Glaciares Gourmet Premium Lounge boat Tour + El Calafate pick up

Imagine spending nearly 11 hours exploring some of the most breathtaking glaciers on Earth—all from the comfort of a luxurious boat with top-tier amenities. That’s exactly what the Glaciares Gourmet Premium Lounge boat tour offers. Starting with a pickup right from your El Calafate accommodation, this guided adventure takes you across Lake Argentino to visit five major glaciers, including the iconic Perito Moreno. For those willing to splurge a bit, this tour brings the promise of VIP treatment, with exclusive access to a private lounge, an open bar, and a sumptuous four-course lunch.

What really makes this experience shine are the stunning views from the premium lounge—located in the best spot on the boat—and the chance to see glaciers and icebergs up close. Plus, the inclusion of a walk through Patagonian forests adds a taste of local wilderness. We love that it’s an all-in-one day, combining boat, land, and glacier sights, all with a touch of comfort and style.

One thing to note: Park entrance fees are not included, so plan for that additional cost. Also, due to the limited group size—max 16 travelers—you can expect a more personalized experience, which we think is a real plus. This tour will appeal most to travelers who appreciate luxury, are eager to see multiple glaciers in one day, and enjoy good food and drinks in stunning natural settings. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that combines scenery with comfort, this tour ticks the box.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Glacier Viewing: Covers five major glaciers, including Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno.
• VIP Lounge Access: Offers a prime viewing spot, private terrace, open bar, and a four-course meal.
• Includes Land Walk: A peaceful walk through Patagonian forest at Puesto de las Vacas.
• Full Day Experience: Approx. 11 hours, with transportation from El Calafate and a mix of boat, land, and glacier views.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups ensure personalized attention and better viewing opportunities.
• Additional Park Fees: Not included, so be prepared for extra costs.

The Experience: A Deep Dive into the Tour Itself

Early Morning Pickup and Preparation

Your day begins bright and early, with pickup at 7:00 a.m. from your El Calafate hotel or accommodation. The ride to Puerto Privado La Soledad—about 29 miles away—is comfortable, and guides are on hand to help you purchase your park entrance tickets. Since these are not included, you might want to budget extra for the entry fee, but the ease of having transportation taken care of is a big plus.

Boarding the Catamaran

At around 8:30 a.m., you’ll step aboard a large catamaran with four outdoor decks, providing ample space to photograph and marvel at the scenery. This vessel is built for both stability and views, and the VIP lounge—accessible only through this premium experience—is perched in the best spot on the boat. Here, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted vistas, a private terrace, and the open bar (for travelers over 18), which makes this an ideal spot to relax and take in the landscape.

First Glimpses: Icebergs and Upsala Glacier

Just moments after departure, you’ll start to see floating icebergs—colossal blocks of ice, sometimes four times bigger than the boat, drifting by with a sense of quiet majesty. The captain will circle close to the Upsala Glacier, but safety regulations mean the boat will stay at least six miles away, yet the views are still astonishing. The crew makes sure everyone gets a perfect look, whether from inside or outside, and the experience of seeing these massive ice blocks calving off is unforgettable.

Exploring the Park: Heim and Seco Glaciers

Next, you’ll pass neighboring hanging glaciers, Heim and Seco. Their position without touching the water makes them look like frozen sculptures hanging silently from the mountains, a sight that fills your camera’s memory card quickly. The guides will point out these natural wonders, and you’ll appreciate how their unique formations contribute to the park’s dramatic landscape.

Walkthrough at Puesto de las Vacas

Arriving at Puesto de las Vacas, you’ll disembark for a one-hour walk. This old Patagonian estancia is a reminder of the pioneering spirit of the region—horses, old buildings, and history all in a peaceful setting. The guides will tell stories about the pioneers and the land, making it a meaningful pause amidst the grandeur.

Lunch: Viewing the Spegazzini Glacier

Next, the boat pulls into the Spegazzini Glacier bay—an impressive sight. Its overhang towers 425 feet over the lake, almost twice the height of Perito Moreno. Here, the four-course meal is served—two starters, a main, and dessert—while you soak in views of this towering ice formation. The restaurant-quality lunch allows you to enjoy fine food with a view, a true highlight that combines taste with scenery.

