Perito Moreno had always been on my bucket list.
I had friends who visited the glacier, and they convinced me that the Perito Moreno Minitrekking tour was worth every cent.
So, I did it!
I bought my ticket and walked on the most spectacular glacier in the world. It was the highlight of my trip to Patagonia, and I encouraged everyone to do it too.
But that was a few years ago, when the price was “reasonable”.
Today, it’s a lot more expensive, and I’m not sure whether it’s worth the hefty price tag.
I decided to put together this guide with everything you need to know about visiting Perito Moreno Glacier.
That way, you can decide for yourself whether it’s worth it or not. I’ve also included other ways to visit the glacier at a fraction of the price.
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Perito Moreno Minitrekking summary
- Location: 90-minute drive from El Calafate
- Duration: 9 hours (8am-5pm)
- Best tour: Full-day Perito Moreno trekking and cruise
- Age limit: 8 – 65 years
- Consideration: Prebooking is essential during peak periods
Perito Moreno Minitrekking Tour itinerary
The Perito Moreno trekking is a full-day adventure where you’ll view the glacier from the iconic walkways as well as walk on the actual glacier!
All tours start at 8 am, and you’ll return to your hotel by 5 pm.
This is what you can expect.
Arrive at Los Glaciares National Park
We were picked up at 7 am from our hotel in El Calafate, and then drove 90 minutes to Los Glaciares National Park.
Before entering, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee of 45 USD per person. This is not included in the tour price.
Credit card facilities are available, but there are often connectivity issues, so bring cash along just in case.
Perito Moreno Walkways
Next, we headed to the walkways.
The boardwalk comprises 4 km of interconnected paths that offer panoramic views of the glacier.
We had an hour to explore these viewpoints on our own.
For a much cheaper option, you can book a tour like this one that takes you to these walkways only. You’ll have a lot more time to explore this area, and it’s an excellent way of seeing the glacier.
The views from here are incredible, and you can see huge chunks of ice crash off the glacier.
After an hour, we rejoined the group and took the bus to Puerto Bajo Sombras.
This is where you’ll hop on the boat for the start of your trekking tour.
Boat to Perito Moreno Glacier
It’s a short 20-minute boat ride from the port to the start of your trekking tour on the glacier.
This boat ride offers some of the best views of the glacier (from the right-hand side of the boat).
After arriving at the glacier, we had a 45-minute lunch break.
Depending on your timing and the number of groups ahead or behind you, you may have lunch before or after your ice trek.
Remember to bring a packed lunch as the tour does not include food and drinks. And there are no shops or places to buy a quick snack at this lunch point.
Top tip: Many people opt for this boat tour, but if you’re doing the Perito Moreno glacier tour, you won’t need to, as the boat ride is included.
Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier
In preparation for the glacier trekking, you’ll be given a helmet, gloves, and a set of crampons.
The guides will assist you in putting these on correctly and provide a brief lesson on walking with crampons.
Throughout the trek, the guide will share interesting facts and information about the glacier and its history.
You’ll walk in a single file and pass crevasses, ice caves, and more.
You’ll also get turns to take pictures. But don’t expect much time for this.
The tour then ends with a reward: A glass of whiskey on ice!
We spent 90 minutes on the ice before returning to the boat. The bus was waiting for us on the other side, and we headed straight back to El Calafate.
Things to know about the Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking
If you’re reading this post, you’re most likely considering doing the Perito Moreno Glacier hike.
Here are some real truths and things you need to know when visiting Perito Moreno Glacier.
It’s expensive
A few years ago, I paid 260 USD for this exact tour.
Today, it will cost you over 550 USD – more than double the price!
It’s touristy AF
The Perito Moreno Minitrekking tour is extremely touristy. No one can deny that.
Tour operators bring in busloads of people from El Calafate. You all stop at the same viewpoints and try to get selfies with the same backdrop.
So, manage your expectations and know everyone is as excited as you to see the glacier.
You can’t walk where you want to (on the glacier)
From the moment you get onto the boat and make your way to the glacier, there’s a strict schedule to follow.
You’ll put on your crampons at the same time and line up like school kids.
The lead guide will stand at the front, and he’ll set the pace for the group.
You’ll have a second guide at the back of the group, ensuring everyone stays in check.
You follow a well-marked course on the ice, and you cannot go rogue to get an uninterrupted photo.
The guides are quick to call people out and ask you to get back in line or speed up. This is all for safety reasons.
There are designated photo spots
There are several assigned “photo” spots along the route.
These offer the best views or backdrops, and each person will get a chance to take a photo.
But you need to be quick to allow others to get a picture.
So, leave your tripod and outfit change at home because there’s no time for this!
My tip is to always have your GoPro or phone on you, as you can sneak in some awesome photos if you’re quick. But the moment you hold up the group, you will be told to keep moving.
How to walk on Perito Moreno Glacier
To walk on the actual glacier, you have two tour options.
Either the Perito Moreno Minitrekking or Big Ice Trek.
The main difference between the two is the time you spend on the glacier.
The Minitrekking tour allows 1.5 hours on the glacier, while the Big Ice gives you 3.5 hours.
Because of the trekking time, the Big Ice tour is also more physically demanding.
It’s also more expensive – you can check prices here.
All other aspects of the Mintrekking and Big Ice tours are the same.
They both offer the chance to walk the boardwalks and take the scenic boat to the glacier – but it’s the time exploring the glacier that differs.
My advice? Skip the Big Ice Trek as it’s far too expensive! If you really want to walk on Perito Moreno Glacier, book the Minitrekking tour instead.
Is Perito Moreno Mintrekking worth it
No! Previously, I said it was worth it, but given the latest price increase, I cannot justify spending that much money to walk on the glacier for 90 minutes.
If you have the money and are happy to splurge on experiences, then book the minitrekking tour.
But, if I were to visit Perito Moreno again (with the new price), I would do this day tour option with just the boardwalk.
You still get incredible views from the walkway, and it’s a good compromise that won’t leave you broke!
There is also the option to add a boat cruise onto your tour.
Perito Moreno tours
There’s one company that manages the actual glacier trekking part of the tour – Hielo & Aventura.
They then partner with other tour operators (like Get You Guide) who plan and coordinate the logistics from El Calafate. These tour agencies arrange your pick up and drop off, transportation, and Bilingual guides.
This means that if the Perito Moreno Minitrekking tour is sold out, there are no other ways of trekking on the glacier.
And yes, it sells out weeks in advance. You need to prebook ahead of time if you’re including this on your Patagonia itinerary.
What to pack
- Sunglasses. These are mandatory because of the harsh reflection from the ice
- Sunscreen
- Lunch. I made a cheese ham sandwich and brought some snacks with me as well.
- Gloves. This is to protect your hands if you touch the ice. If you don’t have, you’ll be given at the ice trekking part of the tour
- Trainers: Your crampons will fit over your shoes, so ensure they’re closed (don’t wear sandals). You can wear hiking boots, but they aren’t necessary
- Water
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
Final thoughts on Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most impressive glaciers in the world. I’ve never seen anything like it and may never see anything similar in my lifetime.
However, I recommend doing this tour instead of trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier.
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