Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers Catamaran Cruise Tour

Cruise between two of Patagonia's tallest glaciers and walk the interpretive path at their base

A full-day tour from El Calafate combines hotel transfer, catamaran navigation among icebergs in the North Arm of Lake Argentino, and panoramic views of Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. After cruising to within 5 km of Upsala and approaching the 140-meter walls of Spegazzini, you disembark at La Base Spegazzini to walk an accessible interpretive trail through the area's fauna, flora and history before returning to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise to glaciers and trail

• Transfer from hotel to port
• Navigate North Arm of Lake Argentino
• Navigate between icebergs in Upsala channel
• Panoramic view of Upsala Glacier
• View Spegazzini Glacier and nearby glaciers
• Disembark at La Base Spegazzini
• Walk accessible interpretive trail
• Lunch at refuge or own food
• Return to departure port

The experience

Port of Bandera is where the catamaran departs, and the route begins on the North Arm of Lake Argentino before entering the Upsala channel. There you navigate between large icebergs, getting a panoramic view of Upsala Glacier from about 5 km away. The boat then approaches Spegazzini, the highest glacier in the National Park, whose walls reach 140 meters high. From the water you also see the Seco, Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers in the same view.

At La Base Spegazzini, you leave the catamaran and walk an accessible, interpretive path that explains the fauna, flora and history of the place. The Refuge there has windows overlooking both the glacier and the lake, and you can buy lunch there or bring your own food. The whole day runs about nine hours from hotel pickup to return.

A live guide speaks English or Spanish throughout the cruise and the walk. Your hotel transfer and the catamaran navigation are included. The National Park entrance fee and any food or drinks are separate. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and the path is designed so visitors of all mobility levels can walk it. Service animals are welcome, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller, though they must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer by minibus.
• catamaran navigation on Lake Argentino.
• access to the interpretive trail at La Base Spegazzini.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 29

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Glaciar Turismo

Is this one for you?At nine hours, this tour takes most of your day, so it works best if you have one full day free in El Calafate and want to see both glaciers from the water and on foot without splitting the experience across two separate outings.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How close does the catamaran get to the glaciers?

Upsala Glacier is viewed from about 5 km away, giving a panoramic perspective from the water. Spegazzini Glacier is approached much closer, so you see the full height of its 140-meter walls and the faces of the surrounding glaciers (Seco, Heim Sur and Peineta) all in one view from the boat.

What is the walk at La Base Spegazzini like?

The interpretive path at La Base Spegazzini is accessible to all fitness levels and mobility needs, with all surfaces wheelchair accessible. It teaches you about the local fauna, flora and history of the glacier area, and the Refuge at the end has large windows overlooking the glacier and the lake.

Can I bring my own food, or do I have to buy lunch at the Refuge?

You can bring your own food and eat it at the Refuge, or you can buy lunch there. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so either option is available to you.

What is included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and return transfer, and the catamaran navigation are included. The National Park entrance fee, food and drinks are not included and must be paid separately.

How long is the whole tour?

The tour runs about nine hours from the time the minibus picks you up at your hotel until you return. That includes the transfer to Port of Bandera, the full catamaran cruise, the walk at La Base Spegazzini, and the return journey.