11 Mar Easy Guide to Patagonia’s Most Famous Glacier: Perito Moreno
Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, the most famous glacier in Patagonia, is like watching your childhood science book come to life before your eyes. If you’re like me, your mouth will drop the second you see it and you’ll be blown away by the sheer size of the glacier and by the striking way it stands.
First, this thing is massive! Sprawling over 250 sq km / 97 sq ft, it’s bigger than many cities including Buenos Aires & Washington DC (not even close to the biggest glacier in the world though!).
But it’s impossible to take the total size in by looking at it from land. What makes a visit so impressive is seeing the glacier’s dramatic 70 meter high walls which are like a painting: shredded and staggered where ice has collapsed, and when the sun hits just right the ice shines a deep arctic blue.
Named after Francisco Moreno, an Argentine explorer, this glacier is one of the most famous in the world, and definitely in the Patagonia region because of its magnificent figure, accessibility, and for its daily ice collapses that tourists can be lucky enough to see.
With global warming causing nearly every other glacier to drastically recede, the ice ruptures sound depressing to watch, but in the case of Perito Moreno it isn’t. This is one of the few glaciers in a quasi-steady state because of its angle (and other causes, read more about it here) that continues to grow.
So as a healthy glacier should, it adds on ice to one end, and on the other, ice breaks off – which is incredibly loud and absolutely wild to see.
A trip to Perito Moreno is extremely easy and straightforward, but there are a few options for different experiences. So let’s jump into all the details of Argentina’s most famous glacier and how you can visit:
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How to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
First you’ll begin your trip to Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, a town in Southern Patagonia about 60 km / 37 mi from Los Glaciares National Park.
To get to El Calafate can either fly directly from Buenos Aires or take a bus from surrounding locations like El Chalten or even Puerto Natales in Chile. You can also fly from other cities in Argentina but you’ll likely have a stop in Buenos Aires.
From the airport, you can catch a taxi to the city center or if you’re traveling with a few people this affordable private shuttle may be worth it to arrange.
For those arriving by bus, the terminal is not too far from the city center so you can usually walk or catch a taxi. I really liked staying at Folk Hostel which was conveniently close to the terminal.
Once settled in El Calafate, a day trip to Perito Moreno can be done either on your own, or as a part of a tour, of which there are a few options listed below!
Tours are great option if you’re looking for immersive adventures closer to the glacier, beyond just observing it from the balconies. Otherwise it’s totally possible to visit your own. Keep reading to find out your preference!
Perito Moreno Tours
Group Day Trip to the Glacier
If you’re looking to join a group and learn more about Perito Moreno, then you can take this tour. Admittedly, I don’t feel it’s completely necessary since it doesn’t include much more than taking a bus on your own, other than a guide & a group to join.
However, if you prefer an organized pick-up, this is a good option for $40 USD (it does cost the same if you wait to book in El Calafate, so I recommend reserving online to secure a spot).
Glacier Trekking
Probably the most popular tour is glacier trekking. You’ll not only see Perito Moreno from the balconies, but also be able to strap on crampons and trek on top of it! You’ll see up close inside the crevices, be immersed in an ice world and get to enjoy whiskey on glacier ice. It doesn’t get boujee-er than that!
Admittedly, this is one activity I actually regret not doing, I met a ton of people who trekked on Perito Moreno glacier and showed me some pretty amazing photos – next time for me I guess!
There are two types of trekking experiences, one is called Mini Trekking and the other Big Ice. The Big Ice option is longer, and you get more panoramic views of the whole glacier. However, I think Mini Trekking is a sufficient option for most people unless you’re really interested in the Big Ice add ons.
Tours can be reserved in person directly or online. Note that they do fill up, so if you plan to reserve in directly, then allow a day or two before or look for a WhatsApp number – one reason I didn’t do the trekking was because I couldn’t decide and waited so then they were full.
