Paddle Lake Argentino toward the towering face of Perito Moreno Glacier on a guided outing from El Calafate. This small-group tour pairs hands-on kayaking with expert safety gear and a front-row view of one of Patagonia’s most dramatic glaciers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from the pebbled shore and Lake Argentino immediately tests your focus — water threads around icebergs the color of old cobalt glass while a wall of vertical ice towers above, cracking and releasing thunderous plumes of spray. The guide calls cadence, you match the stroke, and the glacier seems to watch you back, a living cliff of compressed winter.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours (including transport and briefing)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable with 1–2 hours of continuous paddling and short walks on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Perito Moreno lies within Los Glaciares National Park, created to protect the Southern Patagonian Ice Field; the glacier is named after Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno.
Conservation
Visitors should stick to established paths and avoid throwing anything into the lake; operators work under park rules to minimize wake and disturbance near ice and wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the Perito Moreno Kayak Tour with optional transfers from El Calafate today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers under the dry suit
Start with a warm synthetic base layer and add fleece; the operator provides a Gore‑Tex dry suit but insulation is yours to manage.
Bring a tight‑fit sunglasses strap
Glare off the ice is intense and wind can snatch unsecured glasses—use a strap to keep optics in place for photos and navigation.
Hydrate and snack before launch
Cold suppresses thirst; eat and drink during the briefing so you have energy for 90 minutes of active paddling.
Follow guide instructions for proximity to ice
Icebergs and calving can shift quickly; maintain the recommended distance and respond immediately to guide commands.
Synthetic base layers
Moisture-wicking layers keep you warm under the dry suit during cold paddling.
fall
Waterproof gloves or neoprene liners
Protect hands from wind chill and maintain grip on the paddle.
winter
Sunglasses with polarized lenses and strap
Reduces glare off ice and water and prevents sunburned eyes.
summer
Small waterproof camera or phone in dry case
Capture close-up ice and landscape photos without risking your gear.