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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Chile

Indonesia

France

Mexico

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Ukraine

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Finland

Argentina

Denmark

Greece

Netherlands

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Sri Lanka

Poland

Türkiye

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United Arab Emirates

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Holy See (Vatican)

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I’d go for Estancia La Estela if you want a stay with views. Having a restaurant on site is handy.

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.

Estancia La Estela is a picturesque ranch located in the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Nestled amidst vast open fields and surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains, it offers a unique and tranquil retreat for travelers seeking an authentic countryside experience.

The estancia is a working ranch that provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional rural lifestyle of Patagonia. It offers comfortable and rustic accommodations in charming rooms or cozy cabins, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing stay. The rooms are tastefully decorated with warm and inviting furnishings, reflecting the rustic charm of the surrounding environment.

You can partake in a range of activities that showcase the natural beauty of the region — go horseback riding through the expansive fields, explore the nearby trails on foot or by bike, or simply relax and enjoy the serene ambiance of the countryside. The estancia also offers guided tours that allow you to learn about the rich history and culture of the area.

One of the highlights of staying at Estancia La Estela is the opportunity to savor traditional Argentine cuisine. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, including succulent Patagonian lamb and other regional specialties. You can indulge in hearty meals while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

The friendly and attentive staff at Estancia La Estela ensures that guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay. They are always available to assist with any needs or inquiries, providing a personalized and warm hospitality that adds to the overall experience.

Estancia La Estela

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.

Estancia La Estela

How this stay fits your trip

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