How To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
*the political and economic situation in Argentina makes it difficult to give accurate figures for the cost of things. I will give rough estimates in this guide for how much things cost in dollars.
1. Bus To Perito Moreno
- Overall cost: $20-30 for bus ticket + $20 for entrance to the park
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 04:00 PM or 1.00 PM to 7.30 PM
- Duration: 6 hours
- Best suited for: travellers on a budget
This is the easiest and most common way of visiting the glacier. This option is perfect for budget travellers as it’s the cheapest.
First, you’ll need to get to the bus station in El Calafate which is here. Make sure you buy a return ticket which costs around $20-30.
The scenic drive itself is an adventure, winding through the rugged terrain of Los Glaciares National Park.
The journey takes around 1h 30m, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains and the bright blue Lago Argentino.
There’s one stop along the way to buy your entrance ticket to the national park. This must be paid for in cash so make sure you bring pesos with you.
This bus will then drop you off at the boardwalk entrance here.
Upon arrival at the glacier, visitors are greeted by a sprawling network of well-maintained boardwalks. These pathways wind through the lush Patagonian forest, revealing glimpses of the glacier from different vantage points.
Spend as long as you want walking along the boardwalk, taking photos from every angle and watching as huge chucks of ice fall off the glacier and crash into the water. The boardwalks offer a range of lookout spots, each providing a unique perspective on the glacier’s vastness.
The Lower Circuit is a must-visit, offering a close-up view of the glacier’s southern face and the opportunity to witness ice crashing into the water.
The Upper Circuit, on the other hand, offers a bird’s-eye view of the glacier’s expanse, providing an unparalleled photo opportunity.
Make sure you do both! Your bus won’t take you back to El Calafate until 16.00 PM
How To Book The Bus From El Calafate To Perito Moreno Glacier
There are 4 bus companies in El Calafate:
You can either book your tickets online in advance or once you get there in person at the bus station.
If you are visiting in the summer months (Dec-Feb) then I recommend booking in a few days in advance.
This is the summer holidays for Argentina and the busiest time of the year in Patagonia. If you leave it until the last minute they will sell out.
PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
2. Private Transfer To Perito Moreno
- Overall cost: cost for a taxi (divided by number in your group) + $20 for entrance to the park
- Timing: Flexible
- Duration: Flexible
- Best suited for: travellers in a small group or a family as it will cost the same as a bus
I would recommend booking a car service or taxi if you are in a group of three or more. The cost split between 3 or 4 people will be cheaper compared to the price of a single bus ticket. Me and three friends paid around $100, divided be 4 was $25 each.
The added benefit of this is that you can be more flexible with your timings and stay at the glacier.
If you don’t want to stay for 6 hours then you can just tell the taxi driver when you want to leave. The park stays open until 10PM and this means you can stay until sunset to get those delicious golden hour shots.
Another benefit of this is you’ll avoid the crowds.
The park opens at 8 and you could arrive for this time and have the boardwalks to yourself. Most tour buses arrive at 10 AM.
Best Private Transfers To Perito Moreno
I booked with Trayecto Patagonico. They have 5 stars on trip advisor from 267 reviews.
This is a family run company and you won’t be getting just a driver, you’ll be getting a knowledgeable guide who’ll provide you with everything you need to know about El Calafate, the glacier, and the surrounding region.
I used them and highly recommend them. We ended up booking them for our transport to and from El Chalten, and back to the airport as well.
Our guide Raoul was super knowledgeable about the glacier. He made multiple stops for us and dropped us off at the boat area to take a trip.
The best part was he was waiting for us every step of the way and we could relax knowing we didn’t have to rush.
3. Boat Tours To Perito Moreno
- Overall cost: bus + entrance fee = $40 and then the cost for a boat tour once in the park
- Timing:00 AM to 4.00PM
- Duration: 6-7 hours
For those seeking a close up experience with the glacier, a boat tour in the waters of Perito Moreno Glacier is a great option. You have two slightly different options for boat tours here:
On The Day Boat Tours / In The Park
The first option follows the same journey as the bus. Once you are in the park, you can book a boat tour from the pier close to the glacier. They last an hour to an hour and a half.
Look out for the small booth on the pier that says ‘Navegacion’.
The main companies offering these tours include:
- Southern Spirit whose boats depart from the jetty at the bottom of the boardwalk. They have around 3 departures per day from Puerto Moreno.
- Hielo y Aventura who also have 3 departures per day. Note their boats leave from Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, a port six kilometres before you reach the main car park.
Pre-Booked Boat Tours / From Outside The Park
Alternatively, several boat tour options are available that start outside of the park that cater to different preferences.
Some boats offer panoramic decks for unobstructed viewing, while others feature enclosed cabins for a cozy experience and a full dining experience.
This is a full day tour that takes you to Perito Moreno and two other glaciers in the region.
These types of tours are more expensive compared to the boat tours that leave from inside the park.
Did you know Argentina has its very own Salt Flat and Rainbow Mountain. These are two of the best sights in the country, hidden away in the north and well worth a visit. Check out these posts for more:
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4. Guided Tours To Perito Moreno
- Overall cost: entrance fee = $20 and then the cost of the tour which is usually around $40-50
- Timing: Full day
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Best for: People who want to get picked up and dropped off from their hotel, minimal admin and want a guide to learn more.
You have the option to book guided tours into the park too. This will be best for those of you who want to learn more about the glacier or just want to avoid the admin of booking buses etc.
You’ll get picked up and dropped off at your accommodation and have the expert knowledge of a local guide.
