Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike and Minitrekking in Perito Moreno

The Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike and Minitrekking in Perito Moreno promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Embarking on an 11-hour journey, participants sail across a stunning Argentinian lake before exploring the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. Equipped with crampons, small groups guided by knowledgeable bilingual experts navigate the glacier’s breathtaking ice formations, seeing the vibrant hues and sheer scale of this natural wonder. For those seeking an exhilarating and personalized glacial experience, this tour offers a compelling opportunity to discover the raw beauty and power of one of the world’s most captivating landscapes.

Key Points

• The Big Ice Tour offers a 11-hour excursion to explore the Perito Moreno Glacier, including a 20-minute sail and a minitrekking experience with crampons.
• Participants will have an up-close encounter with one of the few advancing glaciers, guided by experienced bilingual mountain guides.
• The tour features a 20-minute scenic boat crossing of the "Rico" arm of the Argentinian lake, providing a unique perspective of the massive ice formation.
• Strong physical fitness and endurance are required for the minitrekking on uneven, icy terrain, with a maximum group size of 15 for a personalized experience.
• The tour package includes hotel transfers, bilingual guides, lunch, and national park entrance, with a starting price of $512.00 and a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Overview of the Tour

The Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike and Minitrekking in Perito Moreno is an approximately 11-hour excursion located in El Calafate, Argentina.

The tour includes a 1-hour visit to the National Park for panoramic views of the Perito Moreno Glacier, a 20-minute sail on the Argentinian lake, and a minitrekking experience on the glacier with crampons.

Travelers are transported by a bilingual guide and provided lunch, entrance to the National Park, and port taxes.

A strong physical fitness level is required, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the booking confirmation is subject to availability.

Exploring Perito Moreno Glacier

A key highlight of the Big Ice Tour is the opportunity to explore the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.

Following a 20-minute sail to the glacier’s southern wall, participants embark on a minitrekking experience across the ice. Outfitted with crampons, they’ll traverse the glacier’s surface, taking in its stunning vistas from various angles.

This up-close encounter allows visitors to fully appreciate the sheer scale and grandeur of Perito Moreno, one of the few remaining advancing glaciers in the world.

With the guidance of experienced bilingual mountain guides, participants can safely navigate and explore this natural wonder, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sailing Across the Lake

Following the 1-hour visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier viewpoint, the Big Ice Tour transports participants via a 20-minute sail across the "Rico" arm of the Argentinean lake to reach the glacier’s southern wall.

This sailing experience provides a unique perspective of the massive ice formation. The boat ride offers a serene and tranquil journey, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

This scenic crossing is an integral part of the tour, setting the stage for the upcoming minitrekking adventure on the glacier’s surface.

Minitrekking on the Ice

After the serene sailing experience, participants disembark and prepare for the highlight of the tour – the minitrekking on the surface of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The guides outfit the group with crampons, providing stability and traction on the ice. They then lead the adventurers on a guided walk, allowing them to experience the glacier from various angles.

The minitrekking offers a unique opportunity to explore the ice up close, marveling at its vibrant blue hues and intricate formations.

Traversing the glacier’s surface, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the sheer scale and power of this natural wonder.

Fitness and Accessibility

The Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike requires a strong level of physical fitness from participants. Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier demands endurance and stamina. Hikers must be able to walk for extended periods of time over uneven, icy terrain while carrying their own gear.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so mobility is a must. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

While the activity is challenging, the payoff is the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the glacier up close. Proper preparation and a spirit of adventure are essential for those seeking to embark on this unforgettable ice exploration.

Departure and Transportation

Departing early, travelers embark on a bus journey with a bilingual guide providing informative commentary about the surrounding landscape.

The tour begins with a 1-hour visit to the national park, offering panoramic views of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.

From there, participants board a 20-minute boat ride across the "Rico" arm of the Argentinian lake to reach the glacier’s southern wall.

Convenient hotel transfers are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience for adventurous participants seeking to explore the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of inclusions, such as transfers to and from hotels in El Calafate, bilingual mountain guides, the minitrekking experience on the Perito Moreno Glacier, lunch, and entrance to the National Park.

Port taxes are also covered. The starting price for this tour is $512.00, and a lowest price guarantee is available.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour requires a strong physical fitness level, and it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Booking confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability, but the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

Reviews and Recommendations

According to the reviews, travelers have overwhelmingly recommended the Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike, with 93% of the 13 reviews praising the experience.

The tour has earned an impressive 4.5-star rating on Viator and Tripadvisor, with reviewers highlighting the breathtaking views of the Perito Moreno Glacier and the thrilling minitrekking experience.

Participants appreciated the knowledgeable bilingual guides and the inclusion of the National Park entrance fee and lunch.

While the tour requires a strong fitness level, many found the challenges to be manageable and well worth the effort to explore this natural wonder up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 15 travelers. The tour overview states that the group size is limited to a maximum of 15 participants.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment for the Minitrekking?

For the minitrekking activity, travelers are provided with crampons to walk on the glacier’s ice. These specialized footwear attachments ensure proper traction and stability while exploring the glacier’s various angles.

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a catered lunch is included as part of the tour package. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any restrictions or recommendations regarding personal food and beverages.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There is no option to extend the duration of the tour. The tour has a fixed schedule of approximately 11 hours, including 7 hours and 30 minutes on-site. Travelers must adhere to the set itinerary and time frame.

How Difficult Is the Terrain During the Minitrekking Portion?

The terrain during the minitrekking portion can be challenging, requiring a strong fitness level. Participants will traverse the uneven, icy surface of the glacier while wearing crampons for traction and stability.

Recap

The Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike and Minitrekking in Perito Moreno offers an unforgettable adventure. Travelers can expect a scenic boat ride, guided exploration of the glacier’s stunning ice formations, and personalized attention from knowledgeable bilingual guides. With crampons provided, even those with limited hiking experience can safely navigate the glacier’s majestic landscape. Overall, it’s an exhilarating and accessible way to experience the grandeur of Perito Moreno.