Everything you need to know about visiting Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Argentina. From prices, where to stay, things to do in Perito Moreno and an independent travellers’ guide, we’ll help you make the most of your trip.

“Perito Moreno Glacier? Yea, it’s expensive, but so worth it!”

The backpacker in Puerto Natales was pretty convincing when we asked them what they thought of Patagonia’s most famous glacier.

As it turns out their quote perfectly summed up our own experience with visiting one of Argentina’s most popular tourist attractions, the sprawling frozen river close to El Calafate.

We had already visited quite a number of glaciers in the region, having just completed an awesome cruise through the Chilean Fjords and trekking the O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park.

So we were contemplating skipping the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier to head straight out and see El Chalten and Fitz Roy.

We’re glad we didn’t.

After taking the bus from Puerto Natales we crossed the border back into Argentina and got dropped off at the bus station in El Calafate.

Don’t miss our new ultimate guide to budget travel in Patagonia!

Over the next few days we relaxed in town, spending a fair bit of time at Cerveceria El Zorro, drinking boutique beer and reflecting on the beauty of the small section of Los Glaciares National Park we had seen.

Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier was more impressive than we could have ever imagined.

Despite the high price associated with seeing it, we were blown away with its magnificence.

It’s not very often you can see one of the most fascinating attractions in nature up close and personal.

And with the way climate change is affecting the globe, who knows how much longer these glaciers will still be around.

The backpacker we met was right – it was worth every peso!

Perito Moreno Glacier Travel Guide

To help you plan your own visit here, we’ve put together a list of the important information you’ll need to know.

How to Get there by Bus

• First head to the main bus terminal in El Calafate
  Address: Jean Mermoz 104 (map here).
• Buy your bus ticket for ‘Glaciar Perito Moreno’. There are a few bus companies that go to the glacier, but we went with CalTur. The price for this ticket is a hefty 800 ARS (US$20) return.
• The buses leave at either 08:30 or 09:00, depending on the company. It is totally possible to buy your bus tickets on the day of your trip. Just make sure you get to the bus station with 20 minutes to spare.
• The trip to takes about 90 minutes. About 1 hour into the ride the bus will stop at the entrance to the Los Glaciares National Park. Here park rangers will come onto the bus and take your money for the entrance ticket.
  Cost: 700 ARS (US$17.50) per person (MUST BRING CASH, they don’t accept credit card)
• Eventually the bus arrives at the end of the road. Here you get out and can either go for a hike or book your boat tickets. You’ve made it to the glacier!
• Buses return at 16:00 in the afternoon. Simply go back to the spot the bus dropped you off at. We suggest taking a photo of the number plate so you know which bus was yours, but it’s pretty straight forward. Don’t lose your ticket!
• CalTur also have a bus that goes out at 13:00 and returns at 19:30, for those who want to be out there in the afternoon or have late connections.

Hitchhiking to the Glacier

It is completely possible to hitchhike to the glacier. The road that heads out there doesn’t have many other destinations along it, so most traffic will be heading to Perito Moreno.

Get yourself a bit out of town and make it to Ruta Provincial 11. From here you shouldn’t have a problem finding a ride.

Returning to El Calafate should be just as easy, but we recommend doing what our friend did and ask the person if they can take you back as well (if they are heading back).

Design Suites El Calafate

For the absolute best luxury hotel in El Calafate, you can’t beat the incredible (and aptly named) Design Suites!

A short 10-minute drive from downtown with a to-die-for view over the lake and surrounding mountains, Design Suites has the highest quality hotel rooms with the funkiest style in town.

From the moment you walk in you are welcomed with the huge windows letting in light and vistas from all angles.

There is a large dining area with a bar attached, and a cool sitting room to the side.

This is also where the delicious buffet breakfast is served in the mornings.

There’s an interesting collection of art scattered throughout the hotel as well, giving it a gallery feel, with most of the pieces available for purchase.

You’ll find an indoor-heated pool, sauna and spa as well downstairs, ensuring Design Suites has all the amenities you could ever want to make your stay enjoyable.

The rooms are bright and spacious, with large, comfortable beds and window-side sitting areas with glorious views.

When you’re finished exploring the best that El Calafate has to offer, coming back here at the end of the night is superb.

Design Suites also offer a free shuttle into town, but this only happens twice a day which is a shame, meaning if you want to go at any other time you need to call a taxi (around 5000 Pesos each way).