{"id":65129,"date":"2023-12-05T18:23:32","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T21:23:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ai.calafate.tours\/?page_id=65129"},"modified":"2026-08-09T20:36:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T23:36:29","slug":"perito-moreno-glacier","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ai.calafate.tours\/en\/glaciar-perito-moreno\/","title":{"rendered":"Perito Moreno Glacier"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n \"Panoramic
\n<\/figure>\n
\n Home<\/a><\/span><\/span>\n

Perito Moreno Glacier: Complete Guide 2026<\/h1>\n

Everything you need to know to visit the most famous glacier in Argentine Patagonia<\/h2>\n
\n \"Calafate\n
Calafate Tours & Adventure\u00ae<\/strong>Local operators in El Calafate<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Last update:

The Perito Moreno Glacier<\/strong> 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\u2014the equilibrium that made it famous\u2014although since 2019 studies have documented a retreat of the front. Located within the Los Glaciares National Park<\/a> in Argentine Patagonia, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and is the main attraction of El Calafate<\/a>. It is the main destination of the excursions in El Calafate<\/a>, from walking along the walkways to trekking with crampons on the ice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Key facts about the Perito Moreno Glacier<\/caption>\n
Location<\/th>\nLos Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coordinates<\/th>\n50\u00b029\u2032S 73\u00b003\u2032W<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance from El Calafate<\/th>\n80 km via Provincial Route 11 (paved, ~1h 30min)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Surface<\/th>\n250 km\u00b2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Forehead<\/th>\n~5 km wide, 60-74 m high above the lake<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Origin<\/th>\nSouthern Patagonian Ice Field (3rd largest ice field in the world)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/th>\nYes, since 1981<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Last confirmed breakup<\/th>\nDecember 28, 2019<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Catwalks<\/th>\n4-5.5 km at various levels, ~300 m from the glacier front<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Summer schedule (Sep-Apr)<\/th>\nAccess 8:00-18:00 \u00b7 Stay until 20:00 \u00b7 Walkways until 19:30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Winter schedule (May-August)<\/th>\nAccess 9:00-16:00 \u00b7 Stay until 18:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier?<\/h2>\n

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

The The nearest city is El Calafate.<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

\n

How to get there from El Calafate<\/h3>\n

On tour with transfer:<\/strong> 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<\/a> This format covers exactly that.<\/p>\n

By own car or rental car:<\/strong> 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).<\/p>\n

By bus:<\/strong> Operators such as Caltur and others offer services with fixed schedules from the El Calafate terminal.<\/p>\n

By air:<\/strong> El Calafate has an international airport (FTE) with direct flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Bariloche.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

History and formation of the glacier<\/h2>\n

The Perito Moreno Glacier originates in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>, Argentine explorer and scientist who was key in the delimitation of the border with Chile and the creation of the national parks.<\/p>\n

\n

The phenomenon of the breakup<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>. Minor ice block detachments, on the other hand, occur daily and can be witnessed from the walkways: that is guaranteed on any visit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Things to do: boardwalks, sailing and trekking<\/h2>\n
\n

Walkways (included with park admission)<\/h3>\n

The circuit of catwalks<\/strong> 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<\/strong> at a leisurely pace to explore it completely.<\/p>\n

From our experience guiding visitors, we recommend arriving before 10 a.m. to enjoy the walkways with fewer crowds and better light for photography.<\/p>\n

Navigation in front of the glacier<\/h3>\n

Nautical Safari from Puerto Moreno:<\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Navigation Brazo Rico from Puerto Bajo Las Sombras:<\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Trekking on ice<\/h3>\n

Minitrekking:<\/strong> he mini-trekking in El Calafate<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

There is also a extended 6 km version<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Book your glacier experience<\/h3>\n
\n
\n

\ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f Tour of Footbridges<\/h4>\n

Transfer + guide + free walk along the walkways in front of the glacier<\/p>\n

View tour<\/a>\n <\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\ud83e\uddca Minitrekking<\/h4>\n

1h30 walking on ice with crampons \u00b7 8-65 years<\/p>\n

View tour<\/a>\n <\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u2744\ufe0f Big Ice<\/h4>\n

3.5-hour trek on the glacier \u00b7 Crevasses and caves \u00b7 Ages 18-50<\/p>\n

View tour<\/a>\n <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Practical information 2026: prices, opening hours and tickets<\/h2>\n
\n

Price of admission to Los Glaciares National Park<\/h3>\n

The entrance fee to the Perito Moreno Glacier is as follows: access to Los Glaciares National Park<\/strong>. The ticket includes access to the walkways. Boat trips and trekking excursions are paid separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Category<\/th>\nPrice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
General rate (foreigners)<\/td>\n$50,000 ARS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
National residents<\/td>\n$25,000 ARS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Residents of Santa Cruz<\/td>\n$8,000 ARS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Argentine students<\/td>\n$15,000 ARS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Argentine retirees and pensioners<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Children under 6 years old<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
People with disabilities + companion<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Falklands War Veterans<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n Prices valid from August 2026<\/strong>. Check updated rates at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar<\/a>. Second day visit: 50% discount within 72 hours. Flexipass (3 or 7 days) and Annual Pass are also available.\n <\/div>\n

Access times<\/h3>\n

Summer (September 1st to April 30th):<\/strong> 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).<\/p>\n

Winter (May 1st to August 31st):<\/strong> Entry from 9:00 to 16:00. Stay until 18:00.<\/p>\n

How to buy a ticket<\/h3>\n

On-line:<\/strong> in ventaweb.apn.gob.ar<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

In person:<\/strong> on the R\u00edo Mitre-Glaciar Moreno cover with credit card (Visa\/Mastercard), debit card (Electron) or cash in Argentine pesos.<\/p>\n

We recommend buying online to avoid queues, especially during peak season when cell phone signal at the park entrance is limited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier<\/h2>\n

The Perito Moreno Glacier can be visited year-round. Each season offers a different experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Time<\/th>\nMonths<\/th>\nClimate<\/th>\nAdvantages<\/th>\nThings to keep in mind<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Summer<\/strong><\/td>\nDec-Feb<\/td>\n8-17\u00b0C, long days (up to 17 hours of daylight)<\/td>\nBetter weather, all excursions operate<\/td>\nHigher demand. Book 2-3 weeks in advance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Autumn<\/strong><\/td>\nMar-May<\/td>\n2-10\u00b0C, autumn colors<\/td>\nFewer tourists, spectacular scenery<\/td>\nSome excursions cease operating in May<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Winter<\/strong><\/td>\nJune-August<\/td>\n-2 to 5\u00b0C, snow<\/td>\nIntimate experience, snowy glacier<\/td>\nReduced hours, Minitrekking may not operate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Spring<\/strong><\/td>\nSep-Nov<\/td>\n4-12\u00b0C, longer days<\/td>\nFewer people, good weather, low prices<\/td>\nStrong winds some days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Based on our experience operating tours year-round, The months with the best balance between good weather and fewer tourists are October and March.<\/strong>. From December to February the experience is excellent, but you have to book everything in advance.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Tips for your visit to the glacier<\/h2>\n
\n