Exploring the remarkable Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina’s Patagonia region is an unforgettable experience. The Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike and Minitrekking offers an immersive adventure, combining a breathtaking boat ride and an exhilarating trek across the glacier’s surface. With knowledgeable bilingual guides leading the way, participants can discover the glacier’s stunning features and unique beauty up close. From panoramic vistas to the thrill of walking on ice, this comprehensive day-long tour promises an unparalleled opportunity to witness the power and grandeur of one of nature’s most impressive wonders. What awaits those who embark on this extraordinary adventure?
Good To Know
- The Big Ice Tour offers a comprehensive 7.5-hour exploration of Perito Moreno Glacier, including a boat ride and minitrekking excursion on the glacier surface.
- The tour includes round-trip transfers, bilingual guides, lunch, and all necessary entrance fees, providing a seamless glacier experience.
- Participants can view the glacier from various perspectives, including panoramic vistas, a boat ride, and direct trekking on the ice.
- A strong level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves significant walking, hiking, and navigating on uneven and slippery glacier surfaces.
- The tour is non-refundable, but it has an overall 4.5-star rating based on 13 reviews, indicating a well-organized and enjoyable glacier adventure.
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Overview and Experience
The Big Ice Tour offers a comprehensive day-long exploration of the Perito Moreno Glacier, providing visitors with unique vantage points to witness the glacier’s grandeur.
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including transfers from El Calafate, and features a variety of experiences, such as a boat ride across the "Rico" arm of the Argentinean lake and a minitrekking excursion on the glacier itself.
The tour’s flexible schedule allows for adjustments based on the ever-changing climate conditions and glacier characteristics, ensuring a truly memorable and tailored adventure for participants.
Tour Inclusions
The Big Ice Tour includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.
Travelers are provided with round-trip transfers from their hotels in El Calafate. Bilingual mountain guides accompany the group throughout the day, offering informative commentary.
The tour includes a minitrekking excursion on the Perito Moreno Glacier, allowing participants to walk on the ice with the aid of crampons. Lunch is provided, and the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is covered.
Plus, port taxes are included in the tour price. With these inclusions, the Big Ice Tour offers a well-rounded glacier exploration experience.
Itinerary Highlights
Early morning bus departures with a bilingual guide provide informative commentary about the surrounding areas.
The tour first stops at the National Park Los Glaciares, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the Perito Moreno Glacier for about an hour.
Next, they embark on a 20-minute boat ride across the "Rico" arm of the Argentinean lake to reach the southern wall of the glacier. This allows for a closer look at the impressive ice formation.
The tour’s highlights include:
- Panoramic views of Perito Moreno Glacier in the National Park.
- Boat ride across the "Rico" arm for a closer glacier perspective.
- Minitrekking on the glacier itself using provided crampons.
Glacier Viewing Perspectives
One of the key attractions of the Big Ice Tour is the opportunity to view the Perito Moreno Glacier from various angles and perspectives.
The tour includes a visit to the National Park Los Glaciares, where participants can enjoy panoramic vistas of the massive ice formation.
They’ll also take a 20-minute boat ride across the "Rico" arm of the Argentinean lake, allowing them to reach the glacier’s southern wall for a closer look.
Plus, the minitrekking experience enables participants to walk directly on the glacier’s surface while wearing crampons, providing a unique and immersive perspective of this natural wonder.
These diverse viewing opportunities make the Big Ice Tour a comprehensive and captivating way to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Physical Fitness Requirement
Participants must possess a strong physical fitness level to fully enjoy the Big Ice Tour. The tour involves a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain, including traversing the Perito Moreno Glacier itself.
Travelers should be comfortable with the following:
- Hiking for several hours at a steady pace, often on steep or rocky paths.
- Navigating slippery and unstable glacier surfaces while wearing crampons.
- Maintaining balance and stability on the ice, which can be challenging due to the constantly changing glacier conditions.
Those with any doubts about their physical capabilities should consult with the tour operator before booking to ensure the Big Ice Tour is a suitable option.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
Pricing for the Big Ice Tour starts at $512.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee. However, it’s important to note that this tour is non-refundable, meaning cancellations will not receive any refunds.
| Details | Implications | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at $512.00 per person | Lowest price guarantee |
| Cancellation Policy | Non-refundable | No refunds for cancellations |
| Tour Group Size | Maximum of 15 travelers per tour | Intimate group experience |
| Reviews | 4.5 stars overall | 11 five-star, 1 four-star, 1 one-star |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible | Requires strong physical fitness level |
The tour’s non-refundable policy and group size limitations are essential factors to consider when booking the Big Ice Tour.
Tour Reviews and Ratings
According to the reviews, the Big Ice Tour has received an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Eleven out of the 13 total reviews awarded the tour a perfect 5-star rating, with one 4-star and one 1-star review.
The positive feedback highlights the tour’s beautiful glacier views and well-organized experience.
Some key takeaways from the reviews:
- Stunning panoramic vistas of Perito Moreno Glacier from various vantage points.
- Knowledgeable and informative bilingual guides who enhance the overall experience.
- A well-structured itinerary that allows for comprehensive exploration of the glacier.
Booking and Availability
Although confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers per group. This ensures a more personalized experience for participants.
The Big Ice tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so a strong physical fitness level is required. Travelers should be aware that the tour is non-refundable, and any cancellations won’t receive a refund.
Despite these restrictions, the tour offers exceptional value with its comprehensive package, including transfers, bilingual guides, minitrekking on the glacier, lunch, and entry to the National Park.
The overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest this tour is a must-do for those seeking an immersive glacier adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Weather Conditions Like During the Tour?
The weather conditions can vary during the tour due to the glacier’s changing climate. Participants should expect a range of conditions, from sunny skies to cold winds and potential snow or rain, and dress accordingly for the outdoor activities.
Can I Bring My Own Equipment for the Minitrekking?
Participants can’t bring their own equipment for the minitrekking portion of the tour. The tour provider supplies specialized gear like crampons to ensure the safety and proper experience for all travelers.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
According to the information provided, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration of the Big Ice Tour. The tour is a comprehensive 7.5-hour experience, including transfers, and doesn’t offer extended or customized tour lengths.
Can I Take Photographs or Videos During the Tour?
Yes, participants can take photographs and videos during the tour. The tour offers various vantage points to capture the stunning scenery of the glacier from different perspectives throughout the day’s activities.
Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for Participants?
There are no age or height restrictions for participants on this tour. However, a strong level of physical fitness is required, as the tour includes minitrekking on Perito Moreno Glacier, which can be challenging.
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The Sum Up
The Big Ice Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. With a boat ride, minitrekking excursion, and knowledgeable guides, this comprehensive experience provides an immersive and awe-inspiring encounter with one of Argentina’s natural wonders. Guests can expect breathtaking views, unique glacier features, and an unforgettable adventure, making it a must for anyone visiting the region.