Big Ice Perito Moreno from El Calafate - Longest glacier trek
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Big Ice Perito Moreno from El Calafate - Longest glacier trek

Active
(3 reviews)
8h - 14h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This one-day tour is one of the most incredible experiences that can enjoy in the Perito Moreno Glacier. In Howlanders we are travelers too, so let us explain to you why this must be your next adventure. During the Big Ice tour, you will step on the Perito Moreno Glacier ice for 3,5 hours, using crampons and all the equipment. Incredible blue lagoons, impressive caves, and its awe-inspiring ice is waiting for you. It’s an extremely unique sensation that we would love to share with you.

If it sounds like a bit too much for you, have a look at the "Minitrekking Perito Moreno - Ice hiking from El Calafate" ;)

Available options

Tour with pick up

Pickup included

Tour without pick up

Meeting point: Puerto Bajo Las Sombra at 9:45 AM

What's included

1 hour on the walkways
Crampons
Boat Ride
Bilingual guide (Spanish-English)

Detailed itinerary

1

If you select the "tour with pick up" option, you will be picked up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point at 6:45 am. You will head to Los Glaciares National Park.

During the trip, the guide will talk about flora, fauna, the history of the park, glacier phenomena... a master class! You will arrive at the glacier walkways, the different itineraries will be explained to you and you will have one hour to walk them at your own pace. You will join the group again to head to Puerto Bajo las Sombras.

2

Once at the port, we will meet you with the rest of the group. If you book the option "tour without pick up" your tour will start at this point.

You will embark and for 20 minutes you will navigate the Rico Lake until you reach the opposite shore, always with the Perito Moreno Glacier wall in the background. When you disembark, the team of mountain guides will be waiting for you. You will receive a safety briefing and an explanation of the experience you are about to live and let's get started!

3
Stop 3

The trekking will start with a 2-hour walk along the glacier moraine. At this point, you will be equipped with via ferrata equipment to ensure your safety, although you will always walk on a wide and well-prepared trail.

Along the route, the glacier will always be on your right-hand side, and little by little you will enter the valley and the forest. At one point, the trail descends to the glacier and you will finally touch the ice, and this is where the ice trekking begins!

4
Stop 4

The guides will help you put on your crampons. You will practice a little and when the group is ready you will start to go into the ice of the glacier.

During the following 3 hours, the guides will explain the different formations that you will find on the glacier. There is no set route on the ice, the glacier is alive and constantly changing, so each day the guide customizes the route to see all possible formations and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
- You will stop for half an hour in a cozy place and have lunch with the rest of the group.

5

You will start your way back over the ice to the place where we put on your crampons, take them off, and finally get out of the glacier ice.

You will return the same way, return the material and have some free time in the cafeteria before boarding again. Hot coffee in a cozy place with privileged views, what more could you ask for after the effort?

You will board again and while enjoying the views of the south face of the Perito Moreno Glacier the crew will offer you a whiskey on ice from the glacier itself. Cheers!

6

End of the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek:

If you book the tour with the option "tour without pick up" your tour will end here, in Puerto Bajo las Sombras, the same place where it started and where you will park your vehicle.

// Return to El Calafate:

If you have booked the tour with the option "tour with pick up" the transportation will be waiting for you to take you back to your accommodation in El Calafate, where you will arrive at approximately 7:00 pm.

What's not included

Entrance to the National Park (you can buy your ticket there in Argentine pesos)
Food

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.0
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Age restriction, travelers under 18 years old and over 50 years old can not make the tour due to governement policy

Meeting point

The tour has different departure times, from 7 AM to 3 PM. The day before, the guide will contact you to let you know the starting time of the tour and the exact pickup time in case you have selected this option.

Important notes

If you booked the pickup option, the pick-up will be at 7:00 AM. If you selected the no-pickup option, you need to be at Puerto Bajo Las Sombras by 10:00 AM. We’ll confirm the exact pickup location via WhatsApp the day before. Keep in mind that we don’t provide pickup service for Airbnbs or places without a reception. If you haven’t received the info by 6:00 PM, please contact us on WhatsApp or come by the agency office in person. If you still haven’t let us know where you’ll be staying, make sure to do that as soon as possible. We recommend bringing your own food and a water bottle (there’s no place to buy food and it’s not included in the tour). To take this tour, you’ll need to show your ticket for Los Glaciares National Park. You can buy it online at https://ventaweb.apn.gob.ar/reserva/inicio by selecting “Acceso Corredor Rio Mitre y Glaciar Perito Moreno” or pay in cash (in Argentine pesos) when you arrive at the park. Just a reminder, they don’t accept MasterCard for purchasing the entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park—only VISA cards or cash in Argentine pesos. Don’t forget your ID, passport, or identity card.

If you have any questions, please contact us at bookings@howlanders.com

About El Calafate

El Calafate is a charming town in Argentine Patagonia, known as the gateway to the stunning Los Glaciares National Park. It's famous for its dramatic glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation in a unique Patagonian setting.

Top Attractions

Perito Moreno Glacier

One of the most impressive glaciers in the world, Perito Moreno is part of the Los Glaciares National Park and is known for its massive size and dramatic calving events.

Nature Half day to full day AR$1,500-2,500 ($15-25 USD) for park entry and boat tours

Laguna Nimez Reserve

A small reserve near El Calafate that is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, ducks, and geese.

Nature 1-2 hours AR$500-1,000 ($5-10 USD) for entry

El Calafate Historic Museum

A small museum that offers insights into the history and culture of the region, including exhibits on the local Tehuelche people and the early settlers.

Historical 1 hour AR$300-500 ($3-5 USD) for entry

Glaciares National Park

A vast national park that includes the Perito Moreno Glacier and numerous other glaciers, lakes, and mountains. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Nature Full day AR$1,500-2,500 ($15-25 USD) for park entry and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cordero al Asador (Roast Lamb)

Slow-roasted lamb, a specialty of the region, often served with local vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat

Trucha (Trout)

Freshly caught trout, often grilled or fried, served with local sides like potatoes and salads.

Main Course Contains fish

Calafate Berry Desserts

Desserts made with the local calafate berry, including jams, pies, and liqueurs.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Glacier trekking Kayaking Mountain biking Boat tours Wildlife viewing Sunset cruises Visiting local museums Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and the best conditions for outdoor activities. All attractions are open, and the weather is most favorable for hiking and exploring.

10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F) 50°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English, German
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Time Zone

GMT-3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

El Calafate is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Getting there

By air
  • Comodoro Rivadavia International Airport (CRD) • 450 km (280 miles) from El Calafate
  • El Calafate International Airport (FTE) • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
By bus

Terminal de Ómnibus El Calafate

Getting around

Public transport

The local bus service is affordable and convenient for getting around town and to major attractions like the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown El Calafate Lago Argentino Area

Day trips

Upsala Glacier
50 km (31 miles) from El Calafate • Full day

A massive glacier that can be visited via boat tour from the Lago Argentino.

Rio de los Glaciares
100 km (62 miles) from El Calafate • Full day

A stunning river surrounded by glaciers and mountains, offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

Festivals

El Calafate Festival • January Fiesta Nacional del Glacial • February

Pro tips

  • Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
  • Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly and dramatically in Patagonia.
  • Book tours and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season (December to February).
  • Try local specialties like cordero al asador (roast lamb) and calafate berry desserts.
  • Explore the town's local markets and shops for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-50
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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