Minitrekking, Big Ice or Boardwalks: How to Choose at Perito Moreno

The Perito Moreno Glacier is the star of Los Glaciares National Park and, without a doubt, the reason many travelers come to El Calafate. But as soon as you start planning, the big question appears: should you walk on the ice or is it enough to see it from the boardwalks? And if you walk, do you choose the minitrekking or the Big Ice?

As a receptive tour operator based right here, we get this question every single day. So we put together this honest comparison of boardwalks, minitrekking and Big Ice to help you pick the option that best matches your age, your fitness level and the time you have. There’s no “right” answer: there’s a best one for you.

Three ways to experience the glacier

Before comparing, it helps to understand that the three experiences are different in nature, not just in intensity:

• Boardwalks: you see the glacier head-on, in full, from several viewpoints, without setting foot on the ice.
• Minitrekking: you sail across, put on crampons and walk for a short while on the glacier.
• Big Ice: a full day with a long, demanding hike into the heart of the ice.

Let’s go through them one by one.

The boardwalks: Perito Moreno for everyone

The boardwalks are a system of balconies and trails on the Magallanes Peninsula, facing the glacier wall. From there you see the ice front in all its width and height, and with a bit of luck you’ll witness a calving: that thunderous crack and the block of ice crashing into the water that gives you goosebumps.

It’s the ideal option if you’re traveling with family, with kids or older adults, if you have reduced mobility, or simply if you want to take it all in without physical effort. The trails include accessible sections and you can take as much time as you like.

Who it’s ideal for:

• All ages, no upper or lower limit.
• Travelers who don’t want to (or can’t) walk on ice.
• Anyone short on time or wanting to combine it with other activities.

You can add the classic boardwalk experience to your visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier, and also see it from the water on a boat trip like the Safari Azul, which brings you close to the glacier’s southern wall.

Minitrekking: your first walk on the ice

For many travelers, the minitrekking is the highlight of the whole trip: the first time you walk on a glacier. The day combines a short boat crossing of the Brazo Rico, a walk along the shore, fitting crampons with a guide, and roughly an hour and a half walking on the ice, where you’ll see crevasses, pools and deep-blue formations.

You don’t need prior experience or special physical training: being able to walk comfortably on uneven terrain is enough. The crampons do the rest, and our guides teach you the technique before you start. It’s challenging just enough to feel like an adventure without wearing you out.

Who it’s ideal for:

• Active travelers who want the ice experience without an exhausting day.
• Families with teenagers and mixed groups.
• Anyone who wants more than the boardwalks but without committing the entire day to a single effort.

The usual age range runs roughly from 8 to 65 years old, though it’s worth confirming the requirements on the excursion’s page, as they can vary by season.

Big Ice: the trek for the most adventurous

The Big Ice is the ultimate Perito Moreno experience: a full day that includes a long, technical hike deep into the glacier, far from the shore, toward a landscape of pure ice where you’ll see sinkholes, blue rivers, caves and deep crevasses. The walk on the ice lasts about 3 hours and, adding transfers and the approach, it takes up practically the whole day.

It’s physically more demanding. You need to be in good shape, able to walk for several hours over uneven terrain and to handle the Patagonian cold and wind, which here gives no warning. In return, you reach places most visitors never see and come back feeling you’ve done something genuinely epic.

Who it’s ideal for:

• Travelers in good physical shape and with an adventurous spirit.
• Those who have already done the minitrekking or have hiking experience.
• People within the narrower age range the excursion usually requires.

The age range is more restricted than the minitrekking (roughly 18 to 50 years old) and the physical requirements are stricter. We recommend checking the exact conditions on the tour page before booking.

Comparison table: minitrekking vs Big Ice vs boardwalks

Aspect	Boardwalks	Minitrekking	Big Ice
Walk on the ice	No	Yes, short section	Yes, long section
Approx. duration	Flexible half day	Full day (ice walk ~1.5 h)	Full day (~3 h on ice)
Difficulty	Low	Medium	High / demanding
Age range	All ages	~8 to 65	Narrow (~18 to 50)
Fitness	None required	Walk comfortably	Good physical shape
What you see	Glacier front, calving	Ice, crevasses, blue pools	Glacier interior, caves, sinkholes
Ideal for	Families, all ages	Accessible adventure	Demanding trekking

Durations, ages and requirements are approximate and may vary by season and the day’s operation. Check availability, price and requirements on each excursion’s page on the website.

So, which one should I choose?

A quick summary by traveler profile:

• Traveling with family, with kids, or wanting something relaxed: the boardwalks. You’ll see the entire glacier and be just as moved.
• Want your first walk on the ice without wearing yourself out: the minitrekking. It’s the most balanced option and the one we recommend most to first-timers.
• Looking for an intense adventure and you’re in good shape: the Big Ice. An unforgettable experience for those who can do it.

One tip from us: many travelers combine the boardwalks with an ice walk on different days, or add a boat trip to see the glacier from the water. And if your plan includes other parts of the park, it’s worth considering excursions like Todo Glaciares to also reach the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

Tips before you book

• Season: summer (October to April) is the most stable time for ice walks. In winter the operation changes and some activities differ.
• Clothing: dress in layers and bring a warm jacket, a waterproof shell, gloves and sunglasses. Patagonian weather is changeable and windy, even in midsummer.
• Footwear: closed, comfortable trekking shoes or boots. The crampons go over your own footwear.
• Book in advance: minitrekking and Big Ice spots are limited and sell out in high season.

Book your day at Perito Moreno

Whichever option you choose, standing in front of the Perito Moreno is one of those experiences you never forget. If you’re still unsure which one suits your group best, write to us: our local guides will help you build the ideal plan. Check availability, prices and requirements for each excursion on the website and secure your spot on the ice.