Perito Moreno Glacier: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know to visit the most famous glacier in Argentine Patagonia
Last update:
The Perito Moreno Glacier It is the most famous ice tongue in Patagonia: its 5-km front advances at a rate of about 2 meters per day as blocks of ice calve into Lake Argentino. For almost 80 years, this advance compensated for what was lost to calving—the equilibrium that made it famous—although since 2019 studies have documented a retreat of the front. Located within the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and is the main attraction of El Calafate. It is the main destination of the excursions in El Calafate, from walking along the walkways to trekking with crampons on the ice.
| Location | Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°29′S 73°03′W |
| Distance from El Calafate | 80 km via Provincial Route 11 (paved, ~1h 30min) |
| Surface | 250 km² |
| Forehead | ~5 km wide, 60-74 m high above the lake |
| Origin | Southern Patagonian Ice Field (3rd largest ice field in the world) |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes, since 1981 |
| Last confirmed breakup | December 28, 2019 |
| Catwalks | 4-5.5 km at various levels, ~300 m from the glacier front |
| Summer schedule (Sep-Apr) | Access 8:00-18:00 · Stay until 20:00 · Walkways until 19:30 |
| Winter schedule (May-August) | Access 9:00-16:00 · Stay until 18:00 |
Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park, in the southwest of the province of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia. The park covers 726,927 hectares and was created to preserve the continental ice fields, the Andean-Patagonian forest and the steppe.
The The nearest city is El Calafate., Located 80 km away via Provincial Route 11, which is fully paved. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car and crosses Patagonian steppe landscape with views of Lake Argentino.
How to get there from El Calafate
On tour with transfer: The most practical option. It includes hotel pick-up, a bilingual guide, and time on the walkways. This is how most visitors arrive; Classic tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier This format covers exactly that.
By own car or rental car: Take Provincial Route 11 west. It's a paved road in good condition, with free parking at the park. Fill up with fuel in El Calafate (there are no gas stations along the way).
By bus: Operators such as Caltur and others offer services with fixed schedules from the El Calafate terminal.
By air: El Calafate has an international airport (FTE) with direct flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Bariloche.
History and formation of the glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier originates in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, The third largest expanse of continental ice in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland. From there it descends to the southern arm of Lake Argentino, where its 5 km wide front rises between 60 and 74 meters above the water.
It was first sighted by Europeans in 1879 by Captain John Thomas Rogers. In 1899 it received its current name in honor of Francisco Pascasio Moreno, Argentine explorer and scientist who was key in the delimitation of the border with Chile and the creation of the national parks.
The phenomenon of the breakup
What makes the Perito Moreno Glacier unique is its cycle of advance and rupture. The glacier advances constantly (~2 m/day) until it reaches the Magellan Peninsula, blocking the Brazo Rico arm of Lake Argentino. The accumulated water creates a difference in elevation of up to 30 meters and presses against the ice until a tunnel forms, which then collapses spectacularly.
This phenomenon doesn't have a fixed cycle, and the "every 4 years" claim repeated in many guides is a myth: between 1988 and 2004, 16 years passed without any breakout. The last confirmed one was... December 28, 2019. Minor ice block detachments, on the other hand, occur daily and can be witnessed from the walkways: that is guaranteed on any visit.
Things to do: boardwalks, sailing and trekking
Walkways (included with park admission)
The circuit of catwalks It is between 4 and 5.5 km long, distributed across several levels with viewpoints. It is located approximately 300 meters from the glacier's face and is constructed with metal grates. It does not require significant physical effort, although it does have some ascents and descents. Recommended time: 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace to explore it completely.
From our experience guiding visitors, we recommend arriving before 10 a.m. to enjoy the walkways with fewer crowds and better light for photography.
Navigation in front of the glacier
Nautical Safari from Puerto Moreno: A 1-hour boat trip along the north face of the glacier through the Iceberg Channel. The boat approaches within a few hundred meters of the glacier's face. This experience is offered in addition to the park entrance fee. Nautical Safari under the shadows of the glacier.
Navigation Brazo Rico from Puerto Bajo Las Sombras: It explores the south face of the glacier. It can be combined with the boardwalk tour on the same day. This boat trip is offered as Moreno Spirit.
Trekking on ice
Minitrekking: he mini-trekking in El Calafate This activity involves a 1.5-hour hike on the glacier using crampons. Total duration is approximately 10 hours (including transfers and boat trips). Suitable for ages 8 to 65. Moderate difficulty.
There is also a extended 6 km version with a tour of the Cascada de las Cotorras (Parrot Waterfall), ideal for those seeking more time on the ice without the demands of Big Ice Perito Moreno.
Both excursions include crampons, an expert guide, navigation, and a celebratory toast. During peak season (December-February), it's advisable to book 1-2 weeks in advance.
