Spegazzini Glacier

Start the tour with a pickup from your hotel in El Calafate around 7:00 AM to undertake the 47km route to the Punta Bandera Port where your boat departs at 9:00 AM.  The first part of the trip takes place in the north arm of the Argentino Lake before crossing into the Boca del Diablo, the narrowest part of the lake. Then, go to the Upsala and Spegazzini channels where you can view the respective glaciers. The Upsala Glacier is the largest on Argentino Lake and can be seen from about 20km away. The Spegazzini Glacier is the highest and you can also see the Dry, Heim Sur, and Peineta glaciers. After entering the Spegazzini Channel, a 300-meter path will be crossed without difficulty through the forest along the coast of the lake making stops at viewpoints overlooking the entire Bay of Glaciers.  Arrive at the Spegazzini Refuge where you can enjoy an optional 3-course lunch with drinks, visit the shop, and contemplate the landscape from the terrace.  For those who enjoy walking, the mountain path offers a 700m trek of medium difficulty through a wooded path with natural viewpoints of the Spegazzini Glacier ending at the landing point. Return to the boat and head back to El Calafate where you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.

Enjoy a full day experience aboard the María Turquesa Cruise that travels to the most impressive glaciers, sailing with the highest comfort. Begin with the transfer from your hotel to the Private Port La Soledad. After traveling 47 KM enter the National Park and board the boat. Cross a peninsulas encounter called "Boca del Diablo" to enter the North Arm of the lake. Navigate between icebergs through the Upsala Canal where you can observe the Upsala Glacier about 10 km away. Go to the Spegazzini Channel to see hanging glaciers such as Dry Glacier, Heim Sur, Peinetta and disembark at Las Vacas Post where you will make a 30-minute walk through a lovely forest. Continue to the front of the highest glacier in the National Park, the Spegazzini Glacier (135 meters above the lake level/440 ft above the lake level). Take advantage of the time, take pictures and contemplate in silence with the surrounding natural beauty. Head to your final destination at Perito Moreno Glacier, where you will disembark on the walkways to culminate a day full of magic and surprises. Finally, take a bus in which you will return to your hotel in El Calafate at the end of the day.

From the Port of Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate, we start sailing along the North Arm of Lake Argentino. We cross the Boca del Diablo and head for the Upsala Channel to sail among the large icebergs that break off the front of the Upsala Glacier. A fascinating experience. Then, we will continue the journey to the Spegazzini Channel that will offer you unique views of some beautiful hanging glaciers such as the Seco, the South Heim and the Peineta that are the prelude to the biggest show, "The Spegazzini Glacier", the biggest of them all, with one of the most impressive views. We prepare to disembark at our exclusive Spegazzini Base, right in front of the glacier. A place that has all the necessary services and also to experience dazzling panoramic views.

A dream day among ice giants: Embark on an unforgettable voyage aboard the María Turquesa cruise-ship passenger, where luxury and nature merge to create a unique experience in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. From the comfort of our facilities, you will witness the immensity of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest ice reserve in the world. Sailing towards adventure: Our adventure begins early, setting sail from port towards the majestic Lago Argentino. As we enter its turquoise waters, the landscape transforms into a spectacle of snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. The imposing Spegazzini: Our first stop is the Spegazzini Glacier, the highest in the park, with walls of ice rising up to 135 meters above lake level. From the deck of the cruise-ship passenger, you can admire its beauty and capture breathtaking photographs. The immensity of the Upsala: We continue our navigation towards the Upsala Glacier, one of the largest in the park, with an area of over 765 km². Although the glacier has receded in recent years, its immensity is still overwhelming. Disembark at Puesto de las Vacas: We make a stop at Puesto de las Vacas, a historic site where we disembark for a guided hike. Through an interpretative trail, we will learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the explorers who ventured into these inhospitable lands. The majestic Perito Moreno: Our last stop is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous in the world for its constant activity and imposing ice front. You will have the option to disembark on the walkways and contemplate the glacier from different angles, or enjoy the panoramic views from the cruise-ship passenger. Gourmet experience on board: Throughout the entire sailing, you will enjoy first-class service, with a gourmet menu designed to delight your palate. Onboard the María Turquesa, you can relax in our air-conditioned lounges, enjoy drinks and snacks, and share your experiences with other travelers. An unforgettable memory: At the end of the day, we will return to port, taking with us indelible memories of a unique experience in one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. Additional details: Bilingual guides: Accompaniment by expert tour guides who will share their knowledge of the park's geology, flora and fauna. Onboard amenities: Air-conditioned lounges, outdoor decks, premium lounge (optional), gourmet menu, drinks and snacks. Disembarkation options: Possibility of disembarking at Puesto de las Vacas and at the Perito Moreno walkways (optional).

