At the Perito Moreno Glacier there are four ways to experience it: the boardwalks (free with the park entrance, for everyone), the boat trips (Safari Náutico, 1 h, or Safari Azul, 3 h with a walk to touch the ice), the Minitrekking (walk on the glacier, ages 8-65) and the Big Ice (long trek, ages 18-50). The best one depends on your age, your time and how much adventure you want.
What options are there to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier?
All the excursions start from the same place: Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno sector, about 80 km / ~1 h 30 from El Calafate.
The boardwalks are the base that everyone does. The boat trips, the Minitrekking and the Big Ice are experiences you add on and book separately. All of them combine with our private door-to-door transfer. If you first want to see how to get there, check the guide on how to get to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
What are the boardwalks and who are they for?
- What it is: about 7 km of balconies and trails facing the glacier, with views of the front and the ice calvings. The classic experience.
- Duration: 2-3 h at your own pace. Age: all ages, with accessible sections.
- Price: included in the park entrance (not paid separately).
- Ideal for: first-timers, families with children or older travellers, and anyone who wants the glacier without physical effort.
What are the boat trips (Safari Náutico and Safari Azul)?
Both depart from Puerto Bajo las Sombras (inside the park) and cruise among icebergs towards the glacier wall — but they are very different.
Safari Náutico (1 hour)
You cruise among icebergs, getting close to the glacier wall with a unique perspective from the water and an incredible panorama for photos. Sometimes, if there are small floating pieces of iceberg, they bring one on board for the photo. It is boat navigation only (you do not step onto land). Suitable for all ages. Reference: $80.000 ARS per person.
Safari Azul (3 hours)
The most complete and immersive experience. It leaves Puerto Bajo las Sombras, cruises among icebergs to the glacier front, and there you disembark for a 300-metre walk (part of it through forest) right up to the wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier: you touch the ice with your own hands and take panoramic photos. It ends with a toast of calafate liqueur chilled with glacier ice. Reference: $140.000 ARS per person.
The Safari Azul includes a walk + touching the glacier + a toast (more complete and immersive). The Safari Náutico is boat navigation only (shorter, without stepping onto land or touching the ice).
The boat trips are paid directly inside the park, at the Puerto Bajo las Sombras booth; they are not part of the transfer payment. We coordinate the timing so you make the one you choose.
What is the Minitrekking?
- What it is: you walk on the glacier with crampons and Hielo y Aventura guides; it includes a short boat crossing to the trail.
- Duration: ~1 h 30 on the ice (half a day in total). Age: 8 to 65, moderate fitness.
- Reference price (set by the operator, may vary): ~$320,000-$336,000 ARS per person, plus the transfer.
- Ideal for: anyone who wants the thrill of stepping onto the ice without an extreme day.
What is the Big Ice?
- What it is: the long trek on the glacier (crevasses, sinkholes, blue pools), the most adventurous one.
- Duration: ~3 h 30 - 4 h on the ice (a full day). Age: 18 to 50, good fitness.
- Reference price (set by the operator, may vary): ~USD 459 per person, plus the transfer.
- Ideal for: travellers in good shape looking for the most intense experience.
So, which excursion do I choose?
A quick guide by profile:
- First time / family / older travellers / short on time → boardwalks (+ optional Safari Náutico).
- You want to get close by water without stepping on the ice → boardwalks + Safari Náutico (1 h).
- You want to touch the glacier without technical trekking → boardwalks + Safari Azul (3 h, you walk and touch the wall).
- You want to walk on the ice, ages 8-65, normal fitness → Minitrekking.
- Maximum adventure, ages 18-50, full day → Big Ice.
