El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip & Optional Boat

Summary

Perito Moreno’s shifting ice walls up close with walkways or boat

You’ll feel Perito Moreno Glacier before you even reach it: cold wind on your face, thunderous cracks echoing across Lago Argentino, wild colors everywhere you look. Walkways give you space to wander or just stare; take the optional boat safari for a closer view of those shifting blue walls. It’s less about ticking boxes—more about letting something massive shake you up a bit.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out from El Calafate started quiet — just the low hum of the van and that weirdly blue Patagonian light. Our guide, Lucía, pointed out guanacos grazing by the road and I tried (badly) to snap a photo through the window. The first stop was this curve called “Curve of Sighs.” I didn’t get it until we rounded the bend and bam — there’s Perito Moreno Glacier, just sitting there like it owns the place. Honestly, everyone went silent for a second. It’s not just big, it’s… loud? You can hear cracks echoing across Lago Argentino even from far away.

At Los Glaciares, Lucía sorted our tickets while we layered up — wind stings here even in summer. She explained how the walkways work (there are several routes; she recommended yellow for fewer stairs). We wandered at our own pace along these metal paths above mossy trees and sudden patches of wildflowers. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic near the glacier. At one balcony I caught a chunk of ice calving off — it crashed into the lake with this deep thud that made my chest buzz. Some folks gasped; others just stared. Lunch was whatever you could grab at the cafeteria (empanadas for me), but honestly I barely tasted it because my brain was still back at that sound.

I’d picked the boat safari option so after meeting up again we shuffled onto this sturdy little boat — nothing fancy but warm inside. Floating right up to those jagged blue walls felt surreal; you see all these weird textures and shades you miss from above. Someone behind me whispered “it looks alive,” which is exactly right. The guide on board told us about how every few years an ice bridge forms and then collapses — apparently people come from all over Argentina just hoping to see that moment. Didn’t happen today but still, being so close to something that old and restless is kind of humbling.

The ride back was sleepy except for Lucía telling stories about growing up in Patagonia — she laughed when I tried to pronounce “Calafate” correctly (I did not succeed). My shoes were muddy and my face hurt from squinting at all that white-blue light, but yeah… if you’re thinking about a day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate, don’t overthink it. Just go. There’s nothing tidy or predictable about standing in front of that much moving ice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Perito Moreno Glacier full-day tour

• Pick up from El Calafate hotel
• Drive to Los Glaciares National Park
• Stop at Curve of Sighs viewpoint
• Purchase park entrance tickets
• Receive guide explanation of walkways
• Visit main balcony and explore walkways
• Optional boat safari on Lago Argentino
• Return drive to El Calafate

Top questions

How long does the Perito Moreno Glacier day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day, with pickup in El Calafate in the morning and return around 5-5:30 p.m.

Is lunch included on this Perito Moreno tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s a cafeteria and snack bar inside Los Glaciares where you can buy food or bring your own.

What should I bring for the Perito Moreno Glacier tour?

Bring warm clothing, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes—and your passport details for booking.

Is hotel pickup included from El Calafate?

Yes, hotel pickup is provided if your accommodation has a front desk; otherwise they confirm a meeting point.

How close do you get to the glacier on this tour?

You can view Perito Moreno Glacier from several walkways and balconies; with the optional boat safari you get even closer on Lago Argentino.

Are there stairs involved in visiting Perito Moreno Glacier?

Yes, some walkways have stairs but there are different routes—your guide will explain which ones suit your needs best.

Do children need their passports for this tour?

Yes—all travelers including children must provide passport copies when booking; infant seats are available if requested in advance.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in El Calafate, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort across Patagonia’s steppe, entrance guidance at Los Glaciares (tickets purchased onsite), time to explore multiple glacier viewpoints with your bilingual local guide explaining routes and glaciology facts along the way—and if you choose it when booking, an hour-long boat ride right up to those icy blue walls before heading back in the evening.