I know this is just insane but I know that I won't be able to get the chance to head to South America again.

I want to fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate for a day to check out the Perito Moreno glacier. It's my dream to see it. My questions are:

1) My flight arrives at 9:15 am. Can I take a taxi from the airport to Bajo de las sombras? I hear there are boat cruises leaving from there every where. I was going to take the 2 p.m. boat ride.

2) How much does a private taxi cost for a round trip from the airport to Perito Moreno? Roughly?

My flight back to Buenos Aires leaves at 2:05 am. I won't be taking any extra luggage, just a backpack.

Thanks in advance for all the replies

I say go for it. You definitely have enough time IF you don't have flight delays en route to El Calafate. Obviously, better if you can spend more time there.

It may be cheaper to rent a car for the day than to hire taxis all day, so you may want to look into that option. (others may know; we rented a car and therefore didn't use taxis).

If it's your dream to see Perito Moreno, the boat trip is a good option, as are the ice trekking tours (we did the one run by Hielo y Aventura). They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, and I assume they would be willing to do that from the airport, though if your flight is delayed that could cause problems.

Thanks so much! I've decided to go for it!!

How is the driving situation in El Calafate? Is it difficult to find your way around?

We drove all around, and I don't remember any complications. They only rent stick (not automatic) cars, so be sure you can drive those. I'd book ahead just to be sure they have a car for you.

Enjoy! It is truly beautiful there.

I don't now how to drive stick

I checked with a hostel and they said they can get someone to drive me to perito moreno and back for 1600 pesos. I think that is too much.

Should I just og to the airport and catch a taxi to take me to perito moreno and wait there and bring me back? Would that be cheaper?