Step from a viewing platform to a boat and then onto the blue ice of Perito Moreno. This full‑day Big Ice trek combines boardwalk perspectives, a Lake Argentino crossing and guided glacier travel for an up‑close experience of Patagonia’s dynamic ice.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light cuts the ice into slabs of blue as the day begins in Los Glaciares National Park. You arrive from El Calafate, skirt the boardwalks that frame the glacier’s 60‑meter face, then cross the Rico Arm by boat to set foot on Perito Moreno itself. The ice exhales and creaks beneath crampons; streams thread the surface and crevasses open like canyons of glass. Guides navigate safe routes while pointing out caves, waterfalls and the luminous lagoons hidden within the ice.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8–12 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and agility over uneven icy terrain; able to hike for several hours.
Wildlife
History
Perito Moreno is an outlet glacier of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field inside Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site established to protect the region’s dramatic glacial landscapes.
Conservation
Visitors must stay on marked routes and follow guide instructions; the park relies on entrance fees and responsible tourism to fund conservation and limit local impact.
Reserve your spot on the Big Ice Perito Moreno Trek with Walkways and Navigation today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring Argentine pesos for park fee
The Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee is paid at the gate in cash — credit cards are not always accepted, so bring pesos.
Wear sturdy, waterproof boots
Ankle support and a waterproof sole make crampon fitting easier and keep feet warm during the long walk on ice.
Pack high‑energy snacks and a water bottle
You’ll have a lunch stop on the glacier but should carry extra snacks and at least 1–1.5L of water to stay fueled and hydrated.
Start early to avoid afternoon winds
Transfers from El Calafate are early; mornings usually offer calmer conditions for the boat crossing and clearer visibility of the glacier face.
Waterproof trekking boots
Provides ankle support and a dry, insulated base for crampon use.
Layered synthetic insulation and windproof shell
Windproof outer layer and insulating mid‑layers help manage rapid temperature shifts on the ice.
Sunglasses with high UV protection
Strong glare from snow and ice requires reliable eye protection year‑round; mid‑summer sun is strongest.
summer
Insulated gloves and thin liner gloves
Warm, dexterous hands are necessary for adjusting gear and for comfort during boat transfers and while on the ice.