Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek
Big Ice Trek Perito Moreno Glacier + Transfers from El Calafate (additional)
Briefing
Get ready for the ultimate ice adventure with the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek! This is the most epic and complete ice walking experience you can have on the glacier, with a longer duration and higher physical demand than the classic Perito Moreno Minitrekking.
We kick things off by cruising over to the glacier's moraine, where we’ll trek for 2 hours before diving onto the ice. Once we’re there, we strap on our crampons and hit the ice for an amazing 3-hour walk, all while being guided by experts in small groups. Plus, we've got two awesome options for you:
- TOUR WITH PICK UP: this option includes the transfer to and from El Calafate, the visit to the walkways of the panoramic viewpoint of Perito Moreno, the navigation and the 3-hour walk on the ice.
- TOUR WITHOUT PICK-UP: this option starts and ends at Puerto Bajo las Sombras and includes only the navigation and the 3-hour walk on the ice.
Are you pumped for the adventure?
Tour details
Included
- Hiking equipment (helmet, crampons, harness...)
- Navigation
- Bilingual guide (Spanish-English)
- Transportation from El Calafate (according to selected option)
Not included
- Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park
- Food and beverage
Important information
⏰ DEPARTURE
- TOUR WITH PICK UP: From your hotel in El Calafate starting at 7:00 am.
- TOUR WITHOUT PICK UP: At Bajo las Sombras Port at 10:00 am.
👬 LIMITATION: Only suitable for people from 18 to 50 years old. No exceptions.
❌ NOT ALLOWED: People with cardiovascular disease, COPD, emphysema, asthma, recent surgeries.
🚫 NOT APPROPRIATE: For people with physical or mental disabilities, with obesity, pregnant women or people suffering from severe vertigo.
Remember that Mastercard is not accepted to purchase the entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park. You can pay with VISA card or in cash in Argentine pesos when you arrive at the park. Do not forget your ID, passport or identity card.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Tour itinerary
Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek
👩👩👦👦 Maximum group size: 10 [Guiding ratio: 1:5].
📆 September 15 - April 30 [Daily departures].
⌛ Tour duration: 7:30 -12 hours (depending on option selected).
🗻 Difficulty level: high
Pick up in El Calafate
If you go with the "TOUR WITH PICK UP" option, we’ll scoop you up from your hotel or a nearby spot at 7:00 am. Then, it’s off to Los Glaciares National Park!
During the ride, the guide will fill you in on the plants, animals, park history, and glacial stuff—basically a mini class! You’ll stop at the walkways of Perito Moreno, where they’ll explain the different paths, and you’ll have an hour to explore at your own pace. After that, you’ll hop back on the mini bus and head to Puerto Bajo las Sombras.
If you chose the "TOUR WITHOUT PICK-UP" option, just meet up with the group directly at Puerto Bajo Las Sombras at 10:00 am.
Puerto Bajo las Sombras (Port under the shadows)
You will embark and for 20 minutes you will navigate the Rico Lake until you reach the opposite shore, always with the wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier in the background. When you disembark, the team of mountain guides will be waiting for you. You will be divided into groups of a maximum of 10 people. Normally one group is formed in Spanish and the other in English.
To ensure the safety and quality of the experience, we guarantee that there are a maximum of 5 travelers per guide. You will receive a safety briefing and an explanation of the experience you are going to live and then we start!
Route along the moraine of the Perito Moreno Glacier
You’ll hop on a boat and cruise for about 20 minutes across Rico Lake, with the Perito Moreno Glacier in the background the whole time. Once you get to the other side, a team of mountain guides will be there to meet you. You’ll split into groups of no more than 10 people—usually one group in Spanish and another in English.
To keep things safe and make sure you have a great time, we limit it to 5 travelers per guide. They’ll give you a safety rundown and explain what’s in store for you, and then we’re off!
Walk on the Big Ice Perito Moreno ice.
The guides will help you strap on your crampons, and you’ll get a little practice in. Once the group is all set, you’ll start exploring the glacier ice! For the next 3 hours, the guides will point out all the cool formations you’ll see. There’s no fixed path on the ice since the glacier is always changing, so each day, the guide tailors the route to check out as many formations as possible and make sure you have an awesome experience. Ever had lunch on a glacier? Well, you’re in luck because you’ll get to do that on this tour! You’ll take a half-hour break in a cozy spot to enjoy lunch with the rest of the group.
⭐Howlanders TIP
If your pants aren’t waterproof, we recommend bringing something to sit on the ice so you don’t end up getting wet. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did! 😉
Return to Puerto Bajo las Sombras
You’ll make your way back over the ice to the spot where you first put on your crampons, take them off, and finally step off the glacier. Trust us, those 3 hours will be filled with unforgettable moments! You’ll retrace your steps, return your gear, and then have some free time in the café. Picture this: hot coffee in a cozy spot with stunning views—what more could you want after all that effort? Afterward, you’ll board the boat again, and while you soak in the sights of the south face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, the crew will treat you to a whiskey on the rocks made from glacier ice. Cheers!
