Big Ice is the extended version of walking on Perito Moreno, and it is aimed at travellers who find the standard mini-trek too short. After crossing Lago Rico by boat to the edge of the glacier, you are fitted with crampons and led onto the ice, where a guide chooses a route across ridges, past deep blue crevasses and along streams of turquoise meltwater. Where the mini-trek covers a short stretch, the longer circuit spends several hours on the glacier itself, with time to stop, look into the ice and listen to the cracks and groans that run through it. The best-known title for this route combines the ice walk with the walkway circuit and a navigation in front of the wall, so you see Perito Moreno from underneath, from beside and from above in one long day. Group sizes are limited, and age and fitness limits apply: this is a proper walk, with uneven ground and steady effort, rather than a stroll. Most departures finish with the traditional toast of whisky poured over glacier ice. Expect a very full day, with pickup early in the morning from El Calafate hotels and a return in the late afternoon or early evening.
What sets Big Ice apart is time on the ice. A longer stretch of glacier means a greater variety of terrain: smooth white plateaus, sharp crevasse fields, sinkholes called moulins and small blue pools. Guides explain how the ice flows, how crevasses form and why the colours shift from white to deep blue, and they set a pace that lets the group stay together.
You never walk without crampons or a guide, and equipment such as helmets and harnesses is supplied where the route needs it. The reward is a close, physical feeling for a glacier that most visitors only see through a fence.
Preparation matters. Wear waterproof walking boots that suit crampons, layers that can be added and removed, gloves, a hat and sunglasses, and carry a small daypack. Heavy cotton and jeans are poor choices when wet. Bring snacks and a refillable bottle, and check carefully what the lunch arrangements are, since a boxed lunch is typically eaten on or beside the ice.
Fitness requirements and age limits are published for this product and are enforced, so check them before you pay, and let the operator know about any health concerns or knee problems in advance. Spring weather can be cold and windy, and departures can be changed or cancelled when conditions are poor.
Think about whether this is the right ice day for you. If you have never worn crampons, or you want a shorter day, the mini-trek on this glacier is the sensible choice and still gives you real ice underfoot. If you are fit, enjoy long days outdoors and want the fullest glacier experience in Argentina, Big Ice is the one to book. Reserve well ahead for the high season, because places are limited, and plan a rest evening afterwards.
The walkways in the national park remain open to everyone, so a mixed group can split up for the ice section and still share dinner back in town. Whichever day you choose, listen to the guides, as their experience of the ice and the weather is the best safety equipment you will have.
What to expect
The experience
A boat crossing to the glacier edge, a long guided walk on the ice in crampons, then the walkway circuit and a navigation in front of the wall.
Best time
Spring and summer, when days are long. Book the earliest departure you can for the calmest conditions.
How long
A very full day, usually ten hours or more door to door, with several hours on the ice.
Tips
Wear waterproof boots, layers, gloves and a hat, and check the age and fitness limits before you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fit, adventurous travellers who want the longest walk on the ice that Argentina offers.
- Families
- Not suitable for young children, because age and fitness limits apply. Choose the walkways instead.
- Couples
- A big shared challenge, finished with a toast of whisky over glacier ice.
- Pair with
- The Perito Moreno walkways or a rest evening with a lamb dinner at an estancia.
- Time needed
- One full day, plus a rest evening.
Good questions
How is Big Ice different from the mini-trek?+
Big Ice spends several hours on the glacier and covers more varied terrain, while the mini-trek is a shorter walk suited to a wider range of visitors.
Are there age and fitness limits?+
Yes. The route is physically demanding, and age and fitness limits apply. Check them before booking and tell the operator about any health concerns.
Is equipment provided?+
Crampons are supplied, along with other safety equipment where the route needs it. You bring waterproof boots, warm layers and gloves.
Does it include the walkways and the boat?+
The title includes the walkway circuit and a navigation in front of the glacier, but confirm the exact order and inclusions when you book.
What happens in bad weather?+
Departures can be changed or cancelled when conditions are poor, so keep a spare day in your plan.
