Glaciares Gourmet Navigation: Spegazzini, Upsala & Perito Moreno

Glaciers make a long day worthwhile. This full-day cruise from El Calafate covers three major glacier areas on Lago Argentino, with Spegazzini Glacier at close range and a view of Perito Moreno from the water. I like the comfortable boat, the bilingual explanations, and the short walk at Puesto Las Vacas, which gets you off the ship for a taste of the Andean Patagonian forest.

I also like the choice between a simple box lunch and a more polished four-course meal on the premium deck. The main drawback is the length: this is roughly an 11-hour outing, and Upsala Glacier may remain frustratingly far away. Bring binoculars, and do not expect every glacier to be approached at the same distance.

Key points to know before booking

• Three glacier zones in one day: You sail toward Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, Upsala, Bertracchi, and Perito Moreno.
• Spegazzini is the close-up star: The boat approaches to about 300 meters from the park’s tallest glacier.
• Upsala is viewed from farther away: Ice conditions can limit the approach, so binoculars are useful.
• Puesto Las Vacas adds a short land walk: The engines stop and you walk for about 15 minutes through Patagonian forest.
• Premium costs more but improves the day: You receive a four-course gourmet lunch and premium-deck seating.
• Budget for the park fee: Los Glaciares National Park admission is an extra ARS 45,000 per person.

Setting sail from Puerto Bandera at 8:30

Your day begins at La Soledad Private Port, also listed as Cruise Port Marpatag, at Puerto Bandera. Boarding is scheduled for 8:30 am, with the boat leaving at 9:00 am. If you select the transfer option, hotel pickup and return are included. Without it, you must arrange your own way to the port.

The cruise heads northwest across Lago Argentino, passing Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo, the narrowest passage in the lake. The lake is the setting here, not just a route between stops. Shores, mountains, ice, and changing weather fill the view, so sitting near a large window or getting outside on deck matters.

The boat is described as a roomy tri-hull cruiser with large windows and two outdoor viewing levels. That gives you a useful choice: stay inside when the wind bites, then step outdoors for photographs when the captain brings the boat near the ice.

The group can include up to 200 people, so this is not a small private expedition. Still, the vessel’s size provides more room than a tiny sightseeing boat, and families have appreciated the onboard children’s play area. The boat has also been described as clean, safe, and comfortable.

Seco, Heim, and the Condor Nesting Wall

Early in the sailing route, the boat visits Escuadra Bay and the Muralla de Condoreras, known as the Condor Nesting Wall. You also see Seco and Heim glaciers before reaching Spegazzini.

Seco means dry, and its appearance helps explain the name. Hanging glaciers and smaller ice formations cling to the mountainsides along the route. These are not the main close-up stops, but they add variety and show how ice occupies the higher slopes around the lake.

The guides provide explanations in both Spanish and English. The experience is at its best when you listen for the differences between the glaciers rather than simply waiting for the largest one. Guides also explain the area’s natural features and the story of Puesto Las Vacas later in the day.

Bring warm layers even in January. A recent trip was cold and wet, with strong morning wind. The recommended kit is sensible: hiking boots or sneakers, a warm waterproof jacket, thermal clothing, warm socks, gloves, hat, scarf, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Patagonia can give you bright sun and cutting wind on the same deck.

Spegazzini Glacier, the closest approach

Spegazzini is one of the strongest parts of the cruise. The boat approaches to roughly 300 meters from the highest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. That distance feels significant when you are looking at a towering wall of blue-white ice rising above the water.

This is the place to spend time outside if conditions allow. Take photographs from more than one deck, then return indoors before the cold becomes distracting. Large windows are useful, but glass can add reflections, so outdoor viewing usually gives you the clearest pictures.

The close approach is one reason the cruise earns strong marks overall. Several people describe getting near multiple glaciers as the highlight, and the captain receives praise for giving passengers good viewing angles. Calving is never guaranteed, but some departures have seen large pieces of ice break away while the boat watched.

A photographer is also onboard. You can purchase professional photographs, and some people found the service excellent. Do not assume the photographer will take a posed picture of everyone automatically, though. If you want a formal shot, ask directly.

A short walk at Puesto Las Vacas

The boat stops at Puesto Las Vacas, where the engines are switched off and you leave the vessel for a guided walk. The walk takes about 15 minutes through Andean Patagonian forest, with around 45 minutes set aside for the stop.

This is not a demanding hike. I see it as a useful break after several hours on the water, rather than a major walking excursion. Guides explain the history of the place and point out panoramic views of the surrounding area.

One criticism is that the walk may feel too short if you are hoping for a real hike. The upside is that it requires little physical effort, making the day workable for children, older adults, and anyone who prefers sightseeing without a strenuous trail. Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes because the recommendation for proper footwear is not just about comfort. The path can be affected by wet weather.

Upsala Canal and the distant ice

The cruise continues through Upsala Canal, with views toward Upsala and Bertracchi glaciers. Lunch is served onboard during this part of the route.

This is where you should set realistic expectations. Upsala is impressive, but the boat may remain at a considerable distance. Ice in the canal can affect the route, and the cruise does not promise a close approach comparable to Spegazzini. Several people felt disappointed by the distance, while others still found the broad view rewarding.

Pack binoculars if you have them. They are especially useful here, allowing you to study the glacier face and surrounding ice more closely than a phone camera can. A zoom lens helps too, but binoculars are the simpler choice.

The timing between the morning departure and lunch can feel long. One person found about an hour and a half between meals uncomfortable, so bring light snacks even though lunch is included. This is a small but important comfort tip on an all-day boat trip.

