Types of Passes Available for the Perito Moreno Glacier
To visit the Perito Moreno Glacier and other areas of Los Glaciares National Park in El Calafate, Santa Cruz, there are several access options designed to make the most of your itinerary in Patagonia, Argentina:
1. Passes for a Specific Park
- Daily Pass: Valid for one day ($45.000 foreigners, $15.000 Argentines). You must indicate which gate you will enter through (Portal Rio Mitre for the Perito Moreno Glacier or Los Condores for El Chalten). Also check glacier tour prices to combine with your visit.
- Flexipass 3 days: You pay the equivalent of 2 days ($90.000 foreigners, $30.000 Argentines) and get access for 3 days.Key advantage: Visits can be consecutive or spread out within 6 months of purchase. Ideal for waiting for a "weather window" in Patagonia if you run into rainy or windy days.
- Flexipass 7 days: You pay 3.5 days ($157.500 foreigners, $52.500 Argentines) and get access for 7 days (also spread out within 6 months). The recommended option for those doing multi-day treks like the Vuelta al Huemul in El Chalten, or nature photographers seeking the best lighting conditions.
2. Argentina National Parks Annual Pass (Multi-Park)
The Argentina National Parks annual pass costs $225.000 ARS and grants unlimited access to all National Parks in the country for 12 months. If you plan to visit Iguazu, Tierra del Fuego, and Los Glaciares in the same year, this is the most cost-effective option. Available exclusively online. Ideal for travelers exploring Argentina over several weeks or months.
Which pass should you buy for the Perito Moreno Glacier in 2025? A comparison guide based on your stay
The ideal pass for Los Glaciares National Park depends on three factors: how many days you are spending in El Calafate, Patagonia Argentina, whether you are renting a car or taking organized tours, and who you are traveling with. Most visitors stay 3-4 days, where the Flexipass 3 days saves you $45.000 ARS compared to buying individual daily passes. Key tip: by showing your previous day's ticket, you get a 50% discount on your second visit to the park.
🗓️ Based on how many days you are in El Calafate
Best option: Daily Pass ($45.000 foreigners, $15.000 Argentines)
- ✓ 1-day access to Los Glaciares National Park
- ✓ Perfect for seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier from the walkways
- ✓ Combine with Minitrekking ($464.000) on the same day
CHOSEN BY 68% OF VISITORS
Best option: Flexipass 3 days — save $45.000 ARS
- ✓ $90.000 foreigners / $30.000 Argentines (pay for 2 days, use 3)
- ✓ Visit Perito Moreno Glacier + El Chalten + 1 extra day
- ✓ Valid for 6 months: come back if the weather was bad (common in Patagonia)
- ✓ Versus 3 daily passes ($135.000): savings of $45.000
Best option: Flexipass 7 days — maximum savings
- ✓ $157.500 foreigners / $52.500 Argentines (pay for 3.5 days, use 7)
- ✓ Perfect for multi-day treks: Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres, Huemul
- ✓ Ideal for photographers: wait for the best lighting conditions at the glaciers
- ✓ Versus 7 daily passes ($315.000): savings of $157.500
Which Perito Moreno Glacier ticket is best based on your transportation?
🚙 With a rental car
Best option: Flexipass 3 or 7 days
Why:
- Total flexibility: enter and leave whenever you want
- You can come back if the weather does not cooperate (very common in Patagonia)
- Visit at your own pace: sunrise/sunset at the glacier
- Alternate between the south zone (Moreno) and the north zone (Chalten) on different days
🚌 With organized tours
Best option: Check what your tour includes
Important to know:
- Some Perito Moreno Glacier tours include the park entry fee
- Trekking tours (Minitrekking, Big Ice) do NOT include park entry
- If you are doing multiple tours, buy a Flexipass beforehand
- Ask the operator before buying a separate entry ticket
👨👩👧👦 Based on who you are traveling with to El Calafate
👨👩👧👦 Family with children
Applicable discounts:
- ✓ Children under 6 years old: FREE
- ✓ Argentine students (6-18 years): $7.000
- ✓ Adults: Flexipass 3 days recommended
💑 Couple / Group of friends
Recommended strategy:
- ✓ 3-4 day stay: Flexipass 3 days each
- ✓ Renting a car: Maximum flexibility to explore together
- ✓ Combine tours + free days in the park
🎒 Solo traveler / Backpacker
Options based on your budget:
- Tight budget: Daily pass ($45.000) + pick 1 day with good weather
- Extended trip (7+ days): Annual Pass ($225.000) if visiting other parks
- Photographer/trekker: Flexipass 7 days to wait for ideal conditions
Price Comparison: How much do you save with each pass?
