Unforgettable Adventures: Trekking the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia

When I first started researching what to do in Patagonia, I kept seeing photos of people walking across a bright white glacier surrounded by crystal-clear blue water. I knew instantly—I wanted to do that exact thing. Those photos were from trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina. The moment I saw them, this adventure became a non-negotiable on my itinerary.

There’s something magical about actually walking on a glacier: the crunch of the ice beneath your boots, the surreal blue crevices, and the realization that you’re standing on something alive and constantly moving.

During our stay in El Calafate, we booked the Minitrekking excursion with Hielo y Aventura. It turned out to be one of the most unforgettable days of our Patagonia trip.

Early Morning Pickup

Our day began early. At around 7:00 a.m., the Hielo y Aventura bus picked us up directly from our hotel in El Calafate. There were multiple large white buses labeled “Hielo y Aventura” rolling past, which built up our anticipation. The driver even walked into the lobby to call our names—it couldn’t have been more convenient.

The bus filled quickly, and I worried that the glacier trek might feel overcrowded. But as we drove through the Patagonian steppe, with the sun rising over rolling hills and turquoise lakes, I relaxed into the excitement. At the Los Glaciares National Park gate, I noticed dozens of buses arriving. However, the process was efficient. Not everyone was doing the minitrekking—many groups were heading straight to the walkways.

Boat Ride to the Glacier

View of Perito Moreno from the beach

From the parking area, we boarded a boat across Lago Rico. This gave us our first jaw-dropping view of the glacier. The massive ice wall loomed ahead, glowing in brilliant shades of white and blue. Even from the boat, you could hear the cracks and thunderous pops as the glacier shifted.

Despite the number of people, the experience felt organized. Each group had staggered boat times. By the time we landed at the shelter on the opposite shore, the group before us was already moving toward the crampon area.

Hiking to the Ice and Strapping on Crampons

The short hike along the rocky beach built excitement as we approached the glacier

We followed a short trail along the rocky beach, with incredible glacier views all around. We even had a few minutes to “play” on the beach—touching icy chunks, dipping our hands in the frigid water (my fingers went numb instantly), and watching in awe as a huge piece of ice calved off the glacier with a deafening crash.

At the base, the guides fitted us with crampons—spiked metal attachments for our boots. They carefully explained how to walk: take wide steps, keep your feet flat, and always follow the guide’s path. “Don’t let the spikes catch on your pants or the opposite leg,” they warned. “You will cut yourself if you’re careless.”

Taking that first step onto the glacier felt surreal. The air grew cooler instantly, as if the glacier itself was breathing around us.

Walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier

Some crevices shimmered with impossibly clear blue water, others disappeared into darkness

The Minitrekking lasted about 90 minutes, but it flew by. The ice sparkled under the sun, dazzlingly blue and impossibly bright.

We walked carefully across small ridges, peered into crevices that plunged deep into the glacier’s heart, and even spotted streams of meltwater shimmering like liquid sapphire. The guides reminded us that the route changes every single day, depending on how the glacier moves and melts. That fact made each step feel even more special—no one else would walk this exact same path again.

Blue pool on Perito Moreno Glacier

I was mesmerized by the crevices: some faded into blackness, while others glowed with brilliant turquoise light. Standing there, I was struck by how glaciers are both powerful and fragile—constantly moving, yet melting before our eyes.

We lucked out with the weather, too. Our guide said the previous day had been overcast, but on our clear, sunny day, the ice and meltwater practically glowed electric blue.

There were other groups trekking, but because they were staggered along the glacier, we never felt crowded. To snap photos without strangers in them, we simply waited until our group moved forward, then quickly captured the moment before the next group arrived.

Whiskey on the Rocks (Glacier Ice, That Is)

The perfect ending to our trek—whiskey served over 500-year-old glacier ice

At the end of the trek, our guides treated us to a fun surprise: a glass of whiskey served over glacier ice. Standing there on ancient ice, sipping whiskey chilled by a chunk of the glacier itself, was one of those “pinch me” travel moments I’ll never forget.

Lunch with a Glacier View

After leaving the ice, we returned to a shelter overlooking the glacier’s towering wall. With time to spare, we enjoyed lunch, coffee, and plenty of photos. Watching massive ice chunks break away and crash into the lake below was mesmerizing—and this time, from a safe distance.

