How to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of those places that leaves a mark. The sound of ice cracking, the rush of cold air, and that moment when a giant chunk of glacier crashes into the water; it’s unforgettable. But figuring out how to get there? That part’s less exciting.

Most travelers land in El Calafate assuming it’ll be easy, then realize there’s no direct public bus, prices for tours swing wildly, and every local seems to have a different suggestion. Some blog posts are years out of date. Others skip the logistics entirely. Should you rent a car, sign up for a guided tour, or try to DIY it with a cab? We wondered the same.

After doing the trip ourselves, comparing notes with other travellers, and piecing together all the options, we put this guide together. It covers what each option really costs, how much time you’ll need, and who each route works best for. If you’re planning your visit and want to avoid overspending or missing out, this guide on how to visit Perito Moreno Glacier should help you choose the smoothest path to one of Patagonia’s most impressive sights.

About Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights, and not just because of its size. This massive river of ice stretches over 30 kilometres and towers 70 metres above the surface of Lago Argentino. What makes it truly remarkable is that it’s one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing.

The glacier sits inside Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. The park spans over 7,000 square kilometres and includes other giants like Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. Perito Moreno, however, is the star. It’s the most accessible and dramatic, with a network of boardwalks and viewing platforms that put you right in front of its icy wall.

Located about 80 kilometres west of El Calafate, the glacier is reached via a scenic drive through windswept steppe and along the turquoise edge of Lago Argentino.

How to Get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

1. Take a Shuttle Bus if You Want the Easiest Option

You can take the shuttle service from the main bus terminal on the street Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (here). They usually leave by 8/9 am and return to Calafate around 4 pm (some buses also leave at 1 pm to return by 7:30 pm during the summer months).

These minivans will drop you off directly at the boardwalks along the lake, but you can ask to stop at the port to take a boat tour or hike for 2 kilometres along the lake before reaching the main viewpoints.

The main offices of Cal-Tur, Taqsa,Chaltén Travel, and Bus-Sur are located right at the bus terminal.

Tip: Demand is high during the summer months, and prices change depending on the departure hour. It is recommended that you go to the bus terminal as soon as you arrive in El Calafate to check the shuttle timetables and prices. You can buy your ticket in advance to secure a seat.

2. Grab a Taxi if You’re Travelling in a Small Group

Taking a taxi from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier is a solid option for groups of up to four. The cost (about €90 round trip) is similar to the bus when split and just slightly more than a rental car.

The main advantage is flexibility: you can visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and that way you can avoid the busiest times. There’s no need to worry about driving or parking, and you can take your time exploring the boardwalks.

Remis agencies like Taxi Remis Los Andes are popular choices for this route and often come recommended by local hotels.

3. Rent a Car if You Want Full Control Over Your Day

Driving yourself from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier gives you the most freedom. You can leave when it suits you, pull over at scenic viewpoints, and avoid the rush that comes with tour groups or shuttle buses.

Rental prices in El Calafate start around €100 to €600, with rates varying by season, booking window, and vehicle type. Fuel can sometimes run low in town, so check availability before heading out; and always return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees.

Booking ahead through trusted platforms like Discover Cars makes comparing prices, reviewing policies, and securing a vehicle easier.

The best part about Discover Cars is that you get full coverage for less than €7 a day! You can also compare all the companies in the market, choose the type of car you want and see all the most recent customer reviews before booking. On the website, you can easily narrow your search price to find the best deal within your budget.

Rent a car in El Calafate

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You can park your car for free 2 km from the glacier. From there, hop on a free bus to the boardwalk or take a stroll along the lake to the glacier. If you have time, we definitely recommend the latter. Walking along the lake really builds the excitement!

4. Join a Guided Tour if You Don’t Want to Plan Anything

Walk the main avenue of El Calafate or scroll around the internet, and you will find hundreds of tour agencies selling transportation to Perito Moreno and all-day excursions.

Choose any add-on such as trekking on the glacier (full-day Big Ice Trek), kayak adventures, or boat trips.

