“Glaciares Gourmet” – Maria Turquesa Cruiser Navigation (classic)

A Day on the Water with “Glaciares Gourmet” – Maria Turquesa Cruiser Navigation (Classic)

If you’re visiting El Calafate and eager to see some of Patagonia’s most famous glaciers from a different perspective, the “Glaciares Gourmet” cruise is worth considering. For around $389 per person, you get roughly 11 hours of floating through glacial waters, with stops at iconic spots like the Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Upsala glaciers, culminating in a closer view of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward, and has a reputation for friendly guides who speak English, helping you make sense of this icy spectacle.

What we love about this experience is how it combines relaxing time on the water with varied glacier views that are hard to match from land. The onboard gourmet box lunch ensures you’re well-fed as you take in the spectacular scenery. Plus, the personalized touches—like visits to Upsala Canal with panoramic views—add a special flare.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that some reviews suggest the shore visits, particularly the approach to Perito Moreno, can feel rushed, leaving little time for photos or extra exploration. This is a full-day tour, so expect a long, busy day on the water.

This cruise appeals most to those who want a comfortable, well-organized way to see multiple glaciers in one go, especially if you prefer to avoid the hassle of arranging your own boat trips or needing a guided explanation of what you’re seeing. It’s ideal for travelers who value convenience and a scenic journey without sacrificing the opportunity to observe several glacial giants in a single day.

Key Points

• Multiple Glacier Views: See the Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Upsala glaciers in one trip.
• Relaxing Water Experience: Spend most of the day on a comfortable catamaran, enjoying the scenery.
• Guided in English: Guides help clarify what you’re witnessing, making the experience accessible.
• Hassle-Free Transfers: Included hotel pickup and drop-off save you time and effort.
• Gourmet Lunch: An onboard box lunch adds a touch of comfort during the long day.
• Weather-Dependent: The route may change based on weather and captain’s decisions, which could affect the itinerary.

Detailed Review of the “Glaciares Gourmet” Cruise

Setting the Scene: What to Expect from the Tour

This full-day cruise is designed to give you a comprehensive view of Patagonia’s glacier landscape without the hassle of multiple bookings or complicated logistics. The day begins with a hotel pickup at around 7:15 am, a seamless start that means you’re on your way without worrying about finding the port. The private transfer takes you to La Soledad port, where, after a brief wait, you board the catamaran.

The price of $388.89 includes the boat ride, hotel transfers, and a gourmet box lunch. The admission to the national park isn’t included, so you’ll need to buy your ticket in pesos on the day, a small extra step but worth it for the scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Pickup and Boarding

The tour kicks off early, with pickup around 7:15 am. This allows you to arrive at La Soledad port by 8:30 am for boarding, giving you plenty of time to settle into your seat and prepare for a full day on the water.

Navigating the Glaciers

By 9:00 am, the boat sets sail. The first stops are at Escuadra Bay and the Muralla de Condoreras—sites renowned for their stunning views and birdlife, with nesting condors often seen soaring overhead. From there, you’ll cruise past the Seco, Heim, and Spegazzini glaciers, each offering a different perspective of these icy giants.

The Spegazzini Glacier is particularly impressive with its towering front face, often a highlight for photographers. As you navigate, the guides provide commentary to help you understand the geological and environmental significance of each glacier.

Shore Stop and Upsala Canal

Around midday, the ship anchors at “Puesto Las Vacas” for a walk, giving you a rare opportunity to stretch your legs and observe the glacier surroundings more closely. This stop is appreciated for offering a bit of land-based perspective amid the vast icy waters.

Next, the boat ventures into the Upsala Canal, where panoramic views of the Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers unfold. These are among the largest glaciers in the region, and seeing them from this vantage point offers a sense of their immense scale that photos alone cannot capture.

Lunch on Board

Around noon, you’ll enjoy a gourmet box lunch onboard. While not a full-service restaurant, the quality is often praised for including local flavors and fresh ingredients, enough to keep you comfortable and energized for the rest of the day.

Approaching Perito Moreno

The cruise continues towards the north face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, where the captain might adjust the route based on weather conditions. You’ll get a closer view of one of Argentina’s most iconic glaciers, famous for its calving events and dramatic ice formations. However, some reviews point out that the view of Perito Moreno can feel rushed or limited, with little time to linger or take extensive photos.

The Experience and Authenticity

We found that most travelers appreciate the smooth organization and the variety of glaciers seen in one day. The English-speaking guides help demystify the scenery, making it accessible whether you’re a glacier enthusiast or just here for the scenery. The hassle-free pickup and drop-off ensure you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in the views.

That said, reviews indicate that some felt the approach to Upsala was too distant for good photos or appreciation, and the short stop at Perito Moreno might leave some wanting more. This seems to be a common feature of full-day boat trips—balancing time between multiple sights means compromises.

What Do Travelers Say?

One reviewer described the cruise as “just another average cruise,” noting that while it was enjoyable, it felt a bit costly compared to the experience. Conversely, another pointed out that it’s “worth the detour,” especially for those wanting a glacier-focused day without needing multiple tours or transfers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, guided experience with minimal planning. It’s perfect if you want to see many glaciers in one day and are comfortable with a long, full day at sea. Travelers who value comfort, convenience, and scenic views will find this tour a good fit.

Why This Tour Might Be Right for You

If you’re looking for an easy, well-organized way to see some of Patagonia’s most famous glaciers, this cruise offers a good balance of comfort, scenery, and educational content. The hotel pickup and drop-off are a big plus, especially if you’re staying in El Calafate and don’t want to spend extra time arranging transport.

The gourmet onboard lunch elevates the experience slightly beyond basic boat tours, providing a taste of local flavors amid stunning scenery. Plus, the guides’ English language skills help make sense of what you’re seeing, particularly if you’re not a glacier expert.

However, if your priority is to spend extended time close to the glaciers themselves or get more detailed views of Upsala or Perito Moreno, you might find this tour falls a little short in terms of photo opportunities and close-up interaction.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be accessible and includes hotel pickup, but it is a full-day experience requiring comfort with long water days and possible weather changes.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 11 hours, including transfers, boat time, and stops.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transfers, the boat cruise, and a gourmet box lunch. Entrance to the national park is not included and must be purchased separately.

What about weather conditions?
The route may change depending on weather and captain’s decisions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, guides speak English and help explain the glaciers and surroundings during the cruise.

Can I buy my park entrance ticket on the day?
Yes, you’ll need pesos to buy your ticket at the park entrance on the day of the tour.

How crowded does it get?
The tour can accommodate up to 200 travelers, but it generally feels comfortable, especially if you’re early with the boarding.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring layers, waterproof clothing, and a camera with plenty of storage for photos. Be prepared for a full day outdoors and on the water.

Are there opportunities for photos?
Yes, but some reviews note the views of Upsala and Perito Moreno can be distant or fleeting, so capturing good photos requires quick reflexes.

How does this tour compare to land-based visits?
While land visits like the Perito Moreno park walk are more stationary, this cruise offers a dynamic, water-based perspective that showcases the glaciers’ grandeur from a different angle.

To sum it up, the “Glaciares Gourmet” cruise from El Calafate offers a balanced, scenic, and comfortable way to see some of Patagonia’s most stunning glaciers. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, guided experience with the added comfort of onboard dining and hotel transfers. While it may leave some wanting more time at certain sights or closer views of Upsala and Perito Moreno, it delivers a memorable day on the water, showcasing the power and beauty of Patagonia’s icy giants. If you value convenience, variety, and expert commentary, this tour will serve you well, especially if you’re willing to trade a bit of intimacy for ease and comfort.