El Calafate: Lake Argentino Upsala Channel Glaciers Cruise

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of El Calafate with a Lake Argentino Upsala Channel Glaciers Cruise. This full-day tour showcases the stunning glaciers and icebergs of the region, allowing travelers to witness the awe-inspiring power of nature. From the Seco and South Heim Glaciers to the Peineta and Spegazzini Glaciers, the cruise offers an up-close experience with these natural wonders. With personalized service, a live guide, and a delicious lunch, this adventure promises to be both informative and unforgettable. But the true wonder lies in what awaits those who embark on this remarkable journey.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In El Calafate.

Key Points

• A full-day boat tour that explores the North Arm of Lake Argentino, Boca del Diablo, and Upsala Channel, including close-up experiences of several glaciers.
• The tour departs from the Port of Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off services.
• The tour can be booked with a "reserve now & pay later" option, and there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Lunch and drinks are provided during the excursion, and the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is covered.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants, and it has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day boat tour of glaciers near El Calafate, including the famous Perito Moreno glacier, is priced from $237.00 per person.

The tour lasts 9.5 hours and is limited to 10 participants. It departs from the Port of Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Participants will sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino, cross Boca del Diablo, and explore the Upsala Channel with its large icebergs.

They’ll experience several glaciers, including Seco, South Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini, and disembark at Spegazzini Base for panoramic views.

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve your spot without immediate payment, as this tour offers a "reserve now & pay later" option. On top of that, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility. The pickup service is included, though some hotels may not be on the main route. If this is the case, alternative pickup locations will be provided.

Booking	Cancellation
Reserve now & pay later	Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Pickup included from El Calafate	Alternative pickup locations available

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour departs from the Port of Punta Bandera, located 47 km from El Calafate.

Passengers will sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino, cross the Boca del Diablo, and explore the Upsala Channel, where they’ll witness large icebergs.

The cruise will provide opportunities to experience the Seco, South Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini Glaciers.

Visitors will disembark at the Spegazzini Base to enjoy panoramic views of the glaciers.

The itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s stunning glacial landscapes, providing an unforgettable adventure for participants.

Included in the Tour

Included in the tour is hotel pickup and drop-off from El Calafate, providing convenience for participants.

A live guide is available in English and Spanish to enhance the experience. Lunch with drinks is also included, ensuring travelers are well-fed during the day-long excursion.

Plus, the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is covered, which is payable in cash only.

Travelers can choose between standard cabin or captains club cabin options, offering different levels of comfort.

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Important Information

Travelers should bring cash for the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park, as it’s only payable in cash.

Minors must provide a passport or ID via email to the tour operator.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with customers highlighting the value for money, safety, service, and organization.

The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, live guides in English and Spanish, and optional lunch with drinks, this cruise offers a comprehensive and enjoyable way to explore the stunning glaciers of Lake Argentino near El Calafate.

Customer Reviews

Customers have, on the whole, expressed great satisfaction with the El Calafate: Lake Argentino Cruise. Based on 7 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Travelers particularly appreciate the excellent value for money (4.3/5) and praise the tour’s safety (5/5), service (5/5), and organization (5/5).

The cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic glaciers of the Upsala Channel, including the iconic Perito Moreno.

With knowledgeable guides, comfortable cabins, and a delightful lunch, the tour provides a seamless and memorable experience for visitors to the stunning El Calafate region.

Departure and Navigation

The El Calafate: Lake Argentino Cruise departs from the Port of Punta Bandera, located 47 km from the town of El Calafate.

Once onboard, the tour sails through the North Arm of Lake Argentino, crosses the Boca del Diablo, and explores the Upsala Channel, where large icebergs can be seen.

The cruise provides an opportunity to experience the Seco, South Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini Glaciers up close.

At the Spegazzini Base, passengers can disembark and enjoy panoramic views of the stunning glacial landscape.

Glaciers Explored

The cruise provides an opportunity to experience the Seco, South Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini Glaciers up close.

As the boat sails through the Upsala Channel, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of these massive ice formations. The Seco Glacier‘s striking blue hues and the South Heim Glacier‘s towering presence are particularly mesmerizing.

The Peineta Glacier‘s intricate patterns and the Spegazzini Glacier‘s immense scale impress visitors. Disembarking at the Spegazzini Base, guests can enjoy panoramic vistas of these glaciers, truly appreciating their sheer size and power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch and drinks if the lunch option is selected.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Cabin?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the cabin. The tour offers two cabin options – Standard Cabin and Captain’s Club Cabin – allowing customers to choose a more premium experience for an additional cost.

Can I Rent Equipment Like Binoculars or Cameras on the Tour?

The tour does not offer rental equipment like binoculars or cameras. Guests should bring their own equipment for capturing the stunning glacial views. There’s an option to upgrade to a Captains Club Cabin for a more premium experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Video Recording?

According to the tour information, there are no explicit restrictions on photography or video recording during the glacier cruise. Passengers are free to capture photos and videos as they explore the scenic glaciers and icebergs along the route.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour offers limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While the boat has wheelchair-friendly areas, the terrain at the glacier sites may pose challenges. Passengers with mobility issues should contact the tour operator to discuss their specific needs.

Recap

The Lake Argentino Upsala Channel Glaciers Cruise in El Calafate offers a breathtaking day-long journey through the stunning landscapes of Lake Argentino. Travelers can witness impressive icebergs and glaciers up close, including the Seco, South Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini Glaciers. With personalized service, a live guide, and a delicious lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable experience amidst the awe-inspiring glacial formations.

You can check if your dates are available here: