Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour: Upsala and Spegazzini

Exploring Patagonia’s Glaciers: A Comprehensive Look at the Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour

If you’re headed to El Calafate and eager to see some of the most breathtaking ice formations in the world, the Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, adventure, and awe-inspiring scenery. For around $340 per person, you get a full 8 to 9-hour journey that takes you through the stunning Patagonian landscape, with stops at the Spegazzini Glacier and Upsala Glacier—two of the park’s most impressive ice giants. All aboard the cozy María Turquesa Cruise, which promises a comfortable and well-organized way to experience this icy wonderland.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines navigating the lakes and glaciers with an optional lunch (for those who prefer not to pack their own), and a short hike through Patagonian forests—adding a touch of land-based exploration to the boat-based adventure. Plus, the professional bilingual guide ensures you’re well-informed throughout the day, which makes all the difference when soaking in the scenery.

One thing to keep in mind is that, based on reviews, the weather can sometimes impact the experience—some have expressed disappointment when the trip doesn’t meet expectations, especially if certain highlights like the Perito Moreno glacier aren’t included in the package you book. This tour is best suited for travelers who value scenic boat navigation, small group intimacy, and comfortable logistics. It’s also ideal if you’re okay with a full day on the water and some light walking.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with glacier viewing, hiking, and optional lunch
• Comfortable boat cruise with great views of the Patagonian ice landscape
• Excellent guide service that enhances understanding of the region
• Flexible options for lunch, with vegetarian menus available
• Weather dependency might affect the experience or visibility of some glaciers
• Suitable for most active travelers looking for an immersive day

In-Depth Review of the Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour

What the Tour Includes and How It Runs

This full-day experience begins with pickup from your hotel in El Calafate, a convenience that saves you the hassle of figuring out transportation early in the morning. You’ll be transported about 47 kilometers to Punta Banderas port, where at 9:00 AM, the adventure officially begins with a boat departure across the North Channel of Lake Argentino. This cruise is the heart of the trip, offering a chance to admire the spectacular glaciers and ice formations from the water—a perspective that’s often more dramatic than from land.

Visiting Spegazzini Glacier

The first major highlight is the Spegazzini Glacier, which is the highest in Los Glaciares National Park at 135 meters above the lake level. The boat navigates the Spegazzini Channel, allowing you to see hanging glaciers like Seco, Heim Sur, and Peinetta.

Disembarking at Puesto de Las Vacas, you’ll have an opportunity for a 30-minute walk through a Patagonian Andean forest, passing beaches and ice-carved landscapes. This is where you get a bit of land-based nature and a different perspective of the environment. As one review notes, “We loved the way the guide explained the natural surroundings and the forest walk was a nice contrast to the boat cruise.”

Back on the boat, you can choose to have lunch onboard—either bringing your own food or opting for the provided meal options (including vegetarian). The views of the Spegazzini Glacier, towering and silent, are truly unforgettable, especially as you take time to photos and just soak in the silence of this icy world.

Navigating Upsala and Lake Argentino

The second part of the tour involves heading towards the Upsala Channel, where gigantic ice floes drift past—some three times the size of your boat! The Upsala Glacier itself is the third largest glacier in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and from the boat, you’ll see it about 15 km away. The sheer scale of these ice formations is mesmerizing, and the experience of gliding past floating ice chunks is something you won’t forget.

One reviewer, Susan_C, mentioned, “The cruise was very short, but the views were still spectacular.” It’s worth noting that the length of the cruise might feel brief for some, but the dense concentration of glaciers and ice formations makes each moment count.

The Forest Hike and Beach Walk

After the boat trip, your guide will disembark with you at Puesto de Las Vacas for a 30-minute hike through a Patagonian forest. This walk offers a peaceful retreat from the expansive ice views, allowing you to experience local flora and the coastline—an unexpected but appreciated touch.

Final Glacial Views and Return

The tour concludes with a return to the dock, and from there, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in El Calafate. The total time on the water and on land adds up to a full day of spectacular scenery and light activity.

What Travelers Are Saying

While many praise the organization and scenery, some reviews highlight disappointments. For example, one traveler was upset because the Perito Moreno Glacier was not part of this tour, which is a common point of confusion. The tour described here is a more intimate and less crowded alternative to the Perito Moreno trips, focusing on Upsala and Spegazzini.

Another reviewer, Andreas_H, pointed out the importance of reading the fine print: “You have to read carefully before booking—this tour does not include Perito Moreno, and the price in pesos does NOT include taxes.” This emphasizes how crucial it is to know exactly what you’re booking to avoid misunderstandings.

Practical Considerations

• The tour runs starting at 7:00 AM with a pickup from your hotel, which means early wake-up times.
• The duration (8-9 hours) means it’s a full day, so packing snacks and being prepared for weather changes is wise.
• Group size is limited to a maximum of 120 travelers, but most groups tend to be smaller, especially with the boat and walk segments.
• The price includes the cruise, guide, insurance, and roundtrip transfer—meaning fewer extra costs, but lunch and park entrance fee are not included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience works well if you’re someone who values boat navigation in a scenic setting and enjoys a balanced day of light activity and scenic viewing. It suits travelers who prefer a more intimate, less crowded alternative to the Perito Moreno tours, with the added charm of hiking and forest walks. Those who are comfortable with an early start and full-day commitment will find this a rewarding Patagonia adventure.

If you’re expecting a full glacier experience with multiple highlights, keep in mind that not all glaciers are included, and weather may impact visibility. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic, and comfortable way to see some of the park’s most impressive ice formations without the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip transfer from your hotel in El Calafate, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

How long does the boat cruise last?
You’ll spend about 3 hours on the boat, during which you’ll see several hanging glaciers and floating ice floes.

Can I bring my own food?
Absolutely. You can bring your own lunch or opt for the included meal option. Vegetarian choices are available.

What glaciers will I see?
The main glaciers are Spegazzini and Upsala, along with other hanging glaciers like Seco, Heim Sur, and Peinetta.

Is there a hike involved?
Yes, there is a 30-minute walk through Patagonian forest at Puesto de Las Vacas.

What should I expect from the scenery?
Expect towering glaciers, floating ice chunks, and pristine forests—it’s a landscape that looks like a postcard.

Does weather affect the tour?
Yes, weather can impact visibility and the experience, but the tour is designed to be flexible. If conditions are poor, some parts might be less spectacular.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most active travelers can do the hike and boat cruise, but those with mobility issues should check with the operator about accessibility.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour offers a well-rounded experience of some of Patagonia’s most stunning ice features, with a focus on comfort, scenery, and light activity. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace while still seeing impressive glaciers from different perspectives.

While it might not include the Perito Moreno Glacier—often the star of many trips—it compensates with magnificent views of Upsala and Spegazzini, combined with a forest walk and ice floe sightings that make for a memorable day. Expect a well-organized, scenic, and peaceful journey into some of Argentina’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

If you’re after a less crowded, more intimate glacier experience that blends boat travel with gentle hiking and incredible ice vistas, this tour is a solid choice. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and confirm what’s included before booking so you go in with your expectations clear.

Remember: Always book in advance—most travelers do so about 23 days ahead—and send your passport details to secure your spot. With a little planning, this tour could very well be a highlight of your Patagonia adventure.

Happy glacier hunting!