Perito Moreno Glacier: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know to visit the most famous glacier in Argentine Patagonia
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The Perito Moreno Glacier It is one of the few glaciers in the world that remains in equilibrium: it advances approximately 2 meters per day while blocks of ice break off from its terminus. Located within the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and is the main attraction of El Calafate.
| Location | Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°29′S 73°03′W |
| Distance from El Calafate | 80 km via Provincial Route 11 (paved, ~1h 30min) |
| Surface | 250 km² |
| Forehead | ~5 km wide, 60-74 m high above the lake |
| Origin | Southern Patagonian Ice Field (3rd largest ice field in the world) |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes, since 1981 |
| Catwalks | 4-5.5 km at various levels, ~300 m from the glacier front |
| Summer schedule (Sep-Apr) | Access 8:00-18:00 · Stay until 20:00 · Walkways until 19:30 |
| Winter schedule (May-August) | Access 9:00-16:00 · Stay until 18:00 |
Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park, 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.
The The nearest city is El Calafate., 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.
How to get there from El Calafate
On tour with transfer: 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 This format covers exactly that.
By own car or rental car: 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).
By bus: Operators such as Caltur and others offer services with fixed schedules from the El Calafate terminal.
By air: El Calafate has an international airport (FTE) with direct flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Bariloche.
History and formation of the glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier originates in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, 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.
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, Argentine explorer and scientist who was key in the delimitation of the border with Chile and the creation of the national parks.
The phenomenon of the breakup
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, 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.
This phenomenon has no fixed cycle: historically it occurs every 2-4 years, although there have been longer intervals. Minor ice block calving, on the other hand, occurs daily and can be witnessed from the walkways.
Things to do: boardwalks, sailing and trekking
Walkways (included with park admission)
The circuit of catwalks 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 at a leisurely pace to explore it completely.
From our experience guiding visitors, we recommend arriving before 10 a.m. to enjoy the walkways with fewer crowds and better light for photography.
Navigation in front of the glacier
Nautical Safari from Puerto Moreno: 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.
Navigation Brazo Rico from Puerto Bajo Las Sombras: 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.
Trekking on ice
Minitrekking:: this mini-trekking excursion on the glacier 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 10-65. Moderate difficulty.
There is also a extended 6 km version 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.
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.
Practical information 2026: prices, opening hours and tickets
Price of admission to Los Glaciares National Park
The entrance fee to the Perito Moreno Glacier is as follows: access to Los Glaciares National Park. The ticket includes access to the walkways. Boat trips and trekking excursions are paid separately.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General rate (foreigners) | $45,000 ARS |
| National residents | $15,000 ARS |
| Residents of Santa Cruz | $5.000 ARS |
| Argentine students | $7.000 ARS |
| Argentine retirees and pensioners | Free |
| Children under 6 years old | Free |
| People with disabilities + companion | Free |
| Falklands War Veterans | Free |
Access times
Summer (September 1st to April 30th): 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).
Winter (May 1st to August 31st): Entry from 9:00 to 16:00. Stay until 18:00.
How to buy a ticket
On-line: in ventaweb.apn.gob.ar 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.
In person: on the Río Mitre-Glaciar Moreno cover with credit card (Visa/Mastercard), debit card (Electron) or cash in Argentine pesos.
We recommend buying online to avoid queues, especially during peak season when cell phone signal at the park entrance is limited.
Best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier can be visited year-round. Each season offers a different experience:
| Time | Months | Climate | Advantages | Things to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Dec-Feb | 8-17°C, long days (up to 17 hours of daylight) | Better weather, all excursions operate | Higher demand. Book 2-3 weeks in advance |
| Autumn | Mar-May | 2-10°C, autumn colors | Fewer tourists, spectacular scenery | Some excursions cease operating in May |
| Winter | June-August | -2 to 5°C, snow | Intimate experience, snowy glacier | Reduced hours, Minitrekking may not operate |
| Spring | Sep-Nov | 4-12°C, longer days | Fewer people, good weather, low prices | Strong winds some days |
Based on our experience operating tours year-round, The months with the best balance between good weather and fewer tourists are October and March.. From December to February the experience is excellent, but you have to book everything in advance.
Tips for your visit to the glacier
- Trekking footwear is required: The walkways are metal grates that can be slippery. Don't wear sandals or flat shoes.
- Dress in layers: The weather can change in minutes. Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket, a fleece, and a thermal shirt, even in summer.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The reflection of ice and water intensifies UV radiation, even on cloudy days.
- Bring water and snacks: There is a restaurant and bar in the walkway area, but the prices are high.
- Arrive early: Before 10:00 AM you'll find fewer people on the catwalks and better light for photos.
- Buy your ticket online: in ventaweb.apn.gob.ar You avoid queues and signal problems on the front page.
- No pets allowed within the National Park.
- Do not feed the wildlife and take your trash back to El Calafate.
Flora and fauna in the glacier's surroundings
The road to the glacier and the park's trails cross an ecosystem of Andean-Patagonian forest of lenga and ñire trees, which in autumn are tinged with reds and yellows creating a spectacular contrast with the white of the ice.
On the route from El Calafate it is common to spot guanacos y gray foxes in the steppe. In the glacier area, birds are the main attraction: the Andean condor It can be seen soaring above the ice walls, along with black-chested buzzard-eagles and upland geese. Rainbow and brown trout inhabit the lake. With luck, the elusive huemul, Patagonian deer in danger of extinction and symbol of the Argentine national coat of arms.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Perito Moreno Glacier
Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier located?
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park, Located in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia, it is 80 km from the city of El Calafate, accessible via the fully paved Provincial Route 11 (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car). El Calafate has an international airport with direct flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and Bariloche.
How much does it cost to enter the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The entrance fee is charged as an access fee to Los Glaciares National Park. The current prices (January 2025) are: General rate (foreigners): $45,000 ARS • National residents: $ 15,000 ARS • Santa Cruz residents: $ 5,000 ARS • Argentine students: $ 7,000 ARS. Retirees, pensioners, children under 6, and people with disabilities enter free of charge. There is a discount for the second day (within 72 hours). Tickets can be purchased online at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar or in person.
What is the best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The best time is October to March, The peak season is from December to February, when the days are longer (up to 17 hours of daylight) and the temperatures are more pleasant (8-17°C). October and March They offer the best combination of good weather and fewer tourists. The glacier can be visited year-round, but in winter (May-August) opening hours are reduced and some tours are not available.
How long does it take to walk along the walkways?
The complete network of walkways is between 4 and 5.5 km long, distributed across several levels with viewpoints. Walking the entire circuit takes between 2 and 3 hours At a leisurely pace. The walkways are approximately 300 meters from the glacier's face and are constructed of metal grating. They are accessible and do not require great physical effort, although there are some ascents and descents. We recommend trekking shoes.
Is it possible to walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Yes, there are two ice trekking excursions: the Minitrekking, one hiking with crampons on ice 1 hour 30 minutes (suitable for ages 10-65, moderate difficulty) and the Big Ice (3 hours 30 minutes with crevasse and cave exploration, for ages 18-50, high difficulty). Both include crampons, expert guide, navigation, and a toast. Book 1-2 weeks in advance during peak season.
How big is the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The Perito Moreno Glacier has a total area of 250 km², It has a front approximately 5 kilometers wide and a height of 60 to 74 meters above the level of Lake Argentino. It originates in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest expanse of continental ice in the world. It is one of the few glaciers that remains in equilibrium, advancing steadily at a rate of approximately 2 meters per day.
When was the last rupture of the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The last major rupture of the Perito Moreno Glacier occurred in March 2024. The phenomenon occurs when the glacier advances until it reaches the Magallanes Peninsula, blocking the Brazo Rico arm of Lake Argentino. The pressure of the accumulated water eventually breaks the ice dam. It doesn't have a fixed cycle; historically, it occurs every 2-4 years. Minor ice calving, however, happens daily and can be seen from the walkways.
How to get to the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate?
From El Calafate you can get there by Provincial Route 11, fully paved, in ~1 hour 30 minutes (80 km). The options are: a tour with transfers (hotel pick-up, guide included), your own car or a rental (free parking in the park, refuel in El Calafate), or a regular bus with fixed schedules. The route crosses the Patagonian steppe with views of Lake Argentino and is a visual experience in itself.
The Perito Moreno Glacier in video
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