El Calafate: Full-Day Glaciers Upsala & Spegazzini Tour

El Calafate: Full-Day Glaciers Upsala & Spegazzini Tour

If you’re visiting El Calafate and craving a day surrounded by towering, shimmering ice, this full-day glacier cruise offers a front-row seat to some of Patagonia’s most dramatic sights. For $265 per person, you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring Lake Argentino and sailing past the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. Guided in both English and Spanish, this tour is designed for those who love stunning landscapes but want a comfortable, well-organized experience.

Two things we particularly like are the chance to sail among floating icebergs — a truly surreal experience — and the opportunity to visit the Spegazzini Base, where panoramic views of hanging glaciers make for excellent photo ops. However, keep in mind that the national park entrance fee of USD 29 is not included, and you’ll need to budget for your lunch separately. This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and a bit of adventure but prefer to leave the logistics to a professional guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Spectacular views of Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers from different vantage points
• Sailing among icebergs offers a unique, tactile ice experience
• Comfortable base at Spegazzini with panoramic views and amenities
• Full-day adventure ideal for travelers wanting an immersive glacier experience
• Includes transportation and guide; park entrance fee and lunch are extra
• Authentic, balanced experience with real reviews supporting its value

Exploring the Glacial Wonders of Los Glaciares National Park

The full-day tour from El Calafate is a carefully curated journey through one of Patagonia’s most impressive landscapes. It begins with a pickup from your hotel and a roughly 40-minute drive to the boat dock, giving you time to settle in and soak up some initial views of the Patagonian steppe.

The first major highlight arrives as you sail across Lake Argentino. This stretch alone offers a sense of scale — the vast, icy lake is dotted with floating icebergs, some as big as houses, shimmering in the sunlight. The sensation of navigating among these floating giants is striking; as one traveler put it, “The experience of sailing among icebergs… was very good.” Be prepared to marvel at the majestic sight of the Upsala Glacier, which looms impressively and is a favorite for its sheer size and the dramatic ice barrier.

The Upsala Glacier: A Massive Ice Barrier

The Upsala Glacier, covering over 1000 square kilometers, is one of the largest in South America. The boat approaches closely enough to witness the glacier’s icy face, with the chance to see massive icebergs calved from the glacier. The boat ride here provides an intimate perspective on nature’s power and grandeur, with many travelers commenting on how “walking on the Glacier and seeing Spegazzini up close” was a highlight, even if that specific experience involves additional excursions.

Navigating the Upsala Channel offers a unique sensation — you’re traveling through a landscape of drifting ice that’s both breathtaking and humbling. The silence of the ice, broken only by the gentle hum of the boat, adds to the magic of this part of the day.

The Spectacular Spegazzini Glacier and Base

After the lakeside cruise, you’ll arrive at the Spegazzini Glacier, famed for its hanging ice formations and the breathtaking Spegazzini Base. Here, you’ll get to step out and enjoy some of the best panoramic views of hanging glaciers like Seco, Heim Sur, and Peineta. The observation deck at Spegazzini Base offers a chance to appreciate the scale and beauty of the glaciers in comfort — a perfect moment for photography or simply soaking in the scenery.

Guests who visit the Spegazzini Base frequently praise the “unparalleled views” and the facilities that make the experience more comfortable. It’s a great spot to pause, take pictures, and reflect on the day’s natural wonders.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Highlights and Practical Details

Following the visit to Spegazzini, the tour continues with a return sail along the northern arm of Lake Argentino, passing more icebergs and distant glaciers. It’s a full 7-hour boat cruise plus transfer time, giving ample opportunity to appreciate Patagonia’s icy environment from different angles.

The included transport makes the experience accessible without the hassle of organizing your own logistics, and a knowledgeable guide ensures you don’t miss key details. But keep in mind that lunch isn’t included, so bringing snacks or arranging a meal beforehand is wise, especially considering the full 10-hour duration.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is by private van, making for a comfortable ride with scenic views along the way. The tour typically involves a small group, which allows for a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides. The boat cruise itself is spacious, offering plenty of space to relax and take photos.

Cost-Value Analysis

At $265 per person, this tour offers a solid value for the experience of sailing among glaciers and witnessing Patagonia’s icy splendor. When you consider the guided service, transportation, and the boat cruise, it’s a comprehensive package. The USD 29 park entrance fee isn’t included, so factor that into your budget.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

Reviews are largely positive, with one traveler praising how “the experience of walking on the Glacier and seeing Spegazzini up close was very good.” The sense of being among the ice, combined with the panoramic views from the Spegazzini Base, makes this tour memorable. Many mention the stunning scenery as a major highlight, which is no surprise given the towering glaciers and floating icebergs.

Some travelers might find the full-day schedule a bit long, especially if you prefer more relaxed sightseeing. But if you’re eager to see both glaciers in a single day and enjoy a boat cruise, this tour hits all those marks.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers who appreciate scenic boat rides and monumental ice formations. It’s also well-suited for those wanting a balanced and guided experience without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. If you value authentic, up-close glacier views and are comfortable with a full-day outing, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

The Sum Up

The El Calafate: Full-Day Glaciers Upsala & Spegazzini Tour offers a well-rounded, immersive look at some of Patagonia’s most impressive glaciers. With stunning vistas from the boat and the Spegazzini Base, combined with the thrill of sailing among floating icebergs, it’s a memorable way to experience Los Glaciares National Park. The tour’s balance of comfort, natural wonder, and practical organization makes it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive glacier experience without sacrificing ease.

While the price is reasonable considering what’s included, do remember that additional costs like park fees and lunch are extra. The tour’s success hinges on the weather — on clear days, the views are absolutely breathtaking, making it well worth the investment. If you’re fascinated by glaciers and want to see Patagonia’s icy giants in action, this tour is a solid choice.

In summary, if you value authentic scenery, guided insight, and a chance to sail among glaciers, this tour delivers on all counts. It’s particularly suited for those who want to pack a lot of natural beauty into one day, with the comfort of a professionally guided experience.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transfer to/from El Calafate, a catamaran cruise on Lake Argentino, navigation among glaciers, and a guide. The park entrance fee ($29 USD) and lunch are not included.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 10 hours, with the boat cruise itself taking around 7 hours. Be prepared for a full day out, starting with pickup and ending back in El Calafate.

Are guides available in both English and Spanish?
Yes, the tour offers live guides in English and Spanish to suit a diverse group of travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing (layers are best), sunscreen, camera, and snacks for the day. Since lunch isn’t included, plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes, but consider the full-day schedule and the boat ride if traveling with very young children or those sensitive to long outings.

Will I get to walk on the glaciers?
No, this particular tour involves sailing among glaciers. Some reviews mention walking on glaciers, but that’s likely part of separate excursions.

How are the boat and transportation arranged?
Transport is by private van, and the boat is a spacious catamaran, designed for comfort and safety.

What if the weather is bad?
Patagonia is known for unpredictable weather. The tour can be canceled or rescheduled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so check the forecast before hiking out.

This detailed review should help you decide if a day among Patagonia’s glaciers suits your travel style. Whether you’re capturing photographs or simply marveling at nature’s grandeur, this tour offers a well-organized and scenic way to see the ice in all its glory.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby