El Calafate has several very different ways to experience the ice, from the Perito Moreno walkways to a day in crampons or a full navigation across Lago Argentino. Pick the type of experience first, since a boat trip, a glacier hike, and a viewpoint tour offer very different days.
TLDR: Choose Patagonia Dreams’ Perito Moreno Walkways for a low-cost first visit; Hielo & Aventura’s Minitrekking for the most accessible ice hike; Big Ice for a longer, strenuous glacier trek; Mil Outdoor’s Kayak Experience for a water-level perspective; or Todo Glaciares for Upsala and Spegazzini in one day.
Our tour price bands use the current regular or entry price per person, divided by the full calendar duration. They provide a broad comparison and are not live quotes.
- $: Under $150 per person per day
- $$: $150 to $299 per person per day
- $$$: $300 to $599 per person per day
- $$$$: $600 or more per person per day
Prices were checked on August 15, 2026. Rates can change by departure date, accommodation type and party size.
Best Perito Moreno Glacier Tours
Perito Moreno Glacier and Walkways
A practical full-day trip with hotel transfers, a bilingual guide, and more than three hours to explore the Perito Moreno walkway network. The regular listed price is ARS 110,000 per person; park entry, meals, and an optional boat trip are separate.
Safari Azul
Safari Azul combines forest, shore, and boat access near Perito Moreno for travelers who want to get closer to the glacier without wearing crampons. Rates start from ARS 120,000 per person; confirm the exact transfer configuration before booking.
Perito Moreno Kayak Experience
A kayak trip for active travelers who prefer a water-level perspective on Perito Moreno to a crampon walk. Prices start from ARS 370,000 per person, but seller descriptions vary between ticket-only and full-day formats, so confirm exactly what is included.
Navegación frente al Glaciar Perito Moreno
A focused one-hour navigation for travelers already visiting the park who want a water-level view of Perito Moreno's southern ice wall. It is a useful complement to the walkways, rather than a full substitute for a day in the park.
Glaciar Sur Pioneros
A varied day that approaches through the historic ranch route before a forest walk, navigation along the ice front, and time on the public walkways. It fits travelers who want a more layered day than a direct transfer-and-viewpoint tour.
Best Perito Moreno Ice Trekking Tours
Minitrekking
The established first glacier-walking experience, with crampons and a published maximum of 20 participants. Prices start from ARS 320,000 per person; confirm the exact product name, ice time, and age rules for your selected departure.
Big Ice
Big Ice is the longest established Perito Moreno ice trek, suited to fit adults who want a more demanding day on the glacier. Current seller pricing starts from ARS 550,000 per person, and eligibility restrictions should be checked before you book.
Minitrekking 2.0
The middle option in Hielo & Aventura's ice-trekking range, for travelers who want more time in crampons than standard Minitrekking without Big Ice's demanding twelve-hour format. Confirm the selected departure's age rules and exact ice time.
Minitrekking + Full-Day Glacier Navigation
A combined package for travelers who want both an on-ice Minitrekking day and a full navigation through the Upsala and Spegazzini sectors of Lago Argentino. It saves comparison work when both experiences are already on your list.
Best Lago Argentino Glacier Cruises
Todo Glaciares
A full-day Lago Argentino navigation for travelers who want Upsala and Spegazzini in one accessible boat trip. The published ARS 240,000 rate is valid through September 2026, so recheck the applicable fare for later travel.
Glaciares Gourmet Premium Salon
A more comfortable version of the main Lago Argentino glacier navigation, with a quieter salon, food, and drinks. The research total is ARS 460,000 per person for the base fare and premium supplement, both of which change by season.
Todo Glaciares - Captain's Club
The same Upsala and Spegazzini route as Todo Glaciares, upgraded to a more private cabin with dedicated service, meals, and drinks. Compare it directly with the food-led Glaciares Gourmet Premium Salon.
Glaciares Gourmet
A broader standard navigation that combines Upsala and Spegazzini with views of Perito Moreno and a short landing at Puesto de las Vacas. It is a strong alternative when seeing the fullest possible glacier mix matters more than a premium cabin.
Best Estancia Cristina Glacier Experiences
Estancia Cristina - Classic
A gentler Estancia Cristina day with iceberg navigation, a guided waterfall and heritage walk, the pioneer museum, and a ranch lunch. It suits families and history-minded visitors who prefer this to a long trek.
Estancia Cristina - Mirador Glaciar Upsala
A 4x4 route to a high Upsala viewpoint that ordinary Lago Argentino cruises cannot reach. It works well for travelers who want a memorable glacier view without a long, demanding trek.
Estancia Cristina - Cañadón de los Fósiles Trekking
A 4x4 ascent to the Upsala viewpoint followed by a long descending canyon hike through fossil-rich terrain. Choose it if you want a real day trek away from the Perito Moreno crowds.
How to Choose an El Calafate Glacier Tour
The Perito Moreno walkways are the right starting point for most first-time visitors. Add Minitrekking if walking on the ice is the priority, or choose a navigation when you want to see several glaciers across Lago Argentino. Big Ice is a specialist choice for fit travelers who actively want a long, strenuous day.
Review what the fare excludes before comparing tours. Park entry, meals, transfers, and boat components can be separate, and prices in Argentine pesos can change quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which El Calafate glacier tour is best for a first visit?
The Perito Moreno walkways are the easiest introduction because they offer several views of the glacier without a demanding hike. Add a boat trip or Minitrekking depending on how close you want to get.
Is Minitrekking or Big Ice better?
Choose Minitrekking for the more accessible first ice hike. Big Ice involves a longer, more strenuous day and is for fit adults who want much more time on the glacier.
Can I visit Perito Moreno Glacier without ice trekking?
Yes. The walkways, Safari Azul, boat trips, and kayaking give you different perspectives without requiring crampons.
Which glacier cruise sees Upsala and Spegazzini?
Todo Glaciares is the straightforward full-day option for visiting both on Lago Argentino. Glaciares Gourmet follows a similar glacier-focused route with a more premium onboard format.
Are park fees included in El Calafate glacier tours?
They are often separate. Check the selected operator’s live inclusions before booking, especially for trips that combine a transfer, a boat, and park access.