El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour

The Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Argentina, is a natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world. One of the best ways to experience this magnificent ice formation is through the Minitrekking Adventure Tour. This full-day excursion combines a serene forest walk, a boat cruise along the glacier’s face, and a guided ice trekking adventure, offering participants a truly immersive and unforgettable encounter with Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply appreciative of natural beauty, this tour promises to…

Key Points

• A full-day excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, including hotel pickup, boat ride, glacier hiking equipment, and a professional guide.
• 90 minutes of trekking on the ice with a maximum group size of 20, suitable for moderately fit participants aged 8 to 65 years.
• Scenic 60-minute forest walk, 40-minute boat cruise, and 90-minute guided minitrekking adventure on the glacier with use of crampons and ice axes.
• Passport details required, and moderate fitness level recommended with sturdy boots and warm clothing.
• Overall rating of 4.4 out of 66 reviews, with guests praising the organized tours, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery.

Tour Overview and Details

The El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors to one of Argentina’s most iconic natural wonders.

This tour includes hotel pickup, a boat ride, glacier hiking equipment, and a professional guide.

Over the course of the day, you will enjoy a forest walk, sail along the glacier’s face, and spend 90 minutes trekking on the ice.

With a maximum group size of 20, the tour caters to travelers who are moderately fit and at least 8 years old.

Lunch and water are provided, though entrance fees aren’t included.

Itinerary and Activities

After the scenic 60-minute forest walk, visitors board a boat for a 40-minute cruise along the glacier’s dramatic south face.

Once on the ice, the 90-minute guided minitrekking adventure begins. Trekkers don crampons and use ice axes to safely navigate the glacier’s crevasses and ridges.

Trekkers don crampons and use ice axes to safely navigate the glacier’s crevasses and ridges during the 90-minute guided minitrekking adventure.

During the trek, there’s a brief stop for a quick lunch.

The tour concludes with a final visit to the glacier overlook, where travelers can capture stunning photos of the immense, awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier.

Safety and Requirements

Although the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour is open to a wide range of participants, there are some important safety and physical requirements to consider.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions. Participants must be between 8 and 65 years old due to insurance restrictions.

A moderate fitness level is required, and certain gear is recommended, including sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, and sun protection.

Passport details are necessary when booking. These guidelines help ensure a safe and enjoyable glacier experience for all.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup from most El Calafate hotels or a designated meeting point is provided for the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour.

The tour ends at the same meeting location.

Entrance fees aren’t included and can be paid in cash or with a Visa card in Argentine pesos. Mastercard isn’t accepted.

Booking in advance is recommended due to high demand, and it’s advised to avoid booking through Viator, as there have been potential issues with confirmation and availability.

Reviews and Recommendations

What do the reviews and recommendations say about the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour?

The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 66 reviews, earning it a Badge of Excellence. Guests praise the well-organized tour, knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and unique glacier experience.

Many recommend booking in advance due to high demand, and advise against using Viator which can cause confirmation and availability issues.

Common feedback highlights the excellent guides, breathtaking views, enjoyable glacier trek, and the memorable experience of being served whiskey at the end of the tour.

Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier, a captivating natural wonder located in El Calafate, Argentina, is the highlight of the Minitrekking Adventure Tour.

Trekkers traverse the glacier’s ice fields, marveling at its stunning blue hues and captivating formations. The experience offers:

• Panoramic views of the glacier’s towering walls and deep crevasses

• Opportunities to witness the glacier’s active calving process

• Guided exploration of the glacier’s unique eco-system

• Chance to savor a whiskey served from the glacier’s ice at the conclusion of the trek

This once-in-a-lifetime adventure provides a thrilling and unforgettable encounter with one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

Highlights of the Minitrekking Adventure

Though the Perito Moreno Glacier is the centerpiece of this tour, the journey to and from the iconic ice formation offer their own highlights.

The 60-minute forest walk provides a scenic prelude, while the 40-minute boat ride off the glacier’s south face delivers stunning vantage points.

During the 90-minute glacier trek, travelers get to don crampons and ice axes, exploring the ice’s crevasses and learning about its formation from knowledgeable guides.

A brief lunch stop refuels hikers before the final visit to the glacier overlook, where they can capture unforgettable photos of this natural wonder.

Preparing for Your Glacier Hike

Before embarking on the Perito Moreno Glacier hike, travelers must ensure they’re properly prepared. The tour requires a moderate fitness level and recommended gear includes:

• Sports shoes or trekking boots

• Warm, comfortable clothing

• Water/windproof jacket

• Sunglasses and sunblock

Participants must also meet age requirements, as the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with certain medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does the Optional Boat Cruise Cost?

The cost of the optional boat cruise is not specified in the provided information. The details only mention that the tour includes a "40 minutes sailing off the glacier’s south face" as part of the itinerary.

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a lunch break during the glacier trek, but guests can supplement this with their own snacks and beverages if desired.

Is It Possible to Extend the Glacier Trekking Time?

It’s possible to extend the glacier trekking time, but this would likely require booking a different tour option or making special arrangements with the tour operator. Additional fees may apply for extended glacier trekking.

Can I Rent Additional Gear On-Site if Needed?

Yes, additional gear can be rented on-site if needed. The tour provides the necessary glacier hiking equipment, but travelers can rent extra items like gloves or hats to ensure their comfort and preparedness during the outdoor adventure.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Minitrekking Activity?

The tour has age restrictions, with a minimum age of 8 years and a maximum age of 65 years due to insurance requirements. Travelers outside this age range are not permitted to participate in the glacier minitrekking activity.

The Sum Up

The El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour offers an unforgettable way to explore one of Patagonia’s natural wonders. With breathtaking scenery, guided ice trekking, and safety-focused excursions, this tour is a must for adventure seekers. Whether you’re 8 or 65, you’re sure to create lasting memories on this thrilling journey through the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.