Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Expeditions

Perito Moreno & Los Glaciares

Perito Moreno glacier tours | The Glaciers and Forests of Argentine Patagonia

3-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina.

Available public or private transfers to Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales, Chile.

Perito Moreno glacier tours | Private photo and nature journey visiting one of the most impressive glaciers in Patagonia, the world-famous Perito Moreno, and also Lago Argentino and Estancia Cristina.

This a great pre- or post-extension option to combine with our Torres del Paine and Chilean Patagonia nature photo trips or expedition cruises to Tierra del Fuego.

Los Glaciares National Park is a World Heritage Site situated near the picturesque and pleasant town of El Calafate, in southern Argentinean Patagonia. At the southern tip of South America, and as the Andes become progressively lower in altitude, they are almost entirely covered by a huge ice sheet known as the Southern Patagonian Ice-Field. This vast mass of ice, the third largest freshwater reserve in the planet, generates many outlet glaciers as well as massive lakes in this part of Patagonia. One of these lakes is Lago Argentino and into it flows one of the most famous glaciers in Patagonia, the grand Perito Moreno glacier. It is by far the most imposing glacier of the whole park, and a feature of stunning beauty. perito moreno glacier tours

On this photographic and natural history journey we will explore the temperate forests, wind-swept steppes, emerald-colored lakes and the ancient glaciers of this incredible nature reserve and will discover its peculiar flora and fauna. Another highlight of the tour will be a full day visit to Estancia Cristina and its stunning mountain surroundings, plenty of marvelous photographic opportunities as well as sensational vistas of Uppsala Glacier, and other remote corners of this huge and pristine national park.

Take a look to our nature and photo trip to El Chalten and Fitz Roy, to explore some of the most iconic peaks of Patagonia. perito moreno glacier tours

Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz, Argentina © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Exp

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1 • Perito Moreno Glacier – Boat trip in Lago Argentino – Optional: Ice-hiking excursion – El Calafate (2 nights)

Day 2 • Los Glaciares National Park: Full day exploring Lago Argentino and Estancia Cristina

Day 3 • Morning visit to Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve – End of the trip

Note: Optional extensions to El Chaltén or Torres del Paine, Chile. perito moreno glacier tours

Trip Highlights

• Comprehensive and private nature and photo tour to explore Perito Moreno glacier and the stunning landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.

• Day visit to Estancia Cristina, a spectacular and remote corner of Argentino Lake and the outstanding Upsala Glacier.

• Interesting array of native flora and dedicated excursions to temperate forest and wind-swept steppe ecosystems.

• Great birdwatching opportunities at Los Glaciares National Park and the surroundings of El Calafate. perito moreno glacier tours

Trip Map

Detailed Itinerary and Activities

Perito Moreno glacier tours. We recommend you to arrive to El Calafate the day before the trip, in order to have an early start towards Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park on Day 1. You can independently explore the town surroundings. Don’t forget to taste the berries of the Calafate bush (Berberis microphylla) after which the town was named! We highly recommend a visit to Glaciarum, a fantastic interpretation center with comprehensive displays and exhibitions about the Southern Patagonian icefield and its many glaciers. This is a great source of information before you experience the many places we have considered on this itinerary.

Day 1 • Estancia Nibepo – Boat trip and hike – Perito Moreno Glacier

Today we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the most famous glacier in Patagonia, the majestic Perito Moreno. We will have an early start meeting your local guide and driver at your hotel; later we will drive westwards for a couple hours along the old estancias road. This scenic route is very interesting as it will allow us to be away from traffic and visit secluded areas of Los Glaciares National Park. We will drive by the entrance of the historic Estancia Anita and we will have several stops to enjoy the breathtaking views of the snowy summits of the southern Andes. We will arrive to the picturesque setting of Estancia Nibepo, one of the oldest in the region. Here we will attend an introductory tour to the estancia facilities including an old-fashion sheep shearing demonstration. This is a family-owned and working sheep and cattle ranch which preserves the cultural traditions of the southern gauchos. We will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Patagonian-style barbecue with a good supply of delightful Argentinian Malbec. Later we will take our boat and explore the southern branch of Argentino Lake, heading towards the front of its very famous glacier. We will land at the Bay of the Coins and start a delightful and fairly easy hike among the woodlands; from here we will have commanding views of the Perito Moreno Glacier. But our exploration does not stop here as later we will slowly cruise the front of the glacier to admire its spectacular shapes, colors and textures.

This massive Perito Moreno Glacier has a length of nearly 20 miles and is one of the 48 outlet glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. We will be able to walk near its 3-mile wide terminus due to the impressive system of trails and platforms built by the park authorities. The angle of the glacier will be different at every step and we will constantly hear the loud cracking noises from its heavily-crevassed front. This cathedral of ice is surrounded by mixed forests of Lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) and Coihue (Nothofagus betuloides) growing so close to the ice that sometimes they seem to touch each other. Astonishing is to find the Canelo or Winter’s Bark tree (Drymis winteri) and other species from tropical origin like the orchids facing the glacial ice. We expect to see soaring Andean Condors in the area as well as Magellanic Woodpeckers plus other characteristic birds of the Patagonian sub-Antarctic forests. It’s great to visit the park when the morning crowds have left the area; the afternoon is a more quiet time to enjoy the unique and breathtaking place. Without any rush, we will be heading back to El Calafate in the late evening.

