Perito Moreno Glacier Tour – Everything to Know Before You Go

Ever wanted to strap on a pair of ice crampons and hike across one of the most stunning glaciers in the world? In Argentina’s Patagonia region, you can do exactly that on a Perito Moreno Glacier tour.

Located in Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, this massive glacier covers nearly 97 square miles and stretches over 19 miles in length. It’s one of the few advancing glaciers left on Earth and one of Argentina’s top attractions.

A Perito Moreno Glacier tour isn’t the cheapest excursion, but it’s worth every penny for the chance to walk on ice that’s thousands of years old. You can visit by bus or taxi (remis), but if you’re making the trip, we highly recommend doing a guided trek with Hielo & Aventura to experience it up close.

Short on Time? Here are the Key Takeaways

• Where: Perito Moreno Glacier is in Los Glaciares National Park, about 80 km (50 miles) from El Calafate, Argentina.
• How to Visit: Book a Perito Moreno Glacier tour with Hielo & Aventura for guided ice trekking on the glacier itself.
• Cost: Tours start around $320 USD and include transport, gear, and park entry.
• Best Time to Go: Visit between October and April for clear weather and safe trekking conditions.
• Tip: Dress in layers and wear waterproof shoes – you’ll thank us later.

This post was originally published in May 2019, and was updated in October 2025.

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Getting to Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located inside Los Glaciares National Park, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of El Calafate. Whether you’re renting a car or joining a guided Perito Moreno Glacier tour, getting there is easy once you know your options.

If you have your own car, it’s about an hour and a half drive along well-paved roads with plenty of scenic stops along the way. There’s a small entry fee at the national park gate, and once inside, signs clearly point you toward the viewing platforms and trekking areas.

If you don’t want to deal with logistics, several companies in El Calafate offer full-day Perito Moreno Glacier tours that include round-trip transportation, your park ticket, and a guided walk along the balconies overlooking the glacier.

Once you’re there, the next big decision is how you want to experience the glacier itself.

Best Time to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during Patagonia’s summer months (November through March). Days are longer, the weather is milder, and you’ll have a better chance of catching a dramatic ice calving while you’re there.

Visiting in winter (June through August) can still be beautiful, but temperatures drop significantly, some trails close, and tours may operate on a limited schedule.

If your schedule is flexible, plan to arrive early in the day before the big bus tours roll in. Mornings tend to be quieter, the light is softer for photos, and you’ll have more space on the balconies and trails.

Booking a Glacier Trek

There’s only ONE company authorized to take you onto the actual glacier, and that’s Hielo & Aventura.

If you’re planning a Perito Moreno Glacier tour from El Calafate, this is the company to book with. They offer two main options depending on your time, budget, and fitness level:

• Mini Trekking: Around 1.5 hours on the glacier, total tour time about 10 hours | $320 per person (without pick-up)
• Big Ice Trek: Around 3.5 hours on the glacier, perfect if you want a full-day adventure and are physically up for a more challenging hike | $590 per person (without pick-up)

The biggest difference between the tours is how long you’ll spend walking on the ice. With the Big Ice trek, you’ll get deeper into the glacier and see more of its otherworldly crevasses and caves. That said, whichever one you choose, it’s going to be epic.

We only had limited time in El Calafate, so we opted for the Mini Trekking tour – and it was incredible.

You can arrange to be picked up from your hotel or Airbnb for an additional fee (around 900 ARS per person at the time of our visit), or you can take a taxi to the starting point if you prefer. Chris did a quick cost comparison and found that both options came out about the same.

Once onboard the tour bus, you’ll drive about 45 minutes from El Calafate to the entrance of Los Glaciares National Park. Before entering, you’ll need to pay a 45,000 ARS (around $31 USD) entrance fee per person in cash, which is not included in the ticket price – so don’t forget to bring cash.

Prices are approximate and may vary by season, so double-check when booking!

After a short restroom stop and a quick visit to one of the viewpoints, the group heads to the balconies for an up-close look at the glacier before the real adventure begins.

If you want to book directly through Hielo & Aventura, you’ll get the best price – they’re the only company licensed to guide you onto the glacier itself.

That said, if you prefer a little more flexibility, you can also book the same Perito Moreno Glacier tour through Viator. It’s a bit more expensive, but it comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip, instant confirmation, and secure payment in USD – which can be worth it if your plans or the weather are uncertain.

Important Health & Age Restrictions for the Glacier Trek

The Perito Moreno Glacier trek is an unforgettable experience, but it’s not suitable for everyone.

Due to the physical demands and to preserve visitors’ safety, Hielo & Aventura enforces strict participation guidelines.

You cannot participate in the glacier trek if you:

• Have a BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obese by the World Health Organization)
• Are pregnant
• Have any physical or mental disability that affects walking, coordination, or attention
• Are under 18 or over 55 years old – no exceptions
• Have a history of heart conditions, vascular disease, stents, bypass, pacemaker, or take anticoagulant medication
• Suffer from respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, or emphysema

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, contact Hielo & Aventura directly before booking.

While these rules might sound strict, they exist for good reason – the trek involves uneven terrain, crampons, and icy sections that require good balance and stamina.

