How to Get from Chile’s Torres del Paine to Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier? And How to Choose Between the Many Day Tours to the Glacier?
Since I wrote about a one-day tour of Torres del Paine, many people have been asking if it’s possible to visit Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier from Torres del Paine.
Of course! In fact, they are part of a vast glacier field—the Southern Patagonian Ice Field—which spans across both Chile and Argentina. The Chilean side is the Torres del Paine National Park, while the Perito Moreno Glacier is located on the Argentine side.
How to Get from Puerto Natales (Chile) to Perito Moreno Glacier?
If Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine, then El Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
To get to the glacier, you must first travel to El Calafate, which will serve as your base for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier.
The most convenient way from Puerto Natales to El Calafate is by bus. Most buses depart in the morning, and the journey takes about 5-6 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 32 to 41 USD (depending on the bus).
Of course, self-driving is also an option.
Do I Need to Go Through Argentine Customs to Get from Puerto Natales to Perito Moreno Glacier?
Yes!
Some bus companies will check if passengers need an Argentine visa before departure.
The most common border crossing is Paso Dorotea, located 23 kilometers from Puerto Natales. All passengers will go through customs before continuing to El Calafate.
How is the One-Day Tour from Puerto Natales to Perito Moreno Glacier? Is it Fun?
A bus picks you up early in the morning and takes you directly to El Calafate, without stopping in the city, heading straight to the glacier.
After visiting the glacier with a guide, the return journey includes a brief stop in El Calafate before heading back to Puerto Natales.
The entire day trip lasts about 14 hours, with nearly 10 hours spent on the road, so it can be quite tiring!
Note: This trip only takes you to the walkways to view the glacier. If you want to hike on the glacier or take a boat tour, this tour is not suitable.
If I Want to Hike on the Glacier or Take a Boat Tour, How Should I Plan My Trip?
If you are traveling from Puerto Natales for a one-day tour, you’ll only have about 4 hours at the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is insufficient for glacier hiking or a boat tour.
For those wanting to hike on the glacier or take a boat tour, you’ll need:
- Half a day to reach El Calafate
- A glacier hiking or boat tour (usually a half-day or full-day tour)
- Half a day to return to Puerto Natales
Thus, you would need at least 2-3 days for these activities.
What Are the Options for a One-Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate?
- Mini Ice Trekking
In my opinion, this is the most attractive activity at Perito Moreno Glacier, by far.
It’s the only opportunity to get up close and personal with this millennia-old glacier, and it’s the only ice activity where you can have such a close experience. - Walkways + Boat Tour
There is a well-maintained walkway directly in front of Perito Moreno Glacier, offering fantastic views of the glacier.
At certain moments, you can witness massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the lake, providing a dramatic visual and auditory experience that will stay with you forever.
You can either explore the walkways on your own or join a guided tour (the guide will explain the history of the glacier and the best spots for photography).
For those who prefer a boat ride, you can combine the glacier visit with a half-day boat tour. - One-Day Boat Tour to Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini Glaciers
The Los Glaciares National Park (where Perito Moreno is located) is home to several glaciers, including Upsala Glacier (the largest in Argentina) and Spegazzini Glacier (the highest).
You can take a catamaran to view these glaciers and finish the day with the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. - Of course, there are also day trips from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park.
- In addition, there are day trips from El Calafate to El Chaltén, which is known as Argentina’s hiking capital.
If you’re in El Calafate, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Mount Fitz Roy, which offers stunning views of its majestic silhouette.
If you have more time, you can choose from activities like kayaking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, sailing to view the glacier, or horseback riding at an estancia near El Calafate.
