El Calafate’s glacier safaris offer front-row access to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier through boat rides and hiking adventures. Full-day tours combine comfortable transportation, expert guides, and national park admission, typically costing $120-250 per person.
I’m especially fond of the navigation tours that bring you face-to-face with the towering ice walls – the thunderous sounds of calving ice and crystal-clear views are unforgettable. The guided hiking options on the glacier itself are also worth every penny, letting you experience the ancient ice formations up close.
Let’s look at the most reliable glacier safari options for your Patagonian adventure.
Key Points
- The Nautical Safari Tour from El Calafate offers a 9-hour boat trip on Lake Rico for close-up views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
- The Blue Safari Experience combines hiking and navigation for an immersive 4.9/5 rated tour exploring the Los Glaciares National Park.
- The Perito Moreno Glacier & Boat Safari is a 10-hour tour with a bilingual guide that covers the glacier walkways.
- The Blue Safari Los Glaciares Trekking is an 8-hour adventure exploring diverse terrain and glacier details.
- The Full Day with Nautical Safari tour provides the opportunity for close-up glacier views and potential ice calving at $260 per person.
Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour With Optional Boat Safari
Although the Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour is a popular excursion from El Calafate, the optional boat safari adds an extra level of immersion and proximity to the colossal ice mass.
With a 4.7-rating from over 470 reviews, this full-day tour offers the chance to explore Los Glaciares National Park with a professional guide. Visitors can marvel at the glacier from various lookout points and witness the dramatic sounds of ice calving.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, with an additional cost for the optional boat ride. Travelers should come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing to fully enjoy this breathtaking natural wonder.
Read our full review: Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour With Optional Boat Safari Review
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Nautical Safari
The Perito Moreno Glacier & Nautical Safari tour in El Calafate offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier up close.
This 9-hour excursion takes guests on a journey through the stunning Patagonian landscape, culminating in a boat trip on Lake Rico for a closer look at the glacier.
At just Kč 5,963 per person, the tour provides excellent value, with free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Travellers can expect knowledgeable, English/Spanish-speaking guides, comfortable transportation, and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this remarkable region.
Read our full review: El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Nautical Safari Review
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Offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning glaciers of Patagonia, the Blue Safari Experience: Hiking and Navigation on Glaciers tour in El Calafate, Argentina, has earned a near-perfect rating of 4.9/5 from 18 enthusiastic reviews.
Participants can embark on a hike along the coast to the glacier, followed by a navigation back to port. The tour includes visits to scenic catwalks and roundtrip transportation, with an entrance fee of $12 USD to Los Glaciares National Park.
Suitable for ages 6 to 70, the tour has some restrictions, and a non-refundable booking policy. With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, this Blue Safari Experience offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the region’s stunning glacial landscapes.
Read our full review: Blue Safari Experience: Hiking and Navigation on Glaciers Review
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Perito Moreno Glacier and Boat Safari
What makes the Perito Moreno Glacier and Boat Safari tour a must-try experience in El Calafate? This 10-hour tour offers a comprehensive visit to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.
Highlights include walking along the glacier’s walkways, taking in the dramatic landscape of Glacier National Park, and enjoying a boat ride to view the ice walls up close.
With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, travelers can make the most of their time, taking ample photos and exploring the park’s facilities.
The tour’s convenience, with hotel pickup and park entrance fees included, and the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews make it a top choice for those seeking an unforgettable glacier adventure in El Calafate.
Read our full review: Perito Moreno Glacier and Boat Safari Review
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El Calafate: Blue Safari Los Glaciares Trekking Tour
For travelers seeking a more immersive glacier experience in El Calafate beyond the Perito Moreno Glacier boat tour, the El Calafate: Blue Safari Los Glaciares Trekking Tour provides an enthralling 8-hour adventure.
Priced from Kč 7,423 per person, this tour explores Los Glaciares National Park, allowing participants to sail across Lago Rico and trek through diverse terrain to get up close with the glacial ice.
Highlights include feeling the natural energy of the massive glacier, appreciating its scale, and observing its unique details.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a guide, food, and national park entrance, making it an excellent option for active travelers aged 6 to 70.
Read our full review: El Calafate: Blue Safari Los Glaciares Trekking Tour Review
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Perito Moreno Glacier With Nautical Safari
This full-day excursion in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier up close, both on foot and by boat.
Guided walks along the coast provide breathtaking lookout points, while a scenic boat tour brings travelers face-to-face with the glacier and its floating icebergs.
