The Perito Moreno Glacier is the flagship glacier of Los Glaciares National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981) in Santa Cruz Province, southern Argentina, about 80 km west of the town of El Calafate. A massive ice wall roughly 5 km wide and around 60 m high pushes into Lake Argentino, and the glacier is world-famous both for the periodic 'ruptura' when its ice arch collapses and for the constant calving of ice blocks into the water. Long known as one of the few glaciers in near-equilibrium, recent studies suggest it has now begun thinning and retreating under a warming climate, which makes the present a particularly meaningful time to see it. From well-built wooden boardwalks (pasarelas) you can safely admire the ice front from as close as about 300 m.
The Magellan Peninsula boardwalks (pasarelas): upper, middle and lower circuits offering many angles on the ice wall
Calving: ice slabs thundering off the front into the lake, a moment well worth patient waiting
The 'safari nautico' boat cruise, which brings you close to the 60 m ice wall to feel its true scale
Minitrekking and Big Ice: guided treks that let you walk on the glacier itself with crampons
The turquoise icebergs drifting on Lake Argentino and the glacier's deep-blue ice
Good to know
SafetyNever step beyond the railings on the boardwalks. Calving is unpredictable and can send ice and sudden waves toward the shore; there have been incidents involving people who crossed the barriers.
SeasonJuly 2026 is the southern-hemisphere winter: temperatures fall below freezing, snow and strong wind are common, and opening hours shorten to 09:00-16:00. Warm, windproof layers and non-slip footwear are essential.
RulesThe national park charges a separate entrance fee (foreigner rate). Buy tickets online in advance, as mobile signal at the gate is unreliable; discounts such as re-entry within 72 hours and current prices should be confirmed with the latest official information.
MannersStay only on the marked wooden boardwalks and signed paths, carry out all your trash, and note that drone flights inside the national park are generally prohibited.
CautionBook Minitrekking and Big Ice only through the park's official concessionaire (Hielo y Aventura) or an authorized agency, and check the age limits (Minitrekking 8-65, Big Ice 18-50). In El Calafate, agree taxi/remis fares before you get in.
SafetyThe roughly 80 km road (RP 11) from El Calafate to the glacier can be closed by ice or strong wind in winter, so plan generous time for the round trip and for leaving the park (about a 30-minute buffer).
Practical info
The glacier lies about 80 km west of El Calafate along Route RP 11, reached by scheduled shuttle buses, tour vehicles or rental car; there is no train, and the nearest airport is El Calafate (FTE). Opening hours vary by season, summer (Sep-Apr) 08:00-18:00 (stay until 20:00) and winter (May-Aug) 09:00-16:00 (stay until 18:00), and entrance, cruise and trek fees change over time, so confirm the latest details through official channels before your visit.
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