How difficult is the trek? Do I need climbing experience?

The trek is moderately strenuous, involving 4 hours of continuous hiking on uneven ice with crampons. No prior climbing experience is required, but good fitness is essential—you'll gain 300m+ elevation. Guides manage rope work and safety; your job is steady footwork and endurance.

What's included in the EUR 816 price?

Hotel pickup/drop-off in El Calafate, bus transport to Los Glaciares National Park, boat cruise on Lago Argentino, full glacier trek with expert guide, crampons and harness rental, and a packed lunch on the glacier. Park entrance is typically included; confirm with your provider.

What if weather cancels the trek?

High winds and poor visibility can force cancellation; tours are usually rescheduled to another date or refunded. Check your operator's policy, as weather delays are common in Patagonia. Allow flexibility in your itinerary.

Why is Perito Moreno special compared to other glaciers?

It's one of the world's few advancing glaciers—it grows 1–2 metres per day. Most glaciers are retreating due to climate change, making this a unique opportunity to witness an actively growing ice mass and walk directly on it.

How much walking/hiking is there, and what surfaces?

Total walking time is roughly 4 hours on the glacier itself, plus 1 hour of easier walking on approach/descent. The glacier surface is hard-packed blue ice with some softer patches; crampons provide traction, but it's slippery. Pace is moderate to steady.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof windbreaker. Bring gloves, a warm hat, thick wool socks, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a water bottle. Avoid cotton. Crampons and harnesses are provided.

Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek from El Calafate 1

Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek from El Calafate 2

Hike to the glacier for an unforgettable experience!

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Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek from El Calafate 7

Full-Day Ice Trek of Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

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Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek from El Calafate

(5)

El Calafate, Argentina

Boat ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsNature Tours

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About this activity

Strap on crampons and walk directly across Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, on this intensive 12-hour expedition from El Calafate. You'll trek 4 hours across pristine blue ice, explore hidden ice caves and crevasses, and lunch at altitude while surrounded by Patagonian peaks.

Trek across Perito Moreno Glacier in this full-day trip in Los Glaciares National Park from El Calafate. Travel to the park by bus, board a boat to cruise across Lago Argentino and conquer the glacier. Led by an expert guide, don your crampons and hike the stunning ice mass, discovering ice caves, waterfalls and deep crevasses along the way. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy atop one of the world's only advancing glaciers during your 4-hour trek. Reverse your journey across glacier, lake and Patagonian alpine road, ending with drop-off at your El Calafate hotel.

Highlights

✓4-hour guided trek across the glacier's ice surface with crampons
✓Witness ice caves, waterfalls, and deep crevasses up close
✓One of the world's rare advancing glaciers—actively growing
✓Boat cruise across Lago Argentino with panoramic views
✓Packed lunch enjoyed on the glacier at 1,500m elevation
✓Expert mountaineering guide included throughout

Insider tips

★Wear layers you can shed—intense physical exertion + wind chill combine; bring a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and windproof jacket
★Book 3–4 weeks ahead during peak season (Dec–Feb); summer slots fill quickly
★Request a guide who speaks your language when confirming; groups are small and multilingual guides vary
★Arrive at your hotel 15 minutes early; the bus departs on strict schedule from central El Calafate

Good to know

•Minimum fitness level required: comfortable hiking 4+ hours with 300m+ elevation gain on uneven terrain
•Bring: sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, warm hat, gloves, thick socks, and water bottle (refillable on-site)
•Not suitable for pregnant women or those with serious knee/ankle injuries; altitude is moderate but exertion is high
•Hotel pickup included; confirm your accommodation and phone number 24 hours before departure
•All crampons, harnesses, and ice axes provided; no personal mountaineering gear needed

Who it's for

Adventure seekers and experienced hikers wanting hands-on glacier exploration beyond viewpointsNature photographers and geologists fascinated by glacial geology and ice formationsFit travellers aged 18–65 seeking a physically demanding full-day excursionBucket-list trekkers wanting to stand on one of South America's most iconic glaciers

Best time to visit

December–February (Patagonian summer) offers the longest daylight and most stable weather, though January is peak season and crowded. March–April are less busy with still-pleasant conditions; avoid June–August when shorter days, ice conditions, and cold limit the trek.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Megan C.

Jun 2026

our guide Lucia sorted everything for us and a clearing where we stopped for lunch was the highlight, and honestly better than the hike we did in Phuket last year.

Kev W.

Feb 2026

our guide Lucia sorted everything for us and the ridge viewpoint at the top was the highlight, and last day of the trip, loved it

Aisha P.

Oct 2025

Very enjoy, a waterfall about halfway up the best part. Luca take care us very well, a 3 hour climb. Thank you so much!

Lena B.

Oct 2025

our guide Yuki couldnt do enough for us and the last scramble to the summit was the highlight ... Went last tuesday so it wasnt too busy. On a rainy sunday, and first thing in the morning. Would book again no question, 10/10

James G.

Jan 2025

our guide Elena had so many stories and the ridge viewpoint at the top was the highlight, and handy if youre short on time, and a 3 hour climb.

from€818.52€815.96/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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