Quick Picks for Your Visit

If you are short on time, here are our top recommendations for visiting the glacier. These picks help you choose based on your travel style. Most visitors spend at least two full days in El Calafate. This allows time for the main glacier and one extra activity.

• Best Overall: Perito Moreno Main Boardwalks.
• Best for Adventure: Big Ice Trek.
• Best for Families: Nautical Safari Boat Tour.
• Best for Culture: Glaciarium Ice Museum.

12 Top Things to Do in El Calafate

Discover the most exciting activities within the park and the surrounding town. This list includes iconic sights and hidden gems. Be sure to check Los Glaciares park entrance rules before you go. Most tours depart directly from El Calafate hotels for ease.

1. Name: Perito Moreno Boardwalks
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: It offers the most famous panoramic views of the ice wall.
   Best for: Everyone and photographers.
   Where: Península de Magallanes.
   Time: 2–3 hours.
   Cost: National Park fee only.
   Getting there: Bus or car from El Calafate.
   Tip: Head to the lower balconies for fewer crowds.
2. Name: Minitrekking on the Ice
   Type: experience
   Why go: This is the most popular way to actually walk on the glacier ice.
   Best for: Ages 18–65 with moderate fitness.
   Where: On the glacier’s south flank.
   Time: 1.5 hours on ice.
   Cost: High (includes crampons).
   Getting there: Tour boat from Bajo de las Sombras.
   Tip: Wear thick socks to prevent boot blisters.
3. Name: Glaciarium Ice Museum
   Type: museum
   Why go: It provides a deep scientific look at how glaciers form.
   Best for: Rainy days and families.
   Where: 6km outside the city.
   Time: 1–2 hours.
   Cost: Moderate.
   Getting there: Free shuttle from the town center.
   Tip: Check out our Glaciarium ice museum guide for visit tips.
4. Name: Nautical Safari
   Type: boat tour
   Why go: Get close to the 200-foot-tall ice walls from the water level.
   Best for: Families and seniors.
   Where: Rico Arm of the lake.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Budget-friendly.
   Getting there: Bajo de las Sombras pier.
   Tip: Book boat tours in El Calafate in advance during summer.
5. Name: Glacier Kayaking
   Type: experience
   Why go: It is the most silent and peaceful way to see the ice.
   Best for: Active travelers seeking solitude.
   Where: Near the north face.
   Time: 1.5 hours paddling.
   Cost: Premium.
   Getting there: Tour transfer.
   Tip: Check El Calafate glacier kayaking details for age limits.
6. Name: Big Ice Trek
   Type: experience
   Why go: A much longer and deeper exploration of the glacier's center.
   Best for: High-fitness adventure seekers.
   Where: Deep glacier interior.
   Time: 3.5 hours on ice.
   Cost: Expensive.
   Getting there: Boat and guided hike.
   Tip: Only available from September to April.
7. Name: Laguna Nimez Reserve
   Type: nature
   Why go: Excellent bird watching right at the edge of town.
   Best for: Seeing flamingos and local flora.
   Where: El Calafate town edge.
   Time: 1.5 hours.
   Cost: Low.
   Getting there: Walking from town.
   Tip: Read our Laguna Nimez reserve tips before your walk.
8. Name: Spegazzini Glacier Cruise
   Type: day trip
   Why go: See the tallest glacier wall in the entire park.
   Best for: Seeing multiple glaciers in one day.
   Where: Lake Argentino.
   Time: 8–10 hours.
   Cost: High.
   Getting there: Punta Bandera harbor.
   Tip: Take the "Captain’s Club" upgrade for better views.
9. Name: Estancia Cristina
   Type: day trip
   Why go: Combines Patagonian history with views of the Upsala Glacier.
   Best for: History buffs and 4x4 fans.
   Where: Remote valley in the park.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: High.
   Getting there: Boat and 4x4 tour.
   Tip: Visit our estancia tour guide for booking options.
10. Name: Walichu Caves
    Type: sight
    Why go: See ancient rock paintings overlooking the blue lake.
    Best for: Culture and easy afternoon trips.
    Where: 15 minutes from town.
    Time: 1 hour.
    Cost: Moderate.
    Getting there: Taxi or bicycle.
    Tip: These are historical replicas of real Tehuclche art.
11. Name: La Leona Petrified Forest
    Type: day trip
    Why go: Walk through a lunar landscape of fossilized trees.
    Best for: Geology lovers and hikers.
    Where: Halfway to El Chaltén.
    Time: 7–8 hours.
    Cost: Moderate.
    Getting there: Organized tour bus.
    Tip: It can be very windy so wear goggles.
12. Name: Cerro Frias
    Type: viewpoint
    Why go: Fantastic views of the Andes and the Fitz Roy peak.
    Best for: 4x4 fans and zipliners.
    Where: En route to the park.
    Time: 4 hours.
    Cost: Moderate.
    Getting there: Tour vehicle.
    Tip: Great for spotting guanacos and condors.

Practical Perito Moreno Glacier Guide for 2026

A visit to this region requires good planning. The climate in El Calafate is dry and very windy. Temperatures can change rapidly near the massive ice field. We recommend visiting between October and March for the best weather. This is when all trekking expeditions are fully operational.

Make sure to pack layers even in summer. Include a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots. Sunscreen is vital because of the high UV reflection from the ice. For official park regulations, consult the Administración de Parques Nacionales website. Most people choose to fly into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport.

Top Day Trips Near El Calafate

Once you see the main glacier, explore further. Many travelers head north for more hiking. You can find several El Chalten day trips from El Calafate. El Chalten is the trekking capital of Argentina. It is home to the stunning Mount Fitz Roy.

For a different perspective, visit a local ranch. These Estancias offer sheep shearing demos and traditional lamb barbecues. It is a great way to experience true gaucho culture. If you prefer nature, the lake cruises are the best. They visit remote glaciers that are only reachable by water.