Glaciers & Fitz Roy

Perito Moreno Glacier and Patagonian mountain scenery
glaciershiking

Country: Argentina 🇦🇷

Video

Overview

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

This itinerary focuses on glaciers, wide open landscapes, and mountain scenery. It is compact, visually striking, and works well even with limited time.

Province: Santa Cruz
Overall time: 3–5 days
Main focus: glaciers, mountains, optional hiking
Best season: October–March

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


Arrive in El Calafate by flight.

From the airport:
• Taxi or pre-arranged transfer
• No public transport available

Base:
• El Calafate – main base for glacier visits and regional excursions

What to do on arrival day:
• Walk along Lago Argentino
• Short viewpoints near town
• Supplies and logistics preparation

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
• Frequent ice calving (unpredictable timing)
• Optional boat cruise for closer perspective

How to visit:
• Rented car (most flexible)
• Organized day tour from El Calafate (very common and efficient)

What to expect:
• Easy walking on flat walkways
• Wind and cold possible even in summer

Duration:
• Full day

El Calafate → El Chaltén (Fitz Roy Area) ▾


Travel from El Calafate to El Chaltén (~220 km),
the main base for Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre viewpoints.

How to get there:
• Bus (reliable, fixed schedules)
• Rented car (most flexible)
• Transfer or organized excursion

What to do:
• Short, easy walks near town (Mirador Fitz Roy, river valleys)
• Longer hikes for experienced hikers
• Open steppe landscapes and dramatic peaks

Notes:
• Hiking is optional – views are accessible even without long treks
• Overnight stay recommended if hiking

Typical stay:
• Full day minimum
• 1 night if doing any longer walk

Optional – Torres del Paine (Chile) ▾


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

Important considerations:
• Very long day
• Early departure and late return
• Border crossing involved

This option provides a visual introduction to the park’s granite formations
without committing to a multi-day trek.

Best suited for:
• Travelers short on time
• Clear-weather days

Transportation

  • Rented car offers maximum flexibility, especially for El Chaltén
  • Organized tours are very efficient for Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Buses operate reliably between El Calafate and El Chaltén
  • Airport access requires taxi or transfer

Connections

  • El Calafate → Ushuaia (frequent direct flights)
  • El Calafate → Bariloche (direct flights, not daily)
  • El Calafate → Torres del Paine (overland or guided tour, Chile)

Notes

  • Weather changes quickly; wind is common
  • Clear days dramatically improve mountain visibility