Practical information 2026: prices, opening hours and tickets
Price of admission to Los Glaciares National Park
The entrance fee to the Perito Moreno Glacier is as follows: access to Los Glaciares National Park. The ticket includes access to the walkways. Boat trips and trekking excursions are paid separately.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General rate (foreigners) | $50,000 ARS |
| National residents | $25,000 ARS |
| Residents of Santa Cruz | $8,000 ARS |
| Argentine students | $15,000 ARS |
| Argentine retirees and pensioners | Free |
| Children under 6 years old | Free |
| People with disabilities + companion | Free |
| Falklands War Veterans | Free |
Access times
Summer (September 1st to April 30th): Entry from 8:00 to 18:00. Stay in the corridor until 20:00. Walkways until 19:30 (30 km from the park exit, you have to calculate the return).
Winter (May 1st to August 31st): Entry from 9:00 to 16:00. Stay until 18:00.
How to buy a ticket
On-line: in ventaweb.apn.gob.ar Up to 1 month in advance. Payment by credit or debit card. The ticket must be validated at the entrance by presenting ID or passport.
In person: on the Río Mitre-Glaciar Moreno cover with credit card (Visa/Mastercard), debit card (Electron) or cash in Argentine pesos.
We recommend buying online to avoid queues, especially during peak season when cell phone signal at the park entrance is limited.
Best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier can be visited year-round. Each season offers a different experience:
| Time | Months | Climate | Advantages | Things to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Dec-Feb | 8-17°C, long days (up to 17 hours of daylight) | Better weather, all excursions operate | Higher demand. Book 2-3 weeks in advance |
| Autumn | Mar-May | 2-10°C, autumn colors | Fewer tourists, spectacular scenery | Some excursions cease operating in May |
| Winter | June-August | -2 to 5°C, snow | Intimate experience, snowy glacier | Reduced hours, Minitrekking may not operate |
| Spring | Sep-Nov | 4-12°C, longer days | Fewer people, good weather, low prices | Strong winds some days |
Based on our experience operating tours year-round, The months with the best balance between good weather and fewer tourists are October and March.. From December to February the experience is excellent, but you have to book everything in advance.
Tips for your visit to the glacier
- Trekking footwear is required: The walkways are metal grates that can be slippery. Don't wear sandals or flat shoes.
- Dress in layers: The weather can change in minutes. Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket, a fleece, and a thermal shirt, even in summer.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The reflection of ice and water intensifies UV radiation, even on cloudy days.
- Bring water and snacks: There is a restaurant and bar in the walkway area, but the prices are high.
- Arrive early: Before 10:00 AM you'll find fewer people on the catwalks and better light for photos.
- Buy your ticket online: in ventaweb.apn.gob.ar You avoid queues and signal problems on the front page.
- No pets allowed within the National Park.
- Do not feed the wildlife and take your trash back to El Calafate.
Flora and fauna in the glacier's surroundings
The road to the glacier and the park's trails cross an ecosystem of Andean-Patagonian forest of lenga and ñire trees, which in autumn are tinged with reds and yellows creating a spectacular contrast with the white of the ice.
On the route from El Calafate it is common to spot guanacos y gray foxes in the steppe. In the glacier area, birds are the main attraction: the Andean condor It can be seen soaring above the ice walls, along with black-chested buzzard-eagles and upland geese. Rainbow and brown trout inhabit the lake. With luck, the elusive huemul, Patagonian deer in danger of extinction and symbol of the Argentine national coat of arms.
How to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier from Spain
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a top destination for anyone traveling to Patagonia from Europe. It's not a quick getaway: it requires planning, long flights, and at least two weeks to make it worthwhile. Here's everything you need to know before booking.
Flights from Madrid or Barcelona
There are no direct flights to El Calafate. The usual route is Madrid or Barcelona → Buenos Aires → El Calafate (FTE). The transatlantic leg takes between 12 and 14 hours, and the domestic flight to El Calafate adds about 3 hours. With the layover, the entire trip usually takes between 4 and 8 pm.
One important detail: international flights arrive at Ezeiza (EZE) and most domestic flights to El Calafate depart from Aeroparque (AEP). The transfer between airports takes about an hour, so it's best to allow extra time or even spend the night in Buenos Aires.
Indicative budget in euros
Reference values as of August 2026, for one person:
- Round trip flight Madrid–Buenos Aires: From €900 in low season, up to €1,500 in December and January.
- Round trip flight Buenos Aires–El Calafate: between €150 and €300.
- Accommodation in El Calafate: From €50 per night in a hostel to €200 in a luxury hotel.
- Glacier excursion with transfer: around €60.
- Entrance to the National Park: about €35 for non-Argentinians.
The exchange rate in Argentina fluctuates frequently, so it's best to use these values as a reference and confirm them when booking.
