Unique Gourmet Experience – Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Ride

Experience the Perito Moreno Glacier from the Water: A Balanced Look at a Gourmet Adventure

If you’re heading to El Calafate and eager to see the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, this full-day boat tour offers a uniquely luxurious way to enjoy some of Patagonia’s most stunning scenery. For around $380 per person, you’ll spend about 10 hours on a stylish cruise that takes you through Los Glaciares National Park, with the chance to disembark and walk among glaciers led by guides. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a blend of comfort, spectacular views, and immersive glacier experiences, all wrapped in a package that includes round-trip hotel transportation.

What we love most about this experience is the luxurious boat that provides a comfortable base for sightseeing and the gourmet lunch onboard—an unexpected treat amidst the icy wilderness. Plus, the guided walk at Puesto de las Vacas offers a rare chance to get up close to the glaciers, making the scenery feel even more tangible.

One possible drawback is that this tour can be quite busy, with up to 180 travelers, especially during peak season. Also, some reviews mention discrepancies in the experience, notably an incident where a traveler was surprised by the size of the cruise (188 people instead of 28) and the included meal, which underscores the importance of checking current details before booking.

This tour works best for adventurous travelers who appreciate comfort and scenic beauty and are comfortable with the idea of a full day on the water. It’s especially suited for those wanting to combine luxury with active glacier exploration—a perfect choice if you’re keen on both glacier views and gourmet dining.

Key Points

• Comfortable luxury cruise with panoramic views of glaciers and ice fields.
• Guided walk at Puesto de las Vacas offers an immersive glacier experience.
• Includes round-trip transportation from El Calafate hotels, making logistics easy.
• Gourmet lunch onboard adds a special touch, allowing you to relax and enjoy Patagonia’s scenery.
• Some reviews highlight stunning views as a major highlight, though larger crowds can be expected.
• Be aware of possible variations in experience based on tour size and updates.

A Detailed Look at the Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour

Starting Off: Hotel Pickup and Transfer

Your day begins early, around 7:30 AM, with a hotel pickup in El Calafate. This ensures you avoid the hassle of navigating to the port yourself. The ride to Puerto Bandera is brief, but it’s a good chance to get a first glimpse of the Patagonian landscape and chat with your guide about what’s ahead.

Boarding the Cruise: A Comfortable Ride through Los Glaciares

Once at the port, you’ll step aboard a luxury sailing vessel. The boat’s design prioritizes comfort and panoramic views, so you’ll want to find a good spot—either indoors or on deck. The crew greets guests warmly, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

The cruise begins with a gentle ride through the Upsala Channel, heading toward the icebergs and glaciers. From the boat, the views of immense ice fields and towering glaciers are breathtaking. Many travelers note that the walls of ice are more than 50 meters high, with stunning shades of deep blue and white, making for fantastic photo opportunities.

Navigating Lago Argentino: A Scenic Waterway

The cruise’s highlight is the passage across Lago Argentino, where walls of ice and floating icebergs create a surreal landscape. The experience of drifting through this icy spectacle is unforgettable; it’s a perfect setting for those spectacular photos you’ll want to share. The boat’s large windows allow for unobstructed views, and the smooth ride makes this a comfortable way to see the glaciers without the sometimes roughness of land-based tours.

Visiting Spegazzini Glacier: Up Close with Massive Ice Walls

Your next stop is the Spegazzini Glacier, notable for its front walls between 80 and 135 meters high—a jaw-dropping sight. The cruise approaches quite close, giving you an intimate look at this massive ice formation. The boat stops at Puesto de las Vacas, a quiet bay, where the crew offers a guided walk among the ice, letting you get closer to the glaciers than most land-based tours allow.

One reviewer, “Happiness52937304329,” mentioned that they faced an unexpected large crowd and a less-than-ideal experience, noting that the accurate description was not updated on the booking platform. This highlights the importance of confirming details before your trip, especially during busy seasons.

Visiting Upsala Glacier: The Ice Floe Spectacle

The voyage continues toward the Uspala Glacier, one of the largest in the park. As you approach, you’ll see floating ice floes in a variety of colors and shapes, which makes for incredible images. Depending on the weather, you might get a good view of the glacier itself, or at least witness the dynamic ice environment that makes Patagonia so unique.

Gourmet Lunch on the Water

A true highlight is the included gourmet lunch, served during the cruise. You can choose between a lunch box or a premium meal, depending on your booking. This is a rare treat, especially given the rugged surroundings. The food adds an extra layer of comfort, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery with a full stomach.

Reaching the Perito Moreno Glacier

The final leg of the cruise takes you to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you’ll witness the incredible calving—the spectacular cracking and breaking of ice walls that create thunderous sounds and enormous ice chunks falling into the lake. This constantly shifting wall is one of nature’s most impressive displays and a must-see for anyone visiting Patagonia.

Many travelers find the view of Perito Moreno worth the long day, especially considering the constant movement of the glacier. It’s a sight that sticks with you long after the tour ends.

Return Journey and Hotel Drop-off

By around 5 PM, the boat heads back to port, and your guide will arrange transportation back to your hotel in El Calafate. The return trip offers one last chance to reflect on the day’s wonders, maybe swap photos with fellow travelers, and enjoy the Patagonian landscape.

Why This Tour Could Be Perfect for You

This full-day cruise is best suited for adventurers who prefer comfort and want to see the glaciers from a different perspective. The luxury boat offers a smooth ride and plenty of scenic viewing spots, making it ideal for those who want to relax without sacrificing the opportunity for close-up glacier views.

It’s also great if you’re interested in combining sightseeing with gourmet dining, or if you prefer guided glacier walks over purely land-based excursions. However, keep in mind that large groups are common, which might detract for some travelers seeking a more intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour stands out for combining luxury and scenery, with a full day of breathtaking views and an immersive glacier walk. The inclusion of a gourmet lunch elevates the experience from a simple cruise to a memorable event. While some reviews point out possible variability in experience, most travelers agree that the views and the imposing glaciers make it worthwhile.

It’s an excellent choice for nature lovers who appreciate comfort and scenery and are willing to spend a full day on the water. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet awe-inspiring way to see Patagonia’s glaciers, this tour could be just what you need.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from your El Calafate hotel, which makes logistics straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, including transportation, cruising, glacier walks, and returning to your hotel.

What are the main sights visited?
You’ll visit the Upsala Channel, Spegazzini Glacier, Uspala Glacier, and Perito Moreno Glacier, with a focus on scenic cruising and glacier exploration.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a gourmet lunch is served onboard, with options for a lunch box or premium meal depending on your booking.

How crowded does it get?
The tour can accommodate up to 180 travelers, so it’s more of a communal experience rather than an intimate small-group adventure.

Are there any extra fees I should be aware of?
Yes, National Park entrance fees are not included in the price and need to be paid separately.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour operates daily from October 1st to April 15th and Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April 16th to September 30th.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the description doesn’t specify, expect some walking on glaciers and boarding the boat, so it may not be suitable for everyone with mobility concerns.

What is the overall value of this experience?
Considering the luxury cruise, guided glacier walk, and gourmet meal, many find this tour offers good value for an immersive Patagonian adventure, though it is on the pricier side compared to land-only trips.

To sum it up, this luxury boat tour offers an excellent way to see the Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding ice fields with comfort and style. Its combination of scenic cruising, guided glacier walks, and fine dining makes it a memorable Patagonia experience. Ideal for adventure lovers who appreciate comfort and spectacular scenery, it’s a day that promises awe-inspiring views and a touch of luxury—an experience well worth considering if your goal is to see glaciers in a relaxed but immersive way.