You can also book a round-trip tour so you won’t have to take the bus. These private transfers will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, so you have nothing to worry about.

Guided tours are a great choice if you’d rather let someone else handle the details. You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees included, and a guide who speaks both English and Spanish. Most tours include time to walk the boardwalks, while others add boat rides or ice trekking.

Here are a few tour options worth checking out:

• Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate – Includes hotel pickup, time on the walkways, and a one-hour boat ride along the glacier’s southern face.
• Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with Navigation – Similar to the above, but usually includes a bit more time at each stop.
• Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip with Optional Boat Ride – Offers flexibility if you’re unsure about the boat ride and want to decide on the day.
• El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Guided Tour – Includes transport, guide, and time to explore the footbridges at your own pace.
• Mini Trekking Excursion on Perito Moreno Glacier – Includes the full-day trip plus gear and a short guided trek on the glacier with crampons and ice axes.
• Glaciares Gourmet Navigation: Spegazzini, Upsala & Perito Moreno – Full-day boat tour with views of multiple glaciers and remote areas of the national park. Includes lunch and a stop near Perito Moreno.
• Footbridges of Perito Moreno Glacier Tour – Offers private transportation to and from the park with free time to explore the walkways independently.

5. Hitchhike Only If You Have Flexibility and Patience

Hitch-hiking is the last solution, and obviously the most budget-friendly. Argentina has become so expensive that many extra activities are out of budget for backpackers. Having plenty of time ahead of us, I decided to hitch-hike there and back to save money.

The best place to start is on Avenida del Libertador, where you can walk as you hitchhike to get out of town in the meantime. I got picked up around 10 a.m. after a 1.5-hour wait. On the way back, you can hitchhike from the car park or ask the people getting in their cars if they can drop you off in town. I waited on the side of the road for about 1 hour.

Hitch-hiking in this part of Patagonia is not as easy as you may think. The road from town to the glacier only leads there.

This means two things: the only cars passing by are going to the glacier, which is good, as you will be dropped off directly at the right place. It also means you are less likely to be picked up because fewer cars are heading in that direction.

Not many locals visit the glacier, and the probability of being picked up by rental cars isn’t that high. It is also important to note that the summer months can make hitchhiking quite competitive, and you may have to queue.

Tip: Try to avoid being followed by the stray dogs of El Calafate. They tend to attack the wheels of the cars and stick around the backpackers… It is quite annoying, and cars are more than likely not going to stop.

Entrance Fees & Passes

To visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, you’ll need to pay the Perito Moreno Glacier entrance fee for Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, specifically the Corredor Mitre–Glaciar Moreno section. This isn’t the same fee used for the hiking trails up in El Chaltén, even though both are in the same national park.

As of 2025, here are the current rates:

• General admission: 45,000 ARS (about €35.30)
• National residents: 15,000 ARS (about €11.58)
• Santa Cruz Province residents: 5,000 ARS (about €3.86)
• Students (with ID): 7,000 ARS (about €5.40)

You can pay at the park entrance with cash (Argentine Pesos) or a credit card, but bring the physical card. Mobile payments like Apple Pay aren’t accepted.

If you’re also planning to visit El Chaltén, look into the 3-day pass (90,000 ARS) or 7-day pass (157,500 ARS). These are called “flexipasses” and let you enter any national park on non-consecutive days within six months. That includes both the Perito Moreno Glacier and the northern zone of Los Glaciares.

No need to book online in advance, you can get your ticket at the park gate. Just make sure to arrive on time, especially in high season when the line can back up at peak hours.

What to See and Do at Perito Moreno Glacier

Boardwalk – walk around the site for the best Viewpoints

There’s a full network of trails and balconies around the glacier, each offering a different angle, level of effort, and experience.

Sendero de los Témpanos – Distance: 150 m | Time: 10 min | Difficulty: Very easy
Short path from the first parking lot down to the lake. Best if you want a quick look at Lago Argentino or you’re joining a kayak tour.

