Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour From El Calafate

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour from El Calafate promises an unforgettable adventure for active travelers. This full-day excursion allows visitors to explore the stunning ice formations of the glacier up close, sailing across the azure waters of Lago Argentino and hiking through the Patagonian wilderness. With knowledgeable guides and a small group size, participants can expect an intimate and immersive experience amidst the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this Patagonian wonder. But the real thrill comes when witnessing the jaw-dropping calving of the glacier’s ice walls into the lake.

Key Points

• The Big Ice Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, including sailing on Lago Argentino, ice walking, and hiking.
• The tour is suitable for physically fit individuals aged 18-50 and is guided by English and Spanish-speaking experts with a maximum group size of 10.
• Participants will be equipped with crampons to step onto the ice and experience the raw power and grandeur of the glacier through guided treks.
• The sailing experience on Lago Argentino provides breathtaking views of the glacier’s size and hues, and the opportunity to witness the calving of ice chunks.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, provision of ice walking crampons and navigation fees, and requires the completion of passport details and a medical form to confirm fitness.

Overview of the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to explore the interior of one of the most impressive glaciers in Patagonia.

Located in El Calafate, Argentina, this full-day tour includes a range of activities like sailing on Lago Argentino, ice walking with crampons, and hiking in the Patagonian Andean forest.

The tour is suitable for physically fit individuals aged 18-50 and isn’t recommended for those with medical conditions or physical limitations.

With a maximum group size of 10, the tour provides an intimate experience guided by English and Spanish-speaking experts.

Exploring the Interior of the Perito Moreno Glacier

After being transported to the glacier’s edge, participants embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Equipped with sturdy crampons, they step onto the ice, marveling at its shimmering blue hues and intricate patterns.

The guided trek takes them through a labyrinth of towering ice walls, glistening crevasses, and captivating ice caves.

Navigating the glacier’s ever-changing terrain, explorers discover the raw power of this natural wonder, standing in awe of its size and grandeur.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the glacier’s formation and unique features, creating a deeper appreciation for this Patagonian gem.

Sailing on Lago Argentino to the Glacier Edge

Following the completion of the glacier trekking portion, participants board a boat to sail across the pristine Lago Argentino towards the towering face of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The navigation provides breathtaking views of the glacier’s immense size and stunning blue hues.

As the boat approaches the glacier’s edge, visitors can witness the power of nature, with chunks of ice calving and crashing into the lake.

This up-close encounter with the glacier’s dynamic forces is a highlight of the tour, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the grandeur of this natural wonder.

Ice Walking With Crampons

Once the group has been outfitted with specialized crampons, they carefully step onto the Perito Moreno Glacier‘s icy surface. The crampons provide essential traction, allowing the travelers to safely navigate the glacier’s rugged terrain.

As they explore the frozen landscape, they encounter:

• Mesmerizing ice formations, including towering seracs and deep crevasses
• Shimmering, azure-hued meltwater pools that reflect the surrounding peaks
• Unique opportunities to touch and feel the glacier’s ancient, compacted ice
• Awe-inspiring vistas of the glacier’s massive, calving front and the vast Lago Argentino beyond

The ice walking experience offers a thrilling and intimate connection with this natural wonder.

Hiking in the Patagonian Andean Forest

Departing from the glacier’s icy surface, the group embarks on a 4-hour round-trip hike through the Patagonian Andean forest. This scenic trek takes them deep into the lush, untouched wilderness, offering a stark contrast to the rugged glacier they just explored. Along the way, they encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna, from towering beech trees to curious guanacos. The trail itself is well-maintained, though it can be challenging in sections due to uneven terrain and steep inclines. Throughout the hike, the guide provides insightful commentary on the local ecosystem and its delicate balance.

Terrain	Difficulty	Duration
Uneven	Moderate	4 hours (round trip)
Steep inclines	Challenging in sections	–
Diverse flora and fauna	–	–

Navigation in Front of the Glacier

After exploring the interior of the Perito Moreno Glacier, the tour group boards a boat for a breathtaking navigation in front of the glacier.

The voyage allows travelers to witness the sheer scale and power of this natural wonder up close. As the boat moves along the glacier’s edge, guests can observe:

• Massive chunks of ice calving off the glacier’s face
• Brilliant blue hues reflecting off the ice’s surface
• The thunderous sound of the glacier’s movement and collapse
• Opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the glacier’s grandeur

The navigation offers a unique perspective that completes the Perito Moreno Glacier experience.

Group Size and Tour Duration

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour limits group sizes to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

This full-day tour takes visitors on an immersive journey, with 4 hours of hiking in the Patagonian Andean forest and 3.5 hours of walking directly on the glacier’s ice.

Traversing the glacier’s interior, guests will have the opportunity to explore its unique ice formations, including captivating ice caves.

The tour’s duration allows ample time for visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur of this natural wonder and create lasting memories of their Patagonian adventure.

Inclusions, Requirements, and Pickup Information

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

The tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from most El Calafate hotels
• Provision of ice walking crampons
• Specialized English and Spanish speaking guides
• Navigation fees

Travelers must bring their own lunch and wear suitable clothing for the activity.

Payment for the entrance fee can be made in cash or by Visa card in Argentine pesos, as Mastercard isn’t accepted.

Full passport details and medical form completion are mandatory to confirm fitness for the tour.

Sum Up

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour from El Calafate provides an unforgettable adventure, allowing participants to enjoy Patagonia’s natural wonders. From exploring the glacier’s stunning ice formations while wearing crampons to sailing on Lago Argentino and hiking in the Andean forest, this intimate tour offers an unparalleled encounter with one of the region’s most awe-inspiring sights – the calving of ice into the lake.