Glacier Minitrekking
What is the Minitrekking? It is a guided walk with crampons on the ice of Perito Moreno Glacier, a unique experience to feel the texture, colors and sounds of the glacier up close. The excursion includes a short boat ride across Lago Argentino to the ice front, followed by a walk of about 1 hour 30 minutes on the glacier surface with specialized guides, plus the time to fit the crampons and the boat ride — about 4 hours in total.
It is a more accessible alternative to Big Ice: it requires good general fitness but no previous ice-trekking experience. Ideal for those who want to experience walking on the glacier without choosing the longer and more demanding Big Ice route.
Transfer details
The boarding point for the Minitrekking is Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, about 45 minutes' drive from El Calafate, inside Los Glaciares National Park. Along the way you can enjoy the typical Patagonian steppe landscape and the first views of Brazo Rico on Lago Argentino.
We recommend setting the departure time around your booked excursion, planning to reach the port at least 30 minutes early. For the walk on the ice, bring comfortable closed shoes, warm clothes (even in summer it is cold on the glacier) and water.
How the full booking works
The transfer and the Minitrekking excursion are booked separately: we take care of taking you from El Calafate to Puerto Bajo de las Sombras and back, while the excursion itself (boat, crampons and guides) is booked directly with the licensed operator.
In high season (November to March) we recommend booking the excursion in advance, as spots tend to sell out. Some operators require a minimum age for the Minitrekking — we recommend confirming this requirement when booking your excursion.
Cross-selling with other glacier excursions
Prefer something without walking on ice? Also check our Perito Moreno Glacier transfer, with a tour of the panoramic walkways facing the glacier, ideal for those who want to enjoy the view without the physical demands of trekking.
If you want a more demanding and longer experience on the ice, Big Ice is the right excursion.
Planning several days in El Calafate? Message us on WhatsApp to combine your Minitrekking transfer with other destinations near the glacier in one trip.