Sendero de la Costa – Distance: ~1,100 m | Time: 1 hr | Difficulty: Moderate
One of the quietest trails with long, wide views of the glacier and bright blue water. A good spot to stop and just listen to the ice crack.

Sendero Central – Distance: 600 m | Time: 1 hr (mostly spent at viewpoints) | Difficulty: Easy
This is the main path and usually the busiest. The balconies here (Primer and Segundo) give you the closest and clearest glacier views. You’ll get both elevated and up-close angles.

Sendero Accesible – Distance: 565 m | Time: 30 min | Difficulty: Easy and step-free
Built for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone needing no stairs. There’s an elevator and level access to great views similar to those of Sendero Central.

Sendero Inferior –Distance: 1,110 m | Time: 1–1.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate (despite the signage)
Heads down toward the southern face of the glacier with multiple lookout points. Expect fewer people and plenty of spots to sit and take it all in.

Sendero del Bosque – Distance: 570 m | Time: Under 1 hr | Difficulty: Moderate
A quieter trail through the forest. Good as a short detour if you’re already walking the Inferior route.

Take a Boat or Cruise to get closer

You have two main ways to see the glacier from the water: short boat rides from inside the park or full-day cruises that start outside. Both offer close-up views of Perito Moreno’s massive ice wall, but the experience (and price) can vary a lot.

In-park boat tours are the quicker, more budget-friendly option. Once inside Los Glaciares National Park, head to the pier (here) where you’ll see a small booth marked Navegación. From there, boats depart directly from the jetty at the base of the boardwalks, with around three departures a day from Puerto Moreno.

These rides last 1 to 1.5 hours and are great if you’re short on time or want to combine walking the trails with a water perspective.

Full-day cruises, which must be pre-booked, leave from outside the park and explore multiple glaciers in the region, including Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini.

If your goal is to get close to Perito Moreno without blowing your budget, stick to the in-park options. But if you’ve got a full day and want to see more of the region’s icy giants, the extended tours are worth considering.

Walk on the glacier – a unique experience!

If you’re looking to step onto the Perito Moreno Glacier, you’ve got two main options: the shorter Minitrekking or the more demanding Big Ice.

Minitrekking is the more accessible of the two. After a short boat ride across Lago Argentino, you’ll strap on crampons and hike on the glacier for about 1.5 hours. The pace is easy, with plenty of stops to take photos and learn about the glacier’s features. It’s suitable for anyone aged 8 to 65 who’s reasonably fit and doesn’t mind walking on uneven terrain.

Big Ice, on the other hand, is a full-day adventure. The glacier hike alone lasts around 3.5 hours and goes deeper into the ice field. Expect steep inclines, narrow crevasses, and a serious leg workout. This tour is only open to those aged 18 to 50 with a good fitness level and no major health conditions.

Both tours include a guide, equipment, and time at the glacier viewing platforms, but Big Ice gives you more time on the ice and fewer people per group. Minitrekking is the better pick if you want a memorable glacier walk without overdoing it. If you’re after something more physical and immersive, go for Big Ice; just book well ahead, especially in high season.

Note: Entry to Los Glaciares National Park is not included in the prices and needs to be purchased upon entry. Book early. Both experiences sell out quickly in high season, especially from December to March.

Go on a Kayak tour for fun

For a quieter, more immersive way to experience the glacier, consider joining a kayak tour on Lago Argentino. Unlike the boardwalks or boat cruises, kayaking offers a unique perspective, but don’t expect to paddle right up to the ice. For safety, all groups keep a respectful distance of around 600 meters from Perito Moreno’s face, far enough to avoid the impact of any ice calving.

Tours typically begin near Puerto Moreno with a full safety briefing and gear setup. You’ll paddle with a small group, led by certified guides, across calm glacial waters for about 1.5 to 2 hours. No prior experience is needed, though a basic level of fitness helps.