If any of these restrictions apply to you, don’t worry – there are still plenty of amazing ways to experience the glacier.

Budget-Friendly & Alternate Perito Moreno Glacier Tours

Not everyone wants – or is able – to hike directly on the ice. Whether you’re traveling on a budget, short on time, or don’t meet the health requirements for the trek, there are plenty of other ways to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier that are every bit as impressive.

These alternative tours focus more on exploring the glacier from the water or the walkways instead of trekking across it:

These tours are usually cheaper than the full ice trek with Hielo & Aventura and still include professional guides, transportation, and incredible photo opportunities.

If you’re not sure which tour is right for you, think about what kind of traveler you are – adventure-seeker, casual explorer, or scenic-view lover – and pick the option that matches your comfort level.

Check out all glacier tours availability and pricing on Viator to find the one that fits your travel style and budget best.

the Perito Moreno Glacier – What to Expect

We aren’t glaciologists (yes, that’s a real thing), so we won’t pretend to know every scientific detail – but trust us when we say this place will leave you speechless.

Standing over 200 feet (60 meters) tall, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most breathtaking sights in Patagonia. The real magic happens when massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the turquoise waters below, sending ripples and icebergs drifting across the surface.

Watching this natural ice show from the viewing platforms in Los Glaciares National Park is unforgettable, and it’s reason enough to book a Perito Moreno Glacier tour during your time in El Calafate.

If that doesn’t convince you to go, we honestly don’t know what will.

Exploring the Balconies and Viewpoints at Perito Moreno Glacier 

After seeing the glacier for the first time, it’s time to get even closer. About 15 minutes from the rest stop, the bus drops you off at the top of the balconies – a series of winding walkways and viewing platforms that deliver some of the best views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

There’s a small café, gift shop, and restrooms at the top, so it’s a good place to grab a quick snack or coffee before continuing your adventure. If you forgot lunch, you can eat here, but you’ll have more time for that after the upcoming boat ride.

The balconies themselves zigzag up and down the hillside, offering incredible vantage points of the glacier from every angle. And fair warning: you’ll definitely earn your beer later – there are a lot of stairs.

If you’re not on a guided Perito Moreno Glacier tour, the balconies are a fantastic way to experience the glacier from afar. Several color-coded paths let you explore at your own pace, but if you’re with a group, you’ll likely have about an hour to wander. Our guide recommended sticking to the yellow path, which offers the best views within the time limit.

We could have easily spent an entire day here. The glacier is constantly shifting, and you’ll likely witness “calving” – when giant chunks of ice break off and crash into the water below, sending thunderous echoes through the park and waves across the canal. It’s one of those sounds that gives you goosebumps.

That hour flew by – maybe because we couldn’t stop taking photos – and before we knew it, it was time to climb back up the staircases to meet our bus. Even standing that close to a massive block of ice, all that walking had us breaking a sweat.

Boat Ride Across Argentino Lake to the Glacier

After climbing your way back up from the balconies, it’s time for the next part of your Perito Moreno Glacier tour – the boat ride to the glacier itself. A quick 10-minute bus ride from the top of the balconies takes you to the dock, where excitement starts to build all over again.

Once on board, you can stay inside the cabin or head to the top deck for the best views. Obviously, you pick the deck, but fair warning, the wind here is freezing and will send you running back inside fast if you’re not dressed for it.

The short boat ride crosses a narrow section of Argentino Lake and drops you off on a rocky shoreline directly opposite the glacier. From here, you’ll have around 30 minutes to eat lunch, take photos, and use the restroom before the real adventure begins.

It’s the perfect moment to sit back, relax, and take in the scenery. Watching the glacier from lake level gives you a completely different perspective – you realize just how massive and alive this ice field really is.

After your break, you’ll start a short, 10-minute walk toward the glacier for your first lesson on ice.

Pro tip: use the facilities and grab a bite here because it’ll be a while before your next chance.

Fun fact: glaciers aren’t technically made of ice – they’re compacted layers of ancient snow.

Walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier – Mini Trekking Experience

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – time to walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier.

After a short safety briefing, our group was fitted for crampons. If you aren’t wearing high-ankle boots, the walk can be a bit more challenging. Doable, but challenging.

Our guide, Tato, gave us a quick lesson on how to walk in crampons and the most important rule: don’t fall. Thanks, Captain Obvious. The ice is sharp, and a slip could lead to a nasty cut, so take it slow and steady.

Once we were strapped in and ready, we followed Tato, ice pick in hand, onto the glacier to begin our Perito Moreno Glacier tour.

It takes about 10 minutes to get comfortable walking on the ice. You’ll want both hands free for balance, so make sure your camera has a cross-body strap. Samantha learned the hard way that a neck strap can throw you off balance fast.

The trek is considered moderately difficult, mostly because walking on uneven ice in crampons takes some getting used to. But the surface is solid and safe to walk on, and every step brings something new to see.

We weaved around bright blue crevasses, deep pockets of meltwater, and shimmering walls of ice as Tato explained how the glacier constantly shifts and reforms throughout the year. No two tours are ever quite the same.

