The Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Argentina, is a captivating natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world. The El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore this icy marvel up close. With a carefully curated itinerary and expert guides, the tour offers an immersive experience that combines a scenic boat ride, a thrilling glacier trek, and a leisurely forest walk. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply seeking a memorable encounter with one of nature’s most impressive creations, this tour promises to leave you awestruck and craving more.
Key Points
- Full-day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, Argentina, offering a 60-minute forest walk, 40-minute sail, and 90-minute glacier trek.
- Guided by bilingual experts, with safety equipment like crampons and ice axes provided, and a maximum group size of 20 travelers.
- Moderate physical fitness required, with not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
- Pickup and transportation included, with a scenic journey to the glacier and a return to the original meeting point.
- Well-organized tour with positive customer feedback, offering a unique and up-close experience with the natural wonders of Patagonia.
Tour Overview
The El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour typically offers visitors a full-day excursion to explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier in the Patagonia region of Argentina.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a 60-minute forest walk, a 40-minute sail along the glacier’s southern face, and a 90-minute trek on the glacier itself.
Participants will receive crampons, ice axes, and safety gear to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 61 reviews, this tour is a popular choice for those seeking an up-close encounter with one of Patagonia’s most impressive natural wonders.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Calafate.
Activities and Itinerary
This tour offers visitors a range of activities designed to provide an immersive experience at the Perito Moreno Glacier.
It begins with a 60-minute forest walk, followed by a 40-minute sailing excursion along the glacier’s southern face, and culminates in a 90-minute trekking adventure on the glacier itself.
The tour provides all necessary equipment, including crampons, ice axes, and safety gear, ensuring participants’ safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch, while the tour operator provides water.
Bilingual guides, fluent in both Spanish and English, lead the group, sharing their extensive knowledge and ensuring a memorable and informative experience.
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60-minute forest walk (round trip)
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40 minutes sailing off the glacier’s south face
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90 minutes trekking on the glacier
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Guided by bilingual (Spanish and English) experts
Pickup and Transportation
Most hotels in El Calafate or a designated meeting point serve as the pickup points for this tour.
Participants are then transported by bus to the Bajo de las Sombras port, where they board a 20-minute boat ride to reach the Perito Moreno Glacier site.
This scenic journey allows travelers to take in the stunning natural surroundings before arriving at the glacier.
The tour ends back at the original meeting point, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for all participants.
Whether you’re staying in El Calafate or need a designated pickup location, the tour operator provides reliable transportation to and from the glacier, making it easy to focus on the incredible adventure that lies ahead.
Fitness and Gear Requirements
Moderate physical fitness is generally required for the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour, with a minimum age of 8 and a maximum age of 65.
Travelers should wear proper attire such as wool socks, trekking boots, and cold weather clothing, and bring gloves to stay warm and comfortable throughout the experience. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the tour provides:
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Crampons and ice axes for trekking on the glacier
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Comprehensive safety gear and equipment
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Bilingual (Spanish and English) guides
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A 60-minute forest walk and 90-minute glacier trekking activity
Health Restrictions
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, as the high-altitude and physical demands may pose health risks.
Expectant mothers should avoid the glacier trek due to the potential strain on the body. Similarly, individuals with cardiovascular, respiratory, or other chronic illnesses may find the excursion challenging.
The guides strongly advise participants to disclose any medical concerns prior to the tour. Those with mobility issues or physical limitations may also want to reconsider, as the hike on the glacier requires a moderate level of fitness.
Ultimately, the safety and well-being of all guests are the top priorities, and the tour operators recommend consulting a healthcare professional before booking this adventurous experience.
Customer Feedback
Typically, reviewers praise the knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides who lead the Perito Moreno Glacier tour, highlighting the unique and breathtaking experience of trekking on the glacier itself.
The well-organized nature of the tour is also commonly noted, with most customers reporting a seamless experience from pickup to drop-off. However, some travelers have encountered issues when booking through third-party sites, leading to overbooking complaints.
To ensure the best service, it’s recommended to book directly with the local tour operators.
The Perito Moreno Glacier tour receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with customers thoroughly enjoying:
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The stunning scenery of the glacier
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The informative and engaging guides
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The sense of adventure and exploration
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The well-executed logistics of the tour
Pricing and Policies
The El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour costs from $317.00 and includes a full-day experience with hotel pickup and drop-off.
The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with a minimum age of 8 and maximum age of 65. Entrance fees aren’t included and can be paid in cash or with Visa cards in Argentine pesos.
The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and the maximum group size is 20 travelers.
Travelers are advised to bring proper gear like wool socks, trekking boots, and cold weather clothing. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
Group Size
The tour operator limits group sizes to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience on the glacier. This small group size allows for:
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Easier navigation and movement on the glacier
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More individualized attention from the experienced bilingual guides
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Reduced wait times and less crowded conditions
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A more peaceful and serene atmosphere to fully appreciate the stunning natural wonder
With a cap of 20 participants, this Perito Moreno Glacier mini-trekking adventure maintains a high-quality, exclusive feel throughout the day’s activities. The small group size is just one of the many thoughtful details that contributes to making this a truly memorable and hassle-free glacier exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do We Get to See the Full Perito Moreno Glacier?
No, this tour does not provide a view of the full Perito Moreno Glacier. It focuses on a minitrekking experience on a portion of the glacier, as well as sailing near its southern face. The full glacier can only be seen from a distance.
Can I Rent Equipment On-Site if I Don’t Have My Own?
Yes, you can rent equipment on-site if you don’t have your own. The tour provides crampons, ice axes, and safety gear to ensure participants are properly equipped for the glacier trekking portion of the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration can typically be extended for an additional fee, allowing visitors more time to explore the glacier. However, this should be confirmed with the tour operator in advance, as availability and pricing may vary.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Lunch?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and lunch for the tour. Water is provided, but bringing additional food and beverages can make the experience more enjoyable and convenient for the participants.
Are There Any Age Restrictions Besides the Minimum and Maximum?
The tour has an age restriction of a minimum of 8 years old and a maximum of 65 years old. There are no other specific age requirements beyond these limits.
Recap
The El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour offers an unforgettable Patagonian experience.
With a guided forest walk, scenic glacier sail, and thrilling glacier trek, participants enjoy the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.
The tour’s safety gear, small group size, and expert bilingual guides ensure a personalized and memorable adventure for those seeking an up-close encounter with one of nature’s wonders.
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