End of the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek tour
If you choose the "TOUR WITHOUT PICK UP" option, your tour will conclude here at Puerto Bajo las Sombras, the same location where it began. This is also where you’ll park your vehicle. Enjoy the memories of your incredible glacier adventure!
Return to El Calafate
If you booked the "TOUR WITH PICK UP" option, transportation will be ready to take you back to your accommodation in El Calafate. You can expect to arrive around 7:00 PM. Enjoy the ride and reflect on the amazing experiences you had during the tour!
😏👉 Check out our blog post where we share all about our experience with the Big Ice Perito Moreno tour!
What to bring to Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek tour
The Big Ice Trek at Perito Moreno Glacier is the longest ice walk you’ll experience, so it’s super important to be ready for the chilly temps and unpredictable weather. At Howlanders, we suggest dressing in layers. This way, you can easily tweak your outfit based on how the weather is acting and how much energy you’re using. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Layer Clothing
- Base Layer: Wear a long sleeve t-shirt or moisture wicking thermal shirt. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture.
- Middle Layer: Wear a sweater or fleece jacket to keep warm.
- Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential to protect you from the cold and rain.
Pants
- Opt for trekking pants or waterproof pants. If it is very cold, consider wearing thermal pants underneath.
Footwear
- Wear waterproof trekking boots with good grip. Make sure they are comfortable and well-fitting, as you will be walking on ice.
Accessories
- Gloves: Wear waterproof gloves or gloves made of thermal material to keep your hands warm.
- Hat or Scarf: A hat that covers your ears and a scarf are useful to protect you from the cold wind.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are important to protect your eyes from the reflection of the sun on the ice.
Socks
- Wear thermal socks and make sure they are high and comfortable to avoid chafing inside your boots.
Small Backpack
- Carry a small backpack where you can store water, snacks and anything else you may need during the tour.
Where does the tour Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek start
🚌 Pick up and return:
- TOUR WITH PICK UP: you will be picked up at your accommodation in El Calafate. In case your accommodation is not included in the pick-up points (for example an Airbnb), you will be indicated a meeting point a few minutes away from your accommodation.
- TOUR WITHOUT PICK UP: in this case you will have to go by your own means to Puerto Bajo las Sombras, located inside Los Glaciares National Park. The distance between El Calafate and the port is 43.5 mi (70 km).
✈️ Plan your entire trip:
Be sure to arrange your transfer to or from El Calafate Airport before or after the tour:
📍 How to get to El Calafate?
Check our complete guide and discover all the routes and transportation options to get to this amazing destination.
Questions & Answers
Is this tour available all year round?
No, during the months of May, June, July, August and the first half of September this tour is not offered because it is winter season and therefore the weather conditions are not the best to guarantee the safety of all travelers.Is there an age limit for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age is 18 years old and the maximum age is 50 years old. A valid passport is required and the date of birth will be checked. We know this situation can be frustrating for some travelers, but there is no alternative and no exceptions of any kind are made.Is the tour very demanding?
Yes, you need to be in good physical condition, since you will be walking for 7 hours on the trails (with slopes) and on the ice itself. In case you are not sure you can complete the activity, we recommend you to book the minitrekking, a similar but less demanding version in which you also walk on the ice of the glacier.How can I walk on the glacier?
You will walk on the ice with the help of crampons, a small metal structure attached to your shoes, so it is advisable to wear mountain shoes as hard as possible. Before starting the tour, the guides will give you the necessary indications and will help you to practice a little bit in the area to be able to walk on the glacier safely.How big are the groups on this tour?
No, for safety reasons the maximum group size is 10 travelers and one guide for every 5 travelers. The most common is to do it in a group of 10 people and 2 guides, as the groups are always full.How long will I walk on the glacier?
You will walk on the glacier for about three hours and have lunch on the ice in half an hour, always accompanied by guides.What is the difference between Minitrekking and Big Ice tours?
In both tours you will walk on the glacier, the difference is the difficulty and the hours of walking on the glacier. The Big Ice is the more difficult of the two. The minitrekking is easier and you walk through more accessible areas, while in the Big Ice you will walk 3 and a half hours over more remote and difficult areas of the glacier.What type of clothing should I wear?
It is advisable to wear warm and waterproof clothes, gloves, hat and trekking boots. In case you forget your gloves, the guides will provide you with some, as they are mandatory because in case of a fall the ice can cut your hands.Do I need to bring food and water?
Yes, this tour does not include food and drink. You will need to bring a bottle of water and food for the whole day.Is the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park included?
The entrance fee to the National Park is not included. Therefore it is important to bring Argentine Pesos to pay the entrance fee to the National Park. Credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted.Where can I find more information about Big Ice?
We have written a post in our blog in which we explain our experience during the Big Ice Perito Moreno.
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