The Perito Moreno Glacier is the most accessible and well-known ice formation in Argentine Patagonia. This natural monument, covering 250 square kilometers, belongs to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and is located in Los Glaciares National Park , in the province of Santa Cruz.
Most of the world's glaciers are retreating. But unlike them, the Perito Moreno Glacier maintains a state of equilibrium . This unique characteristic generates a cyclical rupture phenomenon. The ice advances until it reaches the land on the Magallanes Peninsula, blocking the flow of water from the Brazo Rico arm of the Magallanes River. The water pressure eventually causes the ice bridge to collapse in a unique spectacle .
If you're wondering how many days to spend in El Calafate and want to see the best, you should plan a minimum stay of four full days . This allows you to dedicate a full day to the glacier, take boat trips on Lake Argentino, and set aside a day to visit El Chaltén or explore a Patagonian ranch.
Below you'll find all the information you need to choose your travel dates. And if you'd like to travel with accommodation, transfers, and organized excursions , the best option is to choose a travel package to El Calafate .
Excursions to the Perito Moreno Glacier depending on the time of year
The tourist infrastructure and services of Los Glaciares National Park invite you to explore the ice from different perspectives and with varying levels of difficulty. Hiking along trails and viewpoints, boat excursions, glacier viewing from the water, and walks on the frozen ice are just some of the activities.
The feasibility and safety of these plans depend on weather conditions and ice levels. Factors such as wind, snowfall, rain, temperature, visibility, and the risk of rockfalls can alter itineraries, limit access, and cause temporary closures. Therefore, it's essential to plan first according to the season and, once at your destination, adjust your plans daily based on forecasts and the advice of authorities and guides.
Ice walking: adrenaline in summer and spring
Trekking on the glacier is the most popular activity. Due to safety concerns and ice conditions, these excursions operate from August to May, from spring to mid-autumn.
The perfect adventure for those up for a moderate level of physical exertion is the Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier . The itinerary includes a short boat trip across the Brazo Rico arm of the glacier and a hike through the forest before putting on crampons. The walk on the ice lasts an hour and a half . It's ideal for taking advantage of the summer weather , when the sun warms the glacier's surface and allows you to walk in light clothing.
The most challenging option is the Big Ice Perito Moreno tour. This excursion ventures into the heart of the glacier, off the beaten track. It involves a three-and-a-half-hour hike on the ice, exploring sinkholes, deep crevasses, and blue lagoons. Due to its duration, it requires long, clear days, making summer the ideal season.
Navigations and walkways of the Perito Moreno Glacier: options for all year round
Boat trips on Lake Argentino and walks along the 5 kilometers of steel boardwalks operate year-round. These activities are perfect for enjoying Calafate safely in winter .
The Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways tour with boat trip and glacier viewing combines the two basic perspectives. It allows you to walk along the stepped walkways to observe the glacier from above and includes a boat trip to appreciate the magnitude of its 60-meter walls from water level.
If you're traveling in your own vehicle and only need a boat ticket, the Perito Moreno Glacier Navigation departs from Puerto Bajo de las Sombras . This route navigates the Brazo Rico arm to get closer to the glacier's southern face, the best place to see calving events.
A different perspective is offered by the Perito Moreno tour: a boat trip to the North Face of the glacier . This vessel departs from Puerto Moreno and sails through the Iceberg Channel . It's a highly recommended excursion to take in Calafate during spring , when enormous blue icebergs break off and drift through the channel.
Finally, the Blue Nautical Safari to the Perito Moreno Glacier offers a route focused on the Magallanes Peninsula area . This boat approaches the area of the famous ice dam and allows you to photograph the glacier's textures from a safe distance.
Private experiences and kayaking on the lake
For travelers who prioritize privacy and wish to avoid the typical crowds of Calafate's high season , private services optimize time and comfort.
ThePerito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour: Private Navigation with Walkways ensures an exclusive vessel for the group. This allows photographers or families to move freely on deck. Similarly, the Perito Moreno Glacier Private Boat Trip and Walkways Tour includes private transportation from your hotel in El Calafate and a dedicated guide during the walk along the glacier's walkways, allowing you to tailor the pace of the tour to your preferences.
If your goal is total immersion in the landscape through sport, the Perito Moreno Glacier Kayak Tour is unbeatable. Participants paddle double kayaks at water level , dodging small icebergs near the north face. The agency provides dry suits and thermal gear.
The glacier under the stars
Natural light transforms the perception of ice. To experience the park in an unusual way, take the excursion The Perito Moreno Glacier Full Moon tour operates for a few nights a month. The itinerary allows you to walk along the walkways in total darkness, illuminated only by the light of the full moon reflected off the glacier's white surface . During this nighttime visit, the lack of ambient noise makes the internal creaking of the moving ice sound like thunder. Since temperatures drop drastically at night, even in January, wearing high-altitude thermal clothing is mandatory.
Best dates to visit Calafate according to the weather
This part of the planning depends directly on the type of activities you want to do. The weather at Perito Moreno Glacier and its surroundings changes drastically with the seasons, altering the landscape and the operation of tourist services.
Let's see what to keep in mind for each season of the year.
Calafate peak season: spring and summer
The peak season in Calafate runs from October until Easter (March or April) . Therefore, traveling from September to November guarantees you'll see the beginning of the thaw and the blooming of the steppe vegetation. However, it's also the time with the strongest gusts of wind.
The weather in El Calafate in December and throughout the rest of the summer offers ideal conditions for adventure and outdoor tourism. Average maximum temperatures range between 15°C and 19°C, and the days offer up to 17 hours of sunlight . This extended daylight hours are perfect for taking several excursions in a single day without the extreme cold outdoors.
El Calafate in autumn: April and May
Autumn begins in April, and the wind intensity decreases considerably, stabilizing the surface of Lake Argentino. Furthermore, the lenga and ñire forests take on red and yellow hues , creating a striking visual contrast with the blue of the glacier.
Planning a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier in May means preparing for the drop in temperature. Maximum temperatures hover around 8°C and minimums approach 0°C. However, the absence of strong winds and fewer tourists make this time of year a favorite for nature photographers.
Calafate in winter and the weather in Perito Moreno
Traveling to El Calafate in winter offers a unique experience. The weather in El Calafate in July sees average highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C, with precipitation falling as snow. Despite the cold, visiting Perito Moreno Glacier in winter has clear advantages. The windless days allow the lake to act like a perfect mirror. Although ice walks are suspended for safety reasons, the park remains open and covered in snow.
Routes and distances: how to get to the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is 80 kilometers from the center of El Calafate. The only land access is Provincial Route 11 , which is fully paved and in excellent condition. The drive takes approximately an hour and a half, following the southern shore of Lake Argentino until entering the protected area.
If you don't have your own vehicle or a rental car, the round-trip bus tour to Perito Moreno Glacier is the best option. This regular shuttle service departs from the El Calafate bus terminal . It's an economical, safe, and heated alternative, ensuring a comfortable journey during the winter months. It also allows ample free time to explore the park's network of walkways at your own pace.