Argentina / El Calafate
El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier — Private Patagonia Travel
Where the glacier meets the lake — one of the world's great natural spectacles
Introduction
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of those rare natural phenomena that photographs cannot adequately represent. Sixty metres of blue ice rising from Lake Argentino, constantly in motion, calving towers of ice into turquoise water with a sound like distant artillery — it demands to be experienced in person.
We arrange private glacier treks on the ice itself — crampons on, walking across a landscape that moves and breathes — as well as boat excursions to the glacier's face, private estancia stays in the surrounding Patagonian steppe, and day trips to the dramatic peaks of El Chaltén.
Quick Facts
October–April
El Calafate Airport (FTE)
3–5 days
Adventure, Nature, Photography
Highlights
What Awaits You
Perito Moreno Glacier
Sixty metres of advancing ice, calving into Lake Argentino.
Ice Trek
Crampons on, walking across the glacier itself with certified guides.
Estancia Cristina
A remote working estancia reached only by boat across Lake Argentino.
El Chaltén Day Trip
Granite spires and trekking trails three hours north.
Experiences in El Calafate
El Calafate · Half Day
Perito Moreno Glacier — Classic Excursion
Stand face-to-face with one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural phenomena: the Perito Moreno Glacier. This classic guided excursion takes you to the extensive boardwalk network overlooking the glacier's 5km face, where you can watch — and hear — colossal ice walls calve into Lago Argentino. The most iconic experience in all of Argentine Patagonia.
El Calafate · Half Day
Perito Moreno Glacier — Private Excursion
Explore Perito Moreno with your own private guide and vehicle for a deeply personal encounter with this UNESCO-listed wonder. Move at your own pace, linger at your favorite viewpoints, and receive expert glaciological commentary tailored to your group.
El Calafate · Half Day add-on
Safari Naútico — Southern Face Boat Tour
Get up close to the Perito Moreno Glacier from the water on this one-hour boat safari along the glacier's southern face. Marvel at towering ice towers, electric-blue crevasses, and the raw scale of the ice field from sea level. Best combined with the classic glacier excursion.
El Calafate · Half Day add-on
Moreno Spirit — Northern Face Boat Tour
Navigate along the northern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier on this complementary one-hour boat excursion, offering perspectives you cannot see from the boardwalks. Best combined with the classic excursion.
El Calafate · Full Day
Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
Strap on crampons and walk on top of the Perito Moreno Glacier itself — one of the most exhilarating experiences in Patagonia. After a boat crossing, certified mountain guides lead you across the ice through crevasses and seracs, with glacier-chilled whisky at the end. Minimum age 8 years.
El Calafate · Half Day
City Tour & Punta Walichu Cave Paintings
Explore El Calafate town and discover the ancient cave paintings of Punta Walichu on the shores of Lago Argentino — some of the most accessible prehistoric art in Patagonia, attributed to the Tehuelche people. A culturally rich half-day that pairs well with glacier excursions.
El Calafate · Half Day / Full Day
Calafate Extremo 4x4 Adventure
An off-road 4x4 adventure into the rugged Patagonian steppe surrounding El Calafate, with dramatic views of Lago Argentino and the Andes. Optional lunch included. A thrilling way to experience the Patagonian landscape beyond the glacier.
El Calafate · Half Day
Balcones Cerro Huyliche — 4x4 & Zipline
Combine a 4x4 ride into the hills surrounding El Calafate with a zipline (tirolesa) over the Patagonian landscape and panoramic views of Lago Argentino. One of the region's most exciting multi-activity experiences. Zipline available for ages 12+.
El Calafate · Half Day
Calafate Balcón Experience — 4x4
A premium 4x4 excursion to the elevated lookout points above El Calafate, offering sweeping views of Lago Argentino, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the surrounding steppe. An intimate, photography-focused experience.
El Calafate · Full Day
Nativo Experience 4x4 with Lunch
An immersive 4x4 excursion into the authentic Patagonian countryside, visiting a working estancia and experiencing traditional gaucho culture alongside dramatic landscapes. Includes a traditional lamb lunch.
El Calafate · Half Day
Safari Azul — Lake Safari
A unique lake safari experience on the waters of Lago Argentino, exploring hidden bays, glacial inlets, and wildlife-rich shorelines only accessible by boat. Limited to travelers between 6 and 70 years old.
El Calafate · Full Day
Cerro Frías — Panoramic Mountain Experience with Lunch
Ascend Cerro Frías for what many consider the finest panoramic view in the El Calafate region — a 360° sweep taking in Lago Argentino, Perito Moreno, and the full expanse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Includes a choice of activity and a mountain lunch.
El Calafate · Full Day
El Chaltén Free Trekking with Lunch
A full-day excursion to El Chaltén — Argentina's trekking capital — with free time to explore the spectacular trails around Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre at your own pace. Includes lunch or a packed vianda. One of the world's great walking destinations.
El Calafate · Full Day
El Chaltén Full Day — Private Trekking
Experience El Chaltén and the legendary Fitz Roy massif in complete privacy with your own guide. Trek the trails of your choice — from the iconic Laguna de los Tres to the spires of Cerro Torre — with expert commentary and full flexibility.
El Calafate · Full Day
Torres del Paine — Full Day (Chile)
Cross the border into Chile for a full-day immersion in Torres del Paine National Park — one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. See the iconic granite towers, turquoise lakes, and wind-sculpted plains of Patagonia's crown jewel. Border crossing documentation required for minors.
El Calafate · Full Day
Crucero Marpatag — Glaciers Gourmet Cruise
Board the elegant Maria Turquesa vessel for a gourmet full-day cruise through Lago Argentino, exploring multiple glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park. Premium on-board dining and panoramic ice-watching from a beautifully appointed vessel.
El Calafate · Full Day
Todo Glaciares — Multi-Glacier Boat Excursion
The most comprehensive boat excursion in Los Glaciares National Park: navigate Lago Argentino to visit the Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno glaciers in a single epic day on the water. An unmatched perspective on Patagonia's glacial landscape.
El Calafate · Full Day
Todo Glaciares — VIP Captain's Club Salon
Experience the multi-glacier boat excursion in the exclusive Captain's Club VIP salon — a private, climate-controlled lounge with panoramic windows, premium dining, and personalized service. The most luxurious way to explore Los Glaciares National Park by water.
El Calafate · Full Day
Darwin Experience — Kayaking with Lunch
Paddle among icebergs and glacial formations in the arms of Lago Argentino on this guided kayaking experience. Get closer to the ice than any other excursion allows, with a qualified naturalist guide and a full lunch included. Minimum age 16 years.
Journeys That Include El Calafate