Stand before a living wall of ice on a full-day tour from El Calafate: walk the park’s viewpoints and sail within 150 meters of Perito Moreno’s southern face. This guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and where to watch for calving events.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A raw wind from the Argentino Lake hits your face before you see the wall of blue: Perito Moreno appears as a living cliff, ribs of ice stacked and cracking as it pushes into the water. You arrive from El Calafate along an 80 km road that opens into scrub and lenga forest; the walkways fan out along the glacier’s southern front, each viewpoint offering a different angle on the ice and the thunder of calving.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; involves walking on boardwalks, stairs and a short boat transfer—no long alpine trekking required.
Wildlife
History
The glacier bears the name of explorer Francisco P. Moreno; the region’s human history includes Tehuelche presence and later Patagonian estancias tied to gaucho culture.
Conservation
Perito Moreno lies within Los Glaciares National Park, managed with regulated walkways and boat routes to limit disturbance; visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and pack out waste.
Reserve your spot on the Full Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier including Navigation today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Buy park tickets in advance
Purchase the Rio Mitre y Glaciar Perito Moreno 1-day ticket online to skip queueing at the gate; card or cash in pesos accepted at the park.
Layer for unpredictable weather
Wind and sun alternate quickly—pack a waterproof outer layer and warm mid-layers even in summer.
Keep distance during calving
Stay behind marked railings on the walkways; icefall can project spray and debris meters beyond the face.
Bring binoculars or zoom lens
The boat gets close, but binoculars reveal texture and smaller calving events on the glacier face.
Waterproof shell jacket
Wind and spray from the lake make a waterproof outer layer essential year-round.
Sturdy walking shoes
Traction and ankle support are useful on wooden walkways and stairs.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Strong UV reflected from ice and water increases sun exposure, even on cool days.
summer
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Helps spot distant calving events and details on the glacier face during the boat segment.