Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip With Optional Boat Ride

Perito Moreno Glacier, a stunning natural wonder, awaits adventurous travelers in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, from scenic lookouts to up-close glacier observation. Opt for the boat ride to truly appreciate the colossal scale of this icy marvel. With professional guidance and seamless logistics, visitors can explore the serene beauty and awe-inspiring power of one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. What lies beyond the walkways and trails is a revelation worth discovering.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Los Glaciares National Park with a full-day tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the 19-mile glacier from the Curve of Sighs and various lookout points along the wooden walkways.
• Witness the active calving process and learn about glacier formation and behavior from knowledgeable guides.
• Opt for a boat ride to experience the glacier’s front wall up close for a more immersive perspective.
• Flexible lunch options, including a picnic-style meal near the glacier, cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements.

Overview of the Tour

The full-day Perito Moreno Glacier tour from El Calafate provides visitors with an opportunity to explore one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers will discover scenic lookouts and walkways for multiple views of the massive, advancing glacier. An optional boat ride offers close-up experiences of the dramatic glacier front wall.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance to the national park, making it a convenient and immersive way to witness the glacier’s grandeur.

Exploring the Glacier

Departing from El Calafate, visitors first arrive at the Curve of Sighs, a scenic overlook that provides a panoramic view of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Stepping onto the walkways and hiking trails, guests can observe the glacier’s remarkable size and active calving. Throughout the experience, tour guides share insights into the glacier’s formation and behavior.

Guests can observe the glacier’s remarkable size and active calving as tour guides share insights into its formation and behavior.

An optional boat ride offers a close-up perspective, allowing visitors to sail amidst floating ice chunks and witness the glacier’s dramatic vertical face.

Whether exploring on foot or by boat, the Perito Moreno Glacier captivates with its raw, awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Panoramic Views

Arriving at the Curve of Sighs, visitors are greeted with a sweeping panoramic view of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.

The massive, 19-mile (30-km) ice formation stretches across the horizon, its towering walls and intricate ridges a stunning sight.

Guests can:

1. Admire the glacier’s dramatic front wall from various lookout points along the wooden walkways.

2. Witness the powerful process of calving, where enormous chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake below.

3. Snap breathtaking photos to capture the sheer scale and grandeur of this natural wonder.

Walkways and Trails

As visitors make their way along the wooden walkways and hiking trails, they’re afforded multiple vantage points to observe the glacier’s intricacies up close.

The well-maintained pathways allow for easy exploration, with strategically placed viewing platforms providing panoramic perspectives of the glacier’s towering ice walls and active calving.

The strategically placed viewing platforms offer panoramic perspectives of the glacier’s towering ice walls and active calving.

Guests can witness the dramatic process of ice breaking off and crashing into the lake below, a mesmerizing natural display.

The walkways offer a safe and accessible way for all travelers to enjoy the grandeur of Perito Moreno, one of Patagonia’s most captivating natural wonders.

Lunch Options

During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch break at the park’s restaurant or with their own personal refreshments.

Those looking to dine at the park can choose from a variety of options:

1. The park’s restaurant offers a selection of local and international dishes, catering to varied tastes and dietary requirements.

2. Visitors can also opt to bring their own packed lunch, allowing them to enjoy the stunning scenery while savoring their personal refreshments.

3. For a more immersive experience, some travelers may choose to have a picnic-style lunch near the glacier, taking in the breathtaking views.

Optional Boat Ride

For visitors seeking an even closer encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier, the optional boat ride provides a unique perspective.

Sailing between floating ice chunks, the boat tour takes travelers to the glacier’s dramatic vertical face. This up-close experience allows guests to witness the calving of the glacier, as massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.

The boat ride complements the walking tours, offering a different vantage point to appreciate the sheer size and power of this natural wonder.

It’s an unforgettable addition to the Perito Moreno Glacier day trip.

Important Details

Booking the Perito Moreno Glacier day trip is a straightforward process. The tour accommodates a maximum of 35 travelers, making it an intimate experience.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring inclusivity. Visitors should come prepared with the following:

1. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.

2. Personal refreshments, as lunch options are available but not provided.

3. Cash in Argentine pesos to cover the park entrance fee, as it isn’t included in the tour price.

Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility.

However, no refunds are available from December 24 to January 2.

Reviews and Pricing

The Perito Moreno Glacier day trip is well-received, with a tour rating of 4.6 based on 220 reviews.

Travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides and comfortable travel. They praise the stunning views and experience of the glacier.

However, some reviewers note concerns about pricing and wish for more historical context. Suggestions include providing additional information about the glacier.

The tour price starts from $117.00 per person, with confirmation at booking and a "reserve now, pay later" option available.

No refunds are given from December 24 to January 2, when all sales are final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food Into the Park?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and refreshments into the park. The tour overview indicates that a lunch break is available, allowing participants to enjoy personal snacks and meals during the glacier visit.

Are There Any ATMS Near the Glacier to Withdraw Cash?

There are no ATMs near the Perito Moreno Glacier. Visitors must bring cash in Argentine pesos to pay the national park entrance fee, as it’s only accepted in cash. It’s recommended to withdraw money in El Calafate before the day trip.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Optional Boat Ride?

The optional boat ride allows visitors to sail among the floating ice chunks and get up close to the glacier’s vertical face. The duration of the boat ride is typically 1 hour.

Is There Any Discount for Seniors or Students on the Tour?

There’s no mention of discounts for seniors or students on this tour. The tour price is $117 per person with no special pricing for any groups.

Can I Take a Drone or Aerial Camera to the Glacier?

Drones and aerial cameras are generally not permitted within Los Glaciares National Park. Visitors should check with the tour operator or park authorities for the latest policies and regulations regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and photography equipment at the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The Sum Up

The Perito Moreno Glacier day trip offers an unforgettable experience to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Los Glaciares National Park. With guided tours, panoramic viewpoints, and the option to take a boat ride for a closer look at the glacier, this tour provides an enriching and convenient way to witness the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Perito Moreno Glacier.