Glacier Kayaking
Another unique and bucket list worthy experience is to kayak up close to Perito Moreno glacier. As you paddle past the towering ice walls and the floating icebergs, you’ll be able to fully perceive the brilliance of the glacier. This is definitely a main character moment.
Like trekking, tours can be reserved online or directly in El Calafate. If you wait to reserve in El Calafate, I recommend allowing a day to be sure of a secured spot.
Glacier Day Cruise
If you’re looking for a less physical but still unique way to explore Patagonia’s glaciers, then consider a Day Cruise. On a catamaran you’ll comfortably cruise not only to Perito Moreno but to other glaciers – it’s called Glacier National Park for a reason, there’s a ton!
Visiting Perito Moreno on Your Own
If you’re not interesting in kayaking or glacier trekking (or you’re on a tight budget) then the best option is to visit Perito Moreno on your own.
Getting There
It’s most popular to begin your trip to Perito Moreno from the closest city, El Calafate. From here you can either rent a car or take a bus to the glacier.
Renting a Car:
If you plan to visit other destinations within Los Glaciares Parque Nacional or want to do a Patagonia road trip (definitely on my bucket list!), then renting a car would be worth it if you have the budget.
Car rentals are extremely popular in the Patagonia region – in Chile and Argentina – so I recommend reserving a car ahead of time if possible. RentalCars can be useful, but reserving a car directly with a local company is your best bet.
Bus:
If you’re a solo traveler (like me!), on a budget, or just want an easy way to visit the glacier then taking the bus is a great option. There are two departure times per day.
The first bus departs El Calafate at 9:30 AM arriving at the park at about 10:30 AM. You’ll then be picked up from the park at about 2:45 PM and arrive back in El Calafate at 4 PM.
For the second bus, departure is 12:30 PM and arrival at Perito Moreno around 1:30 PM; pick-up would be 4:45 PM and you’d return to El Calafate at about 6 PM.
A bus ticket can be purchased either online, through your hostel if you’re staying at one, or at the bus terminal. I got my ticket with the company Marga Taqsa and it cost *7800 pesos / $22 USD.
*Note that this price may differ slightly depending on the exchange rate you get, and surely the peso amount will change because of Argentina’s inflation problem.
Entrance Cost:
Perito Moreno Glacier is located in a national park: Los Glaciares Parque Nacional. So there is an entrance fee. When I visited it was about 5500 pesos, roughly $15 USD. As mentioned before, this is constantly changing because of inflation but you can expect a similar USD amount.
Activities: The pathways & boat:
Once at Perito Moreno, there are two ways to see the glacier: by the pathways and by taking a short 1 hour boat trip.
Boat Details:
If you want to take the boat, I recommend that you reserve your ticket as soon as you arrive at Perito Moreno as spots can fill up. The boat cost me about 6000 pesos *at the time*, roughly $17 USD.
It leaves about every hour and takes passengers up to get a closer look at the glacier wall. I did this, and I will say it was a TON of people crammed onto the boat all trying to get the best picture. So it’s not really a relaxing trip, but you do see a different perspective of Perito Moreno. Plus, the trip is long enough that people get tired and go back into the cabin so you can enjoy less people on the deck later on.
Pathway Details
The pathways around Perito Moreno glacier offer different views and perspectives. They’re pretty straightforward to follow and need little explaining. My only recommendation is that you start at either the far right or far left pathway rather than walking straight into the primary balcony.
The reason for this is because I started at the far right De La Costa, (which most people don’t do – it was by accident) and it was so much more dramatic for the glacier to slowly come into view. I feel I appreciated these miradors more than had I last seen them last, because then the glacier is going out of view.
A breakdown of my own trip to Perito Moreno Glacier:
Having not met anyone yet in El Calafate to join me, I visited Perito Moreno on my own, which I quite liked because I got to take my time photographing the glacier and relish in the moment.
