El Calafate Glacier Tour: 5 Amazing Ways to Explore the Ice
There’s no better way to experience El Calafate than on an El Calafate glacier tour, where you can witness the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier up close. Whether you’re cruising along its icy walls, trekking across its frozen surface, or admiring its sheer beauty from panoramic viewpoints, the right tour makes all the difference.
With so many options available, choosing the perfect glacier tour can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the 5 best El Calafate glacier tours, covering boat trips, hiking experiences, and full-day excursions.
For even more adventure, check out our El Calafate excursions and day trips. After exploring these top glacier tours, I’ll share my own first visit to Perito Moreno, a journey that deepened my love for Patagonia. But first, let’s dive in!
El Calafate Glacier Tours Comparison Table
| 1. Perito Moreno Glacier Boat & Viewing Tour | 2. Perito Moreno Glacier Mini-Trekking Experience | 3. Full-Day Guided Perito Moreno Glacier Tourr |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Start: El Calafate | Start: El Calafate | Start: El Calafate |
| Time: 8:30 AM & 2:00 PM | Time: 7:00 AM | Time: 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM |
| Duration: 8 hours | Duration: 10hours | Duration: 9 hours |
| Highlights: Boat tour with stunning glacier views, ice calving, and access to multiple scenic viewpoints. | Highlights: Trek across Perito Moreno Glacier with expert guides, learning about ice formations and the region’s geology. | Highlights: Full-day tour with guided hikes, multiple glacier viewpoints, and a boat ride along the glacier’s edge. |
| Reserve Your Spot Today | Reserve Your Spot Today | Reserve Your Spot Today |
5 Best El Calafate Glacier Tours: Descriptions & What to Expect
1. Perito Moreno Glacier Boat & Viewing Tour
Start: El Calafate
Times: 8:30 AM & 2:00 PM
Why Take This Tour? A perfect choice for those who want a relaxed, up-close view of Perito Moreno Glacier without strenuous activity.
What to Expect: This scenic boat tour offers breathtaking close-up views of Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can witness massive ice calving events as chunks of ice crash into the water.
The tour also includes access to multiple viewing platforms, allowing for stunning panoramic views.
A professional guide provides insights into glacial formations and climate impact, making this an informative and visually striking experience.
Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or casual traveler, this boat and viewing tour is a great way to appreciate one of Patagonia’s most famous glaciers.
2. Perito Moreno Glacier Mini-Trekking Experience
Start: El Calafate
Times: 7:00 AM
Why Take This Tour? The best way to physically experience Perito Moreno Glacier, walking on the ice itself with expert guides.
What to Expect: This mini-trekking experience lets you walk across Perito Moreno Glacier while wearing crampons, exploring its deep crevasses, icy peaks, and meltwater streams.
Professional guides lead the trek, explaining the glacier’s unique formations and movement patterns. Along the way, you’ll stop at viewpoints to appreciate the vastness of the ice field.
Though moderately challenging, the trek is accessible to those with basic fitness levels. This one-of-a-kind adventure gives you an entirely new perspective on the glacier, making it a must-do for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
3. Full-Day Guided Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Start: El Calafate
Times: 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Why Take This Tour? A well-rounded experience, combining guided exploration, multiple scenic viewpoints, and a boat ride.
What to Expect: This full-day tour ensures you get the most out of your visit to Perito Moreno Glacier. You’ll start with guided stops at several viewpoints, where your expert guide will explain the glacier’s history, size, and impact on the region.
The tour includes a boat ride, bringing you up close to the towering glacier face to observe ice calving.
This experience is designed for travelers looking for a comprehensive day trip, offering a mix of scenic exploration, expert insights, and multiple glacier perspectives.
4. Glaciers Full-Day Sightseeing Cruise
Start: El Calafate
Times: 7:30 AM
Why Take This Tour? A comfortable, full-day cruise showcasing multiple glaciers, including Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini.
What to Expect: This glacier cruise takes you through Los Glaciares National Park, passing by some of Patagonia’s most impressive glaciers.
You’ll sail through icy waters, spotting massive icebergs and towering glacial walls. The spacious boat features indoor seating, large panoramic windows, and outdoor decks, allowing for unobstructed views.
Along the way, expert guides share fascinating facts about the region’s glacial activity. Unlike other tours, this cruise offers a relaxed way to experience multiple glaciers, making it ideal for families, photographers, or anyone seeking a breathtaking yet effortless adventure.
5. Small-Group Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Start: El Calafate
Times: 8:00 AM & 1:30 PM
Why Take This Tour? A personalized small-group experience with a combination of boat, hiking, and glacier viewpoints.
What to Expect: This intimate small-group tour provides a more personalized and immersive glacier experience.
