El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier BIG ICE Trek and Walkways

Discover the breathtaking beauty of El Calafate’s Perito Moreno Glacier with an unforgettable BIG ICE Trek and Walkways adventure. This 10-hour journey immerses you in the stunning landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, offering a thrilling 3.5-hour guided trek across the magnificent glacier’s unique formations. With personalized attention for a maximum of 10 participants, you’ll witness the sheer scale and power of this natural wonder up close. Complemented by awe-inspiring views from the park’s scenic walkways, this experience promises an unforgettable exploration of one of Patagonia’s most captivating destinations. Uncover the secrets that await as you embark on this remarkable adventure.

Key Points

• Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier through a 3.5-hour guided ice trek, offering close encounters with the glacier’s awe-inspiring formations.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the glacier’s southern face from a scenic boat trip.
• Take advantage of the comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup, park entrance, and necessary safety equipment.
• Ensure your comfort and safety by wearing warm, layered clothing and sturdy hiking shoes.
• This 10-hour adventure is suitable for physically fit participants and excludes those with certain medical conditions or mobility impairments.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Big Ice excursion consistently offers an intense hike on the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier.

This 10-hour adventure, including a guided ice trek and boat trip, is priced from $710.00 per person. The company provides free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility for travelers.

The excursion starts with hotel pickup in El Calafate Center and includes guided transportation, entrance to Glacier National Park, and the necessary equipment like crampons, harnesses, and helmets.

Warm clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and other essential items are recommended for this immersive glacier experience.

Itinerary and Highlights

Commencing at the hotels in El Calafate Center, the excursion takes participants on a captivating journey through the renowned Los Glaciares National Park, with the main highlights being the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier and the park’s scenic walkways.

A guided ice trek on the glacier itself, lasting an impressive 3.5 hours, allows adventurers to explore the ice’s intricate formations up close, accompanied by expert guides. The experience is further enhanced by a boat trip to the glacier’s southern face, offering unparalleled views.

Plus, visitors can marvel at the park’s balconies, providing panoramic vistas of the stunning glacial landscape. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate adventure.

Included in the Tour

Included in the excursion are hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.

The tour also provides guided transportation throughout the adventure, allowing participants to focus on the stunning landscapes.

Entrance to the Glacier National Park is included, granting access to the park’s renowned walkways and viewpoints.

Hikers can take advantage of the provided crampons, harnesses, and helmets, ensuring their safety and comfort during the guided ice trek.

With these inclusive features, the Big Ice excursion offers a comprehensive, well-organized experience for those seeking an unforgettable exploration of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

What to Bring

Preparation is key for an enjoyable and safe excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier. The Big Ice trek requires bringing along several essential items.

Participants should wear:

1. Warm, layered clothing to protect against the glacier’s chilly temperatures.
2. Sturdy, non-slip hiking shoes or boots for the challenging terrain.
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen to shield from the glacier’s glare.
4. A backpack with snacks, water, and rain gear to stay fueled and dry.

Bringing the appropriate gear ensures a comfortable and successful experience on the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.

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Restrictions and Suitability

Although the Perito Moreno Glacier offers an unparalleled adventurous experience, the Big Ice excursion isn’t suitable for everyone.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back, heart, or respiratory issues, those with mobility impairments, children under 18, and those with severe vertigo.

Participants must have the physical capacity to walk for at least 7.5 hours, partly on ice while wearing crampons.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for those with cardiovascular diseases, recent surgeries, or who’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

These restrictions aim to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants on the challenging glacier trek.

Health Requirements

To be eligible for the Big Ice excursion on the Perito Moreno Glacier, participants must demonstrate a requisite physical capacity.

The health requirements stipulate that hikers must be able to walk for at least 7.5 hours, partly on ice while wearing crampons.

Individuals with the following conditions aren’t permitted to join the trek:

1. Cardiovascular diseases
2. Recent surgical procedures
3. Tested positive for COVID-19
4. Severe vertigo or mobility impairments

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants on the challenging glacier hike.

Prospective travelers should carefully assess their physical fitness before booking the excursion.

Tour Guidance and Booking

The Big Ice excursion on the Perito Moreno Glacier is led by bilingual tour guides who provide comprehensive information about the stunning landscape.

They share insights into the glacier’s formation, evolution, and ecological significance as visitors explore the ice and take in the breathtaking vistas.

Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and guests are required to show their tickets at the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park.

The company emphasizes the importance of packing appropriate warm clothing, food, and water, as they don’t sell these items on-site.

With a maximum group size of 10, the tour offers an intimate and informative experience amidst the grandeur of one of Patagonia’s most magnificent natural wonders.

Important Notes

Comfortable, warm clothing is strongly recommended for the Big Ice excursion. The company doesn’t sell food or drinks, so participants should bring their own. Plus, tickets must be shown at the entrance of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

Here are four important notes to keep in mind:

1. Dress in layers to stay warm during the trek on the glacier.
2. Pack a sufficient amount of food and water for the 10-hour duration.
3. Be prepared to present the purchased tickets when entering the national park.
4. Adhere to the company’s policies and safety guidelines throughout the excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier?

The best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier is between November and March when the weather’s milder and the glacier’s most active. However, the glacier can be visited year-round, though the experience may vary depending on the season.

Can I Leave the Group During the Trek for Personal Exploration?

No, participants cannot leave the group during the guided trek on Perito Moreno Glacier. The tour has a strict policy of maintaining the group together throughout the excursion for safety and logistical reasons.

Do I Need to Have Prior Glacier Hiking Experience?

No, prior glacier hiking experience is not required. The tour provides all the necessary equipment and expert guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, even for those without previous glacier trekking experience.

Is There an Option for a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private or smaller group tour. The excursion limits group sizes to a maximum of 10 participants, providing a more personalized experience on the ice trek and walkways.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Trek?

Yes, participants can bring their own camera equipment on the trek. The company encourages guests to capture the stunning glacial landscapes and activities during the excursion, though they recommend using lightweight, compact gear for ease of movement.

Recap

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek and Walkways adventure in El Calafate offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the magnificent glacier’s unique formations during a guided ice trek, while taking in the stunning views from scenic walkways in Los Glaciares National Park. With personalized attention, essential inclusions, and strict safety measures, this 10-hour journey provides a memorable and safe way to experience the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder.

You can check if your dates are available here: