All Glaciers Navigation: Discovering Upsala & Spegazzini

Icebergs make this lake feel polar. This full-day cruise from El Calafate takes you across Lago Argentino to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, with excellent photo stops and a short forest walk to the Spegazzini Refuge. I especially like the close views of Spegazzini Glacier and the chance to see several glaciers in one outing. The main drawback is the length: about 10 hours, with a boat that can feel crowded at full capacity.

I also like the clear choice between hotel transfers and meeting at Punta Bandera yourself. You will need warm layers, patience for a long sailing day, and extra cash for the National Park entrance fee. Despite some confusion reported around pickup arrangements, the trip itself is generally praised for good organization, punctuality, beautiful scenery, and helpful bilingual guides.

Key points at a glance

• Spegazzini is the star: The boat reaches impressive viewpoints near this glacier, followed by a 300-meter walk to a refuge.
• Upsala is more distant: Ice floes and broad views are the attraction, but you may see the glacier from far away.
• A full day on the water: Expect roughly 10 hours from hotel pickup to return, or about 8:30 am to 4 pm without transfers.
• Bring serious cold-weather clothing: Wind on the outside decks can be bitter, even when conditions in El Calafate seem mild.
• The Perito Moreno description needs care: This outing does not take you to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
• Budget for the park fee: The National Park entrance costs $45 per person and must be paid on arrival in Argentine pesos.

What this El Calafate glacier cruise actually covers

This is a sightseeing cruise through the northern reaches of Lago Argentino, not a visit to every major glacier in the region. The route focuses on Upsala and Spegazzini, with views of other ice formations along the way.

The tour costs about $248 per person. That is a serious price, but it includes the boat trip, bilingual guide, hike, and hotel transfers if you select that option. You are paying for access to remote glacier viewpoints that would be difficult to reach independently, not simply for transportation.

Meals and drinks are extra. Food and warm drinks are available for purchase on the boat, and lunch is available at the Spegazzini Refuge. You can also bring your own lunch, which may help keep the total cost under control.

The group can reach 300 people. That matters. The boat offers room to move around, but the economy seating area may feel packed when the departure is full. If you want photographs from the outside deck, get out promptly when the boat pauses, take your pictures, and step aside so others can use the space.

The 7 am departure from El Calafate

With the transfer option, pickup from central hotels begins around 7 am. The bus then travels 47 kilometers to Punta Bandera, the port for the cruise.

The transfer saves you the trouble of arranging transport to the port, and the return is scheduled to reach El Calafate around 5 pm. It is the simplest choice if you are staying in town and want one company responsible for the whole day.

There is one important warning: confirm your transfer option and pickup time carefully. A serious mix-up has occurred when hotel pickup details were confused with the port meeting time. In that case, passengers had to take a costly taxi to the jetty and later disputed whether the transfer fee should be refunded.

If you choose the non-transfer option, you meet at Solo Patagonia, Estancia Punta Bandera, at 8:30 am. The boat leaves at about 9 am. Your ticket QR code is needed for boarding, so keep it accessible on your phone.

Sailing across Lago Argentino at 9 am

Once everyone is aboard, the route begins on the North Arm of Lago Argentino. The crossing of the Devil’s Mouth leads toward the Upsala Canal, where the character of the trip changes from open-water sailing to a search for ice.

The boat passes among large floes that have broken away from the Upsala Glacier. This is one of the most memorable parts of the day. You are not merely looking at a white wall in the distance. You are watching individual blocks of ancient blue-white ice drift across a broad lake.

Upsala itself may be visible only from a distance. That depends on the ice and the route available to the boat. If you are expecting to approach the glacier closely, adjust your expectations. The Upsala portion is strongest for its wide views, floating ice, and sense of scale.

The boat pauses at selected points for photographs. You can move outside for the best views, then return indoors to warm up. The wind is cold, and staying outside for the entire sailing period may be uncomfortable.

Glacier views from Seco to Spegazzini

As the boat enters the Spegazzini Canal, you will see a group of glaciers rather than a single attraction. The route includes views of Seco Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, South Heim Glacier, and Peineta Glacier.

This variety gives the cruise its value. Each glacier appears from a different angle, and the ice floes add another layer to the scenery. The best photographs often come from the changing viewpoints, not from one fixed lookout.

The boat may stop for major sights, but it will not pause for every small iceberg. Keep your camera ready. If you see a striking block, take the photograph before it slips behind the boat or another passenger.

The repeated movement between the warm interior and cold outer deck is part of the routine. Wear a proper coat, hat, gloves, and layers. The trip is much more enjoyable when you can stay outside long enough for photographs without turning numb.

Warm drinks and snacks are sold aboard. They are useful on a cold day, but they add to the cost. If you have children with you, the long sailing period may feel slow, so small games or other quiet distractions can help.

The Spegazzini Refuge and its two walking choices

The strongest land portion begins at La Base Spegazzini. From the landing point, an accessible 300-meter path through the forest leads to the Spegazzini Refuge.

The route stays on firm ground and is described as uncomplicated. Along the way, stations cover glaciology, local history, fauna, and flora. These displays give the walk more purpose than simply moving from the boat to a restaurant.

At the refuge, you can buy food and drinks, visit the shop, or take in the views from the rooms, deck, and terrace. The Bay of Glaciers opens out below, making this a good place to slow down after the boat ride.

You can also choose a mountain trail of medium difficulty. It follows a wooded route with natural viewpoints and ends at the landing point. The tour includes a hike, but it does not mean every participant must take the more demanding trail.

