Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking: Prices & Schedules

Q: Which is the difference between the Minitrek and the Big ice in the Perito Moreno Glacier?

The main difference is the touring time on the glacier and the walking times to reach the ice. While in the Minitrek the time on the glacier is of 1 and half hours, plus a 30-minute trek through the woods, in the Big Ice you will be walking for 3 hours on the glacier and 1 hour more of trek by a moraine. Just for that, the Big Ice is more physically demanding, besides you will be walking more to reach places that you are not able to visit with the Minitrek. Finally, with the Minitrek the visit to the footbridges is at the end of the experience, while with the Big Ice is at the beginning of the activity.

Q: What is the difference between the Minitrekking (Classic) and the Minitrekking (Extended)?

The difference lies in the physical demands and the area of the glacier you explore, not the amount of time spent on the ice. In both cases, you’ll spend 1 hour walking on the glacier wearing a helmet and crampons.The Minitrekking (Classic) is the more accessible option, designed for a wider range of visitors. The total route is 3.5 km, and participants must be between 8 and 65 years old. The boat drops you off near the glacier, so you don’t need to undertake a difficult hike to reach the ice. The experience also includes a talk on glaciology. The Minitrekking (Extended) is more challenging and requires better physical fitness. The total route is 5.5 km, and it’s available to participants between 18 and 55 years old. It explores a different area of the glacier, which requires hiking over rocky terrain and moraine to reach. Due to the characteristics of this area, the route may vary more easily, although the tour always includes visits to points of interest, as well as Cascada de las Cotorras.

Q: When should I buy the Los Glaciares National Park’s entrance fee?

The entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park can be purchased online, no later than one day before the start of the tour, at Parques Nacionales using a debit or credit card, or in cash on the day of the tour. If you are visiting the park only for this tour, you should buy the “Portal de acceso corredor Río Mitre y Glaciar Perito Moreno” ticket. If you plan to visit the park for multiple days, you should buy the “Flexipass Los Glaciares."

Q: How difficult is the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrek?

The route is moderately challenging, with uphill and downhill sections on the ice. Participants should be comfortable with moderate physical activity to fully enjoy the experience.

Q: Can children participate in the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrek?

Yes, although the activity has age restrictions. Children from 8 years old can participate.

Q: Is it necessary to have previous experience to do the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrek?

No, no previous experience is required. The mountain guides will give you a safety talk and will accompany you throughout the tour.

Q: How to book Minitrekking (Classic)?

You can book Minitrekking (Classic) online through Nomades.com, the largest tour booking platform in Chile. Just go to the activity page, choose the date, number of passengers, and pay online by credit card, bank transfer, or using a 10% deposit to pay the rest at destination.

Q: How far in advance should I book Minitrekking (Classic)?

The tour Minitrekking (Classic) can be booked up to 1 days before the departure date. However, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

Q: Is a minimum number of people required for Minitrekking (Classic) to be confirmed?

Yes, the tour Minitrekking (Classic) requires a minimum of 2 people to be confirmed. If the minimum is not reached, we will contact you to offer alternatives or a refund.

Take your first steps on the glacier with a 3 km trek using crampons, led by a certified mountain guide. Moderate difficulty, no previous experience required.

All year round Free cancellation Free rescheduling

Price per person

ARS$ 420.000

Duration

9 hours

Schedules

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Minimum passengers

From 2 people

Meeting point

Bajo de las Sombras Port, Hielo y Aventura

Includes

Guide (Spanish, English or Portuguese)
Crampons

Does not include

Pickup at your accommodation (urban area)
Food
Entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park (AR$ 25.000 for residents in Argentina and AR$ 50.000 for non-residents in Argentina, subject to change)

Restrictions

Minimum age required of 8 years old
Not allowed for pregnant women
Not allowed for people over the age of 65
Not allowed for people with knee conditions
Not allowed for people with extremity prostheses

Weather

Subject to weather conditions

What to bring

Warm clothing
Waterproof clothing
Trekking shoes
Beanie
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Snack
Water
Gloves
Comfortable clothing

Description

From Bajo Las Sombras Port, we will take an approximately 20-minute boat ride to cross Lake Rico and arrive at the southern face of the glacier. This is how we will start the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrek tour. When we get off the boat, our mountain guides will be awaiting us. They will share facts with us about glaciology, especially about the Perito Moreno Glacier, as we hike to the point of contact with the glacier.

After putting on our crampons, we’ll have a safety briefing and start our one-hour glacier trek. We’ll enjoy the first views of this icy landscape as we follow a trail with ups and downs. After covering a total of 3.5 km and seeing crevasses, sinkholes, and lagoons, we’ll return to the boat to complete the final part of the tour.

Once on solid ground, we will visit the footbridges facing the glacier so we can get another view of the place we just visited. After an hour-long tour, we will take our vehicle to return to the city of El Calafate to end our activity.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the difference between the Minitrek and the Big ice in the Perito Moreno Glacier?

What is the difference between the Minitrekking (Classic) and the Minitrekking (Extended)?

When should I buy the Los Glaciares National Park’s entrance fee?

How difficult is the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrek?

Can children participate in the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrek?

Is it necessary to have previous experience to do the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrek?

How to book Minitrekking (Classic)?

How far in advance should I book Minitrekking (Classic)?

Is a minimum number of people required for Minitrekking (Classic) to be confirmed?