Let me introduce you to two fantastic opportunities to traverse the icy expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier within Los Glaciares National Park: Minitrekking and Big Ice. These exhilarating adventures offer unparalleled experiences amidst the frozen splendor of the glacier. Here is what to expect, the differences between both options, key details, and more.
What is ice trekking?
Ice trekking, also known as glacier trekking or glacier hiking, is an adventurous activity that involves walking on the surface of a glacier in areas that are accessible and safe. Participants wear specialized equipment such as crampons to gain traction on the ice and may also use ice axes and ropes for stability and safety.
Guided by experts, you can explore crevasses, seracs, ice caves, and meltwater ponds while learning about glacier formation, movements, and environmental significance. Experiences vary in duration and difficulty, from introductory walks suitable for beginners to more demanding expeditions that require good fitness. Safety is paramount, since glaciers can present hidden crevasses and unstable formations.
Minitrekking over the Perito Moreno Glacier
Enjoy an amazing Minitrekking tour on Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate. An unforgettable full-day excursion.
Minitrekking, ice trekking over Perito Moreno Glacier
The program begins with pick up at the agreed meeting point in El Calafate. During the drive, you will receive informative audio commentary in Spanish, English, and Portuguese about the area, the glacier, and the tour.
At Bajo de las Sombras Port on Ruta 11, km 70.9, you will board a boat to cross Lago Rico. After about 20 minutes sailing by the southern wall of the glacier, you will disembark on the opposite shore.
Mountain guides will welcome the group and lead a short lakeside walk with a briefing on glaciology and on the Perito Moreno Glacier. At the glacier edge, subgroups of up to 20 people are formed. You will be fitted with crampons and helmets and receive a safety briefing before starting the walk.
Guided by experts, you will explore the ice for roughly 1.5 hours, discovering classic glacier features such as cracks, moulins, seracs, and small lagoons. Difficulty is moderate.
Minitrekking over the Perito Moreno Glacier
Enjoy an amazing Minitrekking tour on Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate. An unforgettable full-day excursion.
After the trek, enjoy a one hour guided visit to the walkways, located 7 km from the port, with spectacular panoramic views. The return includes a short forest walk back to the shelter and the boat crossing with views of the glacier walls.
Very important
Limitation: suitable for people between 10 and 65 years old, no exceptions.
Not suitable for people with:
- Overweight.
- Pregnancy.
- Physical or mental conditions that affect attention, gait, or coordination.
- Peripheral or central cardiovascular diseases, or use of stent, bypass, pacemaker, or other prosthesis.
- Use of anticoagulants or varicose veins grade III.
- Respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, or emphysema.
Not included: National Park entrance fee, clothing, and personal equipment.
Book the Minitrekking
Minitrekking over the Perito Moreno Glacier
Enjoy an amazing Minitrekking tour on Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate. An unforgettable full-day excursion.
Big Ice, the most intense ice trekking at Perito Moreno Glacier
Big Ice is a more demanding experience for travelers who want a deeper exploration. It includes pick up at the agreed meeting point in El Calafate and a guided visit to the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park.
At Bajo de las Sombras Port, you will cross the Brazo Rico by boat and disembark on the opposite shore. Small groups of up to 10 people hike along the southern moraine for just over one hour to a viewpoint. There, guides explain safety rules and provide crampons, harnesses, and helmets.
Once on the ice, you will spend about 3.5 hours exploring azure ponds, deep crevasses, glacier mills, and caves. Guides will share insights on the glacier and the surrounding mountains such as Cerro Dos Picos, Pietrobelli, and Cervantes. There is a 30 minute lunch break on the ice. After returning to the moraine, a one hour hike leads back to the boat for the return sail close to the southern wall.
- Difficulty: High, about 7 hours of total walking.
- Duration: Approximately 12 hours total.
- Availability: From September 15 to April 30.
- Limitation: suitable for individuals 18 to 50 years old, no exceptions.
- Not permitted: cardiovascular diseases, COPD, emphysema, asthma, recent surgeries.
- Not suitable for: physical or mental disabilities, overweight individuals, pregnant women.
- Transfer: optional land transfer with bilingual guide and a one hour visit to the walkways.
- Languages: Spanish and English guides.
- Cancellation: online purchases can be canceled without penalty up to 48 hours before the tour.
Book the Big Ice trekking
Big Ice Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier From El Calafate
Join our Big Ice Trekking Tour on Perito Moreno Glacier. Explore ice formations & rugged beauty. Book now for an unforgettable experience.
Minitrekking vs Big Ice, what to choose?
Choose Minitrekking if
- Duration: you prefer about 1.5 to 2 hours on the ice.
- Difficulty: you want a moderate option suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
- Group size: larger groups, up to 20 people.
- Highlights: introductory experience focused on crevasses, seracs, and small lagoons.
- Time: ideal if you have limited time in El Calafate.
Choose Big Ice if
- Duration: you want about 3.5 to 4 hours on the ice within a full day.
- Difficulty: you are fit and looking for a challenging trek with longer exploration.
- Group size: smaller groups, up to 10 people, for a more personal experience.
- Highlights: deeper access to remote features such as deep crevasses, glacier mills, and larger formations.
