Set out on a captivating journey through Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes with the exclusive Gourmet Glacier Experience aboard the Cruise María Turquesa. This intimate cruise, limited to just 16 passengers, offers a unique blend of culinary delights and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Savor a gourmet tasting menu showcasing the region’s finest local flavors as you witness the majesty of iconic glaciers like Seco and Spegazzini. With panoramic views from multiple decks and attentive guides, this seamless fusion of adventure and gastronomy promises to create unforgettable memories in the heart of one of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Key Points

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Exclusive 11-hour cruise in Patagonia featuring gourmet cuisine, personalized experience for up to 16 passengers, and guided hike to Puesto Las Vacas.
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Itinerary includes visits to Bahía Escuadra, Muralla de Condoreras, Seco Glacier, Heim Glacier, and Spegazzini Glacier, with panoramic views through the Upsala Canal.
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Premium experience aboard Cruise María Turquesa offers a multi-course tasting menu on the exclusive premium deck, while the standard option includes a gourmet lunch box.
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Complimentary hotel or airport pickup in El Calafate, with embarkation and disembarkation at the private port of La Soledad.
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Seasonal operation from May to August with service on odd days, ensuring high-quality service and efficient resource management.
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Highlights
- Onboard Experience
- Exclusive Cruise María Turquesa
- Maximum Passenger Capacity
- Gourmet Dining Options
- Hotel and Airport Pickup
- Seasonal Operation and Closures
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
- Can I Request a Special Dietary Menu?
- How Much Time Is Allocated for the Glacier Hike?
- Recap
- More Tour Reviews in Los Glaciares National Park
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Los Glaciares National Park we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing

The cruise in Patagonia offers a gourmet journey through the stunning landscapes of Southern Patagonia. Priced from $30,167 per person, this exclusive 11-hour experience takes guests on a discovery of the region’s natural wonders.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, and must reserve at least 48 hours ahead for confirmation.
The tour offers the opportunity to witness jaw-dropping glaciers, sail through picturesque canals, and disembark for a guided hike – all while indulging in gourmet cuisine.
With a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, this premium cruise delivers a personalized and unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Patagonian wilderness.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Los Glaciares National Park.
Itinerary and Highlights

The day begins with a 7:15 AM hotel pick-up, followed by an 8:30 AM embarkation at Puerto Privado La Soledad.
The exclusive cruise aboard the María Turquesa sails to:
- Bahía Escuadra
- Muralla de Condoreras
- Seco Glacier
- Heim Glacier
- Spegazzini Glacier
After disembarking at Puesto Las Vacas, guests enjoy a guided hike.
The journey continues through the Upsala Canal, offering panoramic glacier views, before sailing to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier in the afternoon.
The tour concludes with a 5:00 PM arrival back at Puerto Privado La Soledad and a 6:15 PM hotel drop-off.
Onboard Experience

Aboard the exclusive Cruise María Turquesa, passengers can expect a premium experience tailored to their comfort and enjoyment.
The vessel offers a maximum capacity of 16 passengers for the premium service, ensuring an intimate and personalized journey. With four exterior decks and one premium deck, guests can enjoy the stunning Patagonian landscape.
Onboard, passengers will savor a gourmet menu tasting on the premium deck, while those opting for the standard service will enjoy a delectable gourmet lunch box.
The combination of the vessel’s amenities and the exceptional culinary offerings creates an unforgettable Patagonian adventure.
Exclusive Cruise María Turquesa

The exclusive Cruise María Turquesa offers passengers a premium experience tailored to their comfort and enjoyment.
With a maximum capacity of 16 guests, this vessel ensures an intimate and personalized journey through the stunning landscapes of Southern Patagonia.
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The ship features four exterior decks, including a premium deck, providing ample space for passengers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
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Onboard, guests can indulge in a gourmet menu tasting, crafted to showcase the region’s exceptional flavors.
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For a more standard experience, a gourmet lunch box is provided, allowing passengers to savor the culinary delights while taking in the awe-inspiring glaciers.
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The vessel’s small group size option enhances the personalized experience, ensuring a more intimate exploration of the Patagonian wonders.
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With attentive live guides available in both Spanish and English, passengers can fully enjoy the rich cultural and natural heritage of this remarkable region.
Maximum Passenger Capacity

