How to Get to Perito Moreno (Town)
Perito Moreno Town, nestled in the vast Patagonian steppe of Santa Cruz, Argentina, offers a gateway to ancient cave art at Cueva de las Manos and rugged landscapes. Reaching this remote outpost requires careful planning, with air travel to regional hubs followed by significant road journeys being the most common approach. Its strategic location on Ruta 40 makes it an essential stop for adventurers exploring the heart of Patagonia. Prepare for an authentic travel experience far from the beaten path.
8 min readGetting to Perito Moreno Town, a tranquil hub in Argentina's Santa Cruz province, is an adventure in itself, often involving a combination of flights and extensive road travel through the stunning Patagonian wilderness. Unlike the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, which is near El Calafate, this town serves as a crucial base for exploring the Cueva de las Manos and the vast northern reaches of Santa Cruz. Its remoteness means direct routes are limited, making planning essential. Whether you choose to fly to a regional airport and drive, or embark on a multi-day bus journey, the journey itself is a significant part of the Patagonian experience. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and to fully appreciate the surrounding landscapes and attractions at your own pace.
Nearest Airports
Comodoro Rivadavia International Airport (General Enrique Mosconi)
CRD is the most practical major airport for reaching Perito Moreno Town. It receives regular domestic flights from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities, serving as a primary gateway to northern Santa Cruz province. From CRD, you'll need to rent a car or take a bus for the remaining journey.
Perito Moreno Airport
This small regional airport occasionally handles private charters or very infrequent domestic flights, but it is not a reliable option for commercial travelers. Flights are extremely rare and not part of regular commercial routes. Most travelers opt for Comodoro Rivadavia.
El Calafate International Airport (Comandante Armando Tola)
While FTE is a major international gateway for the Perito Moreno Glacier, it is significantly further south than Perito Moreno Town. It's an option if you plan to visit both the glacier and the town, but involves a very long drive north along Ruta 40.
By Flight
Flying is the quickest way to cover the vast distances to Patagonia. The most common approach for Perito Moreno Town is to fly into Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) from Buenos Aires, and then continue by rental car or bus. Direct flights to the small Perito Moreno Airport (PMQ) are virtually non-existent for commercial travelers. Plan for a significant ground transfer after your flight.
Airlines
Flight Tips
- Book flights well in advance, especially during peak season (November to March), as seats to Patagonian hubs fill quickly.
- Consider flights to Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) as your primary air gateway for Perito Moreno Town.
- Factor in the cost and time for the ground transfer from the airport to Perito Moreno Town.
- Check baggage allowances carefully, especially with low-cost carriers like Flybondi and JetSmart.
By Car
Driving to Perito Moreno Town offers unparalleled freedom to explore the Patagonian steppe, Cueva de las Manos, and the scenic Ruta 40. The roads are generally well-maintained, though some sections can be gravel (ripio), especially off main routes. A 4x4 or a vehicle with high clearance is recommended if you plan extensive off-road exploration, but a standard car is usually sufficient for the main paved roads.
Main Driving Routes
| From | Route | Distance | Duration | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) | Ruta Nacional 26 West, then Ruta Nacional 40 South | Approximately 280 km | 3.5 - 4 hours | Mostly paved, with some potential gravel sections or areas under construction on Ruta 40. Generally good condition. |
| El Calafate / El Chalten | Ruta Nacional 40 North | Approximately 600 km from El Calafate, 500 km from El Chalten | 7-9 hours from El Calafate, 6-7 hours from El Chalten | Ruta 40 is largely paved in this stretch, but there can be significant gravel (ripio) sections, especially between Gobernador Gregores and Perito Moreno. Expect windy conditions. |
| Los Antiguos (border with Chile) | Ruta Provincial 43 South, connecting to Ruta Nacional 40 | Approximately 60 km | 1 hour | Paved and in good condition, a short and scenic drive from the Lago Buenos Aires/General Carrera region. |
Driving Tips
- Always carry extra fuel, as petrol stations are scarce outside major towns along Ruta 40.