At one point, we stopped to drink fresh glacier water straight from a small crack in the ice. Our guide encouraged us to try it, and it was some of the coldest, purest water we’ve ever tasted.

Before we knew it, our 1.5 hours on the ice were almost over. Just when we thought the experience couldn’t get any better, the guides surprised us with a glacier-side toast – Scotch whiskey served over glacier ice.

Naturally, we had to add our own twist with a splash of local Calafate berry liqueur, also over glacier ice. Because if you’re going to toast at the end of the world, you might as well do it right.

After our toast, we removed the crampons and hiked about 10 minutes back to the shelter for a few last photos before boarding the boat again. And because we’re Boozing Abroad, we just happened to have a bottle of Calafate wine waiting for the bus ride home.

Our Honest Review of the Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

Retracing our steps from earlier in the day, we boarded the boat and made our way back across the lake to the bus for the 1.5-hour ride to El Calafate, where we were dropped off right in front of our Airbnb. By the time we got back, we’d been gone for nearly nine hours – tired, hungry, and grinning ear to ear.

This tour is incredible, but it’s also no walk in the park. Between the early morning pickup, the stairs on the balconies, the boat ride, and the hike on ice, it’s a full-day adventure that keeps you moving. The trek itself isn’t overly difficult, but walking on uneven ice with crampons takes coordination and focus. Your calves will feel it.

If you’re even moderately active, you’ll be fine – but it’s definitely not a leisurely stroll. We’d call it a moderate-to-strenuous tour, more because of the long hours and the physical balance required than anything else. The terrain is safe and well managed, but you’re constantly stepping, climbing, and adjusting to the ice beneath your feet.

That said, the payoff is massive. There’s something surreal about standing on a glacier that’s thousands of years old, surrounded by brilliant blue ice and complete silence except for the crack of calving in the distance. You feel tiny in the best possible way.

The organization of the tour was excellent from start to finish. The guides were friendly, funny, and extremely professional. Safety always came first, but they still made sure it was fun. It’s a long day, but we never felt rushed – everything ran smoothly, and every moment felt worth it.

And of course, ending the trek with a glass of whiskey over glacier ice was the perfect Boozing Abroad touch.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Patagonia, this is it. The Perito Moreno Glacier tour is well organized, professionally run, physically rewarding, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s worth every penny – and every step on the ice.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier

• Waterproof shoes are suggested for the hike
  • Samantha wore KEEN Targhee III Mid WP Hiking Boots
  • Chris wore Columbia Men’s Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
• High-ankle boots make walking in crampons easier
• Gloves are essential
• It’s cold on the glacier (obviously)
• Whiskey tastes better on glacier ice – especially Perito Moreno Glacier ice
• Bring 45,000 ARS in cash per person for the park entrance fee
• Pack a lunch or snacks – ham and cheese sandwiches are everywhere in Argentina
• You don’t need to bring much water – the glacier water is unbelievably fresh

Frequently Asked Questions About the Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

How long is the Perito Moreno Glacier tour?
Most tours last between 8 and 10 hours, including transportation from El Calafate, time on the balconies, the boat ride, and the glacier trekking portion.

Do you need to be fit to do the Perito Moreno Glacier trek?
Yes, a moderate level of fitness is required. Walking in crampons over uneven ice takes balance and endurance, but the pace is manageable for most active travelers.

Can you visit the Perito Moreno Glacier without hiking on it?
Absolutely. You can explore the balconies, take a boat ride across Argentino Lake, or join one of the budget-friendly Perito Moreno Glacier tours that don’t include trekking.

What should I wear on the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Dress in layers, wear waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, bring gloves, sunglasses, and a windproof jacket. Patagonia’s weather changes fast, even in summer.

When is the best time of day to visit the glacier?
Early morning or late afternoon. The crowds thin out, the light for photography is gorgeous, and you’ll often hear more ice calving in the quieter hours.

Can I drink the glacier water?
Yes – and our guide actually encouraged us to try it. It’s some of the coldest, purest water you’ll ever taste!

Is the Perito Moreno Glacier worth visiting without trekking?
Without question. Whether you walk the balconies, sail across the lake, or just stand in awe of it from the park’s viewpoints, it’s one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking sights.

The Perito Moreno Glacier isn’t just another stop on an Argentina itinerary – it’s the kind of experience that makes you pause and really take in where you are. Between the sound of the ice calving, the brilliant blue colors, and the sheer size of it all, it’s hard to believe something this powerful exists on Earth.

If you’re visiting Patagonia, make sure this tour is at the top of your list. Whether you trek across the glacier, cruise along its face, or admire it from the balconies, you’ll walk away with one of the best travel memories of your life.

Planning a longer trip through Argentina? Check out our all our Argentina guides here to help you make the most of your time in Patagonia or browse the popular ones below:

• Things to Do in El Calafate – Gateway to Patagonia in Argentina
• The Complete Guide to El Chaltén – Patagonia’s Hiking Basecamp
• Breweries in El Chaltén, Argentina
• What to Pack for Patagonia Hiking

Whether you’re chasing glaciers, sipping craft beer, or hiking in Patagonia’s wildest corners, Argentina will completely steal your heart.