El Calafate: Trip to the Famous Perito Moreno Glacier

Nestled in the heart of Argentina’s Patagonia region, the quaint town of El Calafate offers a truly remarkable experience for nature enthusiasts. Its crown jewel, the Perito Moreno Glacier, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates visitors with its sheer size, striking blue hues, and mesmerizing ice calving displays. This 8-hour adventure provides a comprehensive introduction to the glacier’s history, ecology, and breathtaking beauty, leaving travelers in awe of the region’s natural wonders. With accessible walkways, expert bilingual guides, and the option for a closer boat ride, this excursion promises an unforgettable exploration of one of the world’s most impressive glacial landscapes.

Key Points

• Experience a day trip from El Calafate to witness the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.

• Enjoy panoramic views of the glacier from walkways in Los Glaciares National Park, with the opportunity to observe dramatic ice calving events.

• Gain insights from expert guides on the glacier’s history, ecology, and geology, enhancing your appreciation of this natural wonder.

• Choose from a range of options, including a boat ride for a closer look at the glacier or a shorter walking tour, to accommodate your preferences and abilities.

• With convenient roundtrip transportation, free cancellation, and a reserve now & pay later option, this tour offers flexibility and value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier from the town of El Calafate.

It’s a popular tour that’s likely to sell out, with prices starting from £51.45 per person. The duration is 8 hours, and the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can also choose the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour provides a chance to witness one of the world’s only advancing glaciers and explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning panoramic views from the walkways in Los Glaciares National Park.

Experience Highlights

One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to witness one of the world’s only advancing glaciers, the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the glacier from the walkways in Los Glaciares National Park. Expert guides provide insights into the history, ecology, and geology of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers can observe and listen to the awe-inspiring sight and sound of ice calving into Lake Argentino.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural wonder of this magnificent glacier up close.

Itinerary Details

From El Calafate, the tour transfers visitors to the stunning Los Glaciares National Park, providing scenic views along Route 11 and Lake Argentino.

The first stop is at the Mirador de los Suspiros, offering the initial glimpse of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.

Walkways extend for 5 kilometers, allowing travelers to witness the glacier from unique perspectives. Visitors can also opt for a one-hour boat ride that navigates closer to the glacier’s face.

Throughout the tour, expert guides share insights into the glacier’s history, ecology, and geology, enriching the overall experience.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for those exploring the region around El Calafate.

Accessibility and Inclusions

A bilingual guide is provided on the tour, offering insights and explanations throughout the experience.

Roundtrip transportation from downtown El Calafate hotels is included, ensuring a seamless journey.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though users must be accompanied.

Visitors can expect to spend 4 hours walking without navigation or 3 hours walking plus 1 hour on a boat ride for a closer look at the glacier, if that option is selected.

The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is paid on-site.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can focus on seeing the awe-inspiring beauty of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

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Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Perito Moreno Glacier tour, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 43 reviews.

The reviews highlight the tour’s strengths, with high ratings for transportation (4.4/5), value for money (4.1/5), service (4.4/5), and organization (4.2/5).

Positive feedback from travelers emphasizes their good experiences, including the breathtaking panoramic views, the informative and engaging guides, and the opportunity to witness the dramatic calving of ice from the glacier.

Stunning Panoramic Views

The walkways within Los Glaciares National Park provide visitors with stunning panoramic views of the Perito Moreno Glacier. From these elevated platforms, guests can observe the immense size and grandeur of this advancing glacier. The vantage points offer unique perspectives, allowing onlookers to witness the ice calving and listen to the thunderous sound of chunks breaking off into Lake Argentino. This immersive experience showcases the glacier’s sheer scale and the park’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Viewpoint	Distance	Elevation	Angle
Mirador de los Suspiros	7 km	190 m	Frontal
Mirador de las Castillos	3 km	215 m	Side
Mirador del Lago Argentino	1 km	180 m	Aerial
Mirador del Glaciar Perito Moreno	800 m	190 m	Diagonal

Advancing Glacier Exploration

Typically, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique opportunity to witness the power and majesty of nature. As travelers traverse the walkways, they’re treated to stunning panoramic views of the glacier’s towering, ever-changing ice formations.

Expert guides share the glacier’s history, ecology, and geological significance, enhancing the experience.

The highlight is undoubtedly watching and listening to the awe-inspiring sight and sound of the ice calving and crashing into the pristine Lake Argentino below.

This unforgettable adventure provides a deeper appreciation for the wonders of this remarkable natural phenomenon.

Guided History and Geology

Expert guides enrich the Perito Moreno Glacier experience by sharing insights into the site’s captivating history and remarkable geology.

They’ll explain how this unique advancing glacier, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, was formed over thousands of years. Visitors learn about the region’s diverse flora and fauna, and the impact of climate change on the glacier’s delicate ecosystem.

Guides provide fascinating details on the glacier’s constant movement and the dramatic calving process, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake below.

With their expert knowledge, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the natural wonder before them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The tour allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour provider for any specific guidelines or restrictions on outside items. Refreshments may also be available for purchase during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Families with children are welcome to join the excursion.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for children or seniors. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour provider directly as they may offer reduced prices for certain age groups.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring on Your Own?

The tour allocates 4 hours for independent walking on the walkways at the glacier site. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a 3-hour walking tour plus a 1-hour boat ride for a closer view of the glacier.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Glacier After the Tour Ends?

Visitors can’t extend their stay at the glacier after the tour ends. The tour has a fixed 8-hour duration, including transfer time. However, travelers can book an optional boat ride near the glacier to spend more time in the area.

Recap

The trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. Travelers can witness the stunning ice formations, learn about the glacier’s history and ecology, and even observe the awe-inspiring ice calving phenomenon. With extensive walkways, scenic transportation, and expert bilingual guides, this UNESCO World Heritage Site adventure is both accessible and unforgettable.

You can check if your dates are available here: