Getting to Perito Moreno Glacier Location from El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier lies about 80 km (50 miles) west of El Calafate, tucked inside Los Glaciares National Park, one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking corners. Reaching this icy wonder is easy once you know the Perito Moreno Glacier location: roughly a 1.5-hour journey by car or bus through stunning steppe and mountain scenery. Most visitors choose between a guided tour or a bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier. In summer, the road stays open and lively; winter trips may face icy patches or limited bus schedules.

Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier located?

Address: Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, Provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Distance from El Calafate: 80 km (50 miles)

Time taken from El Calafate: 1.5 hours by road (car, taxi, or bus)

Access: Road access into the national park. Park entrance, parking, and the tiered walkways put you within easy viewing distance of the glacier’s face. Short paved walks from the parking areas lead to the main viewpoints.

Recommended tour: Perito Moreno Guided Tour with Transfers from El Calafate

More about Perito Moreno Glacier

How to get to Perito Moreno by guided tours (Recommended)

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier location is an unforgettable experience, but logistics can be tricky if you go it alone. Roads can get icy in winter, park tickets are separate, and public buses don’t always sync with glacier cruise timings. A guided tour solves all that, so you can just enjoy the magic.

Here’s why most travelers prefer it:

Stress-free transfers: No need to juggle buses or find parking, as tours handle round-trip transport from El Calafate.
All-in-one access: Perito Moreno Glacier tickets, walkways, and optional boat rides are bundled together.
Perfectly timed: Tours are designed to match park hours and avoid peak visitor surges.
Expert local guides: Learn glacier facts, park ecology, and where to spot ice calving from the best angles.
Weather-ready comfort: Heated coaches and flexible itineraries make even windy Patagonian days enjoyable.

If you’re wondering how to get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate, these tours make it seamless, and they’re the easiest way to visit without missing a thing.

Looking for other options? Find your perfect day trip to El Chaltén ➜

Perito Moreno Cruise

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. - 8 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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Perito Moreno, Spegazzini & Upsala Glaciers Full-Day Cruise

Free cancellation

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8 hr. - 12 hr. 45 min.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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Perito Moreno Glacier Guided Minitrekking Tour

Free cancellation

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5 hr. - 10 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Guided Trek

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

7 hr. - 12 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

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How to get to Perito Moreno by public transport

Highway coaches and local operators run the buses from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier, offering an easy, affordable way to reach the national park without driving. The route covers open Patagonian plains before entering the Perito Moreno Glacier, with views of Lake Argentino along the way.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours (slower in peak season)
Cost: USD 25–35 one way
Frequency: 2–3 departures daily
Best for: Travelers on a budget
Cons: Limited departure times, less comfort than tours or private cars

If you’re planning to take a bus to Perito Moreno, book early in summer, as seats fill up quickly on morning departures.

How to get to Perito Moreno by taxi/self-drive

Driving from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier location takes about 1.5 hours via Route 11, a smooth, scenic road that hugs Lake Argentino. It’s ideal if you want freedom to stop for photos, but parking near the viewpoints fills up fast in summer. Not up for driving? A taxi from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier follows the same route and lets you relax while enjoying the views.

Duration: 1.5 hour (each way)
Cost: Rental + fuel + park entry + parking (USD 20–30 total extras)
Best for: Groups, photographers, or travelers wanting flexibility
Cons: Limited parking, windy winter drives, added fuel and entry costs

Compare your options

Mode of transport	Travel time	Cost	Best for	Key notes
Guided tour	8–9 hours (round trip)	USD 80–120	First-timers and families	Includes transfers, expert guides & glacier viewpoints; no driving needed
Bus	1.5–2 hours each way	USD 25–35	Budget travelers	Fixed schedules; slower but direct bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier
Car/self-drive	1.5 hours each way	Rental + fuel + entry + parking (USD 30+)	Groups and photographers	Flexible stops along Route 11; parking is limited at the Perito Moreno Glacier location
Taxi	1.5 hours each way	USD 100–130 (round trip)	Comfort seekers	Easy alternative to self-driving; book a taxi from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier for flexibility

Getting around at Perito Moreno Glacier

Walking: The network of metal and wooden walkways is the main way to explore. Routes are well-marked and range from easy, flat paths to stair sections leading to higher viewpoints. Expect about 1–2 hours to cover the main loops comfortably.

