Perito Moreno Big Ice and Walkways Experience From El Calafate

The Perito Moreno Big Ice and Walkways Experience in El Calafate, Argentina, offers a chance to explore one of the world’s most magnificent glaciers. Trekking across the Perito Moreno Glacier and witnessing its dramatic calving events from a boat on Lake Argentino are just the beginning. With elevated boardwalks providing safe observation points, visitors can enjoy the glacier’s grandeur, making this a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. But the experience requires a certain level of physical fitness, so it’s important to consider the requirements before booking.

Good To Know

• The Perito Moreno Big Ice and Walkways Experience offers a guided trek across the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina.
• The tour includes a boat trip on Lake Argentino for close-up views of the glacier’s dramatic face and a chance to witness calving events.
• Participants can explore a network of elevated boardwalks that provide unparalleled views of the towering ice walls and immerse them in the glacier’s grandeur.
• Strong physical fitness is essential for the full-day tour, which involves up to 7.5 hours of walking on uneven, slippery terrain.
• The tour package includes transportation from El Calafate, entrance fees, specialized equipment, and food and water, with a maximum group size of 15 for a personalized experience.

Overview of the Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in southern Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most impressive and accessible glaciers in the world.

Covering over 230 square kilometers, the glacier’s face stretches an impressive 3 kilometers in length.

It’s known for its dramatic calving activity, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino.

Visitors can admire the glacier’s towering walls and witness the awe-inspiring sight of ice blocks breaking away, creating a natural spectacle that attracts visitors from around the globe.

Highlights of the Ice Hiking Experience

Visitors embarking on the Perito Moreno Big Ice and Walkways Experience can expect an awe-inspiring day exploring one of the world’s most magnificent glaciers.

After being outfitted with specialized equipment like crampons, harnesses, and helmets, participants set out on a guided trek across the glacier’s surface. The ice hike allows them to witness the glacier’s stunning features up close, including deep crevasses and towering ice walls.

Plus, a boat trip on Lake Argentino provides a unique perspective of the glacier’s colossal face and the dramatic calving events.

Completing the experience, travelers can leisurely stroll along the boardwalks, taking in panoramic views of the glacier from various vantage points.

Boat Trip on Lake Argentino

A boat trip on Lake Argentino offers visitors a unique perspective of the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier. The tour includes a scenic one-hour boat ride that provides a close-up view of the glacier’s dramatic face. From the boat, travelers can witness the incredible scale of the ice formation and marvel at the thunderous calving events that occur as massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake.

Boat Tour Details
Duration	1 hour
Distance	Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km)
View	Panoramic view of the glacier’s face
Sightings	Potential to see calving events

The boat trip is a highlight of the Perito Moreno experience, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate the sheer size and power of this natural wonder.

Exploring the Glacier Boardwalks

After the boat trip, travelers can step foot onto the intricate network of boardwalks that wind through the Perito Moreno Glacier.

These elevated walkways provide unparalleled views of the glacier’s towering ice walls and dramatic calving events. As they explore the boardwalks, visitors can marvel at the sheer size and power of this natural wonder.

The walkways allow for safe, up-close observation of the glacier’s features, enabling travelers to fully enjoy the grandeur of this icy landscape.

With expert guides on hand to provide insights, the boardwalk experience offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Physical Fitness Requirements

Travelers must possess strong physical fitness to fully enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier experience. This full-day tour involves up to 7.5 hours of walking on the ice, which requires:

• Excellent cardiovascular health to sustain prolonged physical activity
• Muscular strength and endurance to navigate the uneven, slippery terrain
• Balance and stability to traverse the glacier safely while wearing crampons

The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnancy, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues.

Participants should be between 18 and 50 years old and prepared to tackle this high-difficulty excursion with determination and stamina.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour package includes pickup from hotels in Calafate Center, providing convenient transportation to the starting point.

Once there, you’ll enjoy guided transportation and a one-hour visit to the balconies overlooking the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.

The tour also includes the required entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park, as well as specialized equipment like crampons, harnesses, and helmets for the guided trekking on the glacier itself.

A water bottle and food for the day are provided, ensuring you stay hydrated and fueled throughout the full-day adventure.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Confirmation for the Perito Moreno experience is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Changes to bookings are allowed with prior notice, but cancellations made within 4 days of the service date are non-refundable.

The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers. Positive reviews from past participants highlight the quality of the experience, though it’s important to note the high difficulty level, which requires strong physical fitness for 7.5 hours of walking on ice.

• Bookings are non-refundable within 4 days of the service date.
• Changes to bookings are permitted with prior notice.
• Maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

While the Perito Moreno experience requires a high level of physical fitness, past participants have overwhelmingly praised the quality of the tour.

Travelers have emphasized the importance of being in good shape, as the 7.5-hour trek on the ice can be challenging.

However, those who met the fitness requirements were rewarded with an unforgettable encounter with the majestic glacier.

Reviewers consistently commend the knowledgeable guides, the specialized equipment provided, and the breathtaking scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for Children or Seniors?

Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for children or seniors. It requires strong physical fitness and has an age range of 18 to 50 years old. Those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions shouldn’t attempt this challenging hike on the glacier.

Are Audio Guides or Multilingual Tours Available?

Unfortunately, audio guides and multilingual tours are not available for this experience. The tour is conducted in English only, with a guide leading the hike on the glacier.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, there’s no option to extend the tour duration. It’s a full-day experience that lasts around 7.5 hours. Extending the tour isn’t possible, as the itinerary is set to maximize the time at the Perito Moreno Glacier site.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. The tour includes a water bottle, but additional sustenance may be needed given the long duration and physical demands of the experience.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Tour Date?

If the weather is bad on the tour date, the operator will assess the safety conditions and may reschedule or cancel the tour. Participants will be notified and offered alternative options or refunds as appropriate.

The Sum Up

The Perito Moreno Big Ice and Walkways Experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the world’s most captivating glaciers. With guided treks, boat tours, and elevated boardwalks, visitors can enjoy the glacier’s grandeur, making it a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. The tour’s specialized gear and physical fitness requirements ensure a safe and memorable adventure in the stunning landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.