Canal de los Témpanos and the Perito Moreno Glacier

After lunch, the journey continues through the Canal de los Témpanos, where floating ice chunks drift lazily past. The highlight for many is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a spectacle of active ice calving that produces thunderous cracks and splashes. Travelers often describe hearing dramatic roars when large chunks fall, adding a sense of raw power to the experience.

Optional Disembarkation at Perito Moreno Walkways

Depending on your booking choice, you’ll either disembark at the Perito Moreno walkways for over an hour—giving you time to walk along the glacier’s viewing platforms—or head back to El Calafate. The walkways provide close-up vistas of the glacier’s face, and many reviews praise this optional stop for its breathtaking views.

Return Journey and Reflection

The boat’s return journey is equally scenic, with more icebergs and glaciers passing by. You’ll arrive back in El Calafate around 6-7 p.m., having experienced a full day immersed in glaciers, forest, and Patagonian wilderness. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and guides are attentive to your comfort and curiosity throughout.

What We Love About This Tour

First, the VIP lounge access makes a difference. Sitting in the best part of the boat with a private terrace and an open bar elevates the experience beyond standard tours. It’s perfect for those who want comfort without sacrificing spectacular views.

Second, the comprehensive itinerary covers all the main glaciers—Upsala, Spegazzini, Heim, Seco, and Perito Moreno—in one day, maximizing your time and exposure to Glaciers of different shapes, sizes, and formations. The walk at Puesto de las Vacas adds a peaceful land experience, giving variety and a touch of local history.

Third, the quality of food and drinks—especially the four-course meal—adds a layer of luxury. Many reviews mention the delicious lunch and attentive service, making the long day feel indulgent rather than exhausting.

A Possible Drawback

The main consideration is the price—at $520 per person, this isn’t cheap. It reflects the luxury aspect, but for travelers on a tighter budget, a simpler boat tour or self-guided options might be more economical. Also, park entrance fees are extra, and booking well in advance is advised since the tour is popular (booked on average 57 days ahead).

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you value comfort, gourmet food, and a small group experience, this tour is a winner. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see multiple glaciers, enjoy luxurious amenities, and have the flexibility of an optional disembarkation at Perito Moreno. Nature lovers who appreciate stunning scenery combined with good service will find this experience rewarding.

However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly or adventure-focused outing, other options might suit you better. This tour emphasizes luxury and convenience, making it ideal for those who see glaciers as a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity and want to do it in style.

Final Thoughts

The Glaciares Gourmet Premium Lounge boat tour offers an exceptional way to experience the grandeur of Los Glaciares National Park. It’s a well-rounded option that combines spectacular glacier views, luxurious amenities, and an all-in-one itinerary. For those who prioritize comfort without missing out on key sights, it delivers on all fronts.

The small group size, combined with attentive guides and high-quality food and drinks, ensures an intimate and memorable adventure. Yes, it’s a splurge, but for many travelers, the chance to relax and indulge while witnessing some of the most incredible natural ice formations on the planet is more than worth the cost.

If glacier beauty, luxury, and ease of access appeal to you, this tour is an excellent pick. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a premium experience that covers everything—the glaciers, the land, and the sea—in a single day.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is park entrance fee included? No, the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.

What’s the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and better opportunities for viewing and photography.

What is the duration of the tour? The total experience lasts about 11 hours, starting early in the morning and returning around 6 to 7 p.m.

Does the VIP lounge have a private bathroom? Yes, it does, providing added comfort during the day.

Can I disembark at Perito Moreno? Yes, if you select that option during booking, you’ll spend over an hour exploring the walkways before returning to El Calafate.

Is food served on the boat? Absolutely, a four-course lunch is included, along with open bar service for drinks over 18.

To sum it up, this tour makes a strong case for those wanting a luxurious, all-encompassing glacier experience in Los Glaciares National Park. With stunning views, excellent amenities, and a carefully curated itinerary, it’s an adventure that balances natural beauty with comfort—perfect for anyone looking to indulge in Patagonia’s spectacular icy landscapes.