With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, this intimate experience includes transportation, a tour guide, park tickets, and port taxes.
While reviews are mixed, with one suggesting hiking on the pasarela instead of the boat, the majority of travelers can participate, making this an ideal way to explore the natural wonder of Perito Moreno Glacier.
Read our full review: Perito Moreno Glacier With Nautical Safari Review
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Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier With Nautical Safari
The full-day Perito Moreno Glacier with Nautical Safari excursion in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, offers visitors an immersive experience to witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier up close.
Priced at $260 per person, the 8-hour tour includes transportation, a guided tour, and a boat cruise for a close-up view of the 260-foot-high glacier.
Highlights include photo stops, a 1.5-hour walk along the boardwalks, and the potential to see ice calving into the lake.
With knowledgeable bilingual guides, informative signs, and an overall rating of 4.7/5, this tour provides an unforgettable way to explore the natural wonders of Patagonia.
Read our full review: Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier With Nautical Safari Review
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National Park – Perito Moreno Glacier – (Optional Nautic Safari)
Visitors to El Calafate can explore the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier within Los Glaciares National Park. This full-day tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, with an optional Nautic Safari.
While the tour is wheelchair accessible and open to most travelers, including infants, some past guests have reported delays and issues with transportation and guidance.
The tour is priced at around €121 per person, with the glacier entrance fee payable in Argentine pesos on the day.
Despite some mixed reviews, the tour is highly rated, with travelers praising the guide’s knowledge and the excellent photography opportunities at the glacier.
Read our full review: National Park – Perito Moreno Glacier – (Optional Nautic Safari) Review
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El Calafate: Blue Safari and Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
One of the best ways to experience the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate is through the El Calafate: Blue Safari and Perito Moreno Glacier Tour.
Priced from Kč 10,833 per person, this 8-hour tour includes a boat ride, guided walk, and panoramic views of the glacier.
Departing from El Calafate, the tour takes visitors to the “Bajo de las Sombras” port, where they’ll take a 20-minute boat ride across Lago Rico.
After a 1.5km walk, guests can touch the glacier and observe its vibrant blues and whites.
With a professional guide and hotel pickup/drop-off, this tour offers an immersive Patagonian experience, though it may not be suitable for all travelers.
Read our full review: El Calafate: Blue Safari and Perito Moreno Glacier Tour Review
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Blue Safari: Ride Near Perito Moreno
Travelers exploring the stunning Patagonian landscape in El Calafate can embark on the Blue Safari, a captivating excursion that brings them up close to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier.
This 20-minute navigational tour costs $333 per person and can accommodate up to 40 passengers. Though lunch isn’t included, visitors can arrange it from El Calafate.
Entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park must be paid in cash or with a Visa card in Argentine pesos.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has some health restrictions, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the glacier’s majesty.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, though some suggest booking directly with the operator, Hielo Y Aventura, for reliability.
Read our full review: Blue Safari: Ride Near Perito Moreno Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Book a Tour With an English-Speaking Guide?
To book a tour with an English-speaking guide, visitors can research reputable tour companies online or ask their hotel for recommendations. Many operators offer English-language options, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the experience.
What Is the Average Group Size for These Safari Tours?
The average group size for these safari tours typically ranges from 6 to 12 participants. Tour operators often aim to keep groups small to provide a more personalized and intimate experience for their English-speaking guests.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for Multiple Tours?
Many safari tour operators in the area offer discounted package deals when booking multiple tours. Travelers can often find savings of 10-20% when purchasing a bundle of related excursions. Some companies also provide special rates for larger groups.
Can I Customize the Itinerary or Activities for a Private Tour?
Yes, many tour operators offer customizable private tours where you can tailor the itinerary and activities to your preferences. This allows for a more personalized experience and can be especially beneficial for small groups or families.
What Should I Bring for a Comfortable and Safe Safari Experience?
For a comfortable and safe safari experience, one should bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, a hat, and water. It’s also a good idea to check with the tour operator for any specific recommendations or required gear.
The Sum Up
El Calafate offers a variety of exciting safari tours that allow visitors to explore the region’s stunning glaciers and landscapes. From the Perito Moreno Glacier full-day tour to the Blue Safari trekking experience, there’s something for all. These tours provide an up-close look at the area’s natural wonders and give travelers the chance to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re interested in boat safaris, hiking, or simply admiring the glaciers, El Calafate has the perfect safari adventure for you.