Minitrekking vs Walkways at Perito Moreno Glacier 2026: Which One to Choose?
Minitrekking (walking ON the ice, 1.5h, ages 8–65) is the most iconic experience: you sail to the glacier and put on crampons.
Walkways (network of trails with views of the glacier, no age limit or physical condition required) is perfect for families with young children, elderly people, or if you want something more affordable and relaxed.
If this is your first visit to El Calafate and you can walk without problems, choose Minitrekking. If you are traveling with the whole family or have physical limitations, the Walkways won't disappoint.
Comparison table: Minitrekking vs Walkways
The main difference is simple: Minitrekking takes you ON the glacier (you walk on the ice), while the Walkways give you spectacular views FROM solid ground. Here is the full comparison:
| Feature | Minitrekking | Walkways |
|---|---|---|
| Do you walk on the ice? | ✓ YES — 1.5h on the glacier | ✗ NO — views from the ground |
| Boat ride | ✓ Included (20 min, Brazo Rico) | ✗ Not included |
| Total tour duration | 9–10 hours (with transfer) | 6–7 hours (with transfer) |
| Minimum / maximum age | 8 to 65 years | No age restriction |
| Physical difficulty | Moderate | Low (suitable for everyone) |
| Crampons and equipment | ✓ Included | Not applicable |
| Approximate price | USD 180–220 | USD 60–80 |
| Ideal for families with children <8? | ✗ No | ✓ Perfect |
| Suitable for people over 65? | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Walking distance | ~3 km (forest + ice) | 4–5 km (paved trails) |
| Group size | ~20 people | Self-guided / free |
| Time of day | Morning (fixed departure) | Flexible |
What does each one include?
- ✓ Transfer hotel → glacier → hotel
- ✓ 20-min boat ride on Brazo Rico
- ✓ 1.5h walking ON the ice
- ✓ Crampons, helmet and harness
- ✓ 2 certified mountain guides
- ✓ Walk through lenga beech forest
- ✓ Whisky with glacier ice at the end
- ✓ Transfer hotel → glacier → hotel
- ✓ 4–5 km of trails with glacier views
- ✓ Multi-level route (upper and lower)
- ✓ Front view of the ice wall from 300m
- ✓ Free access and self-guided
- ✓ No age or physical condition limit
- ✓ Free time for photos and rest
Which one to choose based on your profile?
Depending on who you are and who you are traveling with, one option will suit you much better than the other. Here we simplify it for you:
🧊 Choose Minitrekking if…
- You want to step on the glacier and have the most complete experience
- You are between 8 and 65 years old and in good physical shape
- It is your first visit and you don't want to regret not having walked on the ice
- You are traveling as a couple, with friends or alone
- You have at least 9 hours available that day
- Your budget allows for the extra cost
🏔️ Choose Walkways if…
- You are traveling with children under 8 or adults over 65
- Someone in your group has physical limitations or reduced mobility
- Your budget is tighter
- You prefer a relaxed pace without fixed schedules
- You want flexibility to stay as long as you like
- You have already done the Minitrekking on a previous trip
What the Minitrekking experience is like
Minitrekking starts early in the morning in El Calafate: the minibus transfer departs from the hotels and covers the 80 km to the glacier in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes along Provincial Route 11.
On arriving at Los Glaciares National Park, the group gets ready for the boat ride. A motorboat crosses the Brazo Rico arm of Lago Argentino in about 20 minutes — even from the water, the views of the glacier face are breathtaking. You can see the massive blocks of ice breaking off and crashing into the lake with a thunderous roar.
On the other shore, guides fit everyone with crampons, helmet and harness and explain the basic techniques for walking on ice. Then the walk through the lenga beech forest bordering the glacier begins for about 40 minutes, until reaching the ice access point.
The 1.5 hours on the glacier are the heart of the experience. The blue ice, crevasses, small caves and the sound of water running underfoot make this walk something hard to forget. Crampons provide excellent grip and the route is safe with certified guides.
Coming down, the group enjoys a whisky with glacier ice — an unmissable ritual — before boarding the boat back and returning to El Calafate in the mid-afternoon.
