The Big Ice Adventure is an exhilarating guided excursion that takes you on an unforgettable journey across the vast, awe-inspiring expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier. This thrilling adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the glacier's otherworldly landscape of deep crevasses, towering ice formations, and stunning blue-hued caverns.

The Big Ice Adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across Lake Argentino to the edge of the glacier. Equipped with crampons and accompanied by skilled guides, you will embark on an approximately 3-4 hour trek across the ice, traversing the glacier's rugged terrain and learning about its unique geology and formation.

Embarking on the Big Ice Adventure is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to intimately connect with the powerful, ever-changing landscape of the Perito Moreno Glacier, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

TIP: The tour usually includes a transfer from El Calafate and a visit to the main viewing platform, but we recommend driving and exploring the park on your own, and only joining the tour on the boat to the glacier. This way you can get the best of both worlds – catch a scenic boat ride with the glacier hike, but still explore the glacier independently and avoid 4 long hours on a tour bus. It can be easily arranged with the only operator (check the links section for their official website).

Official website

Big Ice Adventure

El Calafate was a tiny town not that long ago, but being a gateway to an increasingly popular Perito Moreno Glacier transformed it into a fun town with lots of things to do.

El Calafate does have a charming downtown with nice shopping and restaurants. More than enough to chill after the day on the road. Just stroll along the main street and stop wherever you feel like.

But if you look for more to explore, there is Glaciarium – a modern glacier interpretation center, built to entertain and educate about ice, glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

El Calafate

Glaciarium is a modern glacier interpretation center, built to entertain and educate about ice, glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Glaciarium Museum

Minitrekking is an exciting guided excursion that takes you on a shorter, more accessible ice trekking experience on the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is a great (and much more affordable) alternative to Big Ice Adventure, ideal for those who want to explore the glacier's enchanting icy landscape without committing to a full-day adventure.

The entire experience with bus transfers from El Calafate takes 9-10 hours, but similar to Big Ice Adventure, we strongly recommend driving to the park in your vehicle and explore the area independently, only joining your group when embarking on the boat to start the hike. The ice trekking itself takes only about an hour, so the boat with hike and ice trekking takes up to 4 hours, and you have the rest of the day to yourself to explore the glacier from various viewpoints.

Minitrekking offers a unique and manageable experience for those wishing to explore the fascinating ice world of the Perito Moreno Glacier, creating lasting memories amidst the breathtaking landscape of Argentine Patagonia.

Minitrekking

Mirador Canal de los Témpanos is a less-crowded scenic viewpoint with Perito Moreno views, located just a short drive from the main Perito Moreno observation deck.

We recommend a quick stop here to get a unique perspective from lake water level.

TIP: If you have extra time and feel adventurous – hop into a kayak and paddle towards the glacier, a truly unique experience. Check our local guided kayak recommendation in the links section.

Local Kayak Tour

Mirador Canal de los Témpanos

Mirador De Los Suspiros

Perito Moreno is an iconic glacier offering an unforgettable glacial experience. It is one of the world's few advancing glaciers with a unique setup for all kinds of activities, making it our personal favorite in the world.

The main observation deck is the best place to admire the sheer size of the glacier, with quite frequent opportunities to spot massive 200-feet-high ice walls cracking and dropping into the lake.

TIP: Even if you book the incredible Big Ice Adventure or some other tour that includes a transfer from El Calafate, we recommend driving to the park on your own early in the morning and spending crowd-free time at the main observation deck. It is a totally different, intimate experience.

TIP: When the time comes, you can join your group at the ferry station which is just 10 minutes drive from the observation deck. This flexibility makes it possible to visit the observation deck after the tour one more time and spend as much time as you want taking in incredible scale of this natural wonder.

Guided Tours

Full-day Tour from El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier

Roman

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I’d consider Design Suites Calafate if you want a stay on the shores of Lake Argentino. The spa is a nice bonus.

Patagonia’s remoteness might make you hesitate, but for those who crave hiking and breathtaking scenery, it offers an adventure like no other. Its otherworldly landscapes and unforgettable experiences will leave you in awe, making every mile of the journey worthwhile. Yes, the flight may be long, but what awaits you is nothing short of extraordinary — a trip that will stay with you forever.

Design Suites Calafate is a stunning architecure hotel on the shores of Lake Argentino, just outside of El Calafate. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, it offers a unique blend of modern elegance and Patagonian charm.

The spacious and stylish suites are designed with comfort and sophistication in mind. Each suite features contemporary furnishings, plush bedding, and large windows that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. You can unwind and relax in the cozy sitting areas or enjoy the modern amenities.

The hotel's on-site restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience, serving a variety of local and international dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can also indulge in a range of refreshing beverages and cocktails at the bar, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and socializing.

Design Suites Calafate goes beyond providing comfortable accommodations. It also offers a range of amenities to enhance guests' stay, including a fitness center, stunning spa facilities, and a heated indoor pool. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the hotel's friendly staff is available to assist with organizing excursions and activities in the area.

With its prime location and impeccable service, Design Suites Calafate is the perfect choice for those looking to explore the natural wonders of Patagonia while enjoying a luxurious and comfortable stay.

Design Suites Calafate

See the mighty Perito Moreno and explore endless trails of El Chalten.

Argentinian Patagonia

Explore the most spectacular regions across Chile and Argentina.

Patagonian Adventure

Embark on the iconic W-trek in Torres del Paine on a dedicated trip.

W-trek Escape

Capital of Patagonia and a gateway to the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier, where the thunderous sound of ice breaking echoes through the air. Boat trips bring you face to face with the towering ice walls, a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Design Suites Calafate

How this stay fits your trip

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