5 Reasons to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier in the Winter
Is the Perito Moreno Glacier worth visiting in the winter?
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the world’s most instantly recognisable glaciers. Located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the Argentinian part of Patagonia, the glacier has been stunning visitors for decades due to its impressive size, baby blue colour and enjoyable surrounding walks.
Although many choose to visit Perito Moreno during the warmer months between November and April, we visited in the frosty winter to find out if the experience was still as amazing. Turns out – we loved it and want to convince you that you should visit during winter too. Here are 5 Reasons to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier in the Winter.
1. Less Crowds: Have the Glacier to Yourself
All smiles because there were barely any other visitors in the winter at Perito Moreno!
The cold months between May to October draw less crowds to not only Perito Moreno, but Patagonia in general. During the low season, many resorts and establishments close down until the summer season recommences. While this may detract many from visiting, it’s a huge advantage for you! Less people means more room and time for you to visit big attractions such as Perito Moreno, and more chances for unrushed walking, photography and less crowded boat rides.
On our visit, we arrived at about noon and didn’t find that many visitors on site. Although there were still some tour groups in the vicinity, the crowd level was nothing compared to what it would be during the warmer months.
2. It Snows!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier in the winter means that the chances of seeing falling snow significantly increase. This snow isn’t usually intrusive or unpleasant – it’s more like a gentle blanket slowly covering the glacier – making it even prettier.
It was a magical experience doing the short walks around the stunning glacier while snow was descending around us, and something that I’ll remember for a very long time to come.
3. You Can Still Do Glacier Trekking
Trekking at Perito Moreno is still available in winter.
You may be thinking that trekking and walking on the actual glacier may be closed in the winter, but glacier trekking on Perito Moreno is open all year round. If you’re interested in this once-in-a-lifetime experience of traversing through the glacier, this is great news for you.
I’ve previously mentioned that it snows during the winter, but this doesn’t mean that the glacier trekking becomes any more dangerous or difficult. The tour company you choose to go with will supply crampons which makes it easy for you to walk on the ice.
4. The Boat Cruise Becomes Even More Dreamlike
This mystical boat cruise brings you closer to the glacier.
When you get to Perito Moreno, you can choose to book a relatively affordable boat ride that will take you closer to the walls of the glacier. While this is a great summer experience too, visiting in the winter offers you a different, more mystical-like experience.
Approaching the glacier by boat.
Your boat cruise will depart amongst the snowy mist and provide a unique experience as you get closer and closer to the glacier. Also, less crowds also equals less people on the boat.
5. Cheaper Accommodation
Less crowds = less expensive
Hotels and other accommodation providers often raise their prices during the high season to meet the increased demand from tourists. As this demand decreases throughout the winter, so do prices. Whether you’re staying in the quaint town of El Calafate or somewhere closer to Perito Moreno, there’s a significantly high chance that your accommodation is less expensive in the winter.
Where to stay when visiting Perito Moreno in the Winter
The best area to stay when visiting Perito Moreno in the winter is the charming town of El Calafate. Filled with picturesque cafés, restaurants, souvenir stores and tour operators, you’ll find everything you need here. These are our top recommendations for accommodation options in El Calafate:
Where We Stayed: Xelena Hotel & Suites
The Xelena Hotel & Suites was such an amazing, relaxing place to stay! Not only did our room offer panoramic views of Lake Argentino, but the spa area was one of the best I have ever been privileged to experience! Just take a look at that heated pool – perfect for staying warm in the winter. Stay here if you have the chance to, I would seriously recommend it.
You can take a closer look at Xelena Hotel & Suites by clicking here.
Budget: Calafate Hostel
The Calafate Hostel is a classic choice for travellers visiting Perito Moreno! It’s been catering to budget-minded travellers for years, and continues to impress with its affordability, convenient location and cleanliness. Dorm rooms and private rooms are both available.
You can take a closer look at Calafate Hostel by clicking here.
Mid-Range: Destino Calafate
For this affordable price, the Destino Calafate offers such high value for money to guests. Clean, modern rooms and awesome facilities are what you can expect when staying here.
You can take a closer look at Destino Calafate by clicking here.
Should I Book a Tour to Perito Moreno?
We visited on a tour to Perito Moreno.
This is a question that gets around a lot and my answer is that it depends on your preference. You are able to get to Perito Moreno just fine using the public bus, but that does include the slight hassle of working out departure and arrival times, locating the bus station and making sure you don’t miss your bus back to El Calafate.
The bus times are likely to also operate much less frequently in the winter, plus you have the possible language barrier as an issue if you don’t speak much Spanish.
For this reason, we would recommend booking a tour if you’re not comfortable with the above. This is the most hassle-free option and also includes the added advantage of your tour guide knowing the best photo spots, giving you guidance on the walking trails and treks. You’ll also be able to book any Mini-Trekking or Boat Cruise experiences through your tour provider.
Which tour should I Book?
Asher enjoying the autumn/winter colours around Perito Moreno.
There are a few tour providers around El Calafate town you can choose from, although sometimes tours do sell out quite far in advance – especially if you’re interested in booking a boat cruise.
We pre-booked our tour with Patagonia-Chic as they were offering an affordable tour that included a packed lunch and boat cruise.
Our packed lunches from the tour provider.
Overall, we don’t regret our decision whatsoever as Patagonia-Chic seamlessly handled everything from hotel transfer, guided walking, lunch and arranging our cruise. Our guide was super knowledgeable, friendly and answered any questions we had.
Ralph at Perito Moreno Glacier.
It does get quite cold in the winter, so I was glad I booked a tour experience and took out any potential waiting time or any possibility of getting lost had we visited on our own. You can check out the same tour that we went on by clicking here.
If you’re interested in Glacier Mini-Trekking, there are also options available.