El Calafate sits 80 km north of Perito Moreno Glacier via Route 11, a 1.5-hour drive with tours from $60–69, DIY options, and a private guide at $250.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 80 km (50 mi) via Route 11 south along Lake Argentino, ~1.5 hours by minibus
- Best value tours: $60 guided park tour (3 languages) or $69 classic day tour with optional boat; both include transport and walkways access
- DIY options: Rental car (~$50–80/day); public bus (~$40 return); taxi/remis (from ~$120)
- Park entry: ARS 45,000 (~$31) separate at gate; not included in any tour
- Timing: Park opens 8am; tour buses arrive ~10am—go early or after 3pm for fewer crowds
- Private option: $250 private tour includes bilingual guide for 3 hours at walkways
Getting There
How far is El Calafate from Perito Moreno Glacier?
Perito Moreno Glacier sits 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of El Calafate via Route 11, which hugs the western shore of Lake Argentino. The drive takes 1.5 hours in good conditions. En route, you'll pass through the Patagonian steppe, see condors and other wildlife, and glimpse the first views of the glacier at Curva de los Suspiros (Sigh Curve). Park opens at 8am; most organized tour buses arrive around 10am, when the walkways fill with crowds. We checked July 2026 live GetYourGuide listings and keep this page updated.
All Options
How to get from El Calafate to Perito Moreno: All options compared
Prices checked July 2026 on live GetYourGuide listings and public transport operators. Tour entry fees do not include park admission (ARS 45,000).
| Option | Duration | Cost (pp) | Includes | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Group Tour Park tour + walkways + optional cruise |
7–8 h total | $60–69 | Transport, guide, walkways access (boat extra) | Ease, no logistics | Book |
| Walkways Transfer (No Guide) Shared minibus, 4h at glacier |
7 h total | $90 | Round-trip transport, 4h free time | Budget + independent explorers | Book |
| Private Tour Bilingual guide + 3h walkways |
6–7 h | $250 | Transport, private bilingual guide, 3h walkways | Full control, intimate experience | Book |
| Rental Car Self-drive, freedom to linger |
3 h drive + your time | ~$50–80 | Car rental only; you drive | Photographers, flexible schedule | Book locally |
| Public Bus Local minibus, fixed times |
1.5 h each way | ~$40 return | Seat only; no guide or extras | Budget travelers, simple logistics | Ask hotel desk |
| Taxi or Remis Door-to-door, shared or private |
1.5 h each way | ~$120+ (4 pax) | Transport only | Speed, convenience | Hotel/app |
Park entry fee: ARS 45,000 (~$31 USD) paid separately at the gate, card or cash. Not included in any tour price. See official park tickets.
Guided Tours
What is the easiest way to get from El Calafate to the glacier?
A guided group tour is the simplest option. You're picked up from your hotel, driven by a professional, guided by a local expert who shares facts about the region, and taken directly to the walkways. Most tours are 7–8 hours total, with 3–4 hours at the glacier. All include the park entry experience but do not include the entry fee itself (pay at the gate). Optional boat cruises are $30–50 extra.
Why book a guided tour?
- No logistics to arrange—hotel pickup/drop-off included
- Professional driver and knowledgeable guide (bilingual, usually)
- Flexible timing at the glacier within the group schedule
- Price per person is competitive even for solo travelers
- Free cancellation up to 24h on GetYourGuide
Popular guided tours
Guided National Park Tour ($60) — Most popular. Includes park orientation, full walkways access, and optional 1-hour boat cruise. 4.7 stars, 688 reviews. Quote from Judith: "Natalia was so informative and fun. The views were breathtaking."
Classic Day Tour + Optional Cruise ($69) — Flagship option. 3 hours free time at walkways, optional boat. 4.7 stars, 2,728 reviews (most-reviewed). Quote from Sarah: "The glacier was beautiful and our guide gave great explanations."
Guided Full-Day ($65) — Smallest group, most personal attention. 4.8 stars, 165 reviews. Quote from Caroline: "The guide was very knowledgeable and the glacier was absolutely breathtaking."
DIY Options
Should I rent a car or book a tour?
Rent a car if: You want maximum flexibility, enjoy driving, want to stop at scenic lookouts, plan multiple days exploring Patagonia. Book a tour if: You prefer hands-off logistics, want expert commentary, don't want to navigate, prefer a group vibe.
Rental car ($50–80/day)
El Calafate has car rental agencies (Budget, Hertz, local operators). Rent a compact car, drive Route 11 south. You have full control: leave whenever you want, stop at Curva de los Suspiros (first viewpoint), stay at the glacier 2–8 hours, return when ready. Park at the main walkway parking area. Downside: You pay for the car; some roads are unpaved; Patagonian wind can be challenging for unfamiliar drivers.
Public bus (~$40 return)
Ask your hotel for bus schedules. Local minibuses run from El Calafate to the park (departures ~8am–10am, returns ~4pm–6pm). No onboard guide; minimal commentary. You pay at the bus station. Most budget-conscious choice. Check El Calafate tourism office for current timetables.
Taxi or remis (~$120+)
Door-to-door. A taxi can wait while you're at the glacier (expensive; ~$200–250 total). Remis (ride-share) is cheaper for groups splitting cost. Ask your hotel to arrange.
Practical
How much time do I need at the glacier?
Most tours allocate 3–4 hours at the glacier. This is enough to walk all major walkway circuits, see at least one or two calving events, have lunch, and take photos. If you're doing minitrekking, add another 3–4 hours. Total day: 8–10 hours from pickup to drop-off in El Calafate.
Best time to visit & crowds
Park opens at 8am. Tour buses arrive ~10am, filling the walkways by mid-morning. For fewer crowds:
- Go early: Arrange a dawn tour or rent a car and arrive by 9am
- Go late: Arrive after 3pm; you'll have 4–5 hours before sunset (~6:30pm in July)
- Off-season: May, October–November have fewer tourists and good weather
What to bring & what to know
Essentials
- Warm layers: Patagonia is windy. Fleece, windproof jacket, long pants
- Comfortable walking shoes: The walkways are 4–5 km of boardwalks; you'll be on your feet 2–4 hours
- Sunscreen & sunglasses: Glacial reflection intensifies UV. Reapply every hour
- Water & snacks: Bring 1–2 liters and energy bars. The park has restaurants but prices are high (lunch ~$20–30)
- Hat or visor: Wind protection and sun shade
Park entry & fees
- Foreigners: ARS 45,000 (~$31). Pay in cash or card at the entrance gate
- Residents of Argentina: ARS 15,000
- Pre-buy online at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar or buy at the gate (bring ID/passport)
Logistics
- Tours do NOT include park entry fee
- Most tours allow 2–4 hours at the walkways (enough to see all major vantage points)
- Minitrekking adds 1.5 hours on the glacier itself (separate tours, $371–530)
- Boat cruises offer a different glacier perspective; worth the $30–50 extra if time permits
FAQ
El Calafate to Perito Moreno — frequently asked questions
How far is El Calafate from Perito Moreno Glacier?+
What's the cheapest way to get from El Calafate to Perito Moreno?+
Can I visit the glacier without a tour?+
Is it worth booking a tour vs. going DIY?+
What do I need to bring to the glacier?+
How long should I spend at the glacier?+
Book Your Glacier Day
Guided tours from El Calafate include transport and expert commentary — free cancellation up to 24 hours on most departures.
Book a Guided Tour from $60 →