The Perito Moreno Glacier and Boat Safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness one of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Combining a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park with a captivating boat tour, this immersive experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the dynamic nature of this remarkable glacier. From the breathtaking ice walls to the dramatic calving events, every moment of the tour promises to leave a lasting impression. With knowledgeable bilingual guides providing insightful commentary, travelers can explore the glacier’s diverse perspectives and uncover the fascinating stories that lie within its frozen expanse.
This experience made our list of the 16 Best Safari Tours In El Calafate.
Key Points
- The Perito Moreno Glacier tour offers an 8-hour excursion with a guided boat ride and round-trip hotel transfers, priced from $185 per person.
- The tour provides opportunities to witness the impressive ice walls, deep crevasses, and calving events of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
- The scenic drive along Provincial Route N°11 offers breathtaking views of the glacial landscape, including Lago Argentino and the surrounding peaks.
- Elevated walkways and viewing platforms enable safe and accessible vantage points to observe the dynamic movements of the glacier.
- The tour includes key sites such as Curva de los Suspiros and Muelle Bajo las Sombras, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Tour Overview
The tour package titled "Perito Moreno Glacier and Boat Safari" offers visitors an immersive day trip to explore one of Argentina’s most renowned natural wonders.
Priced from $185 per person, the 8-hour excursion includes a guided tour with a Spanish/English-speaking guide, a boat ride, and round-trip hotel transfers.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers will marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier, explore walkways and viewpoints, and witness the awe-inspiring ice detachments during this comprehensive experience.
With its scenic drive, key site visits, and ample time to discover the glacier, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty of Los Glaciares National Park.
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Experience Highlights
At the heart of this captivating tour lies the opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Visitors will be awestruck as they admire the glacier’s massive ice walls during a boat cruise, observing the mesmerizing process of ice detachment. The scenic drive through Lago Argentino to Los Glaciares National Park sets the stage, leading to explorations of the glacier’s balconies and viewpoints that offer diverse perspectives. Key sites like Curva de los Suspiros and Muelle Bajo las Sombras provide unique vantage points to fully take in the glacier’s splendor.
Experience Highlights | |
---|---|
Glacier Views | Admire the Perito Moreno Glacier during boat cruise |
Scenic Drive | Travel through Lago Argentino to Los Glaciares National Park |
Walkways | Explore balconies and viewpoints for different glacier perspectives |
Key Sites | Visit Curva de los Suspiros and Muelle Bajo las Sombras |
Itinerary Details
Departing at 9:00 AM from El Calafate, the tour embarks on a 40-kilometer journey along Provincial Route N°11 alongside the stunning Lago Argentino, leading visitors directly into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park.
Once there, guests will walk along the glacier balconies to enjoy different perspectives of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The highlight of the day is a 1-hour boat ride that allows for a close-up view of the ice walls.
Afterwards, visitors have 2 hours to explore the park further and enjoy refreshments before the approximately 4:00 PM return to El Calafate.
Glacier Views
Admiring the Perito Moreno Glacier from the boat is the highlight of the tour. The boat ride provides an up-close view of the glacier’s towering, turquoise-hued ice walls.
As the boat navigates through the lake, visitors can witness the impressive scale and beauty of this natural wonder. The glacier’s dramatic facade, with its deep crevasses and constantly calving ice blocks, leaves a lasting impression.
From the boat, travelers can truly appreciate the raw power and magnificence of Perito Moreno. This one-hour boat excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the glacier’s grandeur from a unique perspective.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyScenic Drive
The scenic drive to Perito Moreno Glacier takes visitors along the winding Provincial Route N°11, hugging the serene shores of Lago Argentino.
The 40-kilometer journey offers breathtaking vistas of the stunning glacial landscape:
- Panoramic views of the vast Lago Argentino, the second-largest freshwater lake in Argentina
- Rolling hills and towering peaks that frame the dramatic glacial scenery
- Glimpses of wildlife, including guanacos and Patagonian hares, grazing along the roadsides
This scenic drive sets the stage for the awe-inspiring encounter with the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in El Calafate
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Walkways
Elevated walkways and viewing platforms allow visitors to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier from a variety of perspectives.
These structures provide safe and accessible vantage points along the glacier’s edge, enabling travelers to observe the massive ice formation from above.
The walkways lead to balconies and overlooks that offer sweeping views of the glacier’s towering blue walls and the calving ice that breaks off into the lake.
Strategically positioned, the walkways allow visitors to witness the glacier’s dynamic movements and the powerful forces of nature at work.
This unique infrastructure enhances the overall experience, giving travelers a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and fragility of this natural wonder.
Key Sites
Beyond the walkways, the tour also takes visitors to key sites within the Los Glaciares National Park to enhance their appreciation of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
These include:
- Curva de los Suspiros, a scenic viewpoint with a unique perspective of the glacier’s majesty.
- Muelle Bajo las Sombras, a dock that allows visitors to witness the dramatic ice detachments and calving events up close.
- Additional vantage points that offer panoramic views of the glacier’s expansive expanse and its impressive ice walls.
These strategic locations provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural wonder that’s the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Inclusions and Important Information
The tour includes a boat ride along the glacier’s face, lasting approximately one hour.
Round-trip transfers and an English/Spanish-speaking guide are also provided.
The Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee, however, isn’t included and must be paid in Argentinian Pesos upon arrival.
Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, snacks, sunscreen, and water to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Payment for the park fee can only be made in cash, as credit cards aren’t accepted.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to visitors of all abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size. Travelers can book the tour as individuals or with their own group. The tour accommodates all group sizes and ensures an enjoyable experience for each participant.
Are Cameras and Binoculars Allowed on the Boat Ride?
Cameras and binoculars are allowed on the boat ride. Visitors are encouraged to bring them to capture the stunning views of the glacier and wildlife during the tour’s boat safari. There are no restrictions on bringing photography and optical equipment.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour information states that food and drinks are not specified as included, so you’re welcome to pack your own snacks and beverages for the day.
Do I Need to Purchase the National Park Fee in Advance?
The national park fee can’t be purchased in advance and must be paid in Argentinian Pesos upon arrival at the park. Visitors should come prepared with the correct local currency to cover this required fee.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. However, visitors can explore the area further on their own after the guided tour or consider booking additional days to fully experience Los Glaciares National Park.
Recap
The Perito Moreno Glacier and Boat Safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Patagonia’s most iconic natural wonders. With its scenic drive, boat tour, and accessible walkways, this tour provides visitors with diverse perspectives and insights into the glacier’s dynamic nature, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone exploring the region.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Safari Adventures in El Calafate
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