Glaciers & Fitz Roy

Perito Moreno Glacier and Patagonian mountain scenery

Country: Argentina 🇦🇷

Video

Overview

A classic Patagonian itinerary combining El Calafate, the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, and the mountain village of El Chaltén.

This route focuses on glaciers, mountains, and open Patagonian landscapes. It is compact, visually impressive, and works well even with limited time.

Province: Santa Cruz
Overall time: 3–5 days
Main focus: glaciers, mountain scenery, hiking (optional)
Ranking: top Patagonian highlight
Best season: October–March

📷 Photo albums
instagram Perito Moreno Glacier instagram El Chaltén & Fitz Roy instagram Ice calving
Arrival & El Calafate ▾


Arrive in El Calafate by flight.

From the airport:
• Taxi or transfer (recommended)
• No public transport available

What to do in town:
• Walk along Lago Argentino
• Visit viewpoints near the lake

Base:
• El Calafate – 3-5 nights

Perito Moreno Glacier ▾


Visit Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most accessible and active glaciers in the world.

Highlights:
• Extensive walkway system with multiple viewpoints
• Ice calving events (unpredictable, but frequent)
• Optional boat cruise for closer views

How to visit:
• Rented car (best option)
• Organized day tour from El Calafate

What to expect:
• Easy walking on flat walkways
• Cold and windy conditions possible

Duration:
• Full day

El Chaltén ▾


Travel from El Calafate to El Chaltén (~220 km), the gateway to Mount Fitz Roy.

How to get there:
• Rented car (most flexible)
• Bus (reliable, but fixed schedules)
• Organized tour or transfer

What to do:
• Short walks and viewpoints near town
• Longer hikes for experienced hikers
• Scenic river valleys and mountain panoramas

The route offers classic Patagonian steppe scenery.

Recommended stay:
• Full day
• Overnight recommended if hiking

Optional – Torres del Paine (Chile) ▾


Optional full-day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park (Chile).

Important notes:
• Very long day
• Early departure required
• Border crossing involved

This is one of the easiest ways to see the park’s iconic granite formations
without committing to a multi-day visit.

Transportation

  • Best option: rented car (maximum flexibility)
  • Organized tours work well for Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Buses operate between El Calafate and El Chaltén
  • No public transport from the airport — taxi or transfer required

Connections

  • El Calafate → Ushuaia (frequent direct flights)
  • El Calafate → Bariloche (direct flights)
  • El Calafate → Torres del Paine (overland or tour, Chile)

Notes

  • Weather is highly variable, even in summer
  • Wind can be strong throughout the region
  • Hiking in El Chaltén is optional, not mandatory