The Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Argentina. Whether you're visiting the south for the first time or exploring Patagonia, this corner of Santa Cruz will leave you speechless.
From the walkways that offer spectacular views to the boats that get close to its ice walls, every angle seems like it's from another planet.
In this post I'm going to tell you how to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, how to walk on it, what to do in El Calafate, and other useful information to help you plan your trip to southern Argentina.
Table of Contents
Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier located?
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located within Los Glaciares National Park, in the province of Santa Cruz, in southwestern Argentina. It is about 80 kilometers from the city of El Calafate, which is the most common base for visiting it and where most travelers arrive.
The park is part of Argentine Patagonia, one of the wildest and most spectacular regions in the country, known for its mountains, lakes and eternal ice fields.
From El Calafate, you can easily reach the glacier via a fully paved road that runs along the shore of Lake Argentino and offers stunning views even before you reach the walkways.
How to get to El Calafate
El Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier and one of the most accessible destinations in southern Patagonia. The most practical way to get there is by plane, as it has the Comandante Armando Tola International Airport, located about 20 minutes from the town center. There are daily flights from Buenos Aires, and also direct connections from other southern cities such as Ushuaia, Bariloche or Trelew.
If you prefer to travel by land, there are long-distance buses that connect El Calafate with different points in Patagonia, such as El Chaltén, Río Gallegos, or Bariloche. The distances are great, and there isn't much of a price difference compared to flying, but the Patagonian landscapes can make the trip worthwhile.
Another option, ideal if you're taking a more independent route, is to rent a car. It gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace, stop at viewpoints, or even combine your visit to the glacier with other destinations like Torres del Paine in Chile, or El Chaltén, the national trekking capital.
Characteristics of the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most impressive and accessible glaciers in the world. It is part of the Southern Ice Field, the third largest freshwater reserve on the planet, shared between Argentina and Chile. It has a surface area of approximately 250 km², an ice front 5 kilometers wide, and walls that reach up to 70 meters in height above the lake level.
One of the reasons that makes it so special is that, unlike most of the planet's glaciers that are retreating due to climate change, the Perito Moreno remains in equilibrium. This means that the ice melting at its terminus is almost exactly offset by the new ice forming at its top, thanks to abundant snowfall in the Andes Mountains.
Another fascinating feature is its cyclic breakup phenomenon. Every so often, the advance of the glacier blocks the passage of the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino, forming a large natural dam. The water pressure eventually causes a spectacular collapse of the ice, one of the most impressive natural events one can witness.
The intense blue color of the ice, the sounds of the calving and its constant movement make the Perito Moreno a true living spectacle, a demonstration of the power and beauty of Patagonian nature.
How to get from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The glacier is located about 80 kilometers from the city center, and the journey takes approximately an hour and a half on a fully paved road in excellent condition.
The most convenient way to reach the glacier is to book an organized tour, which includes transportation, a guide, and stops at the panoramic viewpoints in Los Glaciares National Park. These days, there isn't much difference between doing it on your own and doing it yourself.
If you want to go on your own, there are daily buses that depart from the bus terminal in El Calafate and go to the glacier area. The first buses leave at 7:15 a.m. and return in the afternoon, just after the park closes. You can check schedules and prices from the Central de Pasajes website.
You can also rent a car, which allows you to explore at your own pace, stop to take photos, or spend more time on the catwalks.
As a last resort, you could try hitchhiking, but it's not easy. Most of the vehicles that travel the route to the glacier are tour buses or private tour cars, so they don't usually stop. It's not the most reliable option if you're short on time or want to make the most of your day.
Whichever way you choose, the journey is spectacular, with the route skirting the Lake Argentino, open views of the mountains and, if the day is clear, you'll start to see the glacier shimmering in the distance long before you arrive.
What to do at the Perito Moreno Glacier
Once inside Los Glaciares National Park, there are several ways to enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier, and each one offers a different perspective of this ice colossus.
Walking the catwalks
The most classic way to visit is to walk along the walkways, a system of paths and viewpoints that allow you to admire the glacier from different angles and heights.
They are perfectly signposted and offer stunning views of the ice front, where blocks break off and fall into the water with a roar that echoes throughout the valley.
Although the Glacier front is 5 km long from coast to coast, the walkways cover a substantially smaller portion due to the geography of the area.
We will also be walking from one end to the other for quite a while, as each section allows you to admire the Glacier from different perspectives.
Hiking all the trails can take a couple of hours, especially if you make frequent stops to take pictures.
The entire landscape is beautiful and makes you want to stop at every corner to pay attention to the Glacier.
There is an upper viewing platform, right in the center of the walkways, which has one of the best views of the Glacier (in my opinion).
And if you're lucky enough to be there when the "ice tunnel" is collapsing, you'll want to be as close as possible, right on the lower walkways.
