El Calafate Glacier Cruise: 3 Glaciers & Perito Moreno Walkways

Three Glaciers, One Day on Lake Argentino

You sail to three glaciers in one day: Upsala, Spegazzini (the tallest at 135 meters), and Perito Moreno, with close approaches and floating icebergs. The cruise includes park entry, a transfer to the Perito Moreno walkways for 1.5 hours of land-based viewing, and return transport to El Calafate. A modern ship with panoramic windows keeps you comfortable, and the full itinerary takes roughly eight to nine hours from start to finish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day glacier cruise and walkways

• Navigate North Arm to Upsala Glacier
• Sail Spegazzini Channel to glacier
• Approach Spegazzini Glacier wall
• Sail Icebergs Channel to Perito Moreno
• View north face of Perito Moreno Glacier
• Disembark at Puerto Moreno
• Explore walkways overlooking Perito Moreno
• Return to El Calafate by bus

The experience

"The ice never stops moving," our captain said as we pulled away from Puerto Bandera, pointing toward the distant white wall of Upsala Glacier. "Even when it looks still, it's calving somewhere you can't see." The full-day cruise from El Calafate starts early, and you spend the first hour sailing the North Arm of Lake Argentino watching the glacier's massive icebergs drift in the turquoise water. The front has retreated over the years, but the scale of what's left still hits you: chunks the size of buildings floating like they weigh nothing.

After Upsala, the boat turns into Spegazzini Channel, and the landscape changes completely. Steep cliffs rise on both sides, waterfalls pour down from the snow line, and then the Spegazzini Glacier appears: the tallest in Los Glaciares National Park at about 135 meters. The ship slows down and holds position near the glacier wall, close enough that you can hear the ice cracking and watch pieces calve off into the water. This part takes roughly two hours, and it's the kind of moment where you stop taking photos and just watch. The blue of the ice is almost unreal, deeper than any water you've seen.

Then comes the Icebergs Channel: a narrow passage where the boat threads between floating ice blocks, turquoise water on all sides, and you're heading toward the north face of Perito Moreno. This glacier is different from the other two. It's stable, famous, and the ice is constantly breaking off with a sound like distant thunder. The ship approaches slowly, giving you time to really look. After the cruise ends, you disembark at Puerto Moreno and take a short transfer to the walkways: 1.5 hours exploring the different balconies and trails that overlook the glacier from the land side. It's the perspective most people come for, and it's included. Then a bus takes you back to El Calafate, and you're done by late afternoon.

The whole day is about eight to nine hours from pickup to return, and the modern vessel has panoramic windows and outdoor decks so you're never stuck inside. If you want to upgrade to a gourmet lunch onboard, you can, but the park entry and all three glacier visits are already included. This route covers more ground than the standard Moreno-only tours (the Icebergs Channel and the north face approach are what set it apart), so if you're only in El Calafate for a day or two, this is the one that doesn't leave you wondering what you missed.

What’s included

• Navigation of Lake Argentino with views of Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno glaciers.
• passage through the Icebergs Channel.
• admission to Los Glaciares National Park.
• 1.5 hours on the Perito Moreno walkways and viewing balconies.
• transfer from Puerto Bandera to the glacier walkways.
• return transfer to El Calafate by bus. Onboard commentary and personalized service are included.
• gourmet lunch can be added for an extra cost.

Options for this experience

4 options

Full-day cruise to the Upsala, Spegazzini and Moreno glaciers – MarPatagGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Pickup is included

Cruise with a box lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Gourmet box lunch: a premium lunch with local flavors, including a sandwich, fruit, a snack and a drink, served during navigation. Pickup is included

Cruise with a walkways visitGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Walkways visit at Perito Moreno: disembark at Puerto Moreno to explore the walkways facing the glacier. Return transfer to El Calafate is included. Pickup is included

Cruise with walkways and lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Walkways visit at Perito Moreno: disembark at the Perito Moreno walkways to enjoy panoramic views of the glacier before returning by bus. Gourmet box lunch: a premium lunch with local flavors, including a sandwich, fruit, a snack and a drink, served during navigation. 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 dayDeparts at 07:00Last departure this season: 30 Apr 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (5 to 15 years) · Child (under 5)

GroupUp to 200 · max 4 per booking

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.You can choose from 37 pickup points.

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.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SALUM TOUR & TRAVEL

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see three major glaciers and experience both the water and land perspectives of Perito Moreno in a single day without arranging multiple bookings: the fixed itinerary and included transfers handle the logistics, which is what makes fitting all three glaciers into one outing possible.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

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

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 full-day cruise from El Calafate?

The entire experience, including the cruise, walkway time at Perito Moreno, and transfers, takes approximately eight to nine hours.

Are park entry fees included?

Yes, admission to Los Glaciares National Park and all three glacier viewings are included in the tour price.

Can I see Perito Moreno Glacier from the land walkways?

Yes. After the cruise, you disembark at Puerto Moreno and spend 1.5 hours on the walkways and balconies overlooking the Perito Moreno Glacier from the shore.

What makes this cruise different from other glacier tours in El Calafate?

This route includes the Icebergs Channel and approaches the north face of Perito Moreno, plus the land-based walkway visit: covering more ground than standard Moreno-only tours.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included in the standard tour, but you can upgrade to a gourmet lunch onboard for an additional cost.

What time does the cruise depart?

The tour departs early from Puerto Bandera with a transfer from El Calafate. Exact departure times are confirmed at booking.

Is the vessel comfortable for a full day?

The modern vessel has panoramic windows and outdoor decks, allowing continuous glacier views and shelter from wind.