Tour companies supply everything you need, such as dry suits, gloves, boots, life jackets, and waterproof bags for your gear. Some also allow time to explore the glacier’s boardwalks afterwards.

• Perito Moreno Adventure: Kayak & Walkway Tour – Time on the water: ~1.5 hours
• Kayak Experience to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate – Group size: Max 16 travellers
• El Calafate: Kayak Trip with Gear and Lunch – Duration: 5 hours

Tip: Book early, especially between November and March, it’s prime season for kayak tours.

Where to Stay Near Los Glaciares National Park

Most travellers stay in El Calafate, the closest town to the Perito Moreno Glacier entrance. You’ll find tour pickups, restaurants, and a broad mix of hotels, from remote luxury estancias to budget stays in town. If you’re not renting a car, staying near the centre makes everything easier.

For quieter stays with lake or mountain views, many hotels just outside the centre near Lago Argentino still offer quick access to the park while giving you more space and better scenery.

Luxury

Estancia Patagonia El Calafate : For travelers who want total privacy and comfort, this pristine luxury camp delivers. Located 5.3 km from Roca Lake, it features a private beach, mountain views, and 24-hour service. The rooms come with balconies, safes, and private bathrooms stocked with toiletries.

Estancia Cristina Lodge : This lodge sits inside Los Glaciares National Park itself, offering full immersion in Patagonia. Expect premium comfort with private bathrooms, robes, mountain or garden views, and spacious family rooms. This is one of the only accommodations inside the park; ideal for multi-day hikes or glacier experiences.

Comfort

Xelena Hotel & Suites : Xelena offers bright, spacious rooms with balconies overlooking Lago Argentino. It’s located close to downtown El Calafate, with easy access to park transfer points. Rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and modern private bathrooms.

Hostería La Soberana: Located on the edge of El Calafate, La Soberana offers private rooms with lake, garden, or mountain views. Rooms include refrigerators, parquet floors, and all the basics you need.

Hosteria La Estepa: This budget-friendly spot has private bathrooms, lake or garden views, and clean, quiet rooms. Expect modern basics like Wi-Fi, heating, and work desks.

Budget

America Del Sur Calafate Hostel: Located a seven-minute walk from downtown, this hostel sits on a hill with panoramic views of the mountains and Lago Argentino. It features under‑floor heating (a blessing in Patagonia!), a cosy common area, and a full communal kitchen. Private rooms and dorms come with heating and lockers, plus a continental breakfast with regional treats.

Calafate Hostel: Right in town, Calafate Hostel offers private rooms or dorms, both with clean bathrooms. They provide a fully equipped kitchen, a relaxed living room, and a garden bar where you can swap travel stories. There’s a 24‑hour reception, free Wi‑Fi, and a continental breakfast.

Matices Hostel Terminal: Perfect for travellers arriving by bus, this clean and modern hostel sits just steps from the bus station. They offer shared and private rooms with views of the garden, lake, or mountains. You’ll find a shared kitchen, garden seating, free Wi‑Fi, and an outdoor fireplace.

Hostería Los Gnomos: Just 600 meters from the main street, this charming inn combines hostel vibes with self‑catering apartments and private rooms. It offers free Wi‑Fi, parking, and a sweet Patagonian breakfast served daily from 6:30–9:30 a.m.

Best Time to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

Weather Considerations

The best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier is mid-September to mid-April for themildest weather and longest days. That’s when you’ll get the most daylight and mildest temps, great for hikes, boat tours, and long hours at the glacier.

In spring and fall, expect daytime highs around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). It’s cooler but still comfortable for walking the trails. By summer (December to February), temperatures can hit 20°C (68°F), and the sun stays up for 15–16 hours. Bring layers, mornings and evenings still get cold, and the wind can hit hard near the glacier.

When to See Glacier Calving

Glacier calving (when chunks of ice break off and crash into Lago Argentino) can happen any time, but it’s more common during shoulder months like October, March, and April. Bigger shifts in temperature during those months make the ice more active.

