Blue Safari at Perito Moreno Glacier: boat crossing and coastal hike from El Calafate

THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel

Read the full experience

You step off the bus and the wind from the ice pushes toward you — cold, clear, and insistently honest. The day begins in El Calafate with a drive into Los Glaciares National Park and a short walk to Puerto Bajo de las Sombras. A 20‑minute crossing of Lago Rico navigates between floating ice before you set foot on the shore opposite the south wall of Perito Moreno.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

8 hours.

Fitness level

Moderate fitness — able to walk 1.5 km on uneven terrain, manage stairs and tolerate wind and cold for several hours.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the hike and how strenuous is it?

The guided coastal hike covers about 1.5 km and takes roughly 90 minutes on mixed terrain; it’s rated moderate and requires basic mobility and balance.

Do I need to pay to enter Los Glaciares National Park and how can I pay?

Yes — the park charges an entry fee payable on arrival; cash in Argentine pesos is commonly accepted and Visa is usually accepted at the entrance booth; bring ID or passport.

Are children allowed on the tour?

This operator restricts participants: children under 6 and travelers over 70 are not permitted. Confirm age rules when booking and bring children’s ID if required.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Trips can be canceled for safety in high winds or dangerous conditions; the operator typically offers refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance or due to unsafe weather.

Local insights

Wildlife

Andean condor (seen thermalling near the ice-free hills)
Magellanic woodpecker and other lenga forest birds

History

Perito Moreno glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site established for its glacial and mountain landscapes.

Conservation

Stay on designated trails and don’t remove ice or rocks; tourism is managed to concentrate impacts, and visitors help fund conservation via park fees.

About Patagonia Dreams

Patagonia Dreams operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.

Base locationEl Calafate, Santa Cruz

Tours offered4+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

Adventure tips

Carry Argentine pesos for park entryLos Glaciares charges an entrance fee that’s easiest to pay in cash or with a Visa card; bring ID or passport for park record.

Dress in layers and a windproof shellPatagonian weather swings fast; a breathable insulating midlayer plus a waterproof wind shell will keep you comfortable during boat crossings and exposed viewpoints.

Wear sturdy, grippy footwearTrail surfaces include sand, loose stones and stairs — shoes with a firm tread make the 1.5 km coastal hike safer and more enjoyable.

Give the glacier space during calvingCalving events can throw ice and waves; follow your guide’s instructions and stay behind guardrails on viewpoints and the boat deck.

Recommended gear

Waterproof, windproof jacket: Protects against sudden wind, spray from the lake and light precipitation.
Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction: Provides stability on mixed sand, stones and wooden stairs along the coastal trail.
Warm midlayer (fleece or down): Traps heat during boat crossings and when standing at viewpoints watching the glacier.
Binoculars or telephoto camera lens: Helps observe crevasses, seracs and distant wildlife without approaching sensitive areas.