Minitrekking – Perito Moreno Glacier

The tour begins with picking up passengers in El Calafate. On our comfortable buses, on the way to Los Glaciares National Park, the tour guides will provide information about the area, the glacier, and the tour.

Once at the “Bajo de las Sombras” port (Route 11, 70 km from El Calafate), you board a boat to cross Lake Rico, arriving at the opposite shore after approximately 20 minutes of sailing past the imposing south face of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Upon disembarking, you’ll be greeted by our expert mountain guides, who will lead you to a cozy refuge with a spectacular view of the glacier. From here, the trek begins! We’ll start the tour with a walk along the lake’s shore, keeping our eyes on the glacier so we don’t miss the chance to see icefalls. Then, the guides will give a talk on glaciology.

Upon reaching the edge of the glacier, with the stunning shades of blue in the ice framing the landscape, small groups of up to 20 people each will be formed, and participants will be fitted with crampons and helmets provided by the company. This excursion is highly personalized (one guide for every 10 passengers, maximum). Once on the glacier, you’ll receive a safety briefing and then set out on a walk to enjoy this frozen paradise, designated a World Heritage Site in 1981.

The glacier trail is of moderate difficulty; the ice surface is uneven but firm and safe. During the hike, you'll be able to see a variety of formations typical of a glacier, such as deep crevasses, blue holes, enormous seracs, and turquoise lagoons.

At the end of the ice hike, you’ll explore the periglacial zone and the lateral moraine, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Perito Moreno Glacier, the mountains, and the lake. Then, you’ll begin the return trip along a trail that winds through the lush Patagonian Andean forest, thus completing the A THREE-HOUR HIKE ALONG THE LAKE SHORE, PAST MORRaines, ICE, AND FOREST (of which approximately one hour is on glacial ice). When you arrive at the shelter, we’ll welcome you with a hot drink and give you a souvenir. Shortly afterward, you’ll board the boat to return to Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, but first you’ll have a chance to admire the glacier’s massive walls from the boat.

The tour, including transportation, lasts about ten hours in total It includes a guided tour of approximately one hour to the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways, located 7 km from the port. There, you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the glacier and explore one of the self-guided trails. If you choose not to use our transportation and go on your own, the Minitrekking tour lasts approximately four and a half hours, departing from the port and returning to the same starting point.

The Minitrekking tour takes place in a natural setting, so weather conditions and the characteristics of the glacier and its surroundings change daily. However, the tour will not be canceled as long as safety conditions permit. We look forward to seeing you!

Group Outings: We offer several daily departures at different times. If you are traveling in a group or with a companion, please let us know the details in advance so we can schedule you for the same departure time and ensure that your group leaves together.

Not included: National Park admission and meals.