El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier, Boat Cruise & Glaciarium

Nestled in the heart of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier. This two-day excursion immerses visitors in the region’s breathtaking landscapes, providing a guided tour, a scenic boat cruise, and access to the Glaciarium Museum. With a focus on convenience and comfort, the package includes hotel pickup, lunch, and essential amenities, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an awe-inspiring adventure, this El Calafate tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to explore further.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In El Calafate.

Key Points

• Comprehensive two-day tour exploring Perito Moreno Glacier, including a guided visit, boat cruise, and Glaciarium museum in Los Glaciares National Park.
• Tour priced from $112 per person with hotel pickup and return, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Walkway access, navigation ticket, and museum admission included, with lunch provided and guide services available in Spanish and English.
• National Park entry fees vary, with a discounted rate for Argentine residents, payable in cash or Visa.
• Wheelchair accessible and pets/large bags not permitted, with free hourly shuttle to the Glaciarium Museum.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, located within the stunning Los Glaciares National Park.

It’s a two-day adventure that includes a guided visit to the glacier, a boat cruise, and a trip to the Glaciarium museum. Priced from $112 per person, the tour provides hotel pickup and return, access to the glacier’s walkways, and lunch.

The National Park fee varies, with Argentine residents paying a discounted rate. Visitors can reserve the tour and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though restrictions apply on luggage and pets.

Itinerary Details

On Day 1, visitors get picked up from their authorized hotels and travel to the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier within Los Glaciares National Park.

They’ll walk along a 4 km network of walkways for about 2 hours, marveling at the glacier’s immense size and power.

After this, they’ll embark on a 1-hour boat ride that takes them up to 300 m from the glacier’s face.

Finally, they’ll return to El Calafate.

The next day, visitors explore the Glaciarium Museum, a multimedia experience that provides in-depth information and presentations about glaciers.

Inclusions

The tour includes several key inclusions.

Hotel pickup and return, as well as access to the walkways, navigation ticket, and admission to the Glaciarium Museum, are provided. A tasty lunch is also part of the package.

Travelers should note the National Park fees, which vary based on residency status. Argentine residents pay ARS $2,500 per person, while general admission is ARS $12,000.

The guide services are available in both Spanish and English. Payment for the National Park entry fee can be made in cash or via Visa card, though Mastercard isn’t accepted.

Important Information

Wheelchair users can access the tour with no issues, though pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t permitted.

To get to the Glaciarium Museum, a free shuttle runs hourly from 11 AM to 5 PM from Hosteria ACA. The national park entry fee must be paid in cash or with a Visa card in Argentine pesos, as Mastercard isn’t accepted.

This comprehensive tour offers convenient hotel pickup and return, access to walkways, a boat ride, and admission to the Glaciarium Museum.

With detailed planning and thoughtful considerations, visitors can make the most of their two-day exploration of the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding areas.

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Customer Feedback

According to 37 reviews, the overall rating for this Perito Moreno Glacier tour is 4.6 out of 5.

Travelers praised the guide’s knowledge and energy, rating them 4 out of 5. The transportation also received high marks at 4.6 out of 5, and the service was rated an impressive 4.8 out of 5.

However, the organization of the tour received a slightly lower score of 4.3 out of 5, with some dissatisfaction regarding communication for the second day and the perceived value of the two-day tour.

Getting There

From El Calafate, travelers can easily reach the Perito Moreno Glacier, located within the renowned Los Glaciares National Park.

The journey to the glacier is straightforward, with several transportation options available:

1. Guided Tours: Many tour operators offer seamless day trips from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier, providing round-trip transportation, guided walks, and boat cruises.

2. Public Buses: Local buses depart regularly from El Calafate, taking visitors directly to the glacier’s main access point, where they can explore independently.

3. Private Transfer: For those seeking a more personalized experience, private transfers can be arranged, allowing travelers to set their own pace and schedule.

What to Bring

Typically, visitors are recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or layers, sun protection, and a water bottle when embarking on the Perito Moreno Glacier tour.

The terrain around the glacier can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential. Layering clothing is advised, as the weather can be unpredictable, with cool temperatures near the ice.

Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are necessary to shield against the bright, reflective glacier. Plus, bringing a refillable water bottle helps stay hydrated during the excursion.

While some snacks may be available, it’s recommended to pack any desired food or drinks.

These essentials will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors frequently ask a variety of questions about the Perito Moreno Glacier tour.

Some key FAQs include:

1. Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the walkways and facilities are wheelchair-friendly, allowing all visitors to access the glacier’s viewpoints.

2. What should I bring? Pack warm layers, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning glacier views.

Avoid large bags, as they’re not permitted on the tour.

3. Can I pay with a Mastercard? No, the national park entry fee can only be paid in cash or with a Visa card in Argentine pesos.

Mastercard isn’t accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to the tour information, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed. The tour includes a provided lunch, and there are restrictions on bringing luggage or large bags.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Cruise?

There are no age restrictions for the boat cruise. The tour is suitable for all ages and the boat can accommodate passengers of all ages, though children should be supervised by an adult.

Is There an Option to Extend the Glacier Walking Time?

There’s no explicit option to extend the glacier walking time. However, visitors can spend more time exploring the walkway network if desired, within the overall 2-hour allocated period. The tour’s itinerary provides a suggested duration, but is flexible to accommodate individual preferences.

Can I Purchase the National Park Fee at the Entrance?

You can purchase the national park entry fee in cash or with a Visa card at the park entrance. Payment by Mastercard is not accepted. The fee varies for Argentine residents and non-residents.

Are There Any Dietary Options Available for the Included Lunch?

The tour includes lunch, but it doesn’t specify any dietary options. Participants with dietary restrictions should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodating their needs.

Recap

El Calafate’s Perito Moreno Glacier excursion offers an unforgettable adventure. Guests can witness the glacier’s massive size, explore scenic walkways, and learn about its formation at the Glaciarium Museum. With convenient inclusions like hotel pickup, lunch, and essential amenities, this two-day experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.

You can check if your dates are available here: