Mini Trekking: Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier with Crampons

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina



Hike with crampons on the Perito Moreno Glacier and discover crevasses, seracs, and turquoise lagoons. Experience the most famous ice trekking adventure and raise a toast with whiskey and millennial ice. Transfer included.

Perito Moreno Glacier Mini Trekking from El Calafate

This moderately challenging hike takes place on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, suited for nature enthusiasts seeking an active Patagonian adventure.

Highlights

  • Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons
  • Explore crevasses, seracs, and turquoise lagoons
  • Bilingual specialized tour guides
  • Sailing in front of the glacier’s southern wall
  • Whiskey toast with millennial ice

Description

The mini trekking adventure begins with transportation from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park by comfortable bus. Specialized tour guides provide insights about the region throughout the journey.

At Bajo de las Sombras cruise port, a 20-minute boat trip on Lake Rico offers the first close view of the glacier’s southern wall. On the opposite shore, mountain guides welcome visitors and lead a lake shore hike with panoramic views of the glacier.

An informative glaciology talk introduces the natural environment before participants put on crampons and helmets for the glacier hike. Groups are limited to one guide per ten guests for a secure experience.

The roughly one-hour glacier hike explores firm but irregular ice featuring deep crevasses, seracs, sinkholes, and bright blue lagoons. Afterward, the route continues through the periglacial zone, lateral moraine, and finishes with a descent through Patagonian Andean forest, completing about three hours of walking.

The tour ends with a hot drink and souvenir, followed by a drop-off cruise offering a final close-up of the glacier walls. The full excursion lasts about 10 hours with transport and includes a visit to the glacier’s boardwalks for panoramic views. Without transport, the tour duration is approximately 4.5 hours starting and ending at the cruise port.

Weather and safety conditions are monitored closely. The tour proceeds unless unsafe conditions arise.

Includes

  • Cruise tour
  • Tour guide
  • Mountain guide
  • Hiking guide
  • Technical glacier trekking gear
  • Optional transfer to National Park
  • Optional transfer to walkways

Excludes

  • National Park entry ticket
  • Meal
  • Personal trekking gear

Important Information

  • Physical fitness level required: Moderate
  • The excursion operates rain or shine
  • Start time may change for operational reasons; notifications sent by email
  • Pickup included from El Calafate hotels; times may vary by location and can be delayed up to 45 minutes
  • Pickup not available for private apartments or locations outside the route; a meeting point will be provided instead

Cancellation Policy

Full refund for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.

For best experience, dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring sun protection. Book in advance to secure your preferred date and pickup service.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes transport from El Calafate, a boat transfer to Bajo de las Sombras, glacier hiking with crampons, and a bilingual guide.
It starts with pickup from El Calafate and continues to Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina.
The trek is moderately demanding, suitable for people with basic fitness and no prior glacier hiking experience.
Participants receive crampons and safety gear necessary to walk safely on the ice.
Yes, the Mini Trekking is designed for beginners and nature enthusiasts with moderate fitness.
The tour operates mainly during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer months; check the website for current availability.
Typically, the tour is recommended for participants aged 10 and above, but check specific age requirements on the website.
It’s advised to wear warm, layered clothing, waterproof jackets, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots for the hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier.
The excursion usually takes a full day, including transport, boat ride, and glacier hike.
Yes, participants can take photos to capture the glacier’s unique landscape during the hike.

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