The tour starts with hotel pick-ups at 7:00 AM and arrives at the boarding port at 8:20 AM. The approximate return time to the hotel is 5:00 PM. Note: In May and June, hotel pick-ups start at 8:00 AM and the arrival at the boarding port is at 9:20 AM. The approximate return time to the hotel is 6:00 PM. Itinerary: Once on board, passengers will be informed about safety regulations and navigation conditions. The tour takes place on a modern and comfortable state-of-the-art catamaran. First, we'll sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino, passing through the Devil's Mouth, the natural entrance to the North Arm, until we reach the Upsala Channel, where we'll find a large number of icebergs. The boat will also navigate among the icebergs and make stops to enjoy this wonderful experience. Continuing the navigation, the catamaran will approach the Upsala Glacier for a panoramic view. The approach will be as close as allowed by National Parks for safety reasons. The current view of the glacier is from about 5 km away. Then we enter the Spegazzini Channel and moments later we will have the first view of the Dry Glacier. We continue sailing to the front of the Spegazzini Glacier, the highest in the National Park. The view is impressive and its walls reach 140 meters high, where we will also contemplate the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers. Spegazzini Base: Viewpoints Lunch with a view of the Spegazzini Glacier We prepare to disembark at Spegazzini Base and begin our visit to the area by walking along the forest trail to the Spegazzini Refuge. This 300-meter trail is accessible and as we walk along it, we will stop at stations and viewpoints with views of the entire Los Glaciares Bay. The site has restrooms. Later, we will return to the departure port. Additional notes: The tour is available in English and Spanish. It is recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season. Please bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and a hat, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board the catamaran.

08:30 a.m. Boarding at private port La Soledad 09:00 a.m. Sail towards North Arm. Visit to Escuadra Bay and Condoreras Wall. The ice floes, which some know are triple the size and volume of our boat, will decorate the passage through the Upsala Channel, from where you can see the Upsala Glacier (the third largest glacier in the Southern Patagonian Ice) about 15 km away. Next, you will head towards the Spegazzini Canal to see several hanging glaciers such as Seco, Heim Sur, Peinetta and then disembark at Sitio de Las Vacas. There you will take a 30-minute walk through part of a Patagonian Andean forest and its beaches. Upon returning to the boat you will have enough time to have lunch (you can bring your own food or choose the "with food" option) while you continue the ride until you reach the front of the highest glacier in the National Park: the Spegazzini Glacier (135 meters above sea level). lake level). Here you will have time to take photographs and quietly contemplate so much natural beauty. You will then head towards the final destination of the tour: the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you will be able to disembark on the walkways to culminate a day full of magic and surprises. 5:00 p.m.: Disembarkation.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park. This full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to sail among icebergs and witness the majestic beauty of the Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers. Begin your adventure by navigating the serene waters of Lake Argentino, where you'll encounter the awe-inspiring ice barrier of the Upsala Glacier. As you continue, the Spegazzini Channel reveals breathtaking views of hanging glaciers like Seco, Heim Sur, and Peineta, culminating in the spectacular sight of the Spegazzini Glacier. At the exclusive Spegazzini Base, enjoy unparalleled panoramic views and all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. This refuge allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you, creating truly unique memories. Conclude your journey with a return sail through the northern arm of Lake Argentino, leaving you with unforgettable impressions of Patagonia's icy wonders.

