How To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier: Guide To Budget Travel

Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier is a dream for many travelers heading to Patagonia, but let’s be honest. Argentina’s tourism hotspots have become very pricey! The good news?

Experiencing this natural wonder without breaking the bank is possible with the right planning. And that’s why Wandering Slowmads is here to help you.

This guide will show you affordable ways to visit Perito Moreno Glacier, covering everything from cheap transportation from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier, and budget-friendly activities at the glacier itself.

So let’s dive in!

Plan Your Trip With My Favorite Resources

– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
– Book the tours here: Getyourguide.com
– Best car rentals: Rentalcars.com
– Get an eSIM to make sure you always have data: Airalo.com

Overview of Perito Moreno Glacier

Imagine standing in front of a massive wall of ice, so blue it looks almost unreal, and then – CRACK! A giant chunk breaks off and crashes into the water below. That’s Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that’s still growing instead of shrinking.

Located in Los Glaciares National Park, this 30-kilometer-long ice giant is the crown jewel of Patagonia, and one of the easiest glaciers to visit without needing expensive tours or technical skills.

So what makes Perito Moreno truly special? Besides its mind-blowing size, it’s one of the most active glaciers on the planet. You don’t just see it; you hear it.

The deep rumbles and thunderous crashes of ice breaking apart create a show that never gets old.

The best part is that you don’t need to splurge to experience it. You can stroll along the scenic boardwalks to enjoy the view (like we did). Perito Moreno Glacier lets you experience nature’s raw power up close, all without draining your travel budget.

Activities At The Glacier

Okay, so this is where you decide how much you want to spend. The prices of the activities and tours can vary.

Walk the Scenic Boardwalks (Free with Park Entry)

If you’re looking for the cheapest and most rewarding way to experience Perito Moreno Glacier, then you can enjoy the boardwalks like we did. These wooden pathways stretch across multiple levels, offering unobstructed panoramic views of the glacier from different angles.

What makes it special? You’ll hear the thunderous sound of ice calving, watch massive chunks break off and crash into the water, and get an up-close view of the glacier’s immense size.

Best time to visit? Arriving at 9 AM helps you beat the crowds and capture stunning photos in the soft morning light.

Cost? Free with the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee – there is no extra charge.

What to expect? The boardwalks have multiple trails, each with a marked difficulty level:

Central – 1 hour – Easy
Inferior – 1.5 hours – Difficult
Accessible – 30 minutes – Very easy
Del Bosque – 45 minutes – Medium
De la Costa – 1 hour 30 minutes – Medium

The difficulty is based on the number of stairs, and the time estimates account for all types of hikers, including photo breaks. We completed 3 trails in 2.5 hours with plenty of stops for pictures and snacks.

Take a Boat Ride for a Close-Up View ($96 – $150USD)

A boat tour is an exciting way to see the glacier from a whole new perspective. These 1-hour tours take you along the face of Perito Moreno, where the ice walls tower up to 70 meters high.

What makes it special? From the water, you can see the deep blue hues of the glacier, get close enough to hear the ice crack, and if you’re lucky, witness a dramatic ice collapse right in front of you.

Duration? About one hour in the boat. A total of 8 hours for the whole excursion.

Cost? Prices range from $96 – $150 USD depending on the season and operator.

While it’s not the cheapest option, it is one of the ways to experience the glacier up close.

Mini Trekking – Walk on the Glacier ($400 – $600USD)

For those who want a bit more adventure, mini trekking is an unforgettable way to explore the glacier itself. This guided tour includes a short boat ride to the glacier’s edge, where you’ll put on crampons and hike across the ice.

What makes it special? Walking on the actual glacier, peering into deep crevasses, and drinking fresh glacial water straight from the source.

Duration? The ice trek lasts about 1.5-2 hours, but with the boat transfer and preparation, the full experience takes a full day.

Cost? Expect to pay between $400 and $600USD, which includes the boat ride and guided trek.

Mini trekking is the most expensive way but then you get to set foot on Perito Moreno Glacier.

Now that we have talked about the activities you can do at the Perito Moreno Glacier, let’s talk about how to get there and what is most economical.

Affordable Ways To Get To El Calafate

Getting to El Calafate, the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier, doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While flights to Patagonia can be pricey, there are still plenty of ways to get there without blowing your budget.

By Air

If you are arriving from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, or Bariloche you will be taking a flight. The quickest way to reach El Calafate is by flying into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE).

Flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate take about 3 hours, with prices typically ranging from $50 – 70 USD one way. To get the best deals, it’s smart to book in advance or plan your trip during the off-peak months.

Budget carriers like Flybondi and JetSmart can offer great prices, but they can be a bit hit or miss. We got lucky not once, but twice with Flybondi, but not everyone has that kind of luck, so be prepared for the unexpected!

On the other hand, Aerolíneas Argentinas may be pricier, but it’s generally more reliable if you’re willing to pay a little extra for peace of mind.

Book Your Flight

CLICK HERE to get the cheapest deals from Buenos Aires to El Calafate.

By Bus

Buses are a good option to travel within Patagonia. If you are coming from El Chalten or Puerto Natales in Chile, then taking the bus is a great option. There are a few ways to book buses based on your budget AND your timings:

Book through Bus Bud: Bus Bud is a reliable platform and you can book your buses online and in advance. The prices will vary based on where you are traveling from.

Book Your Bus

Book in-person at the bus terminal OR with any travel agency: Based on where you are coming from, you can go to a bus terminal or a travel agency and can directly book with them.

Paying with cash might give you a slight discount as well. This was our go-to method and we have always been able to save some money. There are a lot of buses that go to El Calafate so there is a high possibility that you will find a seat.

Bus companies that operate are Marga Taqsa, Caltur, and Chalten Travel. All are similar and cost the same.

By Car

For those who like adventure, renting a car with a few friends or fellow travelers can also be an affordable option. Plus, it gives you the freedom to explore the Patagonian steppe at your own pace.

You can stop whenever you want to take pictures of cute guanacos and sheeps on the way!

Your best bet to book rental cars at a good rate would be Rentalcars or Discover Cars. They are reliable and have a good selection of fleet.

No matter how you choose to get to El Calafate, planning ahead and booking early can save you a ton, leaving more of your budget for exploring the glacier itself.

Book Your Car

Where To Stay In El Calafate

El Calafate is a touristy town, hence it is expensive. Staying for 2-3 days is enough as the main attraction is the Perito Moreno Glacier. Here are some of the mid range hotels:

Calafate Parque Hotel: Great hotel with good wifi, breakfast, and parking. Located to downtown so easily accessible. Prices start at $120 USD per night.

Del Glaciar Libertador Hotel: Another great option at a great location. The hotel has airport shuttle, wifi, and great breakfast. Prices start at $85 USD per night.

Mabra Suites: Close to downtown and a bit on the higher end, this hotel offers airport shuttle, free breakfast. Prices start at $136 USD per night.

Book Your Hotel

Going From El Calafate To Perito Moreno Glacier

Getting to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate is simple! It’s just a 1.5-hour drive from El Calafate. We did a lot of research because we weren’t sure what the best options were.

Therefore, now we are here to make things easy for you.

Taking the Bus: Bus companies like Marga Taqsa, Caltur, and Chalten Travel take you to the glacier. You can book a return trip with them for around $60,000ARS (prices may vary). You get 3-4 hours to spend there.

You can book the tickets online, at the bus terminal, or at any travel agency you see in the city.

Taking the Taxi or Remis: Remis in Argentina is a private car. We used this option to go to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Keep reading if you want to know how to make this option the cheapest of all.

First, we contacted multiple taxi drivers that we found through Facebook or other references to get quotes. Usually, they charge around $115,000 – 145000ARS per taxi for the return trip. They wait for you for 3-4 hours as you explore the glacier. Since we only wanted to explore the boardwalks, this time was enough for us.

We were picked up by a nice car (not a yellow and black taxi). And our driver let us play our choice of music too!

