Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour
Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour: the extended ice trekking version of the classic Minitrekking
Briefing
Embark on the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike, also known as Minitrekking 2, a longer and more challenging version of the classic Perito Moreno Minitrekking. This experience is designed for travelers looking for a more adventurous hike on the glacier. You’ll hike for around 4 hours in total, including almost 2 hours of trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons, covering a little over 5 km (3.1 mi).
The Perito Moreno Glacier trekking tour can be booked with or without transfers from El Calafate. If you choose the option without transfers, you’ll need to make your own way to Puerto Bajo las Sombras, where the activity begins. The option with transfers includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in El Calafate, plus a one-hour stop at the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways. During the drive, your guide will share information about Los Glaciares National Park, glacier formation and the history of Perito Moreno.
Once the group is ready, you’ll take a 15-minute boat ride along the impressive southern face of Perito Moreno Glacier to the landing area. From there, you’ll hike along the lateral moraine until you reach the ice. After putting on your crampons, you’ll begin your Perito Moreno Glacier trek, exploring crevasses, small turquoise lagoons and different ice formations. After completing the 5+ km route, you’ll make your way back across the glacier. Before taking the boat back to the port, you’ll visit a small waterfall next to the ice.
Aquí mantendría Minitrekking 2 desde la primera frase, igual que en español. También hemos conseguido integrar de forma natural Perito Moreno Glacier Hike, Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking y Perito Moreno Glacier Trek, sin intentar meter El Calafate Glacier Tour, que es demasiado genérica para justificar una frase artificial.
Tour details
Included
- Transfers from El Calafate (depending on the selected option)
- Visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways (depending on the selected option)
- Bilingual guide in English and Spanish
- Boat ride in front of Perito Moreno Glacier
- Crampons for the glacier hike
Not included
- Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park
- Food and drinks
Important information
SCHEDULE: The tour has several daily departures, and the exact departure time will be confirmed after booking. Since this is a full-day experience, we recommend not booking other activities or transportation on the same day, as schedules may overlap.
RESTRICTIONS: This activity includes moderate to high physical activity and hiking over uneven terrain, including rocky areas and glacier ice, so it may not be suitable for everyone. We recommend checking in advance that the activity matches your physical condition and mobility level. For safety reasons, the tour is only available for travelers between 18 and 55 years old, inclusive. No exceptions are allowed.
ACCOMMODATION PICK-UP: If you choose the option with transfers, please note that pick-up is only available from accommodations with a reception desk. If you stay in an apartment, Airbnb, or accommodation without reception, a nearby meeting point will be assigned.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.
Tour itinerary
Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour
- Transfer from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park (only with the transfer option)
- Boat ride in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Perito Moreno Glacier hike (4 hours between the moraine and glacier ice)
- Return boat ride in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways (1 hour, only with the transfer option)
- Return to El Calafate (only with the transfer option)
Pick-Up in El Calafate and Meeting Point at Puerto Bajo las Sombras
If you book the option with transfers from El Calafate, you will be picked up at your accommodation at the scheduled time to begin the drive to Los Glaciares National Park. The journey to Puerto Bajo las Sombras takes about one hour, and along the way your guide will share information about Patagonia, Perito Moreno Glacier, and the natural environment of the park.
If you choose the option without transfers, you must make your own way to Puerto Bajo las Sombras, the meeting point for the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour.
Once the group is together, the adventure begins with a boat ride in front of the glacier’s impressive southern wall, where you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views before starting the trek on the ice.
Boat Ride and Hike Along Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour begins with a 15-minute boat ride across Lago Rico, offering incredible views of the glacier’s massive southern wall. During the boat ride, you will enjoy a unique perspective of one of the most impressive glaciers in Argentine Patagonia.
After disembarking, mountain guides will lead the group along the lake shore and the glacier’s lateral moraine. This rocky terrain, formed by ice movement over time, allows you to walk right beside the glacier and fully appreciate the scale of Perito Moreno Glacier.
At the edge of the ice, the guides will help you put on your crampons before starting the glacier trek. To ensure a safer and more personalized experience, the activity is organized in small groups of up to 20 travelers, with approximately 1 guide for every 10 people.
Hiking on Perito Moreno Glacier Ice
The most exciting part of the excursion begins: the actual hike on Perito Moreno Glacier. This experience offers a longer and more demanding route than the classic Minitrekking, while still being less challenging than the famous Big Ice trek, making it the perfect balance for adventurous travelers.