Shuttle bus: A small internal bus to Perito Moreno connects the upper car park with the lower viewing decks. Handy if you’d rather skip the steep walk back uphill.

Things to do at Perito Moreno Glacier

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Glacier boardwalks

The easiest and most rewarding way to take in Perito Moreno. A series of walkways and viewing decks wind through forests and cliffs, giving you sweeping perspectives of the glacier’s 70-meter ice wall. Take your time, as each platform reveals a new angle and often, the thunder of ice breaking into Lake Argentino.

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Short cruise

Hop aboard a short boat trip that sails right up to the glacier’s southern face. You’ll feel the chill of the air, hear the cracks of shifting ice, and capture those postcard-perfect shots that define how to get to Perito Moreno Glacier up close.

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Full-day cruise

A day on Lake Argentino that goes beyond Perito Moreno, gliding past the vast Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. It’s a relaxed, all-day exploration of Patagonia’s ice giants, complete with stunning cliffs, floating icebergs, and tranquil glacier bays.

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Minitrekking on Perito Moreno

Strap on crampons and step directly onto the glacier for a moderate-level guided trek. Navigate deep-blue crevasses and icy ridges with expert guides, a thrilling mix of adventure and awe that ends with a toast to the ice itself.

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Big Ice trekking on Perito Moreno

Designed for experienced hikers, this full-day adventure takes you far beyond the usual viewpoints and deep into the glacier’s frozen heart. It’s demanding, raw, and unforgettable, the closest you’ll ever get to walking on another planet.

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Handy tips

Best time: Leave El Calafate before 8am to reach the Perito Moreno Glacier location by opening time. You’ll find lighter crowds, easy parking, and softer morning light on the ice.
Booking hack: Reserve cruise and trekking experience tickets at least 2-3 weeks before; both can sell out in peak months (December–February).
Seasonal note: Roads remain open year-round, but strong winter winds (June–August) can delay buses and boats. Always check schedules before you go.
Transport tip: If you’re taking a bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier, book a morning departure and a late return so you have time for both walkways and a cruise.
Local insight: Bring snacks, water, and layers, as the weather shifts quickly, and the on-site café gets busy during lunch hours.

Make the most of your Perito Moreno visit ➜

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Perito Moreno Glacier location

Where is Perito Moreno Glacier?

It’s located about 80 km (50 miles) west of El Calafate, inside Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, part of Patagonia’s UNESCO World Heritage region.

How to get to Perito Moreno Glacier easily?

The easiest way to get to Perito Moreno Glacier is through an organized day tour from El Calafate. It saves you from arranging separate bus, entry, and cruise bookings while offering a complete glacier experience.

How to get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate?

You can reach it by bus, rental car, taxi, or an organized guided tour. The drive is roughly 1.5 hours, following scenic Route 11 with views of Lake Argentino and the Andes.

How far is Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate?

The distance from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier location is around 80 km (50 miles). The drive takes 1.5 hours by car or taxi and slightly longer by bus.

What’s the cheapest way to get to Perito Moreno Glacier?

The bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier is the cheapest option, costing around USD 25–35 one way. It’s slower and runs on fixed schedules, but it’s ideal for budget travelers who don’t mind less flexibility.

What’s the fastest way to reach the glacier?

A taxi from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier is the quickest and most direct choice. The drive takes about 1.5 hours via Route 11 and offers the freedom to stop at viewpoints without waiting for public transport.

Is a guided tour worth it?

Yes. Calafate tours to Perito Moreno are the most convenient and stress-free option. They include hotel pickup, park entry, and often a short cruise or guided walk, making it easy to see the highlights in one seamless trip.

Can I drive to the Perito Moreno Glacier location myself?

Absolutely. The road to the Perito Moreno Glacier location is fully paved and well-marked. It takes about 1.5 hours each way from El Calafate, with parking available near the viewpoints. Just watch for icy conditions in winter.

Do I need to book Perito Moreno tickets in advance?

If you’re visiting in summer (December–February), it’s best to book your Calafate tours or bus tickets a few days ahead. Both transport and cruise slots can fill up quickly during peak season.