Unesco Jewels: The Famous Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a true UNESCO jewel nestled in Argentina’s Patagonian wilderness. This colossal, advancing glacier captivates visitors with its striking blue hues and awe-inspiring size. Guided tours offer unparalleled access, allowing travelers to explore the glacier’s walkways and witness its dramatic calving events. But to truly appreciate this natural wonder, one must experience it from a different vantage point – a boat ride that provides a unique perspective on the glacier’s grandeur.

Key Points

• Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, known for its stunning blue hues and dramatic calving events.
• Guided tours from El Calafate offer up-close views and photo opportunities along walkways, with optional boat rides for a unique perspective.
• The extensive walkways provide strategic viewing points to observe the glacier’s towering walls and hear the mesmerizing sounds of ice cracking and calving.
• Boat rides allow visitors to witness the dramatic calving events up close, but can be crowded, so less popular options are recommended for a better experience.
• Perito Moreno Glacier is highly accessible, with tour prices starting from $94.00 per person, and overall positive reviews, though some issues with booking confirmations and overcrowded boat rides have been reported.

The Majestic Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier, a majestic natural wonder in the Patagonian region of Argentina, captivates visitors with its sheer size, stunning blue hues, and the awe-inspiring sounds of its calving ice.

This colossal glacier, spanning over 97 square miles, is one of the few remaining advancing glaciers in the world. Travelers can witness the dramatic process of ice chunks breaking off and crashing into the frigid waters below.

Trekking along the glacier’s walkways offers unparalleled vantage points to admire its majestic beauty and power, leaving visitors in awe of nature’s grand spectacle.

Guided Tour to the Glacier’s Heart

Visitors seeking to explore the Perito Moreno Glacier up-close can embark on a guided tour that provides unparalleled access to the glacier’s heart.

The tour departs from El Calafate, ferrying small groups aboard a comfortable bus with a local guide. Disembarking near the glacier, travelers stroll along walkways for up-close views and photo opportunities. An optional boat ride offers a unique perspective from the icy waters.

The tour includes an English and Spanish-speaking guide, roundtrip transfers, lunch, and entrance fees.

While reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery, some note booking and boat issues.

Exploring the Glacier’s Walkways

One of the highlights of the Perito Moreno Glacier tour is the opportunity to stroll along the glacier’s extensive walkways.

These strategically placed platforms allow visitors to admire the glacier’s towering walls and observe its dynamic movements from various vantage points.

As you make your way along the walkways, you’ll be awestruck by the glacier’s sheer size and the mesmerizing sounds of ice cracking and calving.

The walkways provide diverse perspectives, enabling you to capture the glacier’s grandeur through your camera lens.

This self-guided exploration is a must-do for any visitor seeking an intimate encounter with the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.

Boat Ride for a Different Perspective

What better way to experience the grandeur of Perito Moreno Glacier than from the icy waters surrounding it? An optional boat ride offers a unique perspective of this massive ice formation.

Gliding through the chilly lake, visitors can admire the glacier’s towering walls and witness dramatic calving events up close. However, this boat excursion can be crowded, leading to less-than-ideal photo opportunities.

To avoid the masses, it’s best to select a less popular boat option, even if it costs a bit more. The boat ride complements the walking tours, providing a fuller appreciation of Perito Moreno’s scale and power.

Accessibility and Meeting Details

The Perito Moreno Glacier tour is accessible for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility, though they must be accompanied.

Pickup is from centrally located hotels in El Calafate, and alternative meeting points are provided for accommodations without reception.

The tour starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

It includes an English and Spanish-speaking guide, roundtrip transfers, lunch, and the entrance fee, which is approximately $30 USD.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour price starts from $94.00 per person. Payment options include cash or Visa card in pesos, though Mastercard isn’t accepted.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins. The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 people, so it’s best to book early.

When planning the trip, keep in mind that the national park fee may not be included in the tour price, so additional costs may apply.

Selecting less crowded boat options can also enhance the photography experience during the glacier visit.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

How do customers rate and describe their experiences with the Perito Moreno Glacier tour?

With an overall rating of 4.1 based on 61 reviews, the tour earns positive feedback for its knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery.

However, some customers report issues with booking confirmations and overcrowded boat rides. Specific complaints highlight mismanagement and disappointment when missing out on the boat trip highlight.

Some customers reported issues with booking confirmations and overcrowded boat rides, leading to disappointment when missing the boat trip highlight.

Despite these concerns, the tour remains a popular choice, with travelers recommending booking locally upon arrival to avoid potential problems and selecting less crowded boat options for a better photography experience.

Tips for the Best Glacier Adventure

To make the most of your Perito Moreno Glacier adventure, consider booking the tour locally upon arrival. This can help avoid potential issues with online reservations.

Be sure to check if the national park fee is included in the tour price to avoid unexpected costs.

For a better experience, select less crowded boat options for unobstructed photography. The glacier’s walkways offer diverse views, so take time to enjoy them and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

• Avoid booking online to prevent confirmation issues

• Select boat tours with smaller groups for better views

• Explore the glacier’s walkways for exceptional photo opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the Perito Moreno Glacier tour. However, a provided lunch is included in the tour price, so bringing additional provisions may not be necessary. Guests should check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the Perito Moreno Glacier tour. The tour is accessible for all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities On-Site?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on-site at the Perito Moreno Glacier observation area. Visitors can use the restrooms before and after exploring the walkways along the glacier.

Can I Take the Tour if I Have a Physical Disability?

Yes, the tour is accessible for those with physical disabilities, but they must be accompanied. The tour bus and walkways accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the glacier’s stunning views.

What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers flexibility with their plans. Refunds are available if you need to cancel your reservation within this timeframe.