The Perito Moreno Glacier is 5 km wide, 60 m tall above water, and 30,000 years old. It calves chunks of ice the size of buildings into Lago Argentino — and you can hear them coming. UNESCO declared this a World Heritage site for a reason. The good news: it's only 80 km from El Calafate, and there are real options to get there. Here's the local breakdown.
Your 4 options to the glacier
Each one has its place. Here's the honest local view.
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⭐ The smart choice
Private Transfer with Daniel
Door-to-door pickup, the driver waits at the park while you explore at your pace, scenic stops on the route, and we add boat safaris or mini-trekking if you want them. For 2+ travelers, the per-person cost matches the group tour — but you control the schedule.
From $150.000 per vehicle (transfer only) · with Safari Náutico $190.000
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Group day tour (travel agency)
Shared minibus with a guide, fixed schedule (departure ~8 AM), 2-3 hours at the glacier and you return with the group. Convenient if you want zero planning, restrictive if you want to linger.
~U$S 80-120 per person · group schedule
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Self-drive rental car
Ruta 11 is fully paved and easy to drive. Worth it if you have multiple days and want full independence — but you'll miss the local commentary and have to navigate the park parking on busy days.
From ~$50.000/day + fuel + park entrance
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Public bus to the park
Cal-Tur runs a bus from El Calafate's bus terminal. Cheapest option, but very limited departures, no scenic stops, no boat tours included, and you have to time everything precisely or get stranded.
~$15.000-$25.000 per person round trip
💡The math nobody tells you: For 4 people, the private transfer with Safari Náutico costs ~$47.500/person — basically the same as joining a group tour, but you get an exclusive vehicle, scenic stops, and you're not herded back to the bus when others are tired. The private option wins on flexibility every time.
The road to the glacier · step by step
The drive itself is part of the experience. Here's what you'll see along the way.
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km 0
Departure from your hotel
We pick you up between 8-9 AM — early enough to beat the crowds and catch the best morning light on the glacier.
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km 20
First view of Lago Argentino
Argentina's largest lake, fed by glacial meltwater. Turquoise waters and the Andes rising in the distance — a perfect first photo stop.
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km 40
Patagonian steppe & wildlife
Watch for condors overhead, guanacos grazing, gray foxes and pink flamingos in the lagoons. Daniel knows where they appear.
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km 52
National Park entrance
Park ticket booth (paid separately, varies by season and nationality). Bring your passport — they ask.
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km 80
Perito Moreno Glacier
First glimpse from the road will leave you speechless. Then the boardwalks. Then the calving sounds. You'll remember this for the rest of your life.
Choose your experience
All options below include private round-trip transfer with waiting at the park.
🧊Boardwalks Only
Panoramic viewpointsWalk the elevated boardwalks at your own pace. Multiple platforms with frontal views of the glacier. Listen for ice cracks and watch for calvings.
$150.000
cash · per vehicle · up to 4 pax
Most popular
🚢Safari Náutico
1-hour boat rideBoardwalks + 1-hour navigation right in front of the glacier wall. Get close enough to feel the cold air and touch ancient ice.
$190.000
cash · per vehicle · up to 4 pax
🥃Safari Azul
3-hour navigation + whiskyThe most complete navigation: 3 hours circling the glacier from multiple angles. Includes a whisky served with ice carved from the glacier itself.
$210.000
cash · per vehicle · up to 4 pax
🥾Mini-Trekking
Walk on the iceCross the lake by catamaran, strap on crampons, and walk on the glacier itself. A guided trek across millennial ice — once-in-a-lifetime stuff.
$190.000
cash · per vehicle · up to 4 pax
Tips from a local driver
🌅Afternoons = more calvings
The sun warms the front wall of the glacier between 2-5 PM, causing more ice to break off. The sound is like thunder — you'll never forget it.
🧥Dress warm, even in summer
Temperatures drop 5-8°C near the glacier face. Bring a waterproof jacket, hat and gloves. The wind amplifies the cold dramatically.
🥪Bring snacks and water
There's a restaurant at the boardwalks but prices are high. A packed lunch + thermos of coffee makes the day better.
📸Bring extra batteries
Cold drains your phone fast. Carry a power bank or keep your phone close to your body between photos.
🎫Park entrance separate
Not included in any transfer price. Pay at the park gate (cash or card). Price varies by season and nationality.
🚗We wait — you set the pace
The driver stays at the park parking the entire time. Take 4 hours, take 7 — it's your day. We never rush you back.
⚠️High-season heads up (December-February): The park can reach maximum capacity and temporarily close entry. Leaving before 9 AM guarantees you get in without waiting in long queues at the gate.