What the Walkways experience is like
The Walkways are a network of wooden and concrete trails running along the viewing points of Perito Moreno Glacier. The total route is 4 to 5 kilometres on multiple levels — upper and lower — with views of the glacier from different angles.
The experience is self-guided and completely free: you can stay as long as you like at each viewpoint, eat a packed lunch on one of the benches overlooking the ice, or simply sit and wait for the moment the glacier cracks and a block drops into the lake (the famous "calving" events).
The walk itself requires no special physical effort: the trails are well maintained and most have ramps or staircases with handrails. It is perfect for going at your own pace.
The closest point to the glacier is about 300 metres from the ice face — close enough to feel the cold it radiates and clearly hear the sounds of the ice moving.
Quick quiz: Minitrekking or Walkways?
Answer these 4 questions to make your decision in 60 seconds:
Prices 2026
Prices for both excursions vary according to the exchange rate. We publish prices in USD as a stable reference:
| Excursion | Without transfer | With transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Minitrekking Perito Moreno | USD 180 | USD 220 |
| Walkways Perito Moreno | USD 55 | USD 75 |
Where to stay in El Calafate: Apart Mundo Austral
Brand-new apartments in the heart of El Calafate. Full kitchen, WiFi, Smart TV + Netflix, central heating and free private parking. Minimum 3 nights. From $50,000 ARS/night (up to 2 people).
By staying with Mundo Austral you can book your excursions directly with the agency — no middlemen, at the best price.
See Apartment and availability → 📱 Ask on WhatsApp
Packages and Combos in El Calafate
If you want to make the most of every day and save money, Mundo Austral has packages that combine airport transfers + excursions. Buying a combo works out better than booking each item separately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Minitrekking and the Walkways at Perito Moreno?
Minitrekking includes walking on the glacier ice with crampons for 1.5 hours, plus a 20-minute motorboat ride. The Walkways are trails with views of the glacier from solid ground, without walking on the ice. Minitrekking is more expensive and physically demanding; the Walkways are accessible to everyone, including elderly people and young children.
Do I need prior experience to do Minitrekking?
No, you don't need any mountain or trekking experience. Certified guides explain everything before stepping onto the ice: how to walk with crampons, how to plant your foot, how to move as a group. The route is designed for people with no prior experience. The required physical fitness is moderate: equivalent to walking 3 hours on uneven terrain.
Can you do the Walkways and Minitrekking on the same day?
Technically it is possible, but we don't recommend it. Minitrekking already takes 9–10 hours and you'll be tired when you return. Also, the transfer to the glacier is the same for both excursions and logistics can get complicated. Ideally do one activity each day — you'll have two completely different experiences and enjoy each one much more.
How long does it take to walk the Perito Moreno Walkways?
The complete Walkways route covers 4 to 5 km of trails on multiple levels and takes between 2 and 3 hours at a leisurely pace. The full excursion including round-trip transfer from El Calafate lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. You can go at your own pace and spend more time at the viewpoints you enjoy most.
Is Minitrekking available in winter?
Yes, Minitrekking operates year-round including winter (June–August). In winter the glacier is just as spectacular and there are fewer tourists — the experience is more exclusive. Temperatures can drop to -5°C or below, so it is essential to bring quality warm clothing. Contact us about what to wear for each time of year.
What happens if it rains or the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
Both excursions go ahead in light rain, drizzle or even light snow — the glacier is impressive in any weather. They are only cancelled in the event of very strong winds (above 60 km/h) that make safe navigation on the lake impossible. If cancelled, the tour is rescheduled at no charge for the next available day or a full refund is given.
Are the Walkways accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Partially. The lower section of the Walkways has stretches with stairs that make wheelchair access difficult. However, there are viewpoints accessible from the car park that offer very good views without needing to walk the full 4–5 km. Contact us to plan the route according to the specific needs of your group.
How much does the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee cost in 2026?
The Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee in 2026 costs $50,000 ARS for non-resident foreigners and $25,000 ARS for Argentine residents (Santa Cruz residents $8,000, students $15,000; children under 6, pensioners and people with disabilities enter free). This entrance fee is NOT included in any of the excursions and is paid separately at the park gate, or can be purchased online at the National Parks Administration website (ventaweb.apn.gob.ar).