During the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour, you will walk approximately 3.1 mi (5 km) across the glacier using crampons, exploring incredible ice landscapes impossible to see from the walkways. Along the route, you will discover deep crevasses, turquoise meltwater lagoons, sinkholes, and impressive seracs formed naturally in the ice.
Since the glacier is constantly moving and changing, there is no fixed route on the ice. Each day, the mountain guides choose the safest and most scenic path depending on glacier conditions and the group.
After completing the glacier hike, you will return to the starting point to remove your crampons and continue with the rest of the excursion.
Waterfall, Puma Bay, and Return Boat Ride
After completing the hike on Perito Moreno Glacier, you will begin the return walk alongside the ice back to the landing area. Along the way, you will stop at a small waterfall created by the glacier’s meltwater, one of the hidden spots of Los Glaciares National Park.
The trail continues to Puma Bay, where the return boat ride begins in front of Perito Moreno Glacier. From here, you will once again enjoy incredible panoramic views of the glacier’s southern wall while sailing back to Puerto Bajo las Sombras.
This is where the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour ends for travelers who booked the option without transfers. If you have extra time, we highly recommend visiting the famous Perito Moreno Glacier walkways, located just 4.3 mi (7 km) from the port, to complete the experience — just like travelers who choose the transfer option from El Calafate.
Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways and Return to El Calafate
Travelers who book the option with transfers from El Calafate finish the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour with a one-hour visit to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier walkways, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Argentine Patagonia.
Upon arrival, the guide will explain the different trails and panoramic balconies so you can explore the area at your own pace. During your free time, you will be able to walk along the Perito Moreno walkways, enjoy breathtaking glacier views, and, if you are lucky, witness massive ice calving events from the glacier’s front wall.
After the visit, the group will meet again to begin the return journey to El Calafate, where the excursion comes to an end.
What to bring to Perito Moreno Glacier Hike tour
During the Perito Moreno Glacier hike, you will hike for approximately 4 hours in a remote Patagonian environment, including nearly 2 hours trekking on the glacier ice with crampons. Weather conditions in Patagonia can change quickly throughout the day, so we recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable during the activity.
To fully enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour, we recommend bringing:
- Thermal or long-sleeve base layer
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Trekking or waterproof pants
- Hiking boots (preferably waterproof)
- Gloves, ideally waterproof
- Warm hat or beanie
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable hiking socks
- Small backpack for personal items
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- Cash in Argentine pesos
- Passport or ID
- Entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park (if purchased in advance)
Having the right gear will make your glacier hike safer and more comfortable, especially during the 3.1 mi (5 km) walk on the ice.
Where does the tour Perito Moreno Glacier Hike start
🚌 Pick-up and drop-off:
- TOUR WITH TRANSFERS: You will be picked up from your accommodation in El Calafate or from the meeting point indicated in your booking confirmation.
- TOUR WITHOUT TRANSFERS: You must make your own way to Puerto Bajo las Sombras, located inside Los Glaciares National Park. The distance between El Calafate and the port is 43 mi (70 km).
✈️ Plan your full trip:
You can also book your airport transfers with us:
How to get to El Calafate?
Check out our complete guide on how to get to El Calafate, Argentina, and discover the best transportation options and routes to reach this incredible Patagonia destination.
Questions & Answers
What time does the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike start?
The tour has several daily departures, and the exact start time will be confirmed once your booking is completed. Due to the length of the activity and possible operational changes in Los Glaciares National Park, Howlanders recommends not booking other tours or transportation for the same day, as schedules may overlap.
How long do you hike on Perito Moreno Glacier?
The excursion covers a little over 5 km (3.1 mi), including almost 2 hours of hiking on Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons. Along the way, you’ll see crevasses, turquoise lagoons and different ice formations.
What is the group size during the tour?
The group may be larger during the boat ride and the hike along the bay and moraine. Before starting the glacier hike, travelers are divided into groups of up to 20 people, with approximately one guide for every 10 participants.
What is the difference between Minitrekking and the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike (Minitrekking 2)?
The main difference is the length and physical difficulty of the glacier hike.
The classic Minitrekking has a moderate difficulty level and is available for travelers between 8 and 65 years old. It includes approximately 3 km of hiking on the glacier, with around 1 hour and 15 minutes spent on the ice.
Minitrekking 2 is longer and more challenging, with a moderate-to-high difficulty level. It is only available for travelers between 18 and 55 years old and covers a little over 5 km, including almost 2 hours on the ice. It’s a good option if you want a more complete experience than the classic Minitrekking without reaching the difficulty level of Big Ice.
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