Gourmet Glacier Cruise & Footbridges of Perito Moreno

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Patagonia’s icy grandeur, this full-day tour from El Calafate might just be your best bet. For $269 per person, you’ll spend roughly 12 hours exploring the most iconic glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, aboard the comfortable María Turquesa cruise. Along the way, you’ll enjoy close-up views of hanging glaciers, navigate through icebergs in the Upsala Canal, and walk on the walkways of Perito Moreno itself—arguably the highlight of any trip to this region.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances spectacular scenery with informative guidance. The boat cruise offers unmatched views of glaciers only visible from the water—like the Spegazzini Glacier, towering 135 meters above the lake. Plus, the forest walk at Las Vacas Post gives a peaceful break in nature, far from the crowds. That said, the full-day schedule means a fair bit of time on the bus, which can be tiring if you’re not a fan of long rides or early mornings.

This tour suits travelers eager for a comprehensive glacier experience—from boat navigation and forest walks to panoramic walkways. It’s perfect if you want to see the highest glacier in the park and get multiple perspectives, all in one day. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, the stunning vistas, and the value for the price, making this a popular choice for those wanting a full, enriching day.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Boat cruise, forest walk, and walkways at Perito Moreno.
• Impressive Glacier Views: See glaciers only visible by boat, including the Spegazzini.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable and bilingual, enhancing your understanding.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Approximately 12 hours, with some long bus rides.
• Good Value: The tour includes transportation, cruise, walking, and scenic stops.
• Authentic Patagonian Scenery: Combines ice, forest, and panoramic views.

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The Beauty of Patagonia from the Water and Walkways

We loved the way this tour captures Patagonia’s icy magic from multiple angles. Starting early, you’ll be whisked from your hotel in El Calafate to the private port, where the adventure begins on the María Turquesa cruise. The boat’s comfort and size make navigating the ice-filled waters a smooth experience, even as you marvel at floating icebergs and glaciers that seem to float in the middle of nowhere.

The boat’s route takes you through Boca del Diablo, a narrow peninsula that marks the entry into the North Arm of the lake. From here, you’ll be surrounded by the towering walls of ice and the quiet grandeur of the Patagonian landscape. If you love photos, you’ll appreciate how close you can get to glaciers like Upsala—about 10 km away—while enjoying a perspective only boat travelers get.

Next, you’ll enter the Spegazzini Channel, home to some of the park’s most dramatic hanging glaciers, including Dry Glacier, Heim Sur, and Peinetta. The ship anchors at Las Vacas Post, where a short forest walk of about 30 minutes offers a lovely contrast to the icy scenery. We found this peaceful stroll through the trees a perfect breather before heading back to see the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier.

The walkways at Perito Moreno are the tour’s crown jewel. These catwalks allow you to get close to the glacier’s face, listen to the ice cracking, and see the glacier from different angles. Many reviews mention how these walkways offer some of the best views in the park, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. The tactile experience of standing near a massive wall of ice is something you’ll never forget, especially when you hear the thunderous calving as chunks break off into the lake.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup around 7:00 AM, so you’ll need to be ready and waiting. From there, the 1.5-hour bus ride takes you to Puerto Bandera, a scenic trip through Patagonian steppe and forest. Upon arrival, you’ll board the María Turquesa, starting a journey that combines spectacular scenery with informative commentary from your guide.

The first major stop is the Boca del Diablo, where you cross the peninsula into the North Arm of Lago Argentino. The boat glides between icebergs and offers views of the Upsala Glacier, one of the largest in the park. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness glacier calving from a distance—an awe-inspiring noise and sight.

Next, the cruise heads to the Spegazzini Channel, known for its hanging glaciers. You’ll see Dry Glacier, Heim Sur, and Peinetta—each unique in their formations. The stop at Las Vacas Post includes a short forest walk, giving you a chance to enjoy the quiet sounds of nature and snap some photos of the forested landscape.

Afterward, the boat makes its way back towards Perito Moreno, where you disembark to explore the famous walkways. Here, you can walk close to the glacier, with plenty of time to take photos, listen to the ice crack, and marvel at the scale of this natural wonder. Reviewers repeatedly mention how close-up encounters at the walkways make the experience memorable.