You’ll begin with a boat trip, allowing you to sail alongside Perito Moreno’s massive ice walls. Then, explore key viewing platforms offering panoramic perspectives.
A guided nature walk follows, allowing you to learn about the glacier’s geological history and unique ecosystem. With a smaller group size, the experience is more engaging, with ample opportunities to ask your guide questions.
This tour is perfect for those looking for a more detailed, interactive approach to visiting Perito Moreno Glacier.
A Look Back at My First Trip to Perito Moreno Glacier
Watching glaciers on nature documentaries was one thing, but seeing Perito Moreno Glacier in person was an entirely different experience. As I stood before the enormous ice wall, stretching over a mile wide and more than 1 km thick, I was completely in awe. The sheer scale of it was impossible to comprehend until I was there, watching towering ice formations shimmer in the sunlight.
I arrived in El Calafate around midday, planning to check into my hotel before arranging a trip to the glacier. However, our savvy taxi driver had other plans. Offering us a “special price” for an afternoon excursion, he convinced us to head straight to Perito Moreno after a quick lunch. His broken English and my limited Spanish made for an amusing conversation—though I mostly focused on keeping him from turning up his Bonnie Tyler CD too loud.
Once at the glacier, we took a boat ride along the ice wall, a thrilling experience as we navigated through floating icebergs and got up-close views of deep blue ice formations. The real magic happened when we witnessed glacier calving—huge pieces of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. The deep thunderous cracks echoed through the bay, sending mist and waves into the air. While our boat captain knew exactly how far to stay back, the raw power of nature was exhilarating to witness.
How Visiting Perito Moreno Has Changed Over the Years
Much has changed since my first visit, though the majesty of Perito Moreno remains the same. The increased accessibility means there are now more organized tours with guides who offer detailed explanations about glaciology and climate impact. Unlike my spontaneous taxi arrangement, visitors today have structured tour options including boat cruises, mini-trekking excursions, and full-day guided experiences.
Another key change is the enhanced viewing platforms, which allow for better panoramic views of the glacier from multiple angles. The visitor facilities have also improved, making it easier to spend more time exploring without needing to rush back to town.
What I Would Do Differently Today
Looking back, there are a few things I would change about how I explored Perito Moreno:
✔ Book a guided experience – Having an expert guide explaining the glacier’s formation, movement, and unique features would have added even more depth to the experience.
✔ Try the mini-trekking tour – Walking on the glacier itself is now possible, and I regret not taking the opportunity back then.
✔ Spend more time on the viewing platforms – Instead of just the boat tour, I’d dedicate more time to exploring the panoramic viewpoints that offer breathtaking sights from different angles.
Final Thoughts: A Must-See Destination
If you ever visit Patagonia, Perito Moreno Glacier should be at the top of your list. Whether you experience it from a boat, hiking trail, or small-group tour, it’s a destination that will leave a lasting impression. While my first visit was unforgettable, today’s tours offer even more ways to experience this natural wonder.
El Calafate Glacier Tour FAQs
1. What is the best way to visit Perito Moreno Glacier?
The best way to visit Perito Moreno Glacier depends on your preference. A boat tour gets you close to the ice walls, while a mini-trekking tour lets you walk on the glacier itself. For a comprehensive experience, a full-day guided tour combines scenic viewpoints, boat rides, and expert commentary.
2. Can you walk on Perito Moreno Glacier?
Yes! The Perito Moreno Glacier Mini-Trekking Tour allows visitors to walk on the glacier’s surface while wearing crampons. Led by experienced guides, this trek takes you through ice caves, crevasses, and meltwater pools, offering a unique perspective of the glacier’s stunning ice formations and geological activity.
3. How far is El Calafate from Perito Moreno Glacier?
Perito Moreno Glacier is located approximately 90 km (56 miles) from El Calafate, with a drive time of about 1.5 hours. Most guided tours include round-trip transportation, making it an easy and convenient day trip from El Calafate’s city center.
4. When is the best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier?
The best time to visit is during Patagonia’s summer months (November–March) when the weather is mild and stable. This period also offers more daylight hours, giving visitors ample time to explore the glacier’s trails, viewpoints, and boat tours.
5. Are Perito Moreno Glacier tours worth it?
Absolutely! Whether you choose a scenic boat ride, a guided full-day excursion, or a glacier trekking adventure, these tours offer incredible views, expert insights, and unforgettable experiences. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, making it a unique and must-see destination.
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How We Select the Best Tours
At 501 Places, we carefully vet every tour for quality, authenticity, and traveler satisfaction. Our process includes reviewing trusted tour operators, customer feedback, expert insights, and ethical standards. Learn more about our selection process here: How We Select the Best Tours.
