Have you ever found yourself breathless in front of something so big that you can almost sense its presence? That is what you experience when face-to-face to the Perito Moreno glacier tour for the first and all the subsequent times.
Patagonia has significantly more to offer than eye catching landscapes. It gives you the opportunity to hear the silence of nature speaking and connecting with you. This place is truly remarkable as it gives outdoor lovers a chance to unwind and marvel at the jaw dropping details while benefiting from pristine air.
You may consider this just another tickmark for your checklist but looking at the enormous structure of ice glimmering in the sun is an experience in itself. This beauty is awe-inspiring beyond comprehension.
You begin each expedition with a single footstep, but every trek tells a unqiue story. So let’s begin this adventure right away. Touring the Perito Moreno glacier is more than just a trip. It is a story that is bound to stay with you long after capturing it on camera.
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Where is Perito Moreno Glacier?
Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park in southwest Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It’s one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. The drive from El Calafate, the nearest town, takes about 1.5 hours—and it’s stunning the whole way through.
Unlike other remote natural wonders, getting to Perito Moreno is surprisingly easy. Paved roads, organized tours, and a range of accommodations make this a comfortable yet wild adventure.
First Impressions: Awe Hits You Hard
The drive into Los Glaciares National Park already gives you a hint of what’s to come. Endless Patagonian plains stretch before you, herds of guanacos nibble grass along the roadside, and snowcapped mountains rise in the distance like a painting that’s been edited for drama.
But it’s not until you step onto that first viewing platform and see the Perito Moreno Glacier that it really hits you.
It’s huge. Like absurdly huge. The glacier rises more than 70 meters (230 feet) above the surface of Lake Argentino, with ice walls that look like frozen ocean waves caught mid-crash, and it goes on and on—five kilometers wide, constantly creaking, groaning, and calving with thunderous cracks that make everyone jump and then laugh nervously.
What Makes the Perito Moreno Glacier Special?
Unlike many glaciers in the world that are shrinking due to climate change, Perito Moreno is stable. It’s one of the few glaciers still maintaining a balance between accumulation and melting. That alone makes it a scientific and environmental marvel. But more than that—it feels alive.
Every few minutes, chunks of ice fall into the lake with a roaring splash. It’s like nature’s own fireworks show, and every single person watching—even the jaded travelers—has their phone out, hoping to capture one of those magic moments. Experiencing this firsthand on a Perito Moreno Glacier tour is nothing short of breathtaking—it’s not just sightseeing, it’s witnessing a natural phenomenon unfold before your eyes.
Options for the Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
You can experience this glacier in a few different ways, depending on how adventurous (or relaxed) you’re feeling.
1. Walkways and Viewing Platforms
The easiest and most popular way to see the glacier is through the network of metal walkways and balconies. They’re well maintained and offer different perspectives of the glacier, from up close to panoramic. The platforms are connected by paths that vary in difficulty, and there’s plenty of space to sit, reflect, or just soak it all in.
If you’re doing a Perito Moreno Glacier tour, this part is unmissable. You’ll want to take your time here. I spent almost two hours walking the trails, stopping every few minutes just to stare. And I swear, the light changes the color of the ice every hour. From icy blue to glowing white to a deep, almost turquoise shade.
Boat Tour – Up Close and Chilly
For those who want to feel the glacier’s presence even more intensely, hop on a boat tour across Lake Argentino. The boats take you close to the south face of the glacier—so close, in fact, that when a chunk of ice calves off, you can feel the ripple in the water.
Dress warmly. It gets cold out there, especially with the wind whipping off the glacier. But the photos you’ll get? Unreal.
Big Ice Trek or Mini Trekking
Ready to lace up your boots and actually walk on the glacier? Then you’ve got two incredible trekking options:
Mini Trekking: Ideal for beginners or those short on time. You’ll get crampons, a guide, and about 90 minutes walking on the ice. Even if you’ve never hiked a glacier before, this is super accessible and fun.
Big Ice Trek: This is for the serious adventurers. It’s a full-day hike, with 3-4 hours spent exploring deeper into the glacier. Think surreal blue caves, deep crevasses, and silence so loud it rings in your ears.
Both treks start with a short boat ride and include an intro to glacier safety. And yes, they even give you a shot of whiskey at the end—with glacier ice, of course.
Best Time for a Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
The best months to visit are October to April, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. That’s when temperatures are milder, and you’ll have longer daylight hours to explore.
But honestly? The glacier is magnificent any time of year. Winter offers a quiet, haunting beauty. Summer brings energy and more frequent calvings. Pick your vibe.
What to Pack (Don’t Skip This)
Whether you’re trekking or just walking the balconies, here’s what you’ll want:
Waterproof jacket (Patagonia weather is moody)
Sunglasses (the glare off the ice is intense)
Gloves (even in summer, the wind is cold)
Water bottle and snacks (especially if you’re hiking)
Camera or phone with lots of storage—you’ll use it
And please—wear sturdy shoes. Even if you’re not going on the ice, those metal paths get slippery with frost.
How to Get There
Most travelers base themselves in El Calafate, a small town about 80 km (50 miles) from the glacier. From there, you can:
Book a guided Perito Moreno Glacier tour
Rent a car and explore on your own
Join a full-day tour that includes hotel pickup, glacier entry, and even lunch
There are plenty of cafes, shops, and cozy lodges in El Calafate—perfect for winding down after a long day out in the cold.
Final Thoughts
A Perito Moreno Glacier tour isn’t just a photo op. It’s a reminder of how powerful and fragile this planet is. It’s a quiet, wild moment in a loud world. It’s one of those rare places that makes you feel something just by standing still. So go and watch the ice move. Listen to it speak. Let Patagonia leave its mark on you. Looking to plan your visit? You can check official info here: Los Glaciares National Park – Argentina Tourism Whether you’re chasing adventure or peace, the Perito Moreno Glacier tour will deliver both, and long after your trip ends, it’ll still echo in your memories—loud as a falling shard of ice, soft as the chill in the air.