Crackling, serene, and visually impressive, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most accessible ice fields in the world. The crowning glory of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, the park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Measuring in at a towering 60 meters tall, 5 kilometers wide, and 30 kilometers long, the hunk of ice is a constantly evolving and shapeshifting being. The glacier is always moving – it can shift around 2 meters a day – and with it, an otherworldly creek of ice is emitted.
Visiting the glacier usually means spending time simply admiring the phenomenon. Various boardwalks create viewpoints where you can see the glacier from a variety of different lookouts, but it’s not all about looking. Simply standing and listening to the constant creek of the ice is a hypnotizing experience. You don’t need to go on long hikes through the park to experience the drama of this frozen landscape, just soaking it all in from a viewpoint is enough to appreciate its scale.
Visiting the glacier is a breathtaking experience that shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the region. Here’s a useful guide to visiting the glacier, including tips on when to go, where to stay, and just what to do where you’re there.
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Table of Contents
Perito Moreno Glacier Guide
When is the best time to visit Perito Moreno?
Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier is best done when the weather is warmer. If you’re visiting the glacier, it’s likely that you’ll base yourself in El Calafate. Guided tours from El Calafate to the glacier leave between September and April.
Summer:
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the southern hemisphere which means the summer runs between December to February. This is the warmest time of year along with being the peak travel season for travellers visiting the region. Because of this, you can expect the summer months to be the most crowded at Perito Moreno Glacier.
If you want to do your best to avoid the peak season’s crowds, you should try and get to the park as early as possible – around 8 a.m. – when the park gates open. Choosing to visit in the summer means fine weather but make sure to book your accommodation, flights, and tours well in advance in order to avoid disappointment.
Shoulder Season:
For a perfect combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices you might want to consider visiting Perito Moreno Glacier during the shoulder season. The shoulder season takes place in the Spring, better November, and the start of December and Fall, in March and April.
Both of these portions of the year provide weather conditions that are good for exploring the park along with a lack of crowds when compared to the peak of summer. This is also a good time of year for budget travelers who want to secure cheaper accommodation and airfares.
Winter:
This is a time of year when you can expect extremes. Cold temperatures during the winter seasons mean the park looks like a snowy wonderland. Visiting during the low season does mean that a lot of the accommodation options and restaurants are closed during the winter. Visiting in the winter does reward you with almost no crowds, but you should come prepared for low temperatures, snow, and fewer hours of daylight.
How to get to Perito Moreno Glacier
Most people who visit Perito Moreno Glacier will choose to base themselves in the nearby town of El Calafate. There’s a choice of different ways to reach the glacier from El Calafate.
By Bus: There’s no public bus service that connects to the park entrance, but a number of different privately run shuttle buses do run along the route. The buses leave from the El Calafate bus terminal, so it’s a good idea to check the bus times and book your tickets the day before you plan to make the journey.
In the summer months, there will be a lot of people who want to take the shuttle bus. Two companies that run shuttle buses are Caltur and Chalten Travel, but there are several others with departures that leave are various points throughout the day. Visitors to the park usually take a bus around 8 or 9 a.m. in the morning, a return ticket costs around $30.
By Car: Another option to travel to the glacier is by hiring a car and driving yourself. Car rental companies are available in El Calafate, and you can book a car for around $150 per day. If your budget isn’t tight this is a good option.
Your own set of wheels means you can leave for the park when you want and don’t have to wait around for the shuttle bus to pick you up and take you back to your accommodation at the end of the day. You can turn up at the glacier when the park opens at 8 a.m., well before the first bus or tour group for the morning.
By Taxi: If driving yourself doesn’t seem like the kind of adventure you want, then there’s always the option of hiring a taxi. The price for the trip varies, you could find yourself paying anything up to $100 one way, but again it gives you the freedom to come and go as you, please.
By taking a tour: One of the most popular ways to explore the glacier is by taking a tour. A tour is a stress-free option with most companies offering a pick-up service from your accommodation. Tours of the park vary with activities included ranging from kayaking to treks. Check out the reviews of previous customers to make sure you pick a tour that is right for you and try to book in advance to secure your spot.
I recommend the following tours:
From El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Optional Boat Cruise
From El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise (this sells out fast so I recommend booking well in advance)
Cost of visiting Perito Moreno
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located inside a national park called the Parque Nacional Los Glacieres. Visitors from overseas are charged an entrance fee of $5500 Argentine Pesos (AR), while visitors from Argentina pay $1500 AR.
Due to the instability of the Argentinian currency, the price of the park may have changed by the time you take your trip. You can take a look at the park’s website before you travel to check the current price of tickets.
