Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike and Minitrekking in Perito Moreno

Adventurous travelers can embark on a thrilling Big Ice Tour to witness the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier up close, but this is no easy feat.

Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier on the Big Ice Tour is a must-do adventure for any intrepid traveler visiting El Calafate. The tour combines an exhilarating boat ride with an unforgettable minitrekking experience, allowing adventurers to witness the glacier’s stunning blue ice walls up close. But don’t be fooled – this is no mere stroll. Navigating the glacier’s pristine surface requires both fitness and skill. Are you up for the challenge?

Key Points

  • The Big Ice Tour offers a full-day excursion in El Calafate, Argentina, combining hiking, navigation, and minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • The tour includes 40 minutes of boat navigation and 90 minutes of walking on the ice, providing a unique opportunity to explore the glacier up close.
  • Participants must be in decent physical shape and wear proper footwear, as the tour requires a high fitness level and solid trekking skills.
  • The tour offers breathtaking views of the towering blue walls of the glacier, with careful navigation of crevasses and moulins under guide supervision.
  • The experience concludes with a 60-minute exploration of the Patagonian woods, providing a peaceful contrast to the icy scenery of the glacier.

Overview of the Big Ice Tour

The Big Ice Tour in Perito Moreno is a must-do activity for adventurous travelers visiting El Calafate, Argentina.

This full-day excursion combines hiking, navigation, and minitrekking on the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. Highlights include 40 minutes of boat navigation, 90 minutes of walking on the ice, and an hour strolling through Patagonian forests.

Bilingual guides, specialized equipment, and a delicious lunch are all included. While it requires a strong fitness level, the tour’s 92% traveler recommendation and 4.6 overall rating suggest it’s well worth the effort.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore one of Argentina’s natural wonders.

Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier

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Although the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Argentina’s most impressive natural wonders, exploring it takes some planning.

This Big Ice Tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the glacier up close. Trekking across the ice with crampons and hiking poles, visitors get a sense of the glacier’s sheer size and power.

The navigation hike also lets you admire the glacier’s towering blue walls from the water. But it’s not for the faint of heart – the tour requires a high fitness level and solid trekking skills.

The navigation hike allows you to admire the glacier’s imposing blue walls from the water, but requires high fitness and trekking skills.

Still, those who make the journey are rewarded with unforgettable views.

Preparing for the Minitrekking Adventure

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Preparing for the Big Ice Tour‘s minitrekking adventure requires a bit of diligent planning. Participants must be in decent shape, as the hike involves 90 minutes of walking on the ice itself.

Proper footwear is crucial – sturdy boots with good traction. The tour provides special equipment like crampons, but bringing extra layers and sun protection is wise.

Lunch is included, but having snacks on hand is recommended for the long day. Though the tour caps at 15 travelers, groups move at their own pace, so pacing oneself is key.

With the right prep, adventurers can maximize their unforgettable Perito Moreno experience.

Navigating Through the Glacial Landscape

Once adventurers have their gear ready, they can look forward to exploring Perito Moreno’s stunning glacial landscape. The navigation hike takes them across massive walls of blue ice, sculpted by nature over millennia. Trekking on the glacier itself offers a unique perspective, as they carefully navigate the crevasses and moulins under the watchful eye of their experienced guides. The 40-minute boat ride provides breathtaking views of the glacier’s front, a true highlight of the tour. With 90 minutes on the ice and 60 minutes in the Patagonian woods, this adventure offers an immersive glacial experience.

| Time | Activity |

| — | — |

| 40 minutes | Navigation boat ride |

| 90 minutes | Minitrekking on the glacier |

| 60 minutes | Walking in Patagonian woods |

| 13 reviews | 92% traveler recommendation |

Discovering the Patagonian Woods

After exploring the vast glacial landscape, adventurers on the Big Ice Tour get to experience the serene beauty of the Patagonian woods.

They’ll spend 60 minutes surrounded by ancient lenga and guindo trees, breathing in the crisp, fresh air. The woods provide a peaceful contrast to the dramatic, icy scenery of the glacier.

Travelers can spot local flora and fauna, like the Patagonian woodpecker or Magellanic woodpecker. It’s a chance to stretch their legs and appreciate the diverse ecosystem of Patagonia before returning to the trailhead.

A wonderful way to cap off an unforgettable experience.

Experiencing the Breathtaking Views

The highlight of the Big Ice Tour is undoubtedly the opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

As you navigate through the Patagonian woods and step onto the ice, you’ll be greeted by:

  • Towering walls of ice, glistening in the sun

  • Mesmerizing blues and whites, carved by nature

  • Panoramic vistas of the sprawling glacier and surrounding mountains

It’s an awe-inspiring experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The 90 minutes spent walking on the ice allow you to fully learn about the glacier’s grandeur, an unforgettable highlight of the tour.

Essential Information and Logistics

To experience the Big Ice Tour in Perito Moreno, travelers must first navigate the logistics. The tour includes hotel transfers, bilingual guides, and special equipment.

It’s a long day – 40 minutes of navigation, 90 minutes on the ice, and 60 minutes in the woods, plus lunch. The min-trek’s physical demands require a strong fitness level. Groups are capped at 15 people.

While non-refundable, the stunning glacier views and 92% traveler recommendation make this an enticing adventure. Just be sure to book early, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Physical Disabilities?

The tour doesn’t seem suitable for travelers with physical disabilities. The listing states it’s not wheelchair accessible and requires a strong fitness level, which suggests it may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a non-refundable booking policy, so there’s no getting your money back if you cancel. That’s a bummer, but it’s probably because of the logistics of organizing the activities. Just something to keep in mind.

Can Vegetarian or Special Dietary Options Be Accommodated?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention vegetarian or special dietary options, but it’s worth reaching out to the operator. They’re generally accommodating, so they’ll likely be able to cater to any dietary needs if you let them know in advance.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There’s no age limit, but kids under 12 may struggle with the strenuous hike. The tour requires a good fitness level, so older adults should check if they can handle the demands. Overall, it’s suitable for most ages with the right preparation.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Tailored to Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized or tailored to individual preferences. It’s a standard itinerary with shared transport and activities. But if you’ve got special needs, it’s best to contact the tour operator to see if they can accommodate you.

The Sum Up

The Big Ice Tour is a thrilling way to experience the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the breathtaking boat ride, exhilarating trekking, and awe-inspiring landscapes make it an unforgettable adventure. If you’re up for a challenge and want to learn about Patagonia’s natural beauty, this tour is a must-do.