Full-Day Tour Through Glaciers Upsala and Spegazzini

If you’re headed to El Calafate and craving an unforgettable day on the water amid some of the most dramatic glaciers in the world, this Full-Day Tour Through Glaciers Upsala and Spegazzini offers a compelling blend of breathtaking scenery and authentic adventure. Priced at $320 per person, this roughly 10-hour trip includes transportation, guided navigation, and visits to two of the park’s most iconic glaciers—Spegazzini and Upsala.

What we love about this experience: first, sailing between floating icebergs and getting close to the Spegazzini Glacier provides a surreal sense of scale and beauty. Second, the stops at the Spegazzini Base and refuge give you chances to soak in panoramic views and enjoy some well-deserved comfort amidst rugged natural splendor.

However, a consideration worth noting is that this is primarily a boat-focused excursion, so if you’re expecting a lot of land walking or hiking, you might find it less interactive than other tours like Perito Moreno excursions. Still, if your idea of an ideal glacier adventure involves spectacular vistas and peaceful cruising, this tour suits most travelers well, especially those eager to experience the heart of Los Glaciares National Park from the water.

Key Points

• Stunning vistas of hanging glaciers and icebergs make this a visual feast.
• The Spegazzini Base offers a panoramic view and a comfortable refuge.
• The sailing experience among icebergs is unlike anything else in Patagonia.
• The tour is well-organized, with punctual pickups and clear itinerary flow.
• Includes navigation on Argentine Lake and visits to multiple glaciers.
• The price reflects the full-day experience, with many reviews praising the value for money.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Starting the Day: Pickup and Departure

The tour begins early at 7:30 am from your meeting point at Av. del Libertador 1265 in El Calafate. From there, your group is whisked off to Puerto Bandera, where the adventure kicks off. The transportation is part of the package, ensuring a smooth start to what promises to be a day full of awe-inspiring sights.

First Stop: Glaciar Spegazzini

Sailing towards Spegazzini Channel, we’re treated to views of hanging glaciers like Seco, Heim Sur, and Peineta. These glaciers, dripping with ice, seem to hang precariously over the water, offering a glimpse into the sheer power and beauty of glacier formations. The highlight here is the Spegazzini Glacier itself, which is the largest of the bunch, with its towering face making for an unforgettable photo op.

After about three hours, you’ll have the chance to descend to the Spegazzini Base, a cozy refuge sitting right in front of the glacier. This spot is perfect to just sit back, take in the vista, and perhaps enjoy some snacks or drinks with a view that’s hard to beat. The dazzling panoramas from this vantage point make it one of the most praised parts of the tour, especially according to a reviewer who called it a “super complete” experience with “excellent conditions of the transport and boat.”

Second Stop: Sailing Among Icebergs at Upsala

Next, the boat moves along the North Arm of Lake Argentino, crossing the Boca del Diablo — a narrow channel that feels like a gateway to yet another world. Here, we experience the sensation of sailing among icebergs, a truly unique feature of this tour. These massive chunks of ice, breaking off from Upsala Glacier, drift serenely, creating a surreal landscape of shimmering blue and white. This part lasts about an hour and is often cited as a highlight—a peaceful, almost meditative moment amidst the raw power of nature.

Final Part: Exploring the Ice Barrier and Refuges

The last stretch involves navigating the northern arm of Lake Argentino, in search of the ice barrier of Upsala Glacier. During this approximately six-hour journey, you’ll witness the changing face of the glacier and its ice formations. The tour also includes visits to the Spegazzini and nearby refuges, offering additional perspectives and photo opportunities.

A reviewer praises the well-organized nature of the trip, emphasizing that the schedules are kept and the experience is smooth and enjoyable.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour comes with many conveniences: pickup and drop-off at Puerto Bandera, the navigation across Argentine Lake, and admission tickets to both glaciers. These inclusions help justify the cost, especially considering the long day and the scope of sights covered.

On the flip side, the $29 national park entrance fee is paid separately, and lunch is not included—so packing snacks or a light meal is recommended. Some reviews sing the praises of the good value for the scenic journey and the quality of the boat, but if you’re more of a land-based hiker, this might feel like a less active way to experience Patagonia’s glaciers.

How About the Experience?

What really makes this tour stand out is the visual impact. Sailing through huge icebergs with glaciers towering overhead makes for a once-in-a-lifetime scene. The refuge at Spegazzini offers a rare chance to pause and absorb the grandeur, which many travelers find rewarding.

The group size capped at 200 ensures you’re not lost in the crowd, and the punctuality noted by travelers keeps the day flowing smoothly.

Authentic Perspectives

One traveler described the scenery as “beautiful” and the organization as “excellent,” emphasizing how the entire experience felt well-planned and hassle-free. Another reviewer enjoyed the extra comfort of the refuge, mentioning it as a “great refuge with all the services needed.” On the other hand, a less satisfied review pointed out that the tour felt more like a “cruise” with selling opportunities—a reminder that some aspects are geared toward maximizing the experience for travelers rather than offering a deeply immersive land adventure.

The Practical Side: Value and Considerations

At $320, this tour falls into the premium price bracket but offers substantial value: a full day of spectacular sights, expert navigation, and comfort. For anyone seeking to capture iconic Patagonia glacier landscapes with minimal hassle, it’s a strong choice.

Remember that the tour is weather-dependent—poor weather can cancel or alter plans, but you’ll be offered a full refund or rescheduling. Also, since the trip is most suitable for most travelers, including those with limited mobility, it’s pretty accessible, provided you can enjoy a boat ride and some time outdoors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves stunning scenery from the water, appreciates well-organized logistics, and wants to see the key glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park without hiking long distances, this trip is perfect. It’s also a great choice for photographers eager to capture the perfect shot of icebergs and glaciers, especially from the Spegazzini Base.

However, if your ideal Patagonia experience involves more active pursuits or visits to Perito Moreno, you might prefer other tours. This one is best suited for those who prioritize scenic cruising and authentic glacier views over land-based adventure.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 7:30 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, it includes pickup and drop-off at Puerto Bandera, as well as navigation on Argentine Lake.

Are all glacier views included?
You’ll visit Spegazzini Glacier and sail among icebergs near Upsala Glacier. Admission tickets to both glaciers are included.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. It’s recommended to bring snacks or a light meal.

What’s the best part of the tour?
Most travelers rave about sailing among icebergs and the panoramic views from Spegazzini Base.

What is the national park fee?
The USD 29 entrance fee is paid separately at the park.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but consider individual mobility and comfort with boat rides.

How weather affects the tour?
It’s weather-dependent. Poor conditions may cause cancellations, but full refunds or rescheduling are offered.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is free, with a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Full-Day Glaciers Tour offers a splendid way to see some of Patagonia’s most iconic sights from a comfortable boat, with the chance to get close to massive ice formations and enjoy panoramic views from the Spegazzini Base. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want to combine scenic beauty with a relaxing cruise rather than intense hiking or land-based exploration.

While it’s a bit pricey, the inclusion of transportation, glacier entry tickets, and the sheer spectacle of sailing among floating icebergs make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking authentic, memorable glacier encounters in Los Glaciares National Park.

If you’re after stunning visuals and a peaceful boat ride, and don’t mind a full day out on the water, this tour could be your Patagonia highlight. For a more active or land-based experience, look elsewhere, but for pure glacier grandeur from the comfort of a boat, this tour delivers in spades.