Este fenómeno se debe a que en su constante avance, el glaciar represa las aguas del brazo Rico del lago Argentino, con lo que el nivel de aquel llega a elevarse hasta 30 mts. por sobre el del resto del lago. Así se crea un túnel con una bóveda de más de 50 mts. por el que las aguas descienden hasta el lago.
Then, the erosion caused by the water finally causes the vault to collapse, in one of the most impressive spectacles that can be witnessed.
Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the most interesting excursions to take on the Perito Moreno Glacier is to walk on it.
To do this activity, you need to book a tour with an agency. If I remember correctly, there's only one company that has the concession to run hikes on the glacier, so any agency will be offering you the same tour.
There are two types of trekking: a short one and a longer one called "Big Ice." Both are expensive excursions, quite pricey to be honest, especially the longer one, but if you have the budget, I recommend doing at least one of them. The feeling of walking on such a massive ice formation is unique.
Before we begin, the guides give a brief explanation on how to walk with crampons on the ice and give us directions on where we need to go to be safe.
During the trek, we will walk over ice hills, passing through white walls and dodging pits with an uncertain destination.
As a reward for our journey, at the end they give us some snacks with glasses of fine alcohol.
Honestly, it's a 100% recommended experience.
Boat trip around the Perito Moreno Glacier
Another popular excursion at Perito Moreno Glacier is a boat trip. Boats depart regularly to explore Lake Argentino and get very close to the glacier's face.
I decided not to do this activity because I had already done a similar one from El Calafate, where other glaciers can be seen (I'll tell you about it later), but if you're keen and want to see the Perito Moreno from the water, this is your chance.
Practical tips for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier
- National Park Entrance Fee: Access to Los Glaciares National Park has a cost that varies each year and is paid directly at the entrance, in cash or by card. If you plan to return the next day, you can validate your ticket and get a discount for the second day. The official National Parks website now allows you to purchase the Park entrance (Perito Moreno Glacier access) online.
- Opening Hours: The park is generally open between 8:00 and 18:00, although hours may vary depending on the time of year. It's best to arrive early to take advantage of the best light and explore the walkways more leisurely.
- What to bring: The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable. Even in summer, bring a coat, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. If you're doing the mini-trekking, the company will provide all the necessary equipment.
- Food: within the glacier area there is a confectionery-restaurant with panoramic views, as well as outdoor tables and benches if you prefer to bring your own food.
- Sailing trips and excursions: Book in advance, especially during peak season. Glacier excursions may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, although this is not common.
- Sailing trips and excursions: Book in advance, especially during peak season. Glacier excursions may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions, although this is not common.
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is an experience that combines adventure, nature, and unique landscapes. With a little planning, you can enjoy it to the fullest and experience one of the most memorable moments of any trip through Patagonia.
Prices for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier
The prices for 2025 are as follows:
- General Admission: $45,000 Argentine pesos
- Rate for Argentine residents: $15,000
- Student Bonus $ 7,000
Other things to do in El Calafate
Although the Perito Moreno Glacier is the main attraction, El Calafate has other options to offer and it's worth staying at least a couple of extra days to explore its surroundings.
Excursion to the Ice Rivers
A popular excursion to do in El Calafate, although not cheap either, is to sail on Lake Argentino, observing other glaciers as spectacular as the Perito Moreno.
Suele comenzar muy temprano, alrededor de las 7:00 a.m. y salen desde el Puerto BanderaFrom there, they'll spend a few hours sailing among the glaciers and icebergs of Lake Argentino.
It's very cold on the deck of the boat, so I suggest bringing a good coat just in case.
Among the highlights of the excursion is the view of the gigantic Upsala Glacier of about 870 km2. The boat generally doesn't get very close due to the presence of ice floes in the lake, so don't get your hopes up too high about seeing it up close.
Another site that stands out is the Spegazzini Glacier and its ice walls. This time, the boat gets close enough to be face-to-face with the massive ice formation. The views of the glacier's walls are breathtaking; it was the highlight of the trip.
And finally, another glacier that can be seen, although much smaller than the previous ones, is the one they call the Dry Glacier. This one has the peculiarity that it is retreating down the side of a mountain, giving us the impression of seeing a stretched-out tongue.
It's many hours on the ship, and getting up early can seem a bit intense, it happened to me, but later on, when you're well rested and warm, you'll remember it fondly, I'm telling you from experience.
Trekking or horseback riding at a nearby ranch
For those seeking a different experience, there are 4x4 excursions through the nearby mountains, or sunset horseback riding with views of the lake and the Patagonian steppe.
For example This tour offers a trek of about 14 km along the Cristina's Ranch and the Fossil Canyon, with a boat ride to see the Upsala Glacier.