When to travel if you're coming from Europe
The seasons are reversed: the Patagonian summer goes from December to February. For a long trip, the most balanced months are October, November and MarchThe weather is good, the days are long, and there are far fewer people than in peak season. July and August—European summer holidays—are like the middle of winter here, with short days and many excursions not operating.
Suggested itinerary: 10 to 14 days in Patagonia
Given the distance involved, it makes little sense to come just for the glacier. A common route:
- Days 1-2: Arrival in Buenos Aires and flight to El Calafate.
- Days 3-5: Perito Moreno Glacier (walkways and ice navigation or trekking), Lake Argentino and Laguna Nimez.
- Days 6-9: El Chaltén, the national capital of trekking, is 3 hours away by paved road.
- Days 10-12: Optionally Torres del Paine, in Chile, crossing the border from El Calafate.
- Days 13-14: return via Buenos Aires.
Practical information for Spanish travelers
- Visa: Spanish citizens do not need a visa to enter Argentina as tourists. A valid passport is sufficient.
- Currency and payments: The currency is the Argentine peso. Cards are accepted in most shops, although it's a good idea to carry some cash for small expenses.
- Plugs: Argentina uses Type I sockets (flat V-shaped prongs) at 220V. An adapter is needed.
- Time difference: Argentina is 5 hours behind Spain in European summer time and 4 hours behind in winter.
- Language: There is no language barrier, but Rioplatense Spanish has its own voseo and idioms.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Perito Moreno Glacier
Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier located?
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park, Located in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia, it is 80 km from the city of El Calafate, accessible via the fully paved Provincial Route 11 (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car). El Calafate has an international airport with direct flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and Bariloche.
How much does it cost to enter the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The entrance fee is charged as an access fee to Los Glaciares National Park. Rates are current as of August 2026: General (non-Argentinians, over 6 years old): $50,000 ARS • National (Argentine citizens, over 6 years old): $ 25,000 ARS • Residents of Santa Cruz: $ 8,000 ARS • Students with Argentine accreditation: $ 15,000 ARS. Free admission for: children 0-5 years old, Argentine retirees and pensioners residing in the country, residents of El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Tres Lagos, people with disabilities and their companion, and Malvinas War Veterans. There is a discount on the 50% ticket for the second day (within 72 hours). Tickets can be purchased online at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar or in person. Check the official site to confirm updated rates.
What is the best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The best time is October to March, The peak season is from December to February, when the days are longer (up to 17 hours of daylight) and the temperatures are more pleasant (8-17°C). October and March They offer the best combination of good weather and fewer tourists. The glacier can be visited year-round, but in winter (May-August) opening hours are reduced and some tours are not available.
How long does it take to walk along the walkways?
The complete network of walkways is between 4 and 5.5 km long, distributed across several levels with viewpoints. Walking the entire circuit takes between 2 and 3 hours At a leisurely pace. The walkways are approximately 300 meters from the glacier's face and are constructed of metal grating. They are accessible and do not require great physical effort, although there are some ascents and descents. We recommend trekking shoes.
Is it possible to walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Yes, there are two ice trekking excursions: the Minitrekking, one hiking with crampons on ice 1 hour 30 minutes (suitable for ages 8-65, moderate difficulty) and the Big Ice (3 hours 30 minutes with crevasse and cave exploration, for ages 18-50, high difficulty). Both include crampons, expert guide, navigation, and a toast. Book 1-2 weeks in advance during peak season.
How big is the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The Perito Moreno Glacier has a total area of 250 km², The ice front is approximately 5 kilometers wide and 60 to 74 meters high above the level of Lake Argentino. It originates in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest expanse of continental ice in the world. The ice flows toward the front at a rate of about 2 meters per day. It maintained a remarkable equilibrium for almost 80 years, but since 2019, a retreat has been documented.
When was the last rupture of the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The last confirmed rupture of the Perito Moreno Glacier was the December 28, 2019. There are no confirmed ruptures between 2020 and 2026: the "2024 rupture" circulating on various tourism websites is false. The phenomenon occurs when the glacier advances until it reaches the Magallanes Peninsula and blocks the Brazo Rico arm of Lake Argentino, until the pressure of the accumulated water breaks the ice dam. It does not have a fixed cycle.Between 1988 and 2004, 16 years passed without any calving, so it's not possible to schedule a visit to see it. What you can see year-round are icebergs breaking off from the walkways. All break-up dates recorded since 1917.
How to get to the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate?
From El Calafate you can get there by Provincial Route 11, fully paved, in ~1 hour 30 minutes (80 km). The options are: a tour with transfers (hotel pick-up, guide included), your own car or a rental (free parking in the park, refuel in El Calafate), or a regular bus with fixed schedules. The route crosses the Patagonian steppe with views of Lake Argentino and is a visual experience in itself.