I took the 9:30 AM bus with Marga Taqsa. I had booked my ticket the day before at the bus terminal. When I arrived I had no intention of taking the boat, but then I thought what the hell, this is once in a lifetime moment. So as soon as I de-boarded the bus I went to the small booth to get my boat ticket for 1:00 PM.
This was perfect timing because it allowed me a few hours to explore via the balconies and I was just finishing as it was time for the boat. At first I was disappointed the boat felt so crowded, with everyone on the deck at once, but people dispersed and I was happy. After an hour, the boat docked at about 2 PM. Just enough time for me to head in the lodge and enjoy a coffee before the bus picked me up at 2:45 PM. It was a super relaxed and enjoyable day!
The Best Time to Visit Perito Moreno:
In terms of seasons, the best months for weather to visit are October – April. Argentina’s summer is December – March but you could also go in the shoulder seasons before and after. Note that summer will be the most busy.
As for the best time of day to visit Perito Moreno, you can’t really go wrong! It’s going to be amazing either way. However, a guy from my hostel laid it out pretty well for me:
Mornings are considered to be less windy (the wind in Patagonia can actually take you out) and if you plan to take the boat then they all leave in the morning and early afternoon.
Whereas, visiting in the afternoon it’s pretty windy but apparently there are more ice ruptures and the lighting may be better for photos because of the sun positioning at that time of day.
I guess it mostly depends on your preference and that day’s weather forecast. Weather can change really quickly in Patagonia, so consider adding a buffer day so as to choose the most clear day to visit.
Tips for Visiting Perito Moreno
1. Don’t Forget to Bring Cash
Whether you’re taking a tour or visiting on your own, you’ll need to pay the national park entrance fee which often only accepts cash. Bring a little extra if you plan to get food or drinks at the lodge or take the boat.
2. Wear or bring warm layers
Even if it’s a warmer day, as soon as there’s a cloud or it gets windy then the weather turns very chilly! Definitely bring a jacket, a hat and honestly I was thankful for my scarf and wishing I had gloves.
3. Don’t forget to charge your camera and phone!
Trust me, you’ll be taking all the pictures. Make sure your prepared!
4. Bring lunch/snacks and water
It’s not that long of a day and you can purchase something from the lodge, but I’m always hungry and thirsty so I always have the snacks on me. Plus it’s really nice to enjoy something on the balconies staring at this huge glacier in front of you!
5. Respect the environment
This should go without saying, but leave no trace and pick up your trash.
Perito Moreno for Solo Travelers
Visiting Perito Moreno is an extremely solo traveler friendly experience. You can easily explore it on your own (I did!) or join a tour.
If you want to enjoy serenity alone, this is the place. I took several moments by myself on the balconies to just look and breathe, taking it all in.
But if you want to meet people, it’s also easy. Strike up a conversation with someone on the bus or on your tour. You can also ask someone to take your photo and take one of them. Everyone is so excited to be there, people are very friendly.
I found several people to capture photos of me and honestly thank god for them because this isn’t a tripod friendly place (at least the kind that stand up, you could use this one though). The balconies have holes throughout so tripod legs would likely fall through.
Tip:
Hola disculpe ¿podrías tomarme una foto? = Hi excuse me, could you take a photo of me?
More Resources for Your Trip to El Calafate
MY RECOMMENDED HOSTEL : FOLK HOSTEL
MY RECOMMENDED HOTEL: Kau Kaleshen
HOW TO GET TO EL CALAFATE
You can fly internationally to Buenos Aires and then get a flight to El Calafate. Search flights here.
El Calafate is also easily accessible by bus from surrounding locations such as El Chalten or Puerto Natales, Chile. Search buses here.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is a must to cover an unexpected health issues or cancellations. I use WorldNomads for more adventurous trips.
*Disclosure: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN EL CALAFATE
In El Calafate you can also learn about the native cultures or go horseback riding at an estancia. If you’re unable to take a multi-day trip to Torres del Paine or El Chalten, there are also day-trips available from El Calafate.
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