El Calafate: “Perito Moreno Glacier with the Tour – Blue Safari”.

The best part of the Blue Safari is the change of viewpoint. You do not simply look at Perito Moreno Glacier from a distant platform. You cross Lake Argentino, walk through Patagonian forest, then reach the glacier’s southern wall on foot before cruising beside it by boat. The ice feels close and alive, with blue folds, groaning cracks, and the chance of seeing a piece calve into the water.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which should make the guided walk easier to follow and less crowded. I also like the mix of activities: the forest trail gives you time in nature, while the boat adds a dramatic view of the ice that the walkways cannot provide.

The main drawback is cost. At $321 per person, before the separate Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee, this is a serious splurge. The self-arranged option also requires an 80-kilometer journey to the meeting area, so the optional transfer is worth close consideration.

Key points to know before booking

• A 20-minute boat crossing starts the adventure: You cross the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino from Puerto Bajo las Sombras, about 7 kilometers from the glacier walkways.
• The glacier approach is on foot: A guided hike of about 1.5 kilometers follows the shore and passes through Patagonian forest.
• You see the southern ice wall up close: The route reaches the glacier before the final boat cruise brings you within a few meters of the ice.
• The walkways add a second full viewpoint: With the transfer option, you get about two hours to explore the official viewing paths at your own pace.
• Hotel pickup is optional but useful: Pickup is limited to hotels, cabins, or accommodations with reception service during the arranged pickup period.
• The park fee and food cost extra: Bring lunch, snacks, and water, and budget separately for the national park entrance.

Why this glacier trip feels different

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Patagonia’s great sights, but the standard viewing area only gives you part of the story. From the walkways, you see the glacier’s broad front across the water. On the Blue Safari, you also approach it from the lake and reach a section of the ice on foot.

That combination matters. The glacier changes as you move around it. From the shore, its wall appears tall and heavily folded. From the boat, the lower ice looks more detailed, with sharp ridges, blue hollows, and slabs shaped by years of pressure and movement.

The boat trip is short, about 20 minutes each way, but it is not filler. The crossing of the Brazo Rico gives you wide views of the surrounding mountains and water before the hike begins. Keep your camera ready, but also listen. Ice can creak and crack without warning, and the sound often makes the glacier feel more powerful than a photograph suggests.

The guides accompany the group throughout the experience. Their explanations cover the glacier’s formation, history, and movement, along with information about the local plant and animal life. English and Spanish guiding are available. The positive feedback about the kind, enthusiastic staff is important here, because a good guide can turn a walk beside ice into a much clearer understanding of what you are seeing.

Starting in El Calafate and reaching Puerto Bajo las Sombras

The tour begins in El Calafate, the main base for visiting Los Glaciares National Park. You can book transportation from your hotel or make your own way to the port.

If you choose pickup, allow patience at the start. The vehicle may take about 40 minutes to complete its pickup route, and collection is only available from a hotel, cabin resort, or other accommodation with reception service during the pickup window. An informal rental apartment without a staffed reception desk may not qualify.

The port, Puerto Bajo las Sombras, is about 7 kilometers from the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways. If you skip the transfer, the practical detail is easy to miss: you are responsible for the full journey from El Calafate, described as an 80-kilometer trip to the meeting area, and you must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

That makes the transfer more than a convenience. It removes the need to coordinate your own transport, find the port, and calculate how much extra time you need. At this price, I would compare the transfer and no-transfer prices carefully, but most visitors will find the arranged ride the simpler choice.

Crossing the Brazo Rico by boat

At Puerto Bajo las Sombras, you board a boat for the crossing of the Brazo Rico, a section of Lake Argentino. The ride takes about 20 minutes and offers views of the water, mountains, and glacier country.

This is not a long sightseeing cruise, so do not expect a full afternoon on the lake. Its value is that it places you on the opposite shore, where the guided hike begins. The boat also gives you your first sense of how large and remote the area is.

