Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek
About this activity
Highlights
- Trek across the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier
- Navigate by boat along the glacier's majestic front
- Enjoy panoramic views from the glacier walkways
- Experience the thrill of ice trekking in Patagonia
- Capture breathtaking photos of the glacier's ice formations
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier
- Boat navigation along the glacier's front
- Access to glacier walkways for panoramic views
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Your day begins bright and early as we pick you up from your hotel in El Calafate to journey to Los Glaciares National Park (80 km away).
Prepare yourself for an immersive experience as we make our way to the boardwalk positioned right in front of the glacier, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration.
Upon reaching the viewing platform, you'll be treated to a breathtaking sight: the glacier's imposing 196-foot (60 meter) front wall, adorned with its jagged white peaks.
We'll then transfer to the dock where we'll embark on a 20-minute boat ride through the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino. During the journey, you'll relish stunning views of the front wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
The trek has a high level of difficulty, but you'll always have the expertise and guidance of a knowledgeable guide by your side throughout the journey. You will be able to hike over the ice and breathe in the pristine beauty of the icy expanse. As you walk on the gently sloping surface, your guide will share facts about Perito’s geography and glaciology, and point out crevasses, lagoons, waterfalls, streams and caves, all formed by ice melt and in every possible shade of luminous blue. Amidst our journey, we'll pause at a sheltered spot to enjoy a lunch on the ice, providing an opportunity to rest and recharge for the second part of the excursion. Here, we can marvel at the stunning blue lagoons that form within the glacier and take in panoramic views of the National Park from designated lookouts.
After a dream day, we will start our return with the second navigation where we will have the pleasure of admiring the majestic scenery for a few moments more. We will admiring the southern facade of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
We prepare for the return to the city of El Calafate to reach our accommodation.
Meeting point
Start Location
Puerto Bajo las Sombras - Hielo y Aventura, El Calafate, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves physical activity; participants should be in good health and able to walk on uneven terrain.
- The tour operates in Spanish; consider language proficiency when booking.
- Check the availability and schedule of the tour, as it may vary seasonally.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for ice trekking.
- Bring a small backpack with essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.
- Ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary travel documents for entry into Argentina.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Maximum age is 50 years
- You must bring your own snacks, boxed lunch and drinks
- Comfortable sportswear, long trousers, warm sweater or pile, water or windproof jacket, sun glasses, sun block and gloves are recommended
- A good level of fitness is required
- Date of birth, passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for ALL participants
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Please send a copy of your passport as soon as possible to confirm the places.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Places are not confirmed if full information is not provided.
- In case of not contracting the transfer, you must access on your own in a trip of 80km. The walkways will not be included in the excursion.
Traveler reviews
Extreme and incredible challenge
A unique experience. We made the excursion on Tuesday the 24th, we had a day with very strong winds and snow in a lot. It was a very extreme experience due to the weather conditions but the guides give so much confidence that you enjoy the adventure. Trekking on both the mountain and the glacier is very demanding but worth all the fatigue it generates. I want to highlight all the Ice and Adventure guys but especially the guides Silvio, Jesica and Gabriel who made us spend a dream day. Silvio guiding us all the time and being attentive to each of us. Jesica and Gabriel looking for caves inside glacier so that we take photos and roads to return safe since the weather conditions did not allow the return by the road where we started the entrance. It should be noted that they are attentive to everything that happens with us both in the navigation through the glacier wall, the trekking through the mountain and even more inside the glacier. In January I return to have a different experience with heat and sun to appreciate other views of the interior of the glacier. Go with the clothes you are told in the place as everything you ask is what you need to enjoy and not suffer the strenuous adventure. Greetings Juan de Bernal (bs.as)
Book directly with Hieloya y Ventura
The tour itself was great but it was done by a 3rd party, Hieloya y Ventura, and they charge £150 less per person directly on their site so this particular tour is a rip off. Do not book and go direct with them. Viator refuses to stand by their lowest price guarantee because it’s a different currency which is ridiculous and not an excuse to charge £150 more.
Incredible day tour, once in a lifetime
Incredible day trip on the ice. We were picked up from our hotel on time, and taken to a coach which dropped us off in Los glaciares national Park. We had an hour to walk around the walkways to get a view - it was colder and windy there so bring layers. Then we got taken to the boat to be transferred to the hike on the other side of Lago Argentina, nice views from the boat. The hiking was great, they give you a harness and helmet to wear, and you have to bring gloves because the ice is sharp. Recommend wearing hiking boots as well be more comfortable when you put the crampons on on the ice. The hike was about 45 minutes through forest, then 3-4 hours on ice with a lunch stop. There are some ravines to avoid in the ice, but the guides are very helpful and sturdy, guiding you over the hardest parts. Bring layers as we kept on changing depending on wind and sun conditions, a face buff and ear warmers are good as well, and lots of sunscreen! We were back in town by 7.30pm. Everything was very prompt and professional, highly recommend!! The big ice hike has barely anyone, just 40 a day, so it feels undisturbed and the views and unparalleled. It's stunning, don't miss.
Once in a lifetime experience
It is definitively worth the effort to take the BigIce tour! The landscapes are magnificent, we literally saw a natural cave and a waterfall in the glacier. For people with generally good physical condition, it is fine. If you are unable to hike uphill don t go, take the minitrekk option
Just do it
If you're going to Perito Moreno, this is the trip you want to do. Very challenging, but worth it. The views are unmatched.