El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Optional Boat Cruise

Nestled in the heart of Patagonia, El Calafate offers visitors a chance to witness the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier. This remarkable natural wonder, part of Los Glaciares National Park, captivates with its striking blue hues and dramatic ice calving. The tour provides a comprehensive experience, from hotel pickup to scenic boardwalk access. For those seeking an even closer encounter, an optional boat cruise allows a unique perspective of this Patagonian gem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an awe-inspiring adventure, El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier promise an unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, offers breathtaking views of an advancing glacier with striking blue hues and dramatic ice calving events.
• The tour from El Calafate lasts approximately 8 hours and includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and entrance to the national park.
• Visitors can explore a 4-kilometer network of boardwalks for glacier viewpoints and optionally take a 1-hour boat ride for close-up glacier wall views.
• The tour is highly rated by customers for the expertise of the guides, the unforgettable experience, and the value for money.
• The tour offers flexible planning with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Location and Main Attraction

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located within the Los Glaciares National Park in El Calafate, a picturesque town in the Patagonia region of Argentina.

This glacier is the main attraction for visitors, known for its breathtaking size, striking blue hues, and dramatic ice calving events. Measuring over 19 miles in length, 3 miles in width, and 240 feet in height, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, making it a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder to witness firsthand.

Exploring its various viewpoints and taking an optional boat tour provide unparalleled perspectives of this magnificent glacier.

Tour Duration and Pricing

This tour runs for approximately 8 hours, with departure around 10:00 a.m. from El Calafate.

Pricing for the tour ranges from $73.00 to $69.35 per person, offering up to a 5% savings.

The tour offers a range of pricing from $73.00 to $69.35 per person, with up to a 5% savings available.

The tour includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off

2. Bilingual guide

3. Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park

4. Optional 1-hour boat ride in front of the glacier wall (additional fee)

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later to secure their spot with no upfront payment.

Cancellation Policy and Languages

As per the cancellation policy, travelers can freely cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

This flexible policy allows visitors to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, catering to a wide range of international visitors.

Bilingual guides lead the excursion, ensuring all participants can fully understand and engage with the information provided about the natural wonder of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Pickup and Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs around 10:00 a.m. from El Calafate, where the guide will pick up participants from their authorized hotels in the area.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Strolling along a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) network of boardwalks to explore various viewpoints of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

2. Enjoying a 1-hour optional boat ride in front of the glacier wall for close-up views (additional fee).

3. Taking time to eat a packed lunch or visit nearby restaurants.

4. Returning to El Calafate in the afternoon.

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Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes several key components to enhance the experience.

Travelers receive hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. A bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing expert commentary on the natural wonders.

Seamless start and end to the day with hotel pickup and drop-off. A bilingual guide provides expert commentary on the natural wonders.

Entrance to the renowned Los Glaciares National Park is included, granting access to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. For those seeking a closer look, an optional 1-hour boat ride along the glacier’s face is available for an additional fee.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive way to explore one of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring natural marvels.

Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced the Perito Moreno Glacier tour in El Calafate have overwhelmingly praised the tour.

With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 1836 reviews, the tour receives high marks in several key areas:

1. Guide Rating: 4.7/5

2. Transportation Rating: 4.6/5

3. Value for Money Rating: 4.3/5

Highlighted reviews praise the guide’s expertise, the unforgettable experience, and the incredible views of the glacier.

Visitors emphasize the breathtaking sights and the professionalism of the guides and drivers, making this a must-see experience.

Important Information

Although not allowed on the tour, pets, smoking, and large luggage items are prohibited for the safety and comfort of all participants.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to reserve your spot now and pay later with no upfront payment. This can be a convenient option if your plans aren’t yet finalized.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and entrance to the National Park.

An optional 1-hour boat ride with an additional fee provides close-up views of the glacier.

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and learn from the knowledgeable guides.

Additional Highlights

Witness the awe-inspiring ice calving, where massive chunks of ice break off from the glacier, creating a thunderous display.

Explore the ever-changing blue hues of the glacier, ranging from vibrant turquoise to deep indigo.

Beyond the glacier, discover the park’s other natural wonders:

1. Wander along the network of boardwalks for panoramic views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.

2. Look out for the diverse wildlife, including guanacos, Andean condors, and pink flamingos.

3. Hike through the Patagonian forests, admiring the unique flora and fauna.

4. Visit the nearby Lago Argentino, the largest freshwater lake in Argentina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The itinerary includes time to enjoy a packed lunch or visit nearby restaurants at your own expense.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specified minimum or maximum group size. Group sizes can vary, allowing for a personalized experience. Travelers should check with the tour provider for the current group size guidelines.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Boat Cruise?

The optional boat cruise requires guests to follow safety guidelines, such as wearing life jackets. There are no other special requirements, and the cruise provides a unique opportunity to view the glacier up close.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

While the tour duration is set, visitors can opt for the additional boat cruise to get closer views of the glacier. Extending the tour or adding more activities isn’t offered, but the available options provide a comprehensive Perito Moreno experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Families?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for students, seniors, and families. Students can save up to 5%, seniors over 65 can get a 10% discount, and families of 4 or more receive a 15% discount on the tour price.

The Sum Up

The Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate is a must-see natural wonder. The comprehensive 8-hour tour offers hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and access to scenic viewpoints along a boardwalk. For an even more immersive experience, visitors can opt for a boat cruise to witness the glacier’s dramatic ice calving up close. With its striking blue hues and awe-inspiring scale, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a true highlight of any Patagonian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: