My name is Neta Gimpel, and I have been working in the tourism industry for over 13 years. Today I manage partnerships with leading travel service providers – from car rentals and insurance to hotels, airlines, local guides, and top attractions worldwide. In addition, I am an active travel blogger and an expert who lives and breathes travel every day. If you are planning a trip and want to make it comfortable, well-planned, and truly unforgettable, I will be happy to help. Let’s turn your travel dream into reality!
The Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most stunning natural wonders of Patagonia. Renowned for its striking blue ice and dynamic calving, this glacier offers visitors a breathtaking glimpse into the power of nature. This guide provides essential information for planning your visit, including tips for tourists, must-see sights, and practical advice on how to make the most of your trip.
Tips for Tourists
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, from December to March. This period offers milder weather, longer daylight hours, and clearer views of the glacier. However, be prepared for peak tourist season, which can mean larger crowds and higher prices.
What to Wear
Given the glacier’s cold climate, even in summer, it’s crucial to dress in layers. Bring a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. Waterproof clothing is also recommended, as you might experience rain or spray from the glacier. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for walking on the glacier or its surrounding trails.
Safety Precautions
While the glacier itself is relatively safe to visit, it’s important to follow park guidelines and stay on marked paths. The glacier’s ice can be treacherous, so always heed the advice of guides and park rangers. Ensure you are physically prepared for activities like glacier trekking or boat tours.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryThings to See
Glacier Viewing Platforms
One of the highlights of visiting Perito Moreno is the series of viewing platforms that provide stunning panoramic views of the glacier. The platforms are strategically placed to offer different perspectives of the glacier’s massive ice wall, which is over 30 meters high. The sight of icebergs calving off into the lake is particularly spectacular.
Glacier Trekking
For a more immersive experience, consider taking a guided glacier trek. These tours allow you to walk directly on the ice, exploring its crevasses and ice formations. While this activity is not suitable for everyone, it provides an unparalleled view of the glacier’s surface.
Boat Tours
Boat tours around the glacier offer a unique vantage point, allowing you to witness the glacier’s dramatic ice calving from the water. These tours typically last about an hour and provide excellent opportunities for photography.
How to Plan Your Visit
Booking Tours and Tickets
It is advisable to book glacier trekking and boat tours in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Tickets for these activities can be purchased online or at local tour operators in El Calafate. For glacier trekking, ensure that you meet the physical requirements and age restrictions set by tour providers.
Duration of Visit
A typical visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier can take anywhere from half a day to a full day, depending on the activities you choose. If you plan to include glacier trekking or a boat tour, allocate additional time for these experiences.
Access to Amenities
The glacier area has limited amenities, so bring essentials such as water, snacks, and sun protection. There are basic facilities such as restrooms and a cafeteria at the park entrance, but options are limited once you are on the glacier or in its immediate vicinity.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
How to Get There
By Air: The most convenient way to reach El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier, is by flight. Direct flights are available from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, operated by Aerolineas Argentinas. From El Calafate, the glacier is approximately an hour’s drive away.
By Bus: Bus travel is an economical option, with services running from various Patagonian cities. The journey from El Chaltén to El Calafate takes about three hours, while travel from Bariloche is significantly longer at around 24 hours. Buses from Puerto Natales in Chile take approximately six hours.
By Car: Driving to the Perito Moreno Glacier is a viable option if you prefer flexibility. The route from El Calafate is well-marked and offers scenic views along the way. Car rentals are available in El Calafate, and parking is provided at the glacier’s entrance.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for ArgentinaWhat Not to Miss
Ice Calving Events
One of the most memorable aspects of visiting Perito Moreno is witnessing the glacier’s ice calving. The sound and sight of large chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the lake are awe-inspiring and highlight the glacier’s dynamic nature. These events are unpredictable but can occur throughout the day.
Scenic Trails
Explore the scenic walking trails around the glacier for panoramic views and unique perspectives. The trails vary in difficulty, making them suitable for different levels of fitness. These hikes offer a chance to experience the glacier’s surrounding landscapes up close.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission: $25 USD
- Glacier Trekking Tours: $150-200 USD
- Boat Tours: $50-80 USD
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
Customer Experience Manager
Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Latest articles
Kaprun Dam (Hochgebirgsstauseen)
Kaprun Dam (Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen) is a high-altitude reservoir complex set […]
