El Calafate: Gourmet Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers is a tour that promises a full day of awe-inspiring views and memorable encounters with some of Argentina’s most spectacular glaciers. Priced at $314 per person, it typically books up about 53 days in advance—clear signals that many travelers find this experience worth planning ahead for. The day lasts around 11 hours, offering a comprehensive look at the dramatic glacial landscapes that make this region famous. Your journey begins with hotel pickups, making logistics straightforward, and continues with boat trips, panoramic landings, and plenty of opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the luxury packed lunch—which allows you to enjoy a gourmet meal amidst the icy scenery—and the waterborne navigation that puts you right in the middle of the icebergs, revealing their vivid colors and intricate shapes against the bright blue waters. On the downside, you should be prepared for a long day, and weather can influence the experience—if the skies turn cloudy or rain sets in, some views might be obscured, especially the Upsala Glacier, which some reviews mention as being hidden due to weather conditions. Still, this is ideal for travelers craving a comprehensive, scenic adventure that combines boat travel with stunning vistas, making it perfect for those who want more than just a quick glance at glaciers.

If you’re someone who appreciates spectacular natural scenery, authentic boat experiences, and guided insights from knowledgeable guides, this tour will serve you well. It’s particularly suited for travelers who have already seen the more famous Perito Moreno Glacier or prefer to explore the lesser-visited but equally impressive glaciers of Upsala and Spegazzini.

Key Points

Unique boat navigation among icebergs provides close-up views of glaciers’ colors and textures.
Gourmet lunch included, offering a relaxing break in the midst of breathtaking scenery.
Panoramic land visits like Herminita Peninsula add a land-based perspective to the icy spectacle.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into flora, fauna, and glacier history.
Weather-dependent; visibility of some glaciers, especially Upsala, can be affected by conditions.
Ideal for travelers seeking an all-in-one, scenic, and comfortable glacier adventure.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

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Starting Point and Timing

Your adventure kicks off in El Calafate, with hotel pickups arranged if you select that option. We found that most travelers begin their journey early, with boarding at 9:00 am at Puerto La Soledad. The transfer is straightforward, and the tour company handles the logistics smoothly, helping you settle into the boat and get ready for a day of discovery. With most reviews praising the organization, you can focus on the scenery rather than logistics.

The Boat Journey: Maria Turquesa

The boat ride aboard the Maria Turquesa Cruise is the central part of this tour. It’s a luxurious vessel, well-equipped and air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable even on warm or windy days. We loved the way the boat glided smoothly through the Upsala Canal, passing through narrow passages like Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo—the narrowest stretch of the lake at about 800 meters wide.

Traveling among towering icebergs of varied shapes and colors is truly striking. The vivid blues and translucent whites of the icebergs contrast sharply with the water and sky, creating a photographer’s paradise. Several reviews mention that the boat’s facilities and crew are friendly, fast, and well-prepared, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. One reviewer, Diego, noted that the boat is equipped with everything you need, and the navigation was excellent.

Glaciers Visited: Spegazzini and Upsala

The highlight of this tour is the Spegazzini Glacier, known for its impressive ice walls rising from the lake. After about two hours of navigation, you’ll disembark at Puesto de Las Vacas on the Spegazzini Canal, where a guided walk offers insights into the flora and fauna of the area. It’s a chance to stretch your legs and take in the scenery from land, with some guides pointing out the old settler’s Stall—a reminder of the region’s human history amidst the icy wilderness.

Spegazzini is often praised for its dramatic vertical ice walls, which make for stunning photographs. Many travelers describe the scene as impressive and awe-inspiring, with Rosmary noting that she saw huge icebergs and witnessed a glacier calving—an unforgettable moment.

Further, the boat ventures to the Herminita Peninsula for panoramic views. This spot, limited by National Parks, offers a sweeping vista of the glaciers and surrounding mountains—an ideal point for photography and quiet admiration.

The journey continues with a sail toward the Perito Moreno Glacier, but it’s important to note that admission tickets are not included for this part, and you’ll need to purchase them separately if you wish to explore further.

Perito Moreno: A Brief but Iconic Stop

The final leg includes a quick visit to Perito Moreno, the most famous of the glaciers, often considered Argentina’s most iconic ice formation. The boat approaches the glacier, allowing close-up views of its massive, calving ice walls. While the tour only offers a one-hour visit, many find it sufficient to appreciate its grandeur. Reviews describe the experience as breathtaking, with some witnessing a glacier calving—a thunderous event that many travelers hope to see.

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Gourmet Lunch and Comfort

One of the features that stand out is the luxury packed lunch included in the tour. We appreciated the chance to relax and enjoy a high-quality meal while surrounded by stunning scenery. This adds an element of comfort and value, especially during a long day of sightseeing.

Practical Considerations

The entire trip lasts around 11 hours, so it’s a full day but well-paced. The tour is designed to maximize time on the water and scenic views, so bring appropriate gear—warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sturdy boots—especially since weather can change unexpectedly. The guides are knowledgeable, offering insights into the glaciers’ formation, local ecology, and even some history of the region, which many reviewers find adds depth to the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see glaciers from a different perspective—on water rather than just land. If you like boat excursions and want to get up close to the icebergs, this tour delivers. It’s also great for those who prefer a comfortable, guided experience with good facilities, as the boat and lunch are of high quality.

Travelers who have already visited Perito Moreno or want to explore less crowded glaciers will find this a fantastic complement. However, if weather conditions turn sour, some glaciers, especially Upsala, might be less visible, which could disappoint those expecting clear views. Still, many reviews note that even if Upsala’s full grandeur is hidden by clouds, the overall experience remains impressive.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a full-day, scenic adventure that combines boat travel, panoramic land views, and a gourmet meal, this tour strikes a strong balance of comfort, spectacle, and insight. It’s especially suited for those wanting to see multiple glaciers in one day without sacrificing comfort or quality.

The knowledgeable guides and high-quality facilities greatly enhance the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. While weather can influence what you see, the journey itself—among floating icebergs and towering glaciers—is unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, visually stunning, and informative glacier tour from El Calafate, this one is a solid choice. It’s especially valuable for those who prioritize authentic scenery and want to enjoy the landscape from the comfort of a well-equipped boat and a delicious lunch.

FAQ

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered if you select that option, making logistics easier for you.

How long does the boat trip last?
The boat journey is approximately two hours, traveling through the Upsala Canal, among icebergs, and to the glaciers.

Are entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park included?
No, the tour price does not cover park entrance fees, which you’ll need to purchase separately.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring a hat, warm clothing like fleece and a windbreaker, gloves, thermal socks, trekking boots, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected.

Is the tour suitable if I want to see the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Yes, it includes a visit to Perito Moreno, although the focus is on Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, with only a short time at Moreno.

Can I expect to see glaciers calving?
Yes, some reviews mention witnessing calving events, which are spectacular and add a thrilling element to your experience.

In the end, this tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, scenery, and insight into one of Argentina’s most captivating glacial landscapes. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, scenic, and memorable adventure—and don’t mind a full day on the water.