- A good spare tire and a basic toolkit are essential, as roadside assistance can be hours away.
- Be prepared for strong Patagonian winds and sudden weather changes.
- Watch out for wildlife (guanacos, sheep, rheas) on the roads, especially at dusk and dawn.
- Download offline maps, as cell signal can be intermittent or non-existent in remote areas.
By Bus
Bus travel in Patagonia is a common and affordable way to get around, offering a chance to see the landscape from the comfort of a 'coche cama' (sleeper) or semi-cama (semi-sleeper) seat. Perito Moreno Town is connected by bus to major regional hubs like Comodoro Rivadavia and cities further south like El Calafate, though journeys can be long.
Bus Companies
Bus Tips
- Book bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as routes can fill up.
- Opt for 'coche cama' or 'semi-cama' for long overnight journeys for maximum comfort.
- Carry snacks, water, and entertainment for long bus rides, as stops are infrequent.
- Buses are generally reliable but can sometimes be delayed due to road conditions or border crossings (if coming from Chile).
From Major Cities
| City | Best Method | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Flight to Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD), then rental car or bus to Perito Moreno Town. | Approximately 2.5-3 hour flight + 3.5-4 hour drive/bus. Total: 7-8 hours minimum. | Flights from $80-$200 USD (one way), plus car rental ($50-100/day) or bus fare ($30-50). |
| El Calafate | Rental car is highly recommended for flexibility and stops along Ruta 40. Bus is an alternative. | Approximately 7-9 hours by car, 9-12 hours by bus. | Car rental ($50-100/day) plus fuel, or bus fare ($50-70 one way). |
| Bariloche | Flight to Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD), then rental car or bus. Driving directly is a very long journey. | Flight + drive/bus: 6-8 hours. Direct drive: 12-15 hours (over 1000 km). | Flights from $100-$250 USD, plus car rental ($50-100/day) or bus fare ($30-50). |
Local Transport
Once you arrive in Perito Moreno Town, local transport is primarily by walking, taxis, or your own rental car. The town itself is small and easily navigable on foot. Taxis are available, but their numbers are limited, especially outside of peak hours. For exploring the surrounding attractions like Cueva de las Manos, a rental car is virtually essential, as public transport options to these sites are non-existent. Some local tour operators may offer shuttle services to specific points of interest, but these are typically part of a guided excursion rather than independent transport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perito Moreno Town the same as Perito Moreno Glacier?
No, Perito Moreno Town is a small town in northern Santa Cruz province, Argentina, famous as a gateway to Cueva de las Manos. The Perito Moreno Glacier is located near El Calafate, much further south, and is a completely different destination.
What is the best airport to fly into for Perito Moreno Town?
The most practical airport is Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD), which is about 280 km northeast of Perito Moreno Town. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.
Are the roads to Perito Moreno Town paved?
Major routes like Ruta 40 and Ruta 26 are largely paved, but you may encounter gravel (ripio) sections, especially on Ruta 40 between Gobernador Gregores and Perito Moreno. Always check current road conditions.
How long does it take to drive from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Town?
Driving from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Town takes approximately 7-9 hours, covering around 600 km along Ruta 40.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to get to Perito Moreno Town?
While not strictly necessary for the main paved routes, a vehicle with good clearance is advisable. If you plan to explore unpaved side roads or areas with significant gravel (ripio), a 4x4 can provide more comfort and capability.
Are there bus services to Perito Moreno Town?
Yes, bus companies like Taqsa Marga, Via Tac, and Don Otto operate routes to Perito Moreno Town from Comodoro Rivadavia and other Patagonian cities, though schedules can be infrequent and journeys long.
Is it safe to drive in Patagonia to Perito Moreno Town?
Driving in Patagonia is generally safe, but requires preparedness. Be aware of long distances between services, strong winds, wildlife on the road, and potential gravel sections. Always carry extra fuel and water.