Argentina’s El Calafate delivers big on glacier adventures, with tours centered around the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. Basic full-day excursions provide the essential glacier experience – combining boardwalk viewing with mini-boat rides. We especially love the glacier trekking tours, which get you up close to deep blue ice caves and crevasses while expert guides share fascinating geological insights.
For nature enthusiasts, boat trips on Lago Argentino showcase floating icebergs and stunning Patagonian landscapes. The Leona Petrified Forest tour stands out as a fascinating alternative, where ancient fossils tell a 70-million-year-old story.
Let’s look at our favorite El Calafate tours that combine comfort with unforgettable natural wonders.
Key Points
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Perito Moreno Glacier Excursions by Glaciar Turismo offer a highly rated 8-hour guided tour with air-conditioned transfers and optional boat ride.
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The Classic Guided Tour to Los Glaciares National Park provides a comprehensive 5-kilometer boardwalk experience with panoramic glacier views.
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The Big Ice Trek offers a 9-hour guided hiking adventure on the glacier, including a boat ride and exploration of ice features.
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The Glacier Guided Day Tour & Sailing combines guided glacier walks with a 1-hour boat cruise on Argentino Lake.
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The guided hiking tour to the La Leona Petrified Forest showcases unique natural wonders like petrified trees and dinosaur bones.
Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, With Guide and Transfer To/From the Hotel
For those seeking to experience the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, the Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, With Guide and Transfer To/From the Hotel offers a convenient and informative way to do so.
Operated by Glaciar Turismo, this excursion takes visitors to the glacier’s location in El Calafate, Argentina. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide for Los Glaciares National Park, and entrance to the park.
Travelers can choose to bring their own lunch or purchase it locally. The excursion starts at 9 am and involves a 1.5-hour bus ride each way. An optional 1-hour boat ride close to the glacier is available.
Boardwalks provide views of the glacier from multiple angles, and visitors can choose between the yellow (fewer steps) or blue (600 steps one-way) hiking paths.
With a maximum of 18 travelers per tour, this excursion boasts a 4.9 overall rating from 60 reviews, and 100% of travelers recommend it.
Read our full review: Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, With Guide and Transfer To/From the Hotel Review
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El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier Classic Tour With Guide
The Perito Moreno Glacier Guided Tour offers visitors an immersive experience to witness the grandeur of one of Argentina’s most iconic natural wonders.
This 8-hour excursion takes travelers on an 80-kilometer journey from El Calafate to the stunning Los Glaciares National Park, home of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Along the way, guests will explore Lago Argentino and Bahía Redonda before reaching the glacier.
Once there, they’ll walk along a 5-kilometer network of boardwalks, enjoying panoramic views of the glacier’s towering faces.
The tour includes stops for photo opportunities and an optional lunch at the on-site restaurant or snack bar.
With a focus on respect for nature, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides and uses comfortable bus transportation, earning high marks from past participants.
Priced at £6396 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience to explore one of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Read our full review: El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier Classic Tour With Guide Review
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Guided Trek Through Perito Moreno Glacier
Traversing the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, the Big Ice Trek offers adventurers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s few advancing glaciers.
Located within Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, this 9-hour tour includes a 4-hour guided hike across the ice, complete with stunning views of crevasses, ice caves, and waterfalls.
The trek begins with a boat ride across Lake Argentino, followed by a guided walk through the forest to the glacier’s base.
Trekkers will then don crampons and spend 4 hours exploring the glacier’s dynamic features, pausing for a lunch break.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and undisturbed experience.
While moderate fitness is required, the rewards are abundant – from the knowledgeable guides focused on safety to the breathtaking vistas.
Participants should come prepared for changing weather conditions and bring extra layers to ensure a comfortable trek.
With a 4.4-star rating, the Big Ice Trek is a must-do for adventurous travelers visiting El Calafate.
Read our full review: Guided Trek Through Perito Moreno Glacier Review
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Guided Day Tour & Sailing
This 8-hour guided tour allows visitors to fully experience the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate. Priced from £182.96 per person, the tour includes pickup from El Calafate, a guided walk along trails with various viewpoints of the glacier, and a 1-hour boat cruise on Argentino Lake.
Travelers will discover the magic of glaciers while exploring the national park. The tour is led by bilingual professional guides and includes air-conditioned transportation and entrance fees. Passengers can purchase lunch on-site.
Reviewers praise the fantastic guided explanations, beautiful sights, and accommodating service, with an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 119 reviews.
Travelers should bring their passport and note that large luggage isn’t allowed. The national park ticket can be purchased online or at the entrance. Full names, dates of birth, passport numbers, and nationalities are required for booking.
Read our full review: El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Guided Day Tour & Sailing Review
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Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour
Venture beyond the captivating Perito Moreno Glacier and discover the unique landscapes of La Leona Petrified Forest on a guided hiking tour from El Calafate.
This day-long excursion takes you on a gentle hike through an arid steppe, where you’ll find petrified trees and fossilized dinosaur bones. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Argentino Lake, the Santa Cruz and La Leona rivers, and the majestic Andes mountains.
The tour includes round-trip air-conditioned transport, a boxed lunch, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide. It operates from October to April, with a maximum of 30 travelers.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level and be at least 6 years old. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
With 19 positive reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, this tour offers a fascinating alternative to the area’s glacier tours.
Highlights include the opportunity to hold petrified wood and bones, as well as the informative and friendly nature of the guides.
Read our full review: Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour Review
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Full Day Guided Tour Perito Moreno National Park and Glacier
Although situated in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, the full-day guided tour of Perito Moreno Glacier offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of this stunning natural wonder.
Departing from El Calafate, the tour provides hotel pickup and admission to the national park, ensuring a seamless experience.
During the day, travelers will enjoy a scenic drive and witness the breathtaking views of the glacier, with an informative guide providing valuable insights.
Lunch with vegan and celiac options is included, and an optional boat tour is available for an additional cost.
With a maximum of 24 travelers per tour and consistently high ratings from past participants, this guided experience is a must-do for anyone visiting the region.
The tour is praised for its organization, communication, and knowledgeable guides, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Perito Moreno.
Read our full review: Full Day Guided Tour Perito Moreno National Park and Glacier Review
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Travelers seeking an immersive experience at the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier can embark on a guided tour with GPS navigation.
Located in El Calafate, Argentina, this full-day excursion costs from $180 per person and accommodates up to 24 participants. The tour includes a bilingual guide, pick-up/drop-off from accommodations, and transportation with climate control.
Visitors will enjoy entrance to the Los Glaciares National Park and have access to food and drinks.
The pickup starts at 8:45 a.m., and the drop-off is around 4:30 p.m. Coordination with the tour operator is required for pickup points.
The tour is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly transportation and surfaces. Most travelers can participate, though infants must sit on laps.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring warm clothing, and pack essentials like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Read our full review: Perito Moreno Glacier With Guide + GPS Navigation Travel Review
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The Sum Up
El Calafate offers a range of guided tours that allow visitors to explore the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. Whether you opt for a classic tour, a guided trek, or a sailing excursion, you’ll have the chance to witness the glacier’s breathtaking beauty up close with the assistance of knowledgeable guides. Plus, guided hikes through the Petrified Forest and Perito Moreno National Park provide opportunities to discover the region’s unique landscapes.