This will be similar to a private transfer but you’ll have less freedom or say over timings of the day.
Best Guided Tours To Perito Moreno Glacier
Here’s the best tour I’ve found with the highest ratings and reviews on GYG:
5. Kayak Tour TO Perito Moreno
- Overall cost: entrance fee to the park $20 + cost of tour (starting from $150)
- Timing:30 AM to 4.00PM
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Perfect for the active adventurer who wants to see the beauty of the glacier whilst doing some exercise!
For the adventurous souls, a kayak tour provides one of the most active ways to experience Perito Moreno Glacier.
This option allows you to get up close to the glacier’s massive ice formations while navigating the clear waters of Lago Argentino.
The kayaking part of the tour lasts 1.5 hours and takes you through the turquoise waters of the lake, skirting along the glacier’s icy face.
You also get time on the boardwalks as well for pictures, so you get the best of both worlds with this tour.
Here are some tours and companies I recommend:
6. Ice Hike On Perito Moreno
- Overall cost: entrance fee to the park $20 + cost of tour $250-$300
- Timing: Full day
For those with an even greater thirst for adventure and a love for exploration, an ice hiking tour offers a hands-on encounter with Perito Moreno Glacier’s icy realm.
Led by experienced guides, these tours allow you to tread upon the glacier’s surface and discover its hidden wonders.
You’ll get picked up in town and taken to the boardwalks first. Then you’ll take a boat across the lake to where you can walk onto the glacier.
After reaching the glacier by boat, participants are provided with crampons, specialized footwear designed for walking on ice.
You’ll then spend 2-3 hours on top of the of the glacier, exploring its various features, from deep crevasses to crystalline ice formations.
Which Is The Best Ice Hiking Tour?
There are two popular tours that have similarities.
- Mini Trek = shorted and slightly cheaper
- Big ice = full on experience, more expensive
Companies include Patagonia Dreams, Patagonia Chic and Hielo y Adventura.
7. Perito Moreno By Car
- Overall cost: Entrance fee to the park $20 + cost of rental car for the day ($100+)
- Timing: Full day
- Best for: For travelers seeking the ultimate freedom and flexibility, embarking on a road trip to Perito Moreno Glacier is another great option.
How To Drive To Perito Moreno Glacier From El Calafate
One of the primary routes to Perito Moreno Glacier is along the famous Route 40.
This iconic highway spans over 3,100 miles, stretching from the northernmost reaches of Argentina to the very south, where the glacier lies.
The section leading from El Calafate to the glacier covers approximately 48 miles and is characterized by diverse landscapes that showcase the true beauty of Patagonia.
Renting A Car In Calafate
You can rent a car at the airport or in town. I always use Discover Cars to compare companies and find the best prices.
Conditions
The weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to check the forecast and road conditions before starting your journey.
Additionally, driving conditions might vary based on the season. During the winter months (June to August), roads could be icy, and some attractions might be closed.
Summer (December to February) offers more comfortable driving conditions and a wider range of activities. Regardless of the season, always exercise caution and drive responsibly.
Arriving at Perito Moreno Glacier
The road is generally well-paved, although some sections might be gravel or dirt roads, so having a sturdy vehicle is advisable. You may want to upgrade to a 4×4 if it will make you feel more comfortable but it’s not necessary.
While the drive is relatively straightforward, it’s crucial to keep a few things in mind:
- Gas stations might be scarce along the route, so ensure you have a full tank before setting off.
- Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park, which supports conservation efforts in the area.
The well-maintained parking areas provide convenient access to the boardwalks and boat tour embarkation points.
You can park up at the pier to take the boat, then continue driving to the boardwalks and park here too.
When To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier?
The best time to visit depends on your preferences:
- Summer (Dec-Feb) – You’ll have the best weather, but it will also be busy due to the Argentinian school holidays and the fact everyone wants to visit in summer.
- Shoulder Seasons – If you prefer less crowds, visit in November or March. These are shoulder seasons, and you’ll have nice weather but less tourists.
I would personally avoid visiting in the winter (June-August). A lot of tour companies shut down due to less demand. The roads can be icy which will affect renting a car.
Kayaking is completely out of the window as it’ll be so cold. Daylight hours are limited too.
Check out my two-week Argentina itinerary so see how to include Perito Moreno in your trip.
Where To Stay In El Calafafe
America Del Sur Hostel is the ideal set up for adventurers visiting Patagonia.
The rooms are always warm, and the beds are comfy which is a must after a long day at the glacier.
The common area is a decent size, and it will always be busy in the evenings as people return from their adventures.
The best part however is the terrace. I loved sitting out here in the morning, watching the sunrise over the lake with a coffee.
America Del Sur is one of my 19 favourite hostels in South America. For the other 18, check out the post below:
Argentina Itineraries
How many days do you need in Argentina? Whether it’s 7 days, 3 weeks or 1 month, I’ve created pre-made itineraries to suit every schedule and traveler.
Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
How To Get To El Calafate
How To Get To El Calafate From Buenos Aires
The best way to get to El Calafate from Buenos Aires is to fly.
Flights take around 3 hours and can cost between $100-300 return depending on when you book.
I’ve been using Way Away Plus to book all my flights in Argentina. They find you the cheapest flights and give you cashback with each booking!
How To Get To El Chalten From El Calafate
Most people will be visiting El Chalten after stopping in El Calafate.
The easiest and cheapest way to get to El Chalten from El Calafate is with a 3 hour bus.
Returns start from $30.
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
