lake views, spas, and excellent dining. Ideal for a relaxing retreat after exploring the glacier.

Camping/Motorhome Park

$15-30/night/night

Several campsites and motorhome parks are available in and around El Calafate, like Camping Ovejero. This is the most budget-friendly option, especially if you have your own vehicle and want to save on accommodation.

Driving Tips

  • 1Always fill your fuel tank in El Calafate before heading to the glacier, as there are no gas stations along Ruta Provincial 11 or within Los Glaciares National Park.
  • 2The road (Ruta Provincial 11) to Perito Moreno Glacier is fully paved and generally in excellent condition, making the 80 km drive from El Calafate straightforward and comfortable for any rental car.
  • 3Be mindful of speed limits, especially when passing through the National Park entrance. Also, watch out for wildlife, particularly guanacos and foxes, which can cross the road unexpectedly.
  • 4While parking is ample at the glacier site, arrive early during peak season (December-February) if you want to secure a spot closer to the walkway entrance.
  • 5Consider combining your self-drive trip to Perito Moreno with a visit to the Glaciarium, a glacier museum located just outside El Calafate, for an educational start or end to your day.

Local Tips

  • 1Pack layers of clothing. Patagonian weather is notoriously unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly from sunny to windy and chilly within minutes, even in summer.
  • 2To avoid the heaviest crowds on the walkways, aim to arrive either right when the park opens (around 8 AM) or in the late afternoon (after 4 PM), as most tour buses depart between 10 AM and 3 PM.
  • 3Bring your own snacks and drinks. While there's a café at the glacier, prices are significantly higher due to its remote location. A packed lunch will save you money.
  • 4Keep an eye on the water near the walkways; sometimes small chunks of ice break off underwater, creating ripples or splashes that precede a larger calving event.
  • 5If you plan to visit multiple attractions in Los Glaciares National Park (e.g., other glacier boat trips), inquire about a multi-day park pass, which can be more economical than single-day entries if you exit and re-enter.

Rent a Car for This Trip

Always fill your fuel tank in El Calafate before heading to the glacier, as there are no gas stations along Ruta Provincial 11 or within Los Glaciares National Park.

Rent a Car for This Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entrance fee for Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park?

The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park, which includes access to the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways, varies for Argentinian residents and foreigners. As of late 2023, it was approximately 12,000 ARS for foreign adults (about $12-15 USD, depending on exchange rate). Payments are typically only accepted in Argentinian Pesos, often by card. Check the official park website for the most current rates.

Is it better to do the walkways, a boat tour, or ice trekking?

Each offers a unique experience. The walkways (pasarelas) are essential for panoramic views and watching calving. A boat tour (Safari Náutico) gets you close to the glacier's face for impressive scale. Ice trekking (Mini-Trekking or Big Ice) provides the most immersive adventure, allowing you to walk on the ice itself. If time and budget allow, a combination of walkways and either a boat tour or an ice trek is recommended for a comprehensive experience.

When is the best time of day to see ice calving?

There is no guaranteed time to witness ice calving, as it's a natural phenomenon. However, warmer temperatures often lead to more frequent calving, so the midday sun (11 AM - 3 PM) can sometimes increase activity. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and beautiful light, even if calving is less frequent.

How long should I plan to spend at Perito Moreno Glacier?

For just the walkways, allow 2-4 hours to explore all the viewpoints at a leisurely pace. If adding a boat tour, factor in an additional 1-1.5 hours. If doing Mini-Trekking, it's a half-day activity (around 5-6 hours total including transport and boat). Big Ice trekking is a full-day commitment (10+ hours).

Is it worth renting a car to visit Perito Moreno?

Absolutely. Renting a car in El Calafate offers significant advantages: cost savings for groups, complete flexibility to set your own schedule, stop for photos along Ruta 11, and arrive early or stay late to avoid crowds. It's especially recommended if you plan to combine your visit with other attractions or head to El Chaltén afterwards.

What should I bring for a day trip to the glacier?

Essential items include: warm, waterproof, and windproof layers (even in summer), comfortable walking shoes (hiking boots if trekking), sunglasses (for ice glare), sunscreen, a hat, gloves, a camera with extra batteries, water, and snacks. For ice trekking, waterproof pants are highly recommended.

Can I see other glaciers from the Perito Moreno area?

While Perito Moreno is the star, boat tours from Puerto Bandera (near El Calafate) can take you to see other impressive glaciers within Los Glaciares National Park, such as Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers. These are separate excursions and cannot be seen from the Perito Moreno walkways.

Nearby Destinations

El CalafateEl ChaltenRuta 40

|