Hikers trekking with crampons on Perito Moreno glacier
Group of hikers resting on the Perito Moreno glacier during the hike.
Group of travelers in front of the Perito Moreno glacier during the excursion.
Group touring crevasses and ice formations of Perito Moreno
Traveler observing the Perito Moreno glacier during the walk on the glacier.
Boat next to the Perito Moreno glacier during the excursion.
Group disembarking to start the hike on the Perito Moreno glacier.
Travelers taking a break during the Perito Moreno glacier hike excursion.
Icy surface of the Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia, Argentina
Group walking among blue ice lagoons on the Perito Moreno glacier
Hikers walking on the ice of the Perito Moreno glacier.
Panoramic views of the Perito Moreno glacier from the walkways.
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Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour: the extended ice trekking version of the classic Minitrekking

(5 reviews)
El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in El Calafate or from Puerto Bajo las Sombras (depending on the selected option) between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
Ends: At Puerto Bajo las Sombras approximately 5 hours after the start of the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour, or in El Calafate around 10 hours later (depending on the selected option).
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier, also known as “Minitrekking 2,” is the most challenging version of the classic Minitrekking experience. This Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour is perfect for travelers looking for a longer and more adventurous glacier trek in Patagonia. During the excursion, you will hike for about 4 hours, including nearly 2 hours walking on the ice with crampons across 3.1 mi (5 km) of glacier terrain.

The Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour can be booked with or without transfers from El Calafate. The transfer option includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, plus a one-hour visit to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier walkways.

The adventure begins with a 15-minute boat ride across Lago Rico facing the glacier’s southern wall. After disembarking, you will hike along the moraine before putting on crampons and starting the glacier trek.

During the hike, you will explore crevasses, blue ice lagoons, and unique ice formations only visible from inside the glacier. After completing the 3.1 mi (5 km) hike, you will return to the starting point, visit a small waterfall, and take the boat back to the port.

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 navigation 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 navigation in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Perito Moreno Glacier hike (4 hours between the moraine and glacier ice)
  • Return boat navigation 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.

Group arriving by boat at the start of the glacier hike

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 navigation, 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.

Group walking along the moraine of the Perito Moreno glacier.

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.

Hikers walking on the Perito Moreno glacier

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.

Travelers visiting the waterfall by the Perito Moreno glacier

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.

Views of the Perito Moreno glacier from the panoramic walkways.

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

  • How long will I hike on the glacier ice?

    During the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour, you will walk approximately 3.1 mi (5 km) on the ice using crampons. The glacier trek lasts around 2 hours and includes crossing crevasses, turquoise lagoons, and unique ice formations.

  • What is the group size during the tour?

    During the boat ride and the hike along the bay and moraine, the group may be larger. Before starting the glacier trek, travelers are divided into small groups of up to 20 people, with approximately 1 guide for every 10 travelers. This ensures a safer and more personalized experience.

  • What is the difference between the classic Minitrekking and this “Minitrekking 2”?

    The main difference is the length and 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 a glacier walk of approximately 1.9 mi (3 km) lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

    “Minitrekking 2,” also known as the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike Tour, is longer and more physically demanding, with a moderate/high difficulty level. It is only available for travelers between 18 and 55 years old and includes a glacier hike of approximately 3.1 mi (5 km) lasting nearly 2 hours.

  • What time does the Perito Moreno Glacier hike begin?

    The activity has several daily departures, and the exact start time will be confirmed after booking. Since this is a full-day experience, we recommend not booking other tours or transportation on the same day, as schedules may overlap.

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike tour reviews with Howlanders

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