Lunch and coffee with a front-row view of the Perito Moreno Glacier’s ice wall

We boarded the boat again, watching the glacier shrink behind us as we crossed back over Lago Rico.

The Boardwalks: A Rushed but Beautiful Finale

The boardwalks gave us sweeping views of the glacier, even if the stop felt too short

On the way back to El Calafate, the bus stopped at the Perito Moreno boardwalks. This network of elevated paths offers panoramic views of the glacier. Unfortunately, we only had about an hour here, which felt rushed. You could easily spend half a day exploring from different vantage points.

We tried to be strategic: walking straight to the farthest viewpoint first to get photos without the crowds, then working our way back toward the bus. Even in the short time we had, the views were spectacular. We snapped hundreds of photos—the glacier looked so massive and radiant from every angle.

Heading Back to El Calafate

By late afternoon, we climbed back onto the bus, exhausted but exhilarated. As we pulled into El Calafate, I couldn’t stop replaying the day in my head: the crunch of crampons on ice, the surreal blue glow of the crevices, and that glass of whiskey on 500-year-old ice.

Final Thoughts: Perito Moreno Minitrekking

The Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking with Hielo y Aventura is one of the most incredible excursions I’ve ever done. From the seamless hotel pickup to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of walking on the glacier, to sipping whiskey on ancient ice—it’s a day I’ll never forget.

That first step onto the glacier was unforgettable—the air instantly cooler and the ice glowing blue.

It’s long, but it’s well-organized and surprisingly convenient. If you’re visiting El Calafate, Argentina, this is an absolute must-do activity.

Quick Facts: Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking

• Location: Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, near El Calafate, Argentina

• Tour Operator: Hielo y Aventura (exclusive provider)

• Duration: Full-day tour (~10–11 hours total, including transport)

• Glacier Trek Time: ~90 minutes on the ice

• Distance from El Calafate: ~80 km (1.5 hours by bus)

• Difficulty: Moderate – requires walking on uneven terrain with crampons

• Age Limits: 8–65 years old (strictly enforced)

• Group Size: Small guided groups with staggered times

• What’s Included: Round-trip transport, boat ride, crampons, professional guides, whiskey on glacier ice

• What’s Not Included: National park entrance fee, lunch, travel insurance

• Best Season: September–May (spring through fall in Patagonia)

  
  

Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking FAQ

1. How long does the Perito Moreno Glacier minitrekking take?

The minitrekking excursion is a full-day tour. The glacier walk itself lasts about 90 minutes. However, including hotel pickup in El Calafate, transport, boat rides, and boardwalk time, expect a 10–11 hour day.

2. Do I need to be very fit to do the glacier trek?

No advanced fitness is required, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for about 90 minutes. The pace is steady, and guides provide clear instructions. Most active travelers find it very manageable.

3. What should I wear for glacier trekking?

Dress in layers since Patagonia’s weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm hat, gloves, and sunglasses (the glare on the ice is intense). Sturdy hiking boots are essential for wearing crampons.

4. Can children join the Perito Moreno minitrekking?

Children under 8 years old and adults over 65 years old cannot participate in the minitrekking due to safety regulations. For families, there’s a shorter “Safari Azul” option that includes a glacier walk without crampons.

5. Is lunch included on the tour?

No, lunch is not included. You’ll need to bring your own packed lunch or buy snacks at the shelter near the glacier. Many people pack sandwiches and enjoy them with glacier views.

6. How crowded is the tour?

Although many buses and boats head to the glacier daily, groups are staggered with different start times. This keeps the glacier walk itself from feeling overcrowded.

7. Can I book the tour on my own?

The Perito Moreno Glacier minitrekking can only be done through Hielo y Aventura, the exclusive operator. You can book directly on their website or through your hotel/tour agency in El Calafate.

8. Do I need travel insurance for glacier trekking?

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. Walking on ice carries inherent risks, and having coverage for accidents or cancellations provides peace of mind.

9. What’s the difference between Minitrekking and Big Ice?

• Minitrekking: ~90 minutes on the ice, suitable for most active travelers (ages 8–65).

• Big Ice: A more demanding, 3.5-hour trek deeper into the glacier, only for ages 18–50.

  
  

10. Is the boardwalk stop included in the tour?

Yes, most minitrekking tours include about 1 hour at the boardwalks after the glacier hike. This is a bit rushed, but still offers spectacular panoramic views.