(*) For the more adventurous souls, we can offer an unforgettable, more active option. Instead of stopping at Estancia Nibepo for lunch, the party continues towards the remote Lago Frias and will be exploring its remote and pristine surroundings by boat and foot. Eventually we will reach the viewpoint of Grande Glacier and enjoy the tremendous vistas of the unknown Dickson Glacier, right at the border with Chile. perito moreno glacier tours

Overnight at Hotel Kau Yatun or similar, El Calafate. (Lunch)(Guide) – Other lodging options: Hotel Alto Calafate, Hotel Kosten Aike & Hotel Mirador del Lago.

Day 2 • Los Glaciares National Park: Full day exploring Lago Argentino and Estancia Cristina

Today we will explore the northernmost part of the huge Argentino Lake. We will start our day with a transfer to Puerto Bandera in order to board our boat; then we will cruise, during the whole morning, the freezing waters of the lake, seeing impressive icebergs and eventually will have fascinating views of Upsala Glacier. This is one of the most fast-receding glaciers of the whole ice-field.

Later, we will arrive to the scenic Estancia Cristina by noontime and will have most of the afternoon to explore the surroundings in 4×4 vehicles. We will enjoy short hikes (easy to moderate) to some viewpoints where we can see part of the Southern Patagonian Icefield and the imposing Andes. An incredible panoramic view difficult to replicate anywhere in Patagonia! The facilities of the Estancia are very inviting and we will enjoy of a delicious typical lunch of the ranch.

Overnight at Hotel Kau Yatun or similar, El Calafate. Other lodging options: Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch) (Guide)

Day 3 • Morning visit to Laguna Nimes Nature Reserve – End of the trip

This morning we will explore the tiny but productive Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve. We will be amazed by the large variety of species we will be spotting on this urban wetland including swans, geese and many waterfowl including Red Shoveler, Andean Duck and others. Acrobatic Cinereous Harriers are usually seen flying over the reed beds in search of prey or attending their nests. From one of the hides/blinds we hope to have great views of colorful Chilean flamingos, a usual visitor to the shore of the Argentino Lake. The trip ends after this excursion. (Breakfast)(Guide)

Rates & Conditions

Custom Private Departures. You Choose the Date.

Available from September through May. Departures from El Calafate, Argentina. Ask for private and public transfers to Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales, in Chile.

Trip Code	FTE01
No. of guests	1	2	3	4+	Single Suppl.
	Based at Hotel Kau Yatun
Price p. p. (USD)	-	-	-	-	-
	Based at Hotel Alto Calafate
Price p. p. (USD)	-	-	-	-	-
	Based at Hotel Kosten Aike
Price p. p. (USD)	-	-	-	-	-
	Based at Hotel Mirador del Lago
Price p. p. (USD)	-	-	-	-	-

The above prices are per person in US Dollars (US$), based on double occupancy. Rate for 3 participants is based sharing a triple room. All payments are in US Dollars.

Single supplement will be added if single accommodations are requested.

What the Trip includes/excludes

The trip price includes: All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, boat trip to Perito Moreno (southern branch) and Estancia Cristina, and park entrance fees.

The trip price excludes: Domestic flights, transfers from/to El Calafate airport, tipping, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, drinks, à la carte dishes, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Tour Registration

To book this tour, please complete our online registration form. We will process your booking form and will send you (within 24 hours) a note with space confirmation and a deposit invoice with payment instructions. The deposit amount is US$ 500 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

NOTE: Inquires received on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays will be replied during the following working day.

Cancellation Policy

Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.

Refunds are made according to the following schedule:

• If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 200 is refundable.
• If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded.
• If cancellation is made fewer than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.

This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno & Los Glaciares

Perito Moreno glacier tours | The Glaciers and Forests of Argentine Patagonia

3-day trip from El Calafate, Argentina.

Available public or private transfers to Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales, Chile.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz, Argentina © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Exp

Itinerary in Brief

Trip Highlights

Trip Map

Detailed Itinerary and Activities

Day 1 • Estancia Nibepo – Boat trip and hike – Perito Moreno Glacier

Day 2 • Los Glaciares National Park: Full day exploring Lago Argentino and Estancia Cristina

Day 3 • Morning visit to Laguna Nimes Nature Reserve – End of the trip

Rates & Conditions

Custom Private Departures. You Choose the Date.

Trip Code

FTE01

No. of guests

Based at Hotel Kau Yatun

Price p. p. (USD)

Based at Hotel Alto Calafate

Price p. p. (USD)

Based at Hotel Kosten Aike

Price p. p. (USD)

Based at Hotel Mirador del Lago

Price p. p. (USD)

What the Trip includes/excludes

Driving along the 'old estancias road' towards Perito Moreno Glacier © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Exp

Tour Registration

Cancellation Policy