Perito Moreno Glacier: Ice Trekking Day Trip & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Walk across Perito Moreno glacier ice with guides and lake crossing

You’ll step onto Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons after crossing Brazo Rico by boat from El Calafate. Walk along icy ridges with your guide, listen for distant cracks in the ice, and learn why this glacier is so unique before heading back by bus—there’s something about that blue light on your boots you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember that first crunch under my crampons—sort of a metallic scrape, then this weird hush as we stepped onto the Perito Moreno Glacier. We’d left El Calafate early (I barely tasted my coffee), and after winding through scrubby Patagonian steppe, the bus dropped us at these wooden walkways overlooking the glacier. You can hear it groaning sometimes, like an old ship shifting. Our guide, Sofía, handed out trail maps with a grin and told us to “just listen for the cracks.” I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there, honestly.

After wandering those balconies (and taking way too many photos), we hopped another short bus ride down to Bajo las Sombras pier. The boat ride across Brazo Rico only lasted about twenty minutes, but the wind was sharp enough to sting your nose and everyone crowded outside for that first close-up of the glacier’s blue face. One guy tried to name all the shades of blue—he gave up after five. Once we landed, Sofía split us into groups and checked our boots before fitting everyone with crampons. She showed us how to walk “like penguins,” which made me laugh until I actually tried it.

The minitrekking itself was about an hour and a half on the ice. There’s this strange feeling when you realize you’re walking over something so ancient—sometimes the surface is gritty and other times slick as glass. Sofía pointed out little streams running in neon turquoise channels, and explained how the glacier advances instead of shrinking like most others. At one point she stopped us near a crevasse just wide enough for a boot—“step here, not there”—and told us about the big rupture event that happens every few years. I kept thinking about how quiet it got between gusts of wind, except for boots scraping and someone ahead muttering “wow” under their breath.

Afterwards we retraced our steps back to the pier, legs a bit shaky but grinning at strangers who now felt like teammates. The return boat ride felt different—maybe just warmer sun or maybe because we’d actually walked on Perito Moreno Glacier instead of just staring at it from afar. On the bus back to El Calafate I found myself replaying those icy steps in my head, trying not to fall asleep so I wouldn’t forget any details.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Excursion

• Pick up from hotels in El Calafate
• Travel 75 km via Provincial Road N°11
• Arrive at National Park and walk balconies
• Bus to Bajo las Sombras pier
• 20-minute navigation across Brazo Rico
• Walk to glacier edge and crampon fitting
• Minitrekking on glacier with guide
• Return navigation to Bajo las Sombras pier
• Bus back to hotels in El Calafate

Top questions

How long does the Perito Moreno Glacier minitrekking last?

The full excursion lasts around 10 hours including transfers; actual trekking on the glacier is about 1.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from El Calafate?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in El Calafate are included in the tour.

What are the age restrictions for minitrekking on Perito Moreno Glacier?

The tour is only for ages 10 to 65 years old; no exceptions allowed.

Do I need special equipment for walking on Perito Moreno Glacier?

Crampons are provided by guides before you step onto the glacier; regular sturdy shoes are recommended.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

No lunch is included; bring snacks or buy food at stops along the way.

Can people with health issues join this excursion?

No—the tour isn’t suitable for those with heart conditions, severe varicose veins, respiratory diseases or limited mobility.

When does this minitrekking operate?

The tour runs from August through May; it doesn’t operate June through mid-July due to weather conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from El Calafate, guided trekking across Perito Moreno Glacier with all necessary equipment like crampons provided by local guides, plus round-trip boat navigation across Brazo Rico before returning in the evening.