Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise in El Calafate

Are you planning to explore El Calafate’s spectacular landscapes, including the stunning Perito Moreno glacier? Taking a trekking tour and cruise around this stunning natural wonder is the perfect way to experience the splendour of this remarkable location. In this guide, you will learn about exploring El Calafate, including reviews of Perito Moreno glacier trekking tour and cruise options, costs and itineraries.

What is El Calafate?

El Calafate is a small town situated in the Santa Cruz Province of Patagonia, in Argentina. It provides the perfect base for exploring the stunning beauty of Patagonia, one of the last unspoiled wildernesses in the world. Some of the region’s main attractions include a number of glaciers, including the impressive Perito Moreno glacier, as well as an incredible variety of endemic wildlife.

Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise Options

If you are looking to explore El Calafate and enjoy an unforgettable experience of the Perito Moreno glacier, then a trekking tour and cruise is certainly the way to go. The many tour companies operating in El Calafate offer a range of options for travelers, from half-day trips to multi-day experiences. Here we review some of the best tour options, depending on your time, budget and level of fitness.

Half-Day Tour Options

If you are limited on time or just want an action-packed tour, then a half-day tour could be just what you need. Most half-day tours focus on a scenic two-hour boat cruise on Lake Argentino. During the cruise, you can admire the natural beauty and take plenty of photos of the glacier from the water. Most tours also included a guided walk along the shore of Lake Argentino for about thirty minutes, for those who prefer a more active experience.

Nina Patagonica Cruise

Nina Patagonica is one of El Calafate’s most trusted tour companies, offering half-day boat cruises from almost every day from 9am to 12pm. The boat experience offers stunning views of Glacier Perito Moreno, as well as great opportunities to take photos of the glacier and its unique formation. A bilingual guide accompanies all cruises and provides useful information about the region’s history. The boat also stops on different islands, where you can watch birds in their natural environment. Prices start at $66 per adult. You can book your ticket and find more information here.

Eco Rico Boat Tour

Eco Rico offers an exciting half-day boat tour that departs at 8am every day from mid-October to mid-March. It starts with a short cruise on Lake Argentino with incredible views of Glacier Perito Moreno from the water. After an hour, you will arrive at Hosteria Lago Rico where you will enjoy a regional breakfast before walking along a trail to explore the shoreline more closely. After approximately an hour and a half (including breakfast), the boat will take you back to port. Prices start at $109 per adult. You can book your tour on this website.

Full-Day Tour Options

If you have more time available or would like to take in more sights while exploring El Calafate and Glacier Perito Moreno, then a full-day tour could be right up your alley. Most full-day tours include lunch and some even offer an optional hike on top of Glacier Perito Moreno (weather permitting). Below are two highly recommended full-day tours:

Patagonia Experience – Lago Rico Lodge Experience

Patagonia Experience offers a full-day tour which departs at 7am from almost every day from November to March. It starts with a pick-up from your hotel followed by a scenic drive along Route 40 for about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Hosteria Lago Rico Lodge in Puerto Bandera where you will enjoy a regional breakfast and embark on your boat cruise for about 1 hour with stunning views and plenty of opportunities for photos. After arriving back at the lodge, you will enjoy lunch followed by a guided walk along the shoreline with picturesque views of the glacier before returning to your hotel around 6pm. Prices start at $164 per adult. You can book your ticket on this website.

Cabalgata del Monteviso – Estancia Cristina

Cabalgata del Monteviso is one of El Calafate’s best known tour operators, offering a full-day trekking and sailing excursion to Estancia Cristina which departs at 8am from Monday to Saturday from November to April. This excursion begins with a short boat trip across Lago Argentino to get to Estancia Cristina, followed by a trek along 8 km of well-marked trails with incredible views and plenty of chances for spotting wildlife along the way. After returning from the trekking experience, you will have lunch at an on-site ranch with great views over Glacier Perito Moreno before taking a second boat trip back to port around 5 pm. Prices start at $165 per adult (including lunch). You can book your trip here.

Conclusion

Exploring El Calafate and its spectacular glaciers is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Patagonia, Argentina. We have reviewed some of the best trip options for travelers hoping to take a trekking tour and cruise around Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate, from half-day options to full-day experiences with optional hikes on top of the glacier (weather permitting). Whether you have limited time available or could spend days exploring this magical spot in Patagonia, make sure you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

If you are interested in booking any of these tours or would like more information on visiting El Calafate, please click here.