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Guide To Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways In Argentina

ByHikers Movement

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways is an absolute must-do activity in Argentina. The walkways consist of a series of boardwalks that provide stunning views of the glacier from different angles. You can get up close to the glacier and even witness an ice calving, which is an incredible sight.

The walkways have varying levels of difficulty, ranging from easy to moderate, and there is also an accessible boardwalk that caters to all visitors. With the well-constructed boardwalks, everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views and the trail without any hassle.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (different trails and loops)
Length: 4.7 km (combined trails)
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Signage: Signs and maps throughout
Facilities: Snack bar/souvenir shop, restrooms, garbage and restaurant

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Key Features Of Hiking Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways

  • Located in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
  • Extensive system of walkways and viewing platforms
  • Offers up-close views of the massive Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Unique opportunity to witness ice-calving
  • Views of the north side of Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Largest glacier in Argentina (second largest in South America)
  • One of the few advancing glaciers in the world, continually changing.
  • Has an accessible friendly boardwalk
  • Surrounding landscapes include the Andes Mountains and Lake Argentino
  • Guided tours are available for informative experiences

Facilities And Services

  • Accessible trail/boardwalk
  • Five walks (including the accessible trail)
  • Snack bar / Souvenir shop
  • Restaurant
  • Restrooms (baños)
  • Covered Gazebos
  • Information area

Before You Start Hiking Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways

To make the most out of your experience, there are a few things you should know before you visit the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways.

There are a few tours that include visits to the walkways that offer treks on the glacier and/or boat tours around the glacier prior to visiting the walkways. However, you do not need a tour in order to visit the walkways. In fact, you can visit Perito Moreno on your own by driving or taking the public bus. Bus tickets can be purchased either directly at the bus terminal in El Calafate or through your hotel’s front desk.

Since the glacier is located within the Los Glaciares National Park, there is an entrance fee. As of October 2023, the entrance fee is $10,000 ARS ($39 CAD / 28.58 USD). This can be paid in Argentine pesos or by credit card.

There are a few rules to follow when exploring the walkways.

  • Do not feed any wildlife
  • No smoking
  • No drones
  • Do not climb on or over the fences
  • Walk only on the boardwalks and designated trails
  • Take all trash out with you (do not litter)

It is important to follow all safety rules to preserve the glacier and its surrounding wildlife habitat and for your own safety.

Trail map and sign for Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways

There are five different trails of varying difficulty that offer unique perspectives of the glacier when explored. Each trail is well-marked with colour-coordinating markers and maps, making them easy to follow.

  1. Sendero Accesible (Accessible trail) 656 m (low difficulty, taking around 30 minutes to complete).
  2. Sendero Central 600 m (low difficulty, taking around 1 hour to complete).
  3. Sendero Del Bosque 570 m (medium difficulty, taking around 1 hour to complete).
  4. Sendero De La Costa 1117 m (medium difficulty, taking around 2 hours to complete).
  5. Sendero Inferior 1100 m (high difficulty, taking around 2 hours to complete).

Our Experience Hiking Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways

We explored the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways as part of our Mini Trekking excursion. After we finished our trek on the glacier, we were dropped off at the walkways to view the north-facing side of the glacier.

During our visit to the walkways, we had only about an hour to explore the area. Therefore, we decided to make the most of our limited time and see as much as possible. Our first stop was the Sendero Central trail, which is the primary walkway leading to the most well-known viewpoint of the glacier. This trail is comprised of a series of stairs that lead to different balconies, each offering a closer and unique view of the glacier.

Walkways at the Perito Moreno Glacier Trail.

With a view like this (pictured below), it is no surprise why this is the most popular lookout and walkway. Due to the large crowd and limited time, we did not spend much time at this lookout point.

Lookout of the Perito Moreno Glacier from the Walkways

We decided to follow the makers to complete some of the Sendero Central trail until we reached a split in the walkways. Rather than finish the loop on Sendero Central, we decided to split off onto the Sendero Inferior trail. This walkway is marked as the hardest and can be easily identified by the red markers along the trail.

Almost all the trails interlink, making it easy to switch onto different walkways and view different perspectives of the glacier.

In our opinion, the Sendero Inferior trail was not difficult. Rather, it was long with many stairs. For us, this was not an issue. However, if you have difficulty with stairs, this trail could pose a challenge. It’s worth noting that on a hot day, the lack of tree coverage and constant exposure to the sun could make the trail quite warm.

If you have enough time to complete the Sendero Inferior trail, we strongly encourage you to do so! During our walk, we did not encounter too many people on the path, which allowed us to enjoy the glacier without any crowds. The trail also offers stunning views of the glacier that are truly breathtaking.

Here are some photos of the glacier from the Sendero Inferior trail!

Although we didn’t get a chance to complete all the walkway trails, we were extremely happy to have visited and witnessed the Perito Moreno Glacier from the walkways. We also had the opportunity to trek on the glacier earlier that day. If you happen to find yourself in Argentina, we highly recommend making a trip to see the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The following is our recommended gear for the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways.

HIKES NEAR EL CALAFATE

Julia and Arthur are the owners, creators and writers of Hikers Movement, Homestead Fox and owners of Fox Media Tech Inc.. As seasoned hikers, Julia and Arthur don't just write about the great outdoors – they live it. Their firsthand experiences, shared through hiking adventures around the world, reflects their genuine commitment to inspiring a community of outdoor enthusiasts.

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