The refuge entry or meal is not included in the tour price. Bring money for anything you want to purchase there. You should also allow enough time to return to the boat, since the cruise continues after the stop.

Spegazzini is the part that earns the strongest praise. The glacier is seen more closely than Upsala, and the refuge provides a comfortable place to appreciate the setting. If you only have one day for a glacier cruise beyond Perito Moreno, this section is a major reason to choose this route.

What you will not see at Perito Moreno

The itinerary includes a brief reference to Perito Moreno Glacier, but this boat trip does not take you to the Perito Moreno viewing walkways. The cruise is designed around Upsala, Spegazzini, and other glaciers on Lago Argentino.

This can be good planning if you already have a separate full-day visit to Perito Moreno. You can use this cruise to see a different part of the region instead of repeating the same glacier experience.

If this is your only glacier outing in El Calafate, make sure you understand the difference before paying. Perito Moreno is a separate experience, and this navigation should not replace it if seeing that glacier is your main goal.

A long day, and how the crowd affects it

The cruise portion lasts about five hours in the morning and continues after the Spegazzini stop. The whole outing takes around 10 hours with transfers.

Five hours on a boat is a long stretch, even with dramatic scenery. The views change, but the basic activity remains sitting, standing for photographs, and waiting for the next major sight. Some people will find this relaxing. Others may feel the pace becomes repetitive.

With up to 300 passengers, the experience is not intimate. The boat can feel crowded, especially in economy seating. You can walk around, but the best outdoor viewing spots may be busy during the main pauses.

That does not make the trip poorly run. The organization is generally described as punctual, and the bilingual guides speak Spanish and English. It simply means you should think of this as a popular large-boat excursion, not a small private expedition.

There has also been a complaint about poor bus ventilation, with the vehicle becoming uncomfortably warm despite requests for more airflow. Conditions may vary, but it is worth knowing that the transfer is a practical part of the day rather than a sightseeing highlight.

Price, park fees, and overall value

At $248 per person, this is not a budget excursion. Add the $45 National Park entrance fee, payable in cash and Argentine pesos, plus meals, drinks, and any transport costs if you choose the port-only option.

The value depends on what you want. If your priority is seeing as many ice formations and glacier fronts as possible in one day, the route covers a lot. You get the boat, several glacier views, the Spegazzini landing, a forest walk, and a refuge with panoramic outlooks.

If you mainly want one close glacier encounter, the price may feel high. The remote setting and long boat schedule are part of the cost, but the Upsala Glacier may remain distant, and much of the day is spent in transit.

The hotel transfer option offers practical value for most people staying in El Calafate. It removes the need to arrange a taxi to Punta Bandera, but the pickup details must be confirmed carefully. The non-transfer option may suit you if you already have dependable transport and want more control over your morning.

The published average booking time is 27 days in advance. That suggests planning ahead, especially if your El Calafate dates are fixed. Since the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, check the date, transfer choice, pickup information, and passport or ticket details before paying.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy long scenic outings, want to see glaciers other than Perito Moreno, and like the idea of combining boat views with a short walk. It is also a strong fit for photographers who want changing angles, floating ice, and several chances to work from the outside deck.

It suits people who prefer an organized day. The guide, sailing schedule, port arrangements, and return transfer are handled for you when the correct option is selected.

I would hesitate to recommend it to you if you dislike crowds, have limited time, or want a quiet small-boat experience. The full day can feel tiring, and the economy area may be busy.

Families can participate, but children may need something to do during the long sailing sections. Most people can take part, and the 300-meter refuge path is on firm ground. The medium-difficulty mountain trail is an optional choice, not the only way to enjoy the stop.

Should you book All Glaciers Navigation?

Book this tour if you have already planned Perito Moreno separately and want a second glacier day with a different feel. The Spegazzini Glacier, floating ice, and refuge views provide the best reasons to go.

Skip it if your budget is tight or if one glacier outing is enough. At $248, plus the park fee and food, this is a major purchase. The experience is rewarding, but it is also long, cold, and shared with a large group.

Before booking, choose the transfer option with care, confirm the exact pickup time, and prepare for wind. If you do that, this cruise offers a well-organized way to reach some of Lago Argentino’s most striking ice scenery.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Solo Patagonia, RP8, Estancia Punta Bandera, Santa Cruz, Argentina. If you select hotel transfers, pickup begins from central El Calafate hotels around 7 am.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat begins sailing at approximately 9 am from Punta Bandera. Passengers using the non-transfer option should meet at the port at 8:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience takes approximately 10 hours when hotel transfers are included. The boat is expected to return to Punta Bandera around 4 pm, with the transfer back to El Calafate scheduled for about 5 pm.

Which glaciers can I see?

The route includes Upsala, Spegazzini, Seco, South Heim, and Peineta glaciers. Upsala may be viewed from a greater distance, while Spegazzini is the main close-view highlight.

Does the tour visit Perito Moreno Glacier?

No. This navigation focuses on Upsala, Spegazzini, and other glaciers on Lago Argentino. A separate visit is needed to see Perito Moreno Glacier.

Is hotel transportation included?

Transfers are included only with the transfer option. If you choose the non-transfer option, you must reach Punta Bandera independently.

Is the Spegazzini walk difficult?

The main path is a 300-meter walk through the forest on firm ground and is described as accessible and uncomplicated. A separate mountain trail has medium difficulty.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included. You can buy warm drinks and snacks on the boat, and food is available at the Spegazzini Refuge.

How much is the National Park entrance fee?

The entrance fee is $45 per person. It is paid on arrival in cash and Argentine pesos.

How do I board the boat?

You need the QR code sent before the tour. Keep it available when you arrive for boarding.