Conditions can be cold around the water even when El Calafate feels mild. Wear layers rather than relying on one thick coat. A hat, gloves, waterproof outer clothing, and sunglasses are practical choices. Sunscreen matters too, since reflected light from the water and ice can be strong.

The 1.5-kilometer forest and shore hike

Once you land on the far side, the group begins a guided walk of approximately an hour and a half. The route is about 1.5 kilometers and passes through a Patagonian forest before following the edge of the lake toward the glacier.

This is a moderate walking experience rather than a technical glacier trek. You do not walk on the ice itself. Instead, you move through natural trails to a point near the southern wall, with the glacier gradually becoming the focus of the route.

The forest section gives the trip a useful change of pace. You are not looking at ice every second, so the arrival at the shore feels earned. The trail also lets you notice the plants and terrain of Patagonia, while the guide explains how the glacier fits into the wider setting.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip. Waterproof footwear is wise because trail conditions can change, and the weather can shift quickly. The supplied information lists thermal clothing, warm layers, gloves, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. Take that list seriously. This is not the place for thin street shoes and a light cotton jacket.

The hiking time is one reason this tour may not suit everyone. Children under six and people over 70 are not permitted, and anyone with difficulty walking on natural trails should consider the demands before booking. The distance is not huge, but the route takes time and includes outdoor conditions.

Reaching the southern wall of Perito Moreno

The approach to the glacier is the emotional center of the excursion. The trail brings you to the southern wall, where you can study the ice at close range from the shore.

Perito Moreno is not a smooth white sheet. Its face has towers, creases, shadows, and blue sections formed by dense ice. The blue color is often strongest in deeper cracks and compressed sections, so look for texture rather than only a broad wall of ice.

You may hear the glacier before anything breaks away. Cracking and creaking sounds travel across the water, and a calving event can happen without a set timetable. The tour cannot promise a dramatic fall of ice, so treat it as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. Even without a large collapse, the sound and scale make this stop worthwhile.

The guides discuss the glacier’s formation and movement during the walk. That context helps you understand why the ice has such varied shapes and why the front can look different from one day to the next. You get more from the visit when you pause between photographs and watch the wall for a while.

The close boat view of the ice

After the walk, you return to the boat for a cruise in front of the glacier. This is the Blue Safari’s signature angle. The boat approaches within a few meters of the ice wall, allowing you to see lower sections and details that are easy to miss from land.

A boat close to a glacier can make the scale confusing. The ice wall may look near enough to touch, but it is still a powerful natural force, and the boat maintains a safe operating distance. Follow crew instructions and keep your belongings secure, especially in wind.

The ride gives you a chance to take in the glacier without walking. If the weather is clear, you can compare the darker blue hollows with brighter white ridges. If the weather turns rough, the view may be less comfortable, but the boat remains an important part of the experience because it shows the glacier from below and across the water.

Bring a waterproof cover for your phone or camera. Even without rain, spray and wet conditions are possible around the boat. Gloves with enough flexibility to operate a phone are helpful.

Two hours on the Perito Moreno walkways

With hotel transportation, the vehicle takes you afterward to the famous glacier walkways. You have approximately two hours to explore freely.

This section is not included when you simply arrange your own way to the port, so read the booking details closely. The tour information makes clear that the footbridges are not part of the independent meeting-point arrangement. If you want the boat, forest walk, and official viewing paths in one day, the transfer option is the one to examine.

The walkways offer views from different heights and angles. Use this time to slow down. The Blue Safari provides close access and a guide-led route, while the walkways let you choose your own pace and repeat the views that interest you most.

Two hours is enough for a solid visit, but it is not unlimited. You may want to spend the first part at a broad viewpoint, then follow the paths to lower or more side-on positions. Keep time for returning to the vehicle. If you are carrying lunch, a simple packed meal is best, since food and drinks are not included in the tour.

One advantage of having both the boat and walkway sections is that weather may favor one view over another. Low cloud can make the higher outlook less clear, while the water-level approach may still feel dramatic. On a bright day, the walkways help you appreciate the full width of the glacier.

What the $321 price includes

The $321 price is high, so the value depends on what you want from a glacier visit. You are paying for more than transport to a viewpoint. The package combines optional hotel transfers, the boat crossing, a guided hike, the close cruise, guide support, and free time at the walkways when transportation is included.

For someone who wants a simple visit to the walkways, this may be too expensive. The public viewing paths alone provide strong glacier views, and you may prefer to arrange a less active day.

For someone who wants several angles in one outing, the price makes more sense. You get the rare combination of a shore approach, a boat view from a few meters away, and time on the official paths. The small group limit of 10 also gives the excursion a more personal feel than a large coach outing.

Remember to add the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee. It is not included and must be paid separately at the park entrance. Food and drinks are also your responsibility. Bring a packed lunch, snacks, water, and enough clothing for a long day outside.

The listed duration ranges from three to eight hours, with the exact timing depending on availability and the selected arrangement. The full itinerary with transport and walkway time is the longer version. Check the start time and total duration before paying, especially if you have another activity planned in El Calafate.

The best preparation for a cold, active day

Pack for changing weather, not the temperature at your hotel in town. Your basic kit should include:

• Thermal layers and a warm outer layer
• Waterproof clothing
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Gloves and a warm hat
• Water and a packed lunch
• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Dress in layers so you can adjust during the walk. The boat and exposed shore can feel colder than the forest, while walking may warm you up.

Participant details are required for confirmation. You need to provide each person’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. Have those details ready when booking, since the operator checks mandatory conditions before confirming the excursion.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms give you some flexibility, but you should still check the exact booking conditions attached to your selected date and option.

Who will get the most from the Blue Safari?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want more than a quick photograph from a viewing platform. It suits active adults who enjoy a moderate guided walk, cold outdoor conditions, and a schedule that combines several forms of sightseeing.

It is also a good choice if you value interpretation. The guides explain the glacier’s movement and formation rather than simply pointing toward the ice. Feedback about the staff repeatedly highlights their kindness, enthusiasm, and strong service, with English support available.

The tour is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a very relaxed pace, or want to control every minute of your day. The group follows a set schedule, and the optional pickup may involve waiting while other passengers are collected.

It is not available for children under six or people over 70. The trail is not a technical climbing route, but you should be comfortable walking outdoors on natural paths for around 1.5 hours.

Should you book this Perito Moreno Glacier tour?

Book the Blue Safari if your priority is close contact with the glacier and a full range of viewpoints. The forest hike, shore approach, short boat crossing, close cruise, and walkway time create a more varied day than a basic viewing excursion.

I would skip it if the $321 price feels uncomfortable, especially after adding the park fee and meals. In that case, a visit focused on the walkways may offer better value.

For most people who choose this tour, the transfer option is the practical pick. It removes the 80-kilometer transport problem and includes the later walkway visit. Bring warm waterproof clothing, arrive ready for a long day, and treat any ice calving as a lucky extra. The glacier itself is the reason to go.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional. It is available only from a hotel, cabin resort, or accommodation with reception service during the arranged pickup period.

How long does the Blue Safari last?

The listed duration is three to eight hours, depending on availability and the selected option. The full version with transportation includes about two hours at the glacier walkways.

How far is Puerto Bajo las Sombras from the walkways?

The port is about 7 kilometers from the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways.

How long is the boat crossing?

The boat crossing of the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino takes about 20 minutes.

How long is the guided hike?

The guided walk lasts approximately one and a half hours and covers about 1.5 kilometers through Patagonian forest and along the lake shore.

Is the national park entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park must be paid separately at the park entrance.

What languages are available?

The tour offers live guiding in English and Spanish.

Can children join the tour?

Children under six years old cannot join. People over 70 are also not permitted according to the stated conditions.