El Calafate: Glaciers Cruise with Gourmet Lunch & Balconies

Summary

Sail Lago Argentino to Spegazzini Upsala Perito Moreno glaciers with lunch

You’ll sail from El Calafate across Lago Argentino to see Spegazzini, Upsala & Perito Moreno glaciers up close. Step ashore at Puesto Las Vacas for a short forest walk with your guide, then enjoy a gourmet lunch on board as you glide past ancient ice. There’s an option to visit Perito Moreno balconies too — bring your warmest jacket and let Patagonia surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already gliding across Lago Argentino before I realized how quiet it was out there — just the low hum of the Maria Turquesa Cruiser and a few gulls cutting through the cold air. Our guide, Martín, kept pointing out these pale blue icebergs drifting past, some shaped like animals if you squinted (someone swore they saw a sleeping dog). The wind bit at my cheeks when I leaned over the rail, but it felt good — sharp and clean. We passed Punta Avellaneda and squeezed through Boca del Diablo, which Martín called “the lake’s narrowest throat.” He said it like he’d told that story a hundred times but still liked it.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a glacier day trip from El Calafate, but somehow we did. At Puesto Las Vacas, we got off for a walk — boots crunching on frost, hands jammed in pockets. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet looking at the Spegazzini Glacier; even the kids stopped fidgeting. The guides shared stories about old cattle posts and pointed out tiny wildflowers poking through the moss. I tried to pronounce “Heim” like they did (definitely failed), and one of the crew just grinned at me in sympathy.

Lunch back on board was better than I’d guessed — warm bread, something cheesy and rich, local Malbec if you wanted it. I sat near a window and watched as we edged closer to Upsala Glacier, which honestly looked unreal up close. You could see cracks running deep into the ice, all these shades of blue I don’t have names for. Later we drifted toward Perito Moreno’s northern face; people pressed up against the glass or shuffled outside for photos, but after a while most just stared quietly. It’s weird how you can feel small and lucky at the same time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier navigation and guided walk

• Meet at local supplier's office
• Board at La Soledad Private Port
• Set sail on Lago Argentino
• Visit Escuadra Bay and Muralla de Condoreras
• See Seco, Heim, and Spegazzini Glaciers
• Observe hanging glaciers Dry and Heim
• Approach highest glacier in park
• Disembark for guided walk at Puesto Las Vacas
• Navigate Upsala Canal and view Upsala Glacier
• Lunch on board
• Navigate Canal de los Témpanos to Perito Moreno Glacier
• View Northern face of Perito Moreno Glacier
• Return to La Soledad and conclude tour

Top questions

How long is the glacier cruise from El Calafate?

The tour lasts about 9 hours including navigation and stops.

Is lunch included on the Maria Turquesa glacier cruise?

Yes, both classic and premium decks include lunch; premium has a 4-course meal with wine.

Do you get off the boat during the glacier tour?

Yes, there’s a guided walk at Puesto Las Vacas and an optional stop at Perito Moreno balconies.

Are transfers from hotels in El Calafate included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available with certain booking options.

Is this glacier cruise wheelchair accessible?

The classic deck is wheelchair accessible; premium deck is not.

What should I wear for the glacier navigation tour?

Wear hiking boots or sneakers, warm waterproof layers, gloves, hat, scarf—Patagonia weather changes fast.

Can vegetarians or celiacs be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian and celiac options are available if requested when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected, bilingual local guides throughout the cruise, all entry fees for Los Glaciares Park areas visited by boat, a gourmet lunch (classic box or premium four-course meal with wine), non-alcoholic drinks during navigation, plus guided walks ashore and plenty of time to watch glaciers from deck or balcony before returning in the evening.