At a glance: excursion comparison
| Experience | What you do | Duration | Age | Price (2026 reference) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalks | Balconies facing the glacier | 2-3 h | All | Included in the entrance |
| Safari Náutico | Boat navigation | 1 h | All | $80.000 ARS/pers. |
| Safari Azul | Navigation + 300 m walk + you touch the ice + toast | 3 h | All | $140.000 ARS/pers. |
| Minitrekking | Walk on the ice | ~1 h 30 | 8-65 | ~$320-336k ARS/pers. (operator) |
| Big Ice | Long trek on the ice | 3½-4 h | 18-50 | ~USD 459/pers. (operator) |
The Minitrekking and Big Ice prices are set by Hielo y Aventura and paid inside the park; they may vary. Our transfer and the boat trips we coordinate follow the current price of the day.
How much is the park entrance?
All the excursions are separate from the park entrance. In 2026 the entrance is $50,000 foreigners · $25,000 Argentines · $8,000 Santa Cruz residents, with a 50% discount on a second entry within 72 h.
We put the official rates, the second-day discount and the opening hours in a separate guide, so you can add the entrance to your budget with no surprises.
See the 2026 entrance feeHow do I get to the glacier for any of these excursions?
With us you travel door to door, you choose the schedule and we coordinate so you arrive on time for the boat trip or trek you booked.
Fixed price per vehicle, today $160.000 ARS (round trip with waiting) for up to 4 passengers. I take you, wait while you walk the boardwalks or do your excursion, and bring you back.
See the transfer to the glacierWant to combine the transfer with the Safari Náutico in a single day? Check the full Glacier + Safari experience.
Can I combine several in one day?
Yes: boardwalks + one boat trip fit comfortably in the same day. The Minitrekking and Big Ice already include their own short boat crossing and take half a day / a full day, so they combine with the boardwalks depending on the schedule. With a private transfer we build it to your measure.
I have spent years taking travellers to Perito Moreno and the question is always the same: "which excursion is right for me?". The answer depends on who you travel with, how much time you have and how much adventure you want. I help you choose before you book, without selling you something you won't enjoy.
And once you decide, I coordinate the timing so you arrive right on time for your boat trip or your trek, without rushing. You live the glacier; I take care of the logistics.
"Choose the experience you really want to live; getting you there on time is my job."
— Daniel JerezHeading to Perito Moreno?
Tell me how many you are, the date and what you'd like to experience, and I'll help you choose the ideal excursion + arrange the transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best excursion at Perito Moreno Glacier?
There is no single best excursion: it depends on your age, your time and your fitness. The boardwalks are for everyone and are included with the park entrance; the Safari Náutico brings you close by water; the Safari Azul adds a walk to touch the ice; and the Minitrekking or Big Ice are for walking on the glacier itself, depending on your age and physical condition.
Are the boardwalks paid separately?
No. Walking the Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalks is included with the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park. What is paid separately, per person, are the boat trips (Safari Náutico and Safari Azul) and the ice experiences (Minitrekking and Big Ice).
What is the difference between the Safari Náutico and the Safari Azul?
The Safari Náutico lasts about one hour and is boat navigation only, cruising among icebergs and approaching the glacier wall. The Safari Azul lasts about three hours: it sails to the glacier front, then you disembark for a 300-metre walk to the glacier wall where you touch the ice with your hands, and it ends with a toast of calafate liqueur chilled with glacier ice.
Where are the Minitrekking, Big Ice and boat trips paid?
They are paid directly inside the park, at the booth of Puerto Bajo las Sombras, and are run by the operator Hielo y Aventura. They are not part of the transfer payment. The driver coordinates the timing so you arrive on time for the experience you booked.
What is the difference between the Minitrekking and the Big Ice?
The Minitrekking is an ice walk of about one and a half hours, suitable for ages 8 to 65 with moderate physical demand. The Big Ice is a long trek on the glacier of three and a half to four hours, for ages 18 to 50 and requiring good fitness. Both include a short boat crossing to the trail.
Do I need to book the glacier excursions in advance?
Yes, especially the Minitrekking and Big Ice have limited capacity. In high season (mid-August to mid-May) it is best to book ahead and arrange the private transfer in parallel, so the whole day is set with no rush.