Perito Moreno Glacier trek and boat tour from El Calafate

Walk the forest edge, watch the glacier from two angles

A full-day tour from El Calafate combines a guided 30-minute forest trek along the southern wall of Perito Moreno Glacier with boat navigation across Lake Argentino and time on the glacier's famous walkways. The route covers roughly an hour and a half of natural terrain (sand, stones, slopes and stairs) ending with two hours to explore the panoramic viewpoints. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the walk. Transportation and park navigation are included, though national park admission is paid separately in cash on arrival.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Los Glaciares National Park1h
2. Lake Argentino1h
3. Upsala Glacier1h

Trekking and navigation at glacier

• Bus to Los Glaciares National Park
• Boat navigation through Lago Rico
• 30-minute walk with glacier views
• Boat ride to see glacier south face
• Return to walkways for panoramic views

The experience

The day starts with a bus ride to Los Glaciares National Park, where you board a boat for the crossing of Lago Rico toward the glacier's southern wall. From the water, the scale of Perito Moreno becomes clear before you step onto land. The 30-minute guided walk that follows stays close to the lake's edge, threading through the forest that borders the ice. You're moving through sand and stone with some stairs and slopes underfoot, and the guide keeps watch for ice calving: the sudden, dramatic collapse of glacier faces into the lake below. The intense blues and whites of the ice shift as you move, and the southern wall towers above the tree line throughout.

After the forest walk, you return to the boat for a second crossing, this time viewing the glacier's south face from the water itself. This angle shows the scale and texture of the ice differently than from the shore. Once back on land, you have two hours on the walkways: a series of catwalks and viewing platforms that offer the panoramic perspectives the site is known for. This is unguided time, so you set your own pace and choose which vantage points to linger at. The total time on foot and water is roughly eight hours from pickup to return.

Bring warm, waterproof layers. The weather shifts fast and you'll be exposed on the water and the open walkways. Pack your own food and drink for the day. There's no food service on-site, though the forest shore near the lake works as a lunch spot before you board. National park entry requires cash payment in Argentine pesos at the gate. The tour schedule (morning or afternoon) depends on availability when your reservation is confirmed.

What’s included

• Transportation from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park.
• boat navigation across Lago Rico and Lake Argentino.
• guided walk through the forest bordering the glacier with views of the southern wall.
• access to the scenic walkways and viewing platforms.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (6 to 70 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Paid on siteUS$ 30

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Azul Latina Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see the glacier from the water and forest floor with a guide, then have free time on the walkways to explore at your own pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier itself on this tour?

No, this tour does not include a walk on the glacier itself. You trek the forest that borders it, view the ice face from the water, and spend time on the scenic walkways, but you don't step onto the ice.

What's the difference between the boat ride and the forest walk?

The boat takes you across Lake Argentino to approach the glacier from the water, showing you the south face from a distance. The forest walk is a guided 30-minute trek on land along the lake's edge, with the glacier towering above and the chance to see ice calving up close.

How much time do I have to explore on my own?

After the guided walk and boat ride, you have two hours on the walkways to move at your own pace and choose which viewing platforms to visit.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring warm, waterproof clothing (jacket, pants, waterproof boots or sturdy shoes) plus gloves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Pack all your food and drink. There's no vendor on-site, though you can eat lunch in the forest before boarding the boat.

Do I need to pay for national park entry separately?

Yes, admission to Los Glaciares National Park is paid in cash (Argentine pesos) when you arrive at the park gate. The price is subject to change and is not included in the tour cost.

What time does the tour depart?

The schedule is either morning or afternoon depending on availability at the time you book. Your specific departure time will be confirmed when the operator sends you the full itinerary.