El Calafate: Upsala, Spegazzini & Perito Moreno Glacier Cruise

Summary

Drifting past icebergs and glacier walls from El Calafate

You’ll sail from El Calafate past massive blue icebergs on Lake Argentino, get up close to Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, then stand above Perito Moreno on quiet walkways. Expect crisp air, local guides who know their stuff, and moments of real awe—plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to stress about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the air felt when we first stepped onto the deck at Puerto Bandera — sharp, almost sweet, with that cold that wakes you up behind your eyes. Our guide, Mica, handed out mugs of hot coffee (she called it “Patagonian rocket fuel,” which made me laugh), and we set off across Lake Argentino. The boat’s windows were foggy at first but cleared as we neared the Upsala Glacier. I didn’t realize how far it had retreated until Mica pointed out where the front used to be. The icebergs floating around us looked like sculptures someone left behind by accident — blue in a way that doesn’t show up in photos.

The Spegazzini Channel was quieter than I expected. Waterfalls trickled down black cliffs, and every so often you’d hear a chunk of ice shifting somewhere — not loud, more like a distant echo. We drifted close to the face of the Spegazzini Glacier (it’s apparently the tallest here, 135 meters if you’re counting), and I caught myself just staring at all those layers pressed together over centuries. Someone next to me tried to guess how thick it was; nobody really knew, but it got us talking for a while about time and weather and how small we felt out there.

After lunch (I went for the upgrade — not sorry about that), we cruised through the Icebergs Channel toward Perito Moreno’s north face. This part is famous for calving, but I didn’t expect to actually see a block fall — and then suddenly there was this deep crack and splash, everyone gasping or laughing or just staring open-mouthed. Later we disembarked at Puerto Moreno for those walkways above the glacier. You could hear nothing but wind and distant creaks from below; I kept stopping just to watch light move across the ice. It’s hard to explain why that stuck with me more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day cruise to glaciers

• Depart from El Calafate
• View Upsala Glacier and icebergs
• Sail through Spegazzini Channel
• Approach Spegazzini Glacier closely
• Navigate Icebergs Channel
• Admire north face of Perito Moreno Glacier
• Disembark at Puerto Moreno for walkways

Top questions

How long does the glacier cruise from El Calafate take?

This is a full-day tour including navigation time and stops at various glaciers.

Is lunch included on this cruise?

You can upgrade to include a gourmet lunch onboard during booking.

Are transfers from my hotel in El Calafate included?

Yes, transfers to and from Puerto Bandera are included in your day trip.

Can children join this glacier cruise?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Do you get off the boat at any point during this cruise?

Yes, you can disembark at Puerto Moreno to explore walkways overlooking Perito Moreno Glacier.

Which glaciers will I see on this tour?

You’ll see Upsala Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, and Perito Moreno Glacier.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to tour info.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transfer between your hotel in El Calafate and Puerto Bandera port, navigation on Lake Argentino with panoramic views of Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno glaciers—plus admission fees covered throughout. There’s also an option to upgrade for a gourmet Patagonian lunch onboard before heading back in the evening.