A maximum of 16 passengers can experience the premium service aboard the exclusive Cruise María Turquesa. For those seeking a more standard service, the vessel can accommodate up to 200 passengers. The onboard amenities are designed to cater to both experiences, providing passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable journey through the stunning landscapes of Southern Patagonia.
| Passenger Capacity | Cruise Experience |
|---|---|
| Maximum 16 | Premium Service |
| Maximum 200 | Standard Service |
| Exclusive Vessel | Cruise María Turquesa |
| Designed for | Comfort and Enjoyment |
Gourmet Dining Options

Passengers aboard the exclusive Cruise María Turquesa can indulge in a gourmet dining experience tailored to their preferences.
The premium deck offers a multi-course tasting menu, showcasing the finest local ingredients and flavors of Patagonia. For the standard option, guests enjoy a gourmet lunch box filled with regional specialties.
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The vessel’s culinary team prepares each dish with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a memorable gastronomic journey.
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Passengers can savor a variety of Patagonian-inspired dishes, from fresh seafood to hearty meat-based entrees.
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Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available to cater to diverse dietary needs.
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Perfectly paired with the stunning glacier landscapes, the gourmet cuisine elevates the overall cruise experience.
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Guests can expect exceptional service and a delightful dining ambiance throughout the journey.
Hotel and Airport Pickup

How is hotel and airport pickup arranged for the Cruise María Turquesa in Patagonia?
The tour includes complimentary pickup from hotels in El Calafate. Passengers can also opt for pickup from Calafate airport. This service ensures a seamless start to the gourmet glacier experience.
Upon arrival at the private port of La Soledad, passengers will embark on the exclusive cruise vessel at 8:30 AM. The return journey ends at the same port around 5:00 PM, with drop-off at El Calafate hotels.
This convenient pickup and drop-off service allow guests to focus on the immersive Patagonian adventure, without worrying about transportation.
Seasonal Operation and Closures

The cruise María Turquesa’s seasonal operation runs from May to August, with service only on odd days during the low season. This means the cruise is closed on even days during the off-peak months.
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The seasonal nature of the cruise allows the operator to provide the best possible experience for guests.
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Closing on even days during the low season ensures the company can maintain high-quality service and efficiently manage resources.
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This schedule provides flexibility for those planning their Patagonian adventures, allowing them to choose the most suitable dates.
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Guests should be aware of the seasonal operation and plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.
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By understanding the cruise’s seasonal closure, travelers can better integrate this Patagonian experience into their overall trip itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price does not include gratuity. Participants are expected to provide tips to the tour guides and crew at their own discretion based on the quality of service received.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks aboard the exclusive Cruise María Turquesa. The cruise offers a gourmet menu tasting for the premium deck and a gourmet lunch box for the standard option.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the gourmet glacier experience. Families can enjoy the scenic cruise and guided hike together.
Can I Request a Special Dietary Menu?
The tour allows for special dietary requests. Passengers can inquire about accommodating any dietary needs or restrictions when making their booking. The vessel offers a gourmet menu that can be tailored to individual preferences.
How Much Time Is Allocated for the Glacier Hike?
The tour includes a guided hike at Puesto Las Vacas after sailing along the Upsala Canal and visiting several glaciers. The duration of the hike is not specified in the provided information.
Gourmet Glacier Experience: Aboard a Cruise in Patagonia
Recap
The Gourmet Glacier Experience aboard the exclusive Cruise María Turquesa offers a truly unique way to explore the natural wonders of Patagonia. With its intimate setting, gourmet dining, and attentive guides, this exclusive journey provides guests with an unforgettable blend of adventure and culinary delight in the heart of this stunning region.
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