El Calafate: Glaciers Cruise with Gourmet Lunch & Balconies

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Lake Argentino3h
2. Upsala Glacier30m
3. Los Glaciares National Park30m

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

The experience

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.

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.

Options for this experience

6 options

CLASSIC without transferGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Classic deck with box lunch: A warm gourmet sandwich with a side dish and either one soft drink or a glass of red wine. Transfers are not included. Duration: 8 hours. Presentation at La Soledad port at 8:30 am, departure at 9 am, and disembarkation at 5 pm. National Park Fee is NOT included and must be paid before boarding.

CLASSIC with transfersGuide in English or Spanish · 07:15Classic deck: Includes a box lunch and transfers. The box lunch is a warm gourmet sandwich with a side dish and either one soft drink or a glass of red wine. Duration: 11 hours. Hotel pickup from 7:15 am and drop-off back at the hotel from 6:00 pm. National Park Fee is NOT included and must be paid before boarding. Pickup is included.

CLASSIC with disembarkGuide in English or Spanish · 07:15Classic deck with disembarkation: Includes a box lunch, transfers, and disembarkation at the Perito Moreno Footbridges. Duration: 12 hours. Hotel pickup from 7:15 am and drop-off back at the hotel from 7:00 pm. National Park Fee is NOT included and must be paid before boarding. Pickup is included.

See 3 more options

PREMIUM without transferGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Premium deck: A separate deck for only 16 passengers, featuring a private bathroom and sun terrace. Transfer is not included. Premium lunch: a 4-course gourmet lunch with alcoholic drinks served during lunch is included. Non-alcoholic beverages are provided throughout the entire tour. National Park Fee is NOT included and must be paid before boarding.

PREMIUM with transferGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Premium deck with transfer: A separate deck for only 16 passengers, featuring a private bathroom and sun terrace. Transfer is included. Duration: 11 hours. Hotel pickup from 7:15 am and drop-off back at the hotel from 6:00 pm. Premium lunch: a 4-course gourmet lunch with alcoholic drinks served during lunch is included, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided throughout the entire tour. National Park Fee is NOT included and must be paid before boarding. Pickup is included.

PREMIUM with disembarkGuide in English or Spanish · 07:15Premium deck: A separate deck for only 16 passengers, featuring a private bathroom and sun terrace. Premium service includes a 4-course gourmet lunch, transfers to the port, disembarkation at the Perito Moreno footbridges, and return to the hotel. Premium lunch: a 4-course gourmet lunch served with wines. Non-alcoholic beverages are provided throughout the entire tour, along with a breakfast booster and closing toast. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:15 and 08:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 30

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Cruceros MarPatag

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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.