Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour: Upsala and Spegazzini

Exploring the majestic glaciers within Los Glaciares National Park is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. The Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour: Upsala and Spegazzini promises an unforgettable journey, blending stunning natural beauty with exceptional service. From a scenic cruise showcasing calving events to a gourmet lunch with a professional guide, this tour offers an immersive adventure that captivates the senses. With convenient roundtrip transfers and an affordable entrance fee, it’s no wonder this excursion has earned rave reviews. But what truly sets this tour apart from the rest? Delve deeper to uncover the unique highlights that make this glacier exploration a must-do activity.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In El Calafate.

Key Points

• Full-day glacier tour from El Calafate, Argentina, exploring Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer, 5-hour cruise, bilingual guide, gourmet lunch, and insurance, but excludes $12 USD park entrance fee.
• Tour duration is 10-12 hours, with a maximum capacity of 120 travelers and a price of $300 USD.
• Mixed reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences, with some concerns about unmet expectations and pricing discrepancies.
• Local providers in El Calafate recommend booking glacier tours directly for better pricing and tailored experiences.

Tour Overview

The Gourmet Glacier Tour offers a full-day excursion from El Calafate, Argentina, allowing travelers to explore the majestic Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

The tour lasts approximately 10-12 hours, with the actual cruise duration being around 5 hours. The maximum capacity is 120 travelers, and the price is $300 USD, which some have claimed is overpriced.

Roundtrip transfer from lodging, navigation, a professional bilingual guide, insurance, and lunch are included. Entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park are an additional $12 USD.

Pickup is limited to hotels with reception, and confirmation is provided upon booking, unless within 12 hours of travel.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

Inclusions and Logistics

Roundtrip transfer from lodging in Calafate is provided for the Gourmet Glacier Tour.

The tour includes navigation and a professional bilingual guide. Lunch and insurance are also provided.

Travelers must pay the $12 USD entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park.

Pickup is only available from hotels with reception; no pickups from airports or Airbnbs. Guests are advised to contact the tour operator via WhatsApp with their hotel information upon reservation.

Travelers must provide their passport details for reservation confirmation, which they’ll receive unless within 12 hours of the tour.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Booking and Confirmation

Confirmation is received at the time of booking unless the reservation is made within 12 hours of the tour departure. In that case, confirmation will come shortly after the booking is made. When making a reservation, travelers must provide their passport information for confirmation.

Reservation Policy	Details
Cancellation	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Payment	Reserve now and pay later option available.
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on laps.

The tour has mixed reviews, with some noting miscommunications and issues with pricing and booking errors. It is recommended to book directly with local providers for better pricing and a more reliable experience.

Health and Accessibility

According to the information provided, the Gourmet Glacier Tour is accessible for wheelchair users.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Most travelers can participate in the tour.

The key health and accessibility details are:

1. Wheelchair accessible.
2. Infants must sit on laps.
3. Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
4. Most travelers can participate.

Customer Reviews

Based on the information provided, the customer reviews for the Gourmet Glacier Tour seem to be mixed, with some notable complaints.

While the tour has a 3.8 rating out of 10 reviews, several travelers have reported issues with miscommunication and feeling that the tour highlights weren’t fully delivered, such as the Perito Moreno glacier not being included.

There have also been concerns raised about pricing discrepancies and booking errors. The host’s responses indicate some misunderstandings regarding tour selection and details.

Tour Highlights

The Gourmet Glacier Tour‘s highlights include a full-day excursion to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, located in the stunning Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, Argentina.

Travelers can expect:

1. An approximately 5-hour cruise on the turquoise waters, offering breathtaking views of the massive glaciers.
2. The chance to witness calving events, where chunks of ice break off from the glaciers.
3. A gourmet lunch provided during the tour to fuel the experience.
4. Knowledgeable bilingual guides who offer insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, and environmental significance.

The tour give you an immersive and memorable encounter with Patagonia’s awe-inspiring glacial landscapes.

Pricing and Value

The pricing for the Gourmet Glacier Tour has drawn mixed reviews from travelers. While the tour is priced at $300 USD, some have felt it is overpriced for the experience. To provide more context, here is a breakdown of the pricing and value:

Inclusions	Cost
Roundtrip Transfer	–
Bilingual Guide	–
Insurance and Lunch	–
National Park Fee	$12 USD

Despite the inclusions, concerns have been raised about issues with tour highlights not being delivered and booking errors. Travelers recommend booking directly with local providers for better pricing and experience.

Local Recommendations

Many local travel providers in El Calafate recommend booking glacier tours directly with them to ensure a better pricing and overall experience.

According to reviews, some key advantages of booking locally include:

1. Competitive pricing – Avoiding the markup from third-party tour operators can save travelers a significant amount.
2. Tailored experiences – Local providers can customize tours to better match individual preferences and expectations.
3. Attentive service – Working directly with local experts allows for more responsive communication and problem-solving.
4. Insider knowledge – Local guides have deep familiarity with the glaciers and can provide more enriching commentary.

Ultimately, booking directly with reputable local providers in El Calafate is the best way to maximize value and satisfaction on a glacier tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour includes a provided lunch, but it’s unclear if dietary restrictions are accommodated. Travelers should contact the tour provider in advance to inquire about any special dietary needs or preferences they may have.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour is layered, warm clothing, including a waterproof jacket and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Dressing for cold, windy, and potentially wet weather conditions is advised, as the tour involves boat travel near glaciers.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Age-Appropriate Activities?

The tour has no specific age restrictions, but it’s not recommended for infants or travelers with serious medical conditions. Most travelers can participate, though infants must sit on laps during the cruise portion.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

The tour does not specify a minimum number of participants required for it to operate. The tour has a maximum capacity of 120 travelers, so it likely runs regardless of the number of bookings, subject to the maximum capacity.

How Reliable Is the Tour’s Punctuality and Adherence to the Itinerary?

Based on the reviews, the tour’s punctuality and adherence to the itinerary appear inconsistent. While some travelers report a smooth experience, others complain of miscommunications and highlights not being delivered as promised. Reliability varies.

Recap

The Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour: Upsala and Spegazzini offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breathtaking glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park. With its scenic cruise, gourmet lunch, and professional bilingual guide, this captivating adventure provides exceptional value for travelers seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The tour’s inclusion of roundtrip transfers and an entrance fee further enhances the overall experience, making it a must-do for visitors to El Calafate.