Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier: Minitrekking, Minitrekking 2 and Big Ice
The three excursions available for walking on the ice
Walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is possible, but only with an authorized tour from Los Glaciares National Park. There are three tours, and they differ in how long you walk on the ice and the required physical condition: the Minitrekking, the extended version Minitrekking 2 and the Big Ice. Here is the complete comparison and which one is right for you based on your age and physical condition.
Minitrekking
Hike for 1.5 hours on the ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons, among blue crevasses and sinkholes. The most iconic ice trek in Patagonia. Ages 8 to 65, no prior experience necessary.
Minitrekking 2
Explore 6 km on the Perito Moreno Glacier with small groups of 10 people. Extended version of the Minitrekking with Cascada de las Cotorras (Parrot Waterfall).
Is it possible to walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Yes, but only with an authorized tour and specialized guides. Walking on the glacier independently is not permitted: access to the ice is in small groups, with crampons provided by the tour operator, and after a boat trip across the Brazo Rico. The three authorized excursions depart daily from El Calafate.
If you want to see the glacier without stepping on it, that's another excursion: the classic tour along the walkways, without age restriction.
The three excursions, compared
| Minitrekking | Minitrekking 2 | Big Ice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time on Ice | 1 h 30 min | ≈ 3 hours · 6 km | ≈ 4 hours |
| Total duration | ≈ 9 hours | Full day | ≈ 12 hours |
| Physical exertion | Media: suitable for first-time users | Medium/high | High: you have to be trained |
| Age allowed | 8 to 65 years old | 18 to 55 years old | 18 to 50 years old |
| Group size | Standard group | 10 people | 10 people |
| What does the circuit include? | Ice + forest + sailing + whiskey | Ice + forest + Cotorras Waterfall + sailing + whisky | Ice + forest + caves + caving + sailing + whiskey |
| Ideal for | Families and their first time on a glacier | Those who have already experienced the classic and want more | Athletes who strive for the maximum |
| Price from | $320,000 ARS | $395,000 ARS | $550,000 ARS |
Which one to choose?
Mini-trekking: the classic hike
Patagonia's most iconic excursion: 1 hour and 30 minutes on the ice, Exploring blue crevasses, sinkholes, and small lagoons that change daily with the glacier's advance. The full day trip lasts about 9 hours from El Calafate and includes a boat trip on the Brazo Rico arm of the glacier, a hike through the coastal forest, and time spent on the boardwalks. It concludes with a whisky served with ice from the glacier itself. Moderate difficulty; no prior experience necessary.
Minitrekking 2: the extended version
The intermediate step, and the least known of the three. They are 6 kilometers above the glacier Explore exclusive areas not reached by the classic circuit, including the Cascada de las Cotorras waterfall, in groups of 10 people. Enjoy twice the time on the ice as the Minitrekking, without the physical demands of the Big Ice. This is the perfect option for those who have already done the classic route and want to return, or for those in good physical condition but who don't want a 12-hour day.
Big Ice: The Extreme Version
The most intense experience on the Perito Moreno Glacier: about 4 hours walking, Venturing into areas of the glacier inaccessible to any other excursion—deep lagoons, caves, and crevasses of an unreal blue. The entire day takes about 12 hours. The challenge is real, and the restrictions are strict: ages 18 to 50 and verifiable physical fitness demonstrated during the approach hike.
Book your trekking
🥾 Minitrekking
1 hour 30 minutes on the ice · 9 hours total · Ages 8 to 65 · The classic
❄️ Minitrekking 2
6 km on the ice · Parrot Waterfall · Groups of 10 · Ages 18 to 55
How to walk step by step
- Departure from El Calafate: We'll pick you up from your hotel and you'll travel 80 km to Los Glaciares National Park.
- Navigation on the Brazo Rico: crossing in front of the south face of the glacier.
- Walk through the forest: a coastal path to the refuge, where the guides equip you with crampons, helmet and walking sticks.
- On the ice: between 1 hour 30 minutes and 4 hours depending on the excursion, walking among crevices, lagoons and blue formations, always in a group and with two guides.
- Perito Moreno footbridges: Free time to explore the balconies overlooking the glacier before returning.
Requirements and ages
- Minitrekking: Ages 8 to 65 inclusive. Children aged 8 to 15 must present identification and proof of relationship to the accompanying adult. Moderate physical level: if you can walk briskly for 2 hours, you can participate.
- Minitrekking 2: Ages 18 to 55, in good physical condition. Groups of 10 people, so places fill up fast.
- Big Ice: Ages 18 to 50, with verifiable physical fitness for the approach walk. Not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart or motor limitations.
- For the three of them: the entrance to the National Park It's purchased separately. Bring your ID, water, and something to eat.
What to wear
The Patagonian rule: layers.
- First thermal layer, fleece coat and waterproof or windproof jacket.
- Comfortable pants, never jeans: If it gets wet, it doesn't dry and it gets cold.
- Sturdy trekking footwear: Crampons attach to your own shoe, so it has to be rigid. You can't climb with casual sneakers.
- Hat and gloves, even in the middle of summer.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: Mandatory. The reflection off the ice is strong even on cloudy days.
You have the complete guide at What clothes to wear to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Prices 2026
The Minitrekking starts from $320,000 ARS, the Minitrekking 2 from $395,000 ARS and the Big Ice since $550,000 ARS per person, with transfers from El Calafate, navigation, bilingual guides, and ice equipment included. entrance to Los Glaciares National Park It's paid separately. Spaces are limited — especially from December to March, and particularly for Minitrekking 2 and Big Ice, which run in groups of 10 — so it's best to book as soon as you have a date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The Minitrekking starts at 320,000 ARS, Minitrekking 2 starts at 395,000 ARS, and Big Ice starts at 550,000 ARS per person. All three include transfers, navigation, and equipment; the National Park entrance fee is purchased separately.
How long does the ice walk last?
In it Minitrekking You walk for 1 hour and 30 minutes on the glacier, for a total day of about 9 hours. Minitrekking 2 It travels 6 kilometers, approximately twice as long. Big Ice It's about 4 hours on the ice, with a total day of about 12 hours.
What is the difference between Minitrekking and Minitrekking 2?
Minitrekking 2 is the extended version: 6 kilometers across the ice through exclusive areas of the glacier, including the Cascada de las Cotorras (Parrot Waterfall), in groups of 10 people instead of the standard group. It requires a higher level of fitness and raises the minimum age to 18, with a maximum of 55. If you've already done the classic trek and want to return, this is the natural choice.
How is trekking on the glacier done?
You reach the base of the glacier by sailing up the Brazo Rico. There, the guides fit you with crampons and a helmet, and you walk in small groups along a route that changes depending on the movement of the ice. No prior experience is necessary: you'll get the hang of using the crampons in the first few minutes.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, and it's strictly enforced by insurance regulations. Minitrekking: 8 to 65 years old, with children aged 8 to 15 accompanied by an adult and with proof of relationship. Minitrekking 2: 18 to 55 years old. Big Ice: 18 to 50 years old in good physical condition. If you fall outside the age range, the tour of the walkways There is no age restriction.
Is it possible to walk on the glacier on your own?
No. Access to the ice is regulated by Los Glaciares National Park and is only permitted with authorized tours and specialized guides. You can see the glacier head-on from the walkways, but you cannot go down onto the ice.