Perito Moreno Glacier: Full Day Ice Trekking

The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Patagonia region is a natural wonder that draws adventurous travelers from around the world. Known for its massive size and breathtaking beauty, this full-day ice trekking tour promises an unforgettable experience for both seasoned hikers and those new to glacier exploration. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you will navigate the glacier’s stunning landscapes, uncovering hidden corners and scenic viewpoints that few ever get to witness. From navigating the treacherous terrain to marveling at the sheer scale of this icy wonder, this excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on the journey.

Key Points

• A full-day trekking tour on the Perito Moreno Glacier, offering guided exploration of the glacier’s balconies and hidden corners.
• Includes all necessary trekking equipment, a professional Spanish-English guide, and park entrance fees.
• Suitable for both seasoned hikers and first-time glacier explorers, with a moderate level of physical fitness required.
• Participants must be prepared with appropriate attire, including sturdy, waterproof trekking boots and warm, moisture-wicking layers.
• Unique safety challenges on the glacier, with participants required to follow the guide’s instructions and use provided safety equipment.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full day of trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, departing from El Calafate, Argentina.

It’s a shared tour with 10-15 participants, and includes transport by air-conditioned coach, hotel pickup and drop-off.

Explorers will discover the glacier’s balconies and hidden corners, guided by an expert.

The tour provides a rundown of this natural wonder, allowing participants to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time glacier explorer, this experience promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grandeur of Perito Moreno up close.

What’s Included

Included in the tour is a guided mini-trek across the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. All necessary trekking equipment, such as crampons and ice axes, is provided for the exploration.

Participants will be accompanied by a professional Spanish-English guide who’ll share their expertise on the glacier’s formation and unique features.

Lunch isn’t included, so visitors should bring their own. However, the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is covered. Gratuities for the guide are also part of the package.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive glacier experience for adventurous travelers seeking to discover one of Patagonia’s natural wonders.

Meeting and Pickup Details

For the tour, pickup from selected centrally located hotels or direct meeting at Puerto Bajo las Sombras, Parque Nacional los Glaciares, can be arranged.

The exact pickup time will be confirmed the day before the tour. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Here are the key details:

1. Pickup locations: Selected centrally located hotels or Puerto Bajo las Sombras, Parque Nacional los Glaciares.

2. Pickup time confirmation: Exact pickup time will be confirmed the day before the tour.

3. Drop-off location: Back at the meeting point.

4. Meeting point: Puerto Bajo las Sombras, Parque Nacional los Glaciares.

Important Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this tour. The Perito Moreno Glacier ice trekking activity is not suitable for individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions. It is also not wheelchair accessible, so children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended attire includes:

Item	Recommendation
Footwear	Sports shoes or trekking boots
Socks	Warm socks
Clothing	Comfortable sportswear, long trousers, warm sweater
Outerwear	Water/windproof jacket
Accessories	Sunglasses, sunblock, gloves

Ensuring proper preparation and adhering to these guidelines will help participants have a safe and enjoyable experience on the glacier.

Reviews and Feedback

The Perito Moreno Glacier ice trekking tour has received 23 reviews with an overall rating of 4.0.

Positive feedback highlights the breathtaking scenery and the professionalism of the guides. However, some complaints mention issues with tour organization, including late starts and outdated information about park entrance fees.

Despite these mixed experiences, the tour is generally regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The top 4 review highlights are:

1. "The glacier was simply stunning, and the guides were knowledgeable and attentive."
2. "The organization could use some improvement, but the overall experience was incredible."
3. "Bring cash for the park entrance fee, as the information provided was outdated."
4. "A must-do activity for anyone visiting Patagonia – an unforgettable adventure!"

Difficulty Level

The Perito Moreno Glacier ice trekking tour isn’t suitable for individuals with serious health conditions or limited mobility. While the experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it does require a moderate level of physical fitness and agility. Trekkers will navigate uneven and slippery terrain, with some steep sections and potential ice cracks. To gauge the difficulty, consider the following:

Difficulty Level	Terrain	Fitness Required
Moderate	Uneven, slippery, some steep	Moderate
Challenging	Irregular, with ice cracks	Fit
Difficult	Highly uneven, cracked ice	Excellent

Packing Essentials

Proper packing is essential for a comfortable and successful Perito Moreno Glacier ice trekking experience. The tour operator provides all necessary trekking equipment, but there are several key items hikers should bring themselves.

These include:

1. Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots or shoes with good grip.
2. Warm, moisture-wicking layers like thermal underwear, fleece, and a weatherproof jacket.
3. Sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
4. Snacks, a water bottle, and any personal medications.

Packing the right gear will help ensure participants stay dry, warm, and protected from the elements throughout the day-long trek on the glacier.

With the proper equipment, hikers can fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Perito Moreno.

Safety Considerations

Navigating the Perito Moreno Glacier presents unique safety challenges that participants must be aware of. Trekkers should be in good physical condition, as the activity can be strenuous. They’ll need to follow the guide’s instructions closely and stay within designated areas to avoid the risk of falls or getting lost. Proper equipment like crampons, helmets, and safety ropes are provided, but participants should dress appropriately in warm, waterproof layers. Altitude sickness and dehydration are also concerns, so staying hydrated and monitoring symptoms is crucial. By prioritizing safety, trekkers can fully enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.

Potential Risks	Mitigation Measures	Participant Responsibilities
Falls	Use of safety ropes and crampons	Follow guide instructions
Getting lost	Stay within designated areas	Maintain situational awareness
Altitude sickness	Acclimatize and stay hydrated	Monitor symptoms
Hypothermia	Wear proper, layered clothing	Dress appropriately for conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has no specific age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s not suitable for individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

Can I Take Photographs During the Trek?

Yes, participants can take photographs during the trek. The tour includes an expert guide who can provide advice on the best spots and lighting to capture the stunning glacier scenery.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is typically fixed, but visitors can’t customize it. However, they can speak with the tour provider to inquire about any flexibility or special requests they may have within the tour’s overall structure.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Activity?

The tour typically has a shared group size of 10-15 participants. The tour overview indicates it’s a shared tour, providing transportation and equipment with an expert guide to explore the glacier’s balconies and hidden corners.

Does the Tour Operate Year-Round or Are There Seasonal Closures?

The tour operates year-round, though it may be subject to seasonal closures or cancellations due to weather conditions or other factors. Visitors should check the tour provider’s website or confirm details when booking for the latest information.

Recap

Perito Moreno Glacier’s ice trekking adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder. Suitable for adventurers of all skill levels, the guided tour provides necessary equipment and expert guidance, ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey. Participants should be prepared for a physically demanding trek, but the awe-inspiring landscapes make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.