Walking through the city El Calafate
The city is small and easy to walk around. We'll probably stroll down the main avenue, Route 11, again and again; it's the liveliest street, lined with shops, restaurants, souvenir stores, and tourist agencies.
There is also a long coastal promenade around Lake Argentino, ideal for enjoying views of the lake and the colorful houses of the city.
Enter an Ice Bar
A different plan is enter an Ice Bar. The walls, the ceiling, the bar itself—everything is made of ice. You can only stay for a limited time. Let's just say it's more for taking photos than comfortably enjoying a drink, since the temperatures are freezing.
Enter the Glaciarum
If you are interested in history and geology, you can visit the Glaciarium, a modern museum dedicated to the world of glaciers. It features interactive exhibits, 3D projections, and a bar made entirely of ice. It's a great way to learn more about how this unique region was formed.
Walking around the Nimez Lagoon
One of the most recommended places is the Laguna Nimez, a nature reserve located a few minutes from the center.
It's ideal for a sunset walk and observing Patagonian birds, including pink flamingos, swans, and wild ducks. The trail is short, and the views of Lake Argentino are beautiful.
Activities organized in El Calafate
Getaways from El Calafate
And if you have time, you can combine your visit with some getaways from El Calafate.
Visit El Chalten
My favorite place in the country, El Chaltén, the trekking capital of Argentina. It's about a three-hour drive away and is the perfect complement for those who enjoy nature at its finest.
There are day trips that take you from El Calafate to El Chaltén, ideal if you're short on time and can't stay more days in town.
I wrote a long article about how much I love this place in Argentina. I've already been twice, and I hope to return in the future.
If you're passionate about hiking like me, you might be interested in reading about what to do in El Chalten, the trekking capital of Argentina.
Visit to Torres del Paine from El Calafate
If you have an extra day in El Calafate and want to explore another of Patagonia's iconic destinations, a great option is a full-day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Several agencies offer "Full Day" tours that depart early in the morning, cross the border, and offer spectacular views of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and unforgettable viewpoints.
The tour normally includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation in El Calafate (typical departure between 6:00 and 7:00 am) and a return in the evening, so it will require a long day.
Once in the park, you can visit highlights such as the Salto Grande waterfall, viewpoints overlooking Lake Pehoé and the Cuernos del Paine, and lagoons of incredible color framed by the mountains.
It is important to note that this tour involves a lot of travel time, which reduces the effective time spent visiting the park. You'll also be crossing the border into Chile, so you must bring your passport and ensure you meet all immigration requirements.
Although it is a time-consuming option, for those who have few days in the region it can be a gateway to another facet of Chilean Patagonia.
Excursion to the Petrified Forest of La Leona
There is a day trip from El Calafate to the La Leona Petrified Forest to go trekking and see dinosaur fossils and trees millions of years old.
It should not be confused with the Jaramillo Petrified Forest National Park, which is much further away from Calafate.
Where to stay in El Calafate
Since the city is small, almost any location near the main avenue, Route 11, will be fine. I went twice and stayed in different hostels each time.
The first time I stayed at the Hostel Del Glaciar Libertador, which is in an unbeatable location on the main avenue and close to all the shops.
On my second visit, I stayed at the America Del Sur Calafate Hostel, which, while also nearby, is located on a slope. However, the positive aspect is that it has a lounge area with beautiful views of El Calafate.
Best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on what you are looking for.
The high season runs from November to March, when the days are longer, the weather is pleasant and most excursions (such as mini-trekking or sailing) are operational. This is also when there are the most tourists, so it's advisable to book accommodation and excursions in advance.
During the autumn and spring (April–May and September–October) the weather is cooler and there are fewer people, allowing you to enjoy the glacier more peacefully. At this time of year, the landscapes are tinged with golden or greenish hues, and the chances of witnessing large ice calving events are high.
In winter (June to August), the park remains open, but some activities may be suspended due to snow or extreme cold. In return, you'll find a completely different atmosphere: the glacier shrouded in absolute silence and the surrounding area blanketed in white, almost devoid of tourists.
In short, any time of year has its charm, but if you want to enjoy all the activities and a milder climate, the months from December to March are ideal.
Final thoughts on visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of those places you can't miss in Argentina.
Being so far south in the country, I recommend adding a visit to the town of El Chaltén and why not to Ushuaia, so you have a complete view of this southernmost part of the country.
Some airlines even offer flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia with a stopover in El Calafate to promote tourism.
The glacier is a beautiful sight in itself. Listening to the thunderous sounds of ice chunks falling into the lake, walking on its surface, and why not sailing on Lake Argentino, will be an experience you'll never forget.
I hope this post has helped you plan your visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier and El Calafate.
Support The Prism of Fer!
Your support helps me continue creating free content on the blog. Thank you so much!