Finally, a bus ride returns you to El Calafate, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. This allows for a full day of exploration but also means packing light layers and comfortable shoes for walking and outdoor exposure.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

The tour is suitable for most travelers, thanks to its well-organized schedule and the comfort of the boat and bus. The guides are praised for their knowledge and bilingual abilities, making the experience accessible for both English- and Spanish-speaking visitors. The lunch box is often highlighted as surprisingly tasty, which is a plus considering the long day.

You’ll want to bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a camera with a zoom lens to capture the glaciers from different perspectives. The walkways are accessible, but high heels are not allowed—stick to sturdy footwear. The boat cruise is generally calm, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might find the lake’s gentle movement is manageable; many reviewers noted they felt no discomfort.

The tour does not include park entrance fees, which you can pay at the gate or beforehand online. The overall value lies in the combination of boat, forest walk, panoramic views, and expert guidance—delivering a comprehensive glacier experience.

What Our Reviewers Say

Many travelers rave about the quality of the guides and the stunning scenery. Ashok called it a “fantastic” experience that gave a great perspective of the park, while Victoria appreciated how well-organized and informative the cruise was, highlighting the cleanliness of the boat and friendliness of the crew.

Irini was impressed with how plenty of time was allocated for viewing and photography, especially describing the lunch box as more tasty than expected, which adds to the feeling of good value. Erica enjoyed the incredible landscapes and the overall informative guides, making the day both relaxing and educational.

Other reviews emphasize seeing glaciers up close that are only visible from the water or the walkways, and many mention the peaceful forest walk as a lovely break from the ice. The consistent theme is that this tour provides a multi-faceted, immersive look at the glaciers—perfect for those who love nature, photography, and learning.

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Summing It Up

This tour offers a balanced mix of boat adventure, scenic hiking, and panoramic walkways, all wrapped into a 12-hour experience. The cost of $269 is quite reasonable considering the full day of activities, transportation, and expert guides. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see multiple glaciers from different angles without the hassle of planning each part separately.

The quality of the views, the knowledgeable guides, and the delicious lunch make it a strong value, especially for those eager to maximize their time in Patagonia with as little fuss as possible. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive, authentic experience of Los Glaciares National Park’s most stunning features.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves ice landscapes, wants a full day of exploration, and appreciates guidance that enhances understanding, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially suitable if you want multiple perspectives—from boat, forest, and walkways—on the glaciers.

While the long day and bus rides might not appeal to everyone, those with moderate stamina and an interest in nature’s grandeur will find it well worth the effort. It caters well to those who value value for money and authentic, close-up views of glaciers that are truly awe-inspiring.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the tour is generally accessible, but comfortable shoes are recommended. The gentle boat cruise and walkways make it suitable for most ages, though very young children or those with mobility issues should consider their stamina.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes (no high heels), and perhaps a camera or binoculars for better viewing. Layers are advisable as weather can change quickly in Patagonia.

Does the tour include park entrance fees?
No, the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included but can be paid at the park entrance or online beforehand.

What is the weather typically like?
Weather can vary, but expect cool temperatures, especially near glaciers. It’s wise to dress in layers and carry rain gear just in case.

How long is the bus ride?
The bus ride from El Calafate to the port and back is about 1.5 hours each way, so prepare for a total of roughly 3 hours on the bus.

Are meals included?
If you select the lunch option, a lunch box with food is included, which reviews often say is better than expected in taste and quality.

Can I buy my park ticket on site?
Yes, you can purchase your entrance ticket upon arrival at the park in Argentine pesos or via the official online portal.

What about motion sickness?
The lake is usually calm, and many reviews mention feeling no discomfort. If you’re prone, consider taking precautions.

Is this tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

When is the best time to take this tour?
Check availability, but generally, the tour runs year-round. The weather and glacier activity vary seasonally, so dress accordingly.

This full-day glacier tour offers an immersive, visually stunning, and well-organized way to experience Patagonia’s icy marvels. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply seeking an awe-inspiring adventure, it’s a trip you’ll remember long after you return home.

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