Second, you find a few other people who are also trying to find a cheaper way to travel to Perito Moreno Glacier through different groups on Facebook. We found two more people who were happy to share a ride with us.

We paid $135,000ARS and therefore, the cost per person came down to $33,750ARS. Not bad, right!? You can even find better rates than this.

Seems complicated? Believe me, it is not. A lot of people are looking for cheaper ways to travel and you can meet great travelers this way! The two people we traveled with were inspirational!

Prices might change due to Argentina’s economy. Please use the prices above as a suggestion.

Renting a Car: If you prefer going at your own pace and stopping along the way to soak in more beauty, then you can easily rent a car. And if you want to save some money, then invite other fellow travelers who would be happy to split the fuel cost.

Best Time To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

Timing your visit to Perito Moreno Glacier can make a huge difference in both your experience and your budget. The peak season runs from December to March when Patagonia is at its warmest and busiest.

This is when you’ll see the most tourists and prices for accommodation and tours can skyrocket. If you don’t mind the crowds and prefer warmer weather, this is the best time to visit for clear skies and longer days.

If you’re looking to save some cash and avoid the hustle and bustle, the shoulder season that runs from April-May and September-October is perfect.

During these months, you’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices on accommodations, and still enjoy fairly decent weather, with crisp, cool air and beautiful autumn or spring colors.

Visiting during these quieter months also means you’ll get more space to experience the glacier without the crowds, and you’ll likely catch a good deal on transportation and accommodation.

Just keep in mind that, while the weather is generally mild, Patagonia is known for its unpredictable climate. Packing layers and being prepared for sudden changes is always a smart move.

Entrance Fees And Discounts

Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier requires an entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park. While prices aren’t the cheapest, there are ways to save money if you plan ahead.

As of 2025, the entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park are:

General rate: $45,000ARS
National residents (Argentina): $15,000ARS
Provincial residents (Santa Cruz): $5,000ARS
Students: $7,000ARS
Children under 6 & seniors (65+): Free

Note: Prices can change due to inflation, so always check the official website.

If you are a student, please bring your ID card. Your country of residence does not matter as long as you are a student!

Packing Tips For Perito Moreno Glacier

Packing smart can make all the difference when visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, especially if you want to stay comfortable without overpacking. Patagonia’s weather is unpredictable, so layering is key to staying warm and dry.

Since you will be super close to the glacier, imagine it as standing in front of a refrigerator.

Clothing Essentials

Waterproof Jacket – The glacier creates its own microclimate, meaning rain and sudden gusts of wind are common. A good waterproof and windproof jacket is a must.
Warm Layers – Temperatures can drop quickly, even in summer. Keep a fleece and a rain jacket with you. If you plan to do mini trekking on the glacier, we would suggest keeping a down jacket as well.
Comfortable Pants – Opt for hiking pants or thermal leggings instead of jeans, which can feel uncomfortable when wet or cold.
Waterproof Shoes – If you’re walking on the glacier or near wet areas, waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are the best choice.

Accessories

Gloves & Hat – Cold winds are a given, so keep your hands and ears warm with gloves and a beanie.
Sunglasses & Sunscreen – The glacier reflects sunlight, making it extremely bright and increasing the risk of sunburn, even on cloudy days.
Reusable Water Bottle – To keep yourself hydrated.

Snacks & Packed Lunch – Food inside the park is expensive, so bringing sandwiches, energy bars, and fruit can save you money. There is a cafe that opens at 10 AM, where you can buy snacks and coffee.

Final Thoughts on Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience it.

Walk the boardwalks for free, take a boat ride for a close-up view, or go for a budget-friendly ice trek – it’s all about choosing what fits your style and budget.

With a little planning that is booking flights early and grabbing discounts where you can – you’ll get to witness this massive and most beautiful work of nature without draining your wallet.

However you decide to witness it, watching icebergs crash into the water from boardwalks, or trekking across the glacier itself, this place will leave you in awe.

Perito Moreno is waiting for you!

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