Optional Excursions in El Calafate

No. These are optional activities that we add to one of our El Calafate packages, which already include flights or transfers, accommodation and the base tours. We don't sell single tickets — what we do is build and coordinate the whole trip. If you already have your flights and hotel booked elsewhere, tell us and we'll see what we can arrange.

Two nights is the minimum to see the Perito Moreno properly and not much else. Three nights lets you add a half day. Four is where it gets comfortable: the glacier, one big day out, and an easy half day or an evening excursion. If Torres del Paine or El Chaltén is on your list, add a night for each.

Different experiences, both at the same glacier. The minitrekking puts crampons on your feet and takes you onto the ice; it is medium difficulty with age limits of roughly 10 to 65. The kayak puts you in front of the ice at water level, among floating icebergs; no experience is needed, the minimum age is 12 and there is no upper limit. If you can only do one and you want the scale of the thing, take the kayak. If you want to say you walked on a glacier, take the minitrekking.

That used to be true, and it no longer is. For decades the Perito Moreno was famous as one of the very few large glaciers roughly in balance. Research published in 2025 in Communications Earth & Environment found that thinning at its front accelerated from about 0.34 metres a year between 2000 and 2019 to around 5.5 metres a year between 2019 and 2024, as the ice loses its grip on the underwater ridge that had held it in place. The last confirmed rupture of the famous ice bridge was in December 2019. It is still one of the great sights on earth — it is simply no longer the exception it was, and we would rather tell you that than repeat an outdated line.

No. The Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee is paid separately at the gate, as it is for every operator. We tell you the current amount when we quote, so it doesn't surprise you on the day.

October to April has the longest days and the fullest excursion list; December to February is peak season, warmest and busiest. May to September is quieter and colder, several excursions close, and the light is extraordinary. Two things to know: the estancia day runs 15 September to 15 May, and the kayak does not operate in June or July.

Yes, and thousands of people do it, but be honest with yourself about it: departure around 7 am, return around 11 pm, with roughly four hours on the road each way and a border crossing in both directions. You will see the park's main viewpoints, not walk the W circuit. Bring your passport. If Torres del Paine is a priority rather than a curiosity, we'd suggest staying over in Puerto Natales instead — ask us.

Patagonian weather changes by the hour, and almost everything here runs anyway — the glacier is arguably better under cloud. What genuinely depends on conditions are the navigations and the kayak. If the operator cancels for weather, we reschedule within your stay or refund.

For December to February, as early as you can — the small-group activities are the first to close. The kayak takes 16 people per departure and the minitrekking has strict daily capacity. For the rest of the year a few weeks is usually enough.

The Lakes & Caves 4x4 is the best of the eight for families: three hours, low difficulty, a reduced rate for children aged 3 to 12 and dinner in a cave, which children tend to remember. Balcones and the Walichu caves also work at any age. The minitrekking has a minimum age of around 10 and the kayak a minimum of 12.