You can purchase tickets online in advance or buy them on the day at the ticket office, the payment must be in Argentinian pesos. Booking online is recommended as you don’t have to deal with the wait at the ticket office, you will also be offered the option of purchasing a two-day ticket for half price if you wish.
Activities at Perito Moreno Glacier
The main star of the show is the glacier itself. Even without embarking on a hike or heading out on a boat trip, simply taking in the glacier from afar is the best thing to do when visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier. If the weather is fine then you’ll want to linger for a while, soaking up the scenery and snapping pictures of the landscape.
Walk along the boardwalks:
There’s a network of boardwalks that allow access to various viewpoints around the glacier. A lot of travelers to Perito Morenoare content with simply walking around the boardwalks, enjoying the scenery. If you want to see more of the park, there’s a collection of different you can take part in.
Trekking:
Many people who visit the glacier opt to join a hiking tour of the glacier. There’s a handful of different options for the trek which you can choose depending on how much you want to push yourself and how much time you want to spend out on the glacier.
Some of the longer excursions are full days of tracking where you spend much of the time out on the glacier. This is one for people who are physically able due to the physically demanding nature of the track. This is a more expensive option too so not the best choice for those travelling on a budget.
Another option is the small half-day track where you will be taken out into the glacier itself for around two hours. This is a great tour for people who want to get close to the ice but don’t want to spend the whole day exhausting themselves. These types of treks are booked as a tour package and should be booked in advance and comes with transport to and from your accommodation.
I recommend booking this one: From El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise
Boat Trip:
Pre-booked tours of the glacier will usually include a boat trip out on the water. This is an amazing way to be immersed in the middle of nature while not having to go out hiking. You can arrange your own boat trip independently by purchasing tickets from the ticket office in the parking area. The tour takes around 90 minutes and is a relaxing way to see the scenery.
Kayak:
A much more personal way to see the glacier via the water, kayak tours of Lago Argentina are available to book in advance through tour agencies. You don’t need any previous kayaking explorers to join and you can really get up close to the mass of ice. Tours last for around 90 minutes.
I recommend: From El Calafate: Perito Moreno Kayak Experience.
Where to stay near Perito Moreno Glacier
Located around an hour’s drive from Perito Moreno Glacier, the town of El Calafate is the best place to base yourself when visiting the park. El Calafate is a busy tourist town and has developed as a jumping-off point for travelers to the park.
That means there are plenty of accommodation options and tour agencies geared towards visitors. The only downside is that in peak season the best accommodation choices can get booked up quickly. You could get stuck with paying premium prices for the least desirable hotels so it’s best to book in advance.
Xelena Hotel & Suites: With clean, contemporary, and spacious rooms, Xelena Hotel is a homely place to stay in El Calafate. The choice of room size offers up a lake view and presential suits with seating areas and large, comfortable beds.
When not out exploring the glacier, staying here means unwinding at the onsite health club where you can take a dip in the swimming pool, or hot tub – there are even spa treatments to indulge in. The hotel’s collection of restaurants is the ideal place to enjoy meals with views out across the lake.
Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Mirador del Lago Hotel: One of the best hotels in El Calafete, Mirador del Lago is ideally situated overlooking Lake Argentina. From the attractive property, you can admire views out across the water from the modern rooms.
It’s also only a short stroll into the city center so you can easily explore the town. Days start with an enticing buffet breakfast which will set you up for a day of exploring the glacier. Then, after your adventure, return to the hotel to enjoy a freshly cooked meal at the onsite restaurants.
Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
What to pack for a visit to Perito Glacier
Preparing for a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier means packing a few important items for your trip. Here’s a list of a few things you shouldn’t forget to pack:
Hiking shoes: The shoes you opt for may vary depending on the type of hike you choose but make sure to opt for hiking boots that are waterproof, comfortable, and have a good grip.
Layers – No matter what time of year you visit, packing layers will help to keep you protected from the elements. Temperature can vary depending on the time of day, even in summer.
Sun protection – If you’re going to be spending hours in the park during the summer you will need to bring protection from the sun. Don’t forget sun cream, a hat, and sunglasses.
Refreshments – Put a bottle of water and a few breakfast bars in your backpack to keep you fuelled for the trip. You might want to consider bringing a packed lunch if you don’t want to spend over the odds for a lunch at the park restaurants.
Waterproofs – You never know when it’s going to rain so a waterproof outer layer that you can pack down into your backpack is a good idea, make sure that it’s also windproof so can double up as protection from the wind too.
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