Our Experience with Icefalls

At midday, while having a picnic on the benches situated right across from the glacier’s calving front, we heard a massive crack. This was quickly followed by the fall of one of the huge ice peaks, probably about 70m high. An overwhelming sound followed it as the ice reached the lake water.

It was so surprising that despite the adrenaline rush, we remained petrified with our mouths wide open. As we were recovering from this unique sight, amazingly, the second shard of ice, as big as the previous one, also dropped down.

Tip: To witness the cracks and icefalls, make sure to visit Perito Moreno around lunchtime. This way, the sun has had enough time to heat the ice, and the calving tends to drop in early afternoon.

High vs. Low Season: What to Expect

High Season: November to February

• Long days, warm weather, and full access to tours
• Good shot at seeing glacier calving
• This is peak travel season for both locals and international visitors. Hotel rates and tour prices tend to go up.

Shoulder Season: September–October and March–April

• Fewer people, but still solid weather
• Better chance at quieter views and some budget-friendly deals
• The glacier is still active, and most tours still run
• Shorter daylight hours than summer, but still plenty of time to explore

Low Season: May to August

• No crowds and potential discounts
• But many tours pause, trails can be closed, and it’s colder
• A good fit only if you’re OK with limited access and snow in the mix

Interesting Facts About Perito Moreno Glacier

Where is Perito Moreno Glacier?

Perito Moreno Glacier sits inside Los Glaciares National Park, which is about a 80 km from El Calafate in southern Argentina. It’s part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which feeds dozens of Argentina glaciers across the Andes between Argentina and Chile. This ice field holds one of the planet’s largest freshwater supplies, just behind Antarctica and Greenland.

The glacier itself spans roughly 30 kilometres long and 250 square kilometres in size, making it one of the most impressive ice formations in the region. It was named after Francisco Moreno, an explorer who helped defend Argentine territory during border disputes with Chile in the late 1800s.

Thanks to a well-developed visitor area and easy road access, it’s one of the most visited glaciers in Argentina’s Patagonia. You can view it from elevated walkways or join a boat or hiking tour for a closer look.

What Makes Perito Moreno Stand Out?

Perito Moreno isn’t just another glacier; it’s one of the few in the world that’s still advancing. Most glaciers are shrinking due to climate change, but this one pushes forward at about 2 meters per day. As it moves, it breaks apart at the front edge, creating dramatic calving events that send massive ice chunks crashing into Lago Argentino.

The glacier keeps itself in balance by building new ice at the top just as quickly as it sheds it at the base. This constant motion makes it one of the most active and dynamic glaciers you can visit.

It’s also known for its sounds. Visitors often hear loud cracks and booms, those are the glacier’s internal shifts or fresh ice breaking away from the wall.

What You’ll See and Why It’s Geologically Interesting?

Standing in front of Perito Moreno, you’re looking at a wall of ice nearly 5 kilometres wide and up to 60 metres tall above the waterline. Beneath the surface, it can reach a total depth of over 170 meters.

The glacier formed thousands of years ago after the last Ice Age, during a time when much of this region was covered in ice. It’s what’s known as a temperate glacier, meaning it exists in a zone with both freezing and thawing throughout the year. That cycle is what forms deep crevasses, towering ice spires, and other wild surface features.

Over time, the glacier’s movement has carved out valleys, shaped the lake, and left behind rocky ridges called moraines. Add in the area’s volcanic history (with layers of old lava flows now forming part of the Andes) and you’re walking through millions of years of natural history all in one place.

Is Periot Moreno worth it?

Out of the 40+ glaciers in this ice field, Perito Moreno is the only one you can easily explore on foot, by boat, or through guided trekking. That access, combined with its size and constant activity, is what makes it a must-see in Patagonia.

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About the Author

Jen is the Funder, Author & Photographer behind Talesfromthelens.com

Jen has lived for the past 15 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling in Latin America, North America, and Europe. She has visited more than 65 countries and set foot on every continent in the world! She is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

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