Choosing classic or premium lunch

The classic package includes a box lunch and one nonalcoholic drink. Food quality seems to vary by departure and personal taste, but several people found the lunch good, including a vegetarian meal. The menu may feel limited for vegetarians, so state dietary needs when booking.

Vegetarian and celiac options are available if requested in advance. Do not leave this until boarding. Alcoholic drinks are not included in the standard arrangement, though some premium experiences include additional drinks or a glass of Malbec.

The premium option includes a four-course gourmet lunch and access to the premium deck. This upgrade has received particularly warm praise. It gives you better food, more room, and a more comfortable base for a very long day. Families also liked having extra space, including room for a toddler to move around.

I would consider premium if the price difference is reasonable for your budget, especially if you care about lunch, want a quieter area, or dislike spending all day in standard seating. If your main goal is seeing the ice and you are happy with a packed meal, classic should cover the essentials.

The cruise price is listed at $225 per person, before the national park fee of ARS 45,000. Transfers cost extra unless you select a package that includes them. Because some complaints describe large price differences between booking channels, check the final amount carefully and compare the direct MarPatag price with the price offered through your booking site. Confirm what is included before paying.

Perito Moreno from the northern face

The final major sight is Perito Moreno Glacier, reached through Canal de los Témpanos, or Iceberg Channel. The boat heads toward the glacier’s northern face and stops for views from the water.

Perito Moreno is the name many people recognize before arriving in El Calafate, and seeing it from the lake is a powerful finish. The ice wall gives the day a clear climax after the smaller hanging glaciers and distant Upsala views.

There is a tradeoff. The cruise does not provide the extensive boardwalk time found on a separate Perito Moreno land excursion. Some people wanted more time at the glacier. If the pasarelas, or viewing walkways, are a priority, book that experience separately or choose an itinerary that includes them. This cruise gives you a water-level perspective instead.

The scheduled return to La Soledad is around 6:00 pm. The day is described as about nine hours of exploration, while the overall experience is listed at approximately 11 hours, likely including boarding, transfers, and the port schedule. Either way, treat this as a full-day commitment, not a quick boat ride.

Guides, service, and the feel onboard

The bilingual guide and local guide are central to the experience. English-speaking passengers have generally been included in the explanations, even when they were a small part of the group. Specific crew members praised by name include guide Maurizio and Captain Pablo, whose warm presentation and handling of the route added to the day for some departures.

Service is not perfectly consistent. Many people describe the crew as friendly, attentive, and helpful. A small number found the food poor or the staff rude. That mixed feedback is worth noting because a long cruise gives service issues plenty of time to become annoying.

The ship itself receives more consistent praise than the meal. It is roomy, clean, well maintained, and easy to use for sightseeing. The play area is a real help for families with young children. Since the cruise allows up to 200 passengers, do not expect a quiet yacht atmosphere, but the multiple decks help spread people out.

Who will enjoy this glacier cruise

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to see several glacier areas without arranging separate excursions. It also works well if you prefer a boat to a long hike, need a family-friendly day, or want a comfortable way to reach remote parts of Los Glaciares National Park.

The cruise suits people who enjoy scenery unfolding over many hours. You can sit with a hot drink, listen to the guide, photograph the ice, and move between indoor and outdoor areas. Physical effort is limited to the short walk at Puesto Las Vacas.

I would hesitate if your only goal is close access to Upsala or extensive time beside Perito Moreno. The boat may approach Spegazzini closely, but Upsala can be viewed from far away, and Perito Moreno receives about 30 minutes in the listed schedule. A separate land visit may be better for the famous viewing walkways.

The day also demands patience. Weather can change the route, lunch timing can feel late, and the cold wind can wear you down. Good clothing and snacks make a bigger difference than fancy camera equipment.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the operator can accommodate dietary requirements when told in advance. The activity requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cancel the departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. The operator does not refund missed departures caused by a cruise ship arriving late or failing to arrive, so do not schedule this as a tight connection after a cruise arrival.

Should you book Glaciares Gourmet Navigation?

Yes, if you want a broad, comfortable introduction to the glaciers of Lago Argentino and value seeing Spegazzini and Perito Moreno in one day. The strongest reasons to book are the dramatic scenery, close Spegazzini approach, capable guides, roomy boat, and useful short walk ashore.

Choose classic if price matters most. Choose premium if lunch, space, and comfort are worth paying for. Add transfers if you do not want to manage the early port departure yourself.

I would not book it as your only Perito Moreno experience if the boardwalks are high on your list. I would also avoid booking without checking the final price, park fee, transfer status, and dietary arrangements. With warm clothing, binoculars, snacks, and realistic expectations about Upsala, this is a memorable and well-rounded Patagonia day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts and ends at Cruise Port Marpatag, also called La Soledad Private Port, in Puerto Bandera, Santa Cruz Province. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise depart?

Boarding is scheduled for 8:30 am, and the boat sets sail at 9:00 am. The planned return to La Soledad is around 6:00 pm.

Which glaciers can I see?

The route includes Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, Upsala, Bertracchi, and Perito Moreno glaciers. The exact itinerary can change.

How close does the boat get to Spegazzini Glacier?

The boat approaches approximately 300 meters from Spegazzini Glacier, described as the highest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.

Does the cruise get close to Upsala Glacier?

Upsala is viewed from Upsala Canal, but the boat may remain at a considerable distance. Binoculars are recommended.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The classic package includes a box lunch and one nonalcoholic drink. The premium package includes a four-course gourmet lunch. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Are vegetarian or celiac meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and celiac options are available, but you must advise the operator of dietary requirements when booking.

Is the national park entrance fee included?

No. Los Glaciares National Park admission costs ARS 45,000 per person and is paid separately.