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14 Things To Know Before Hiking Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina

Perito Moreno Glacier hiking

Yep, you read that right! You can actually hike Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. And it is an absolute must-do if you’re considering a Patagonian adventure. This was hands down my favorite part of Patagonia (at least in Argentina… Chile is to be determined).

There are a few key things you should know about Perito Moreno Glacier before you plan your visit, though. Check out all my tips, tricks and fun facts, below!

14 Things to Know Before You Hike Perito Moreno Glacier

1.) Perito Moreno Glacier is unique because it’s actually accessible, and it’s actually growing! Check out the video below to see ice falling…which is because it’s growing, not because it’s diminishing. Experts are still debating as to why Perito Moreno Glacier is growing while many glaciers are regressing.

It’s so crazy to hear the thunder of the cracking ice when you’re by the glacier!

Perito Moreno Glacier

2.) The closest city to Perito Moreno Glacier is El Calafate (Argentina). There are tons of nice hostels, bed & breakfasts, and a couple hotels. (I loved our stay at Hosteria Miyazato Inn.)

Perito Moreno Glacier
Getting ready to hike the glacier!

3.) The only way you’re going to hike Perito Moreno Glacier is if you book a tour.

There is only one tour company that has access to the glacier and they are Hielo & Aventura. (And they are AMAZING.) Now, I know many people aren’t fond of tours. However, the only way you’re hiking Perito Moreno glacier is if you hire Hielo & Aventura. Not only are they required for safety reasons, but they are also making sure no damage comes to the glacier.

To book online your best bet is to book directly through Hielo & Aventura. You will be charged in Argentine pesos, which will likely work in your favor. You can also book through Get Your Guide, and you will be charged in your local currency. (At the time we booked, this was slightly more expensive, though.)

glacier perito moreno

4.) National Park Entrance fees are not included in your ticket fee, though! Be sure to bring cash to pay them! (At the time we went, March 2018, it was $500 ARS a person.)

5.) The tour will pick you up from your hotel/B&B/hostel in the morning – but be prepared! The logistics are a little wonky. I emailed twice and called to confirm my pick up time, and it took until 7 the night before to have a rough estimate of our pickup time for the next day. Just be ready early!

Perito Moreno Glacier
How unreal does this look? (Those are research huts!)

6.) There are two different ways to hike Perito Moreno Glacier one is a “Mini Trek” and one is a “Big Ice Adventure.” The Mini Trek was perfect for me. It was about 2 hours hiking the actual glacier + a boat ride to and from the glacier + transport to the viewing platforms of the glacier.

“The Big Ice Adventure” is about 7 hours on the ice and requires more effort + harnesses. So, for people slightly more adventurous and fit than myself! Haha.

Perito Moreno Glacier
The Mini Trek was plenty adventurous enough for us!

7.) The “dirty” parts you’ll see of the glacier are due to the dirt from the mountains being blown onto the glacier – not pollution. (Lots of people asked about this.)

Perito Moreno Glacier
That’s just dirt, not pollution. Phew!

8.) Wear water-resistant boots! This adventure is what made me finally break down and buy my own pair of boots, and it was absolutely worth it. You are provided crampons (the big spikes on our feet) for the hike, but your feet will get wet and cold if you don’t have proper footwear.

9.) Be careful not to overdress and check the forecast before you go. All that ice can be misleading! It was nearly 50 degrees Fahrenheit the day we hiked it! (On average it’s between 40 – 50 degrees.) I was completely fine wearing waterproof hiking pants, a sweatshirt, hat, sunglasses, mittens, and a windbreaker. Wool socks were a good idea too.

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I’m totally comfortable!
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My husband was totally comfortable too, haha.

10.) Pack a water bottle! You’re going to want water for your day anyways, but you’ll also have the opportunity to fill up your water bottle with glacier water – delicious!

11.) Also, pack a lunch. You’ll get to eat it and enjoy some magnificent views of the glacier. (See photos, below.)

Lunchtime views

12.) At the end of your hike, you’re treated to a glass of whisky on glacier ice! It’s pretty darn cool! (And if you’re not inclined to have a glass of whisky at 10 am, haha, you can also opt for glacier water and glacier ice.)

Cheers!! Enjoying our glacier ice drinks at the end of the hike.
Cheers!! Enjoying our glacier ice drinks at the end of the hike.

13.) You might get lucky and get to enter an ice cave! This is dependant on whether or not the cave is filled with water, though.

Inside the ice cave!

14.) After you leave the glacier, Hielo & Aventura will bus you to viewing platforms that give you a completely different view of the glacier and plenty of time to watch the ice chunks fall into the water!

View of the glacier from the viewing platforms

What are your thoughts on Perito Moreno Glacier? Would you want to hike it? Let me know in the comments!

*Click here to see all my travel posts on Argentina!
*Click here to read my post, “How to Spend 10 Days in Argentina.”

Travel Insurance

It’s a good idea, no matter where your adventure takes you, to have travel insurance. You never know what might happen! Whether you get sick before your trip and can’t go, or you become sick or injured while on your adventure – being covered with travel insurance is a must. Some credit card companies do provide this service (check with yours), or you can get a quote from companies such as RoamRight. To get a free quote, click here

Visa Requirements

To check if your country requires a Visa for traveling to Argentina, click here.

Want to Learn Spanish Before Your Trip?

Knowing some basics in Spanish can be helpful for your time in Argentina. Try a free 3 day trial of Rosetta Stone (the best way to learn a foreign language) by clicking here.

And check out more photos of the adventure, below!

14 Things to Know Before Hiking Perito Moreno Glacier
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*c/o = courtesy of, meaning the company gave me the product to be used on my blog, and I did not pay for it. All opinions are my own, and I am not being compensated for a positive review.

28 Comments

  1. Wow this looks STUNNING! Definitely needs to be apart of my bucket list!

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you, Tatiana! And oh yes! It’s certainly worth the add. 🙂

  2. OMG so so so stunning pictures, I love this kind of journeys. I am sure you had a great time during them

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you so much! I really did!

  3. l'ambassadrice says:

    So much useful info and beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing this wonderful hike with us 🙂
    http://www.lambassadrice.com/

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed this post!

  4. Such a beautiful place and great informations! Also these pictures are fabulous!

    jointyicroissanty

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you so much!

  5. Becci Abroad says:

    Wow!! Your pictures are so amazing!! Perito Moreno Glacier is SO much on my bucket list – and after reading you post even more! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Argentina! Looking forward to more post from your adventures!

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Aw, thank you, Rebecca! You definitely have to go to Perito Moreno Glacier one day!

  6. Wow I just discovered your blog and the first post I see is amazing. I have never skied or been to a glacier before the simple reason being I live on an Island and now I want to visit a place as beautiful as this one. Thanks for sharing because am traveling just by looking at these beautiful photographs. Have an amazing weekend.

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Oh gosh, thank you so much, Grace! Hope you had an amazing weekend too.

  7. Incredible mountains. I didn’t know that it’s still growing, great post 🙂

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you!

  8. Courtney Byers says:

    Oh my goodness, what a beautiful place! This is great information too.

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you, Courtney! So glad you enjoyed it!

  9. Gosh this is incredible, Lindsey! If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times—your adventurousness inspires and amazes me!!
    I think I’d actually go on this trip because it’s so stunning (although I’d need to borrow your boots…ha ha)
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Haha! You can borrow my boots for sure, Jodie! And thank you so much! 🙂

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