El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier tour with boat ride

Summary

Walk the glacier’s edge and sail close to Perito Moreno’s blue walls

You’ll feel tiny walking along Perito Moreno’s walkways above shimmering blue ice, then get even closer by boat as huge walls loom overhead. With a local guide sharing stories and plenty of time to explore or just sit quietly with your lunch, this day trip from El Calafate gives you moments — sights, sounds, even silences — that stick with you long after you leave Patagonia.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes and there it is — the first real glimpse of Perito Moreno Glacier, just past the bus window, all jagged blue and white, like someone left a giant block of ice out in the sun but it never melts. The drive from El Calafate is quiet at first, everyone half-awake, then suddenly we’re all craning our necks for that first view. Our guide, Martín, points out guanacos grazing on the hillsides — I’d never seen one before, they look sort of like llamas but more aloof. The air smells sharp, almost metallic, and there’s this hush when you step off the bus that makes you want to whisper.

The walkways are clever — metal grids that let you see straight down to rocks and meltwater below. We wandered at our own pace (you get about three hours), sometimes stopping just to listen for the thunder-crack of ice breaking off. It’s weirdly addictive; every time I heard that sound my heart jumped a little. There was a moment when an older couple next to us gasped as a chunk fell — everyone started laughing after because it startled us so much. Lunch was just sandwiches on a bench with cold fingers and a view I still think about.

Afterwards came the boat ride. You get right up close to these 80-meter-high walls — honestly, it feels like they shouldn’t be real. The water is this milky turquoise color from all the glacier silt, and if you’re lucky (we were), you’ll see another piece calve off into the lake with this echoing splash that makes everyone go quiet for a second. Martín told us how the glacier advances instead of shrinking like most others — he seemed genuinely proud of that fact, which made me appreciate it even more. On the way back to El Calafate I kept replaying those sounds in my head; not sure I’ll ever forget them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

• Depart hotel in El Calafate
• Cross Magellanic Peninsula
• Walk the glacier walkways
• Lunch break (picnic or restaurant)
• Boat ride near glacier wall
• Return to El Calafate

Top questions

How long does the Perito Moreno Glacier tour take?

The tour departs around 10:00 a.m. from El Calafate and returns in the afternoon; expect most of your day to be spent exploring.

Is hotel pickup included for all accommodations in El Calafate?

Pickup is included only for hotels with reception; otherwise, you'll be given a meeting point nearby.

How much time do we spend at the glacier walkways?

You have about three hours to explore the walkways at your own pace or with your guide.

Is there a boat ride included in this day trip?

Yes, after visiting the walkways you'll board a one-hour boat ride close to the glacier wall.

Are guides available in English?

Yes, tours include guides who speak both Spanish and English.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible but guests must be accompanied by someone who can assist them.

Do I need cash for park entrance fees?

You can pay Los Glaciares National Park entrance fees in Argentine pesos using cash or Visa card (not Mastercard).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in El Calafate (or meeting point if needed), transport by air-conditioned vehicle, entry into Los Glaciares National Park (payable on arrival), guidance in English or Spanish throughout both walkway exploration and boat ride near Perito Moreno Glacier before returning in the afternoon.