Flexipass 3 days (foreigner)
$90.000
Save $45.000 vs 3 daily passes
Flexipass 7 days (foreigner)
$157.500
Save $157.500 vs 7 daily passes
Annual Pass (multi-park)
$225.000
Unlimited access for 12 months to all National Parks
"En los últimos años, el error más común que veo es comprar pases diarios separados en vez del Flexipass 3 días. La diferencia es de más de $45.000 de ahorro. Para estadías de 3-4 días en El Calafate, es la opción que recomiendo a la amplia mayoría de mis clientes."
GabrielFundador y experto local · 10 años de experiencia · 5000+ expediciones Exemptions & Discounts at Los Glaciares National Park
The following groups are exempt from the Los Glaciares National Park entry fee (valid documentation required):
- Argentine retirees and pensioners: Must present a pension receipt no older than 3 payment periods. This is one of the most commonly used National Parks senior discounts in El Calafate.
- Children under 6 years old: Regardless of nationality. No ticket purchase required.
- People with disabilities: With a valid CUD (disability certificate) or foreign equivalent. Includes one companion if specified in the CUD.
- Malvinas War veterans: 1982 veterans with a DNI bearing the special designation or a Unique Certificate.
- Argentine students: $7.000 ARS with a valid student ID or enrollment certificate.
- Local residents of El Calafate: Exempt with a DNI showing local address.
Frequently Asked Questions About Park Fees
How much does it cost to enter Los Glaciares National Park as a foreigner?
The Los Glaciares National Park entry fee for foreigners is $45.000 ARS (approximately USD 35-40 at the official exchange rate) as of January 2025. This price grants access to the entire Los Glaciares National Park including the Perito Moreno Glacier (south zone) and the El Chalten area (north zone). The pass is valid for one calendar day. For more information on tours, check the glacier excursion rates.
What is the Flexipass 7 days and how much does it cost?
The Flexipass 7 days is a promotional pass that grants access for 7 days at the cost of just 3.5 days: $157.500 ARS for foreigners and $52.500 ARS for Argentines. The days can be consecutive or spread out within 6 months of purchase. It is ideal for multi-day treks in El Chalten such as the Vuelta al Huemul (5-7 days), or for photographers waiting for the best lighting conditions in Patagonia, Argentina. There is also a 3-day Flexipass ($90.000 / $30.000).
How much is the Argentina National Parks annual pass?
The Argentina National Parks annual pass costs $225.000 ARS (January 2025) and grants unlimited access to all National Parks in the country for 12 months from the date of purchase. It is a great deal if you visit multiple parks: for example, visiting Iguazu ($45.000), Tierra del Fuego ($30.000), and Los Glaciares ($45.000) would already total $120.000 in individual tickets. With 2 more visits to any park, the annual pass pays for itself. Available exclusively online.
Do retirees pay for entry to Los Glaciares National Park?
No. Argentine retirees and pensioners are exempt from the entry fee upon presenting a pension receipt no older than 3 payment periods. This is one of the most important National Parks senior discounts. Other exempt groups include: children under 6, people with disabilities (+ companion if specified in the CUD), Malvinas War veterans, and local residents of El Calafate. Foreign retirees do NOT receive a discount.
Where can I buy the ticket for the Perito Moreno Glacier?
You can buy your Perito Moreno Glacier entry ticket in two ways:
- Online: On the official National Parks website (recommended during peak season: December-February). Skip the lines and guarantee your entry.
- In person: At Portal Rio Mitre (on the road to the Perito Moreno Glacier) or Puerto Punta Bandera. The south zone accepts cash (ARS), credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), and debit cards (Electron). The north zone (El Chalten) only accepts cards, NOT cash.
Advice: If you are combining with a glacier tour, some operators include the park entry fee in the total price. Check what is included before buying a separate ticket.
Why have Los Glaciares National Park prices increased so much?
The price went from $5.500 in 2023 to $45.000 in 2025 (a 718% increase in Argentine pesos). The main factors:
- Accumulated inflation: Argentina experienced 211% inflation in 2023 and 25% in 2024. Prices were adjusted to maintain real value.
- Alignment with international rates: In USD, the price went from ~$6 in 2023 to ~$37 in 2025, approaching fees at similar parks worldwide.
- Infrastructure investment: Revenue goes toward maintaining walkways, trails, and park ranger services in Patagonia.
Despite the increase, it remains one of the most affordable natural attractions in the world relative to the quality of the experience.
