Approach Perito Moreno by boat, hike its moraine and spend three hours walking across ancient ice with crampons and guides. This full-day Big Ice tour combines navigation, forest trails and technical minitrekking for an intense Patagonian experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind off the Rico arm pushes across the bow as the boat threads toward the southern wall of Perito Moreno. Ice groans and collapses intermittently; blue towers tilt and fall into the lake, daring you to get closer. On shore, lenga forest opens to moraine ridges, then the glacier itself—an expanse of crevassed blue that the guides invite you to cross with crampons biting into ancient compacted snow.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
11 hours (including transfers)
Fitness Level
Requires high fitness: steady on uneven terrain, able to hike 2–3 hours on moraine then 3 hours on ice.
Wildlife
History
Los Glaciares National Park was established in 1937 to protect this section of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field; Perito Moreno is named after Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to stick to trails and follow guide instructions to minimize trampling and disturbance; the park manages access to protect fragile moraine vegetation and glacial runoff.
Reserve your spot on the Big Ice Tour Navigation Hike and Minitrekking in Perito Moreno today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for long days
The full excursion with transfers takes about 11 hours — bring snacks and plan for an early start from El Calafate.
Footwear matters
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are required for moraine and glacier sections; guides fit crampons over them.
Protect against sun and wind
High UV and strong winds are common; use sunscreen, sunglasses with side protection and a windproof shell.
Hydrate and pack lunch
There are no services at the refuge — bring water and a compact picnic for the planned break before the ice trek.
Waterproof hiking boots
Provide ankle support and dry feet on moraine and icy sections.
Crampons (provided but bring compatible boots)
Essential for traction on glacier ice; guides fit and instruct their use.
Windproof shell jacket
Blocks fierce Patagonian gusts and retains warmth during stops.
spring
High-UV sunglasses and sunscreen
Protects eyes and skin from intense reflection off ice and water.
summer