Embark on an unforgettable journey starting from El Calafate as you travel to Punta Bandera Port, the gateway to stunning natural wonders. Here, you will board and be ready to navigate the north branch of the lake. As you set sail, prepare to be mesmerized by the views of the iceberg barrier leading to Upsala Glacier. These massive ice formations, sculpted by time, create a stunning contrast against the deep blue waters, offering fantastic photo opportunities as you glide past. Continuing your adventure, the boat will navigate through the Spegazzini Channel, where you’ll be treated to up-close views of the Seco, Heim, and Spegazzini glaciers. The sight of the towering ice walls and the sound of ice calving into the water will leave you in awe of nature’s raw power. After a scenic cruise alongside the impressive Spegazzini Glacier, the catamaran will make a stop at a cozy refuge. Here, you can take a leisurely 300-meter walk along a well-maintained path that leads to an observation point. Take a moment to soak in the panorama of the glacier from the shore, where the vibrant blues and whites of the ice create a striking landscape. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you with the natural wonders of Patagonia!

Experience an unforgettable gourmet journey amidst the stunning glaciers of Southern Patagonia. Our full-day tour aboard the exclusive Cruise María Turquesa offers the highest level of comfort and gourmet cuisine, ensuring a truly memorable experience. On board, you'll find four exterior decks and one premium deck on the upper level, with a maximum capacity for 16 people. The itinerary begins sailing on Lago Argentino towards Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo. You'll witness the majestic Spegazzini Glacier and have the opportunity to disembark at Las Vacas Station . Here, our guides will lead a trek, providing insights into the area's flora and fauna. We'll navigate through the Upsala Canal offering a panoramic view of the glacier. Lunch will be served during the navigation, ensuring you're well-fed and ready for the afternoon adventures. In the afternoon, we'll sail to the Canal de los Tempanos, where you'll have the chance to visit the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. In order to book this tour, you must reserve at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise, we will not be able to confirm your reservation.

Witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, its towering ice walls shifting and creaking. Feel the raw power of the glacier up close on the Nautical Safari Navigation, cruising through the icy waters for a perspective like no other. But Patagonia is more than just glaciers! Step into the past on the Native Experience, where a 4x4 journey along the shores of Argentine Lake leads you to hidden caves adorned with indigenous rock art. As twilight sets in, dine inside a cave, immersed in history, flavors, and the mystique of the region. This journey is more than a getaway—it’s an invitation to experience Patagonia in its purest form. For over 20 years, Signature DMC has specialized in crafting unforgettable experiences, not just trips. Recognized as one of the best in Argentina and South America, we connect cultures through extraordinary journeys. -Day 1: Arrival in El Calafate & Native Cave Experience with Dinner: If you’ve chosen the flight option, your journey kicks off with a private transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for your flight to El Calafate. If not, we’ll meet you directly at El Calafate Airport, where a shared transfer will take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on Native Experience, a journey through time and nature. Venture along the shores of Argentine Lake, where your 4x4 vehicle will take you to stunning viewpoints and ancient caves adorned with indigenous rock art. Learn about the region’s first inhabitants, their traditions, and their deep connection with the Patagonian landscape. As the sun begins to set, savor a delicious dinner inside a cave, an unforgettable experience that blends history, adventure, and local flavors. Rest up—tomorrow, the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier awaits! -Day 2: Perito Moreno Glacier & Thrilling Safari Navigation: Prepare for an unforgettable day, beginning with a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you’ll be stunned by its sheer size and beauty. Walk along the suspension bridges and feel the thrill as you watch massive chunks of ice calve into the waters below—one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. Next, get ready for the Nautical Safari—a boat adventure that takes you right up to the towering walls of the glacier. Experience the raw power of Patagonia as the boat cruises through the turquoise waters, giving you a breathtaking, close-up view of the glacier’s immense ice formations. -Day 3: Farewell Patagonia: After days of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, it’s time to say goodbye to Patagonia. At the scheduled time, a shared transfer will take you to El Calafate Airport. If you’ve chosen the flight option, board your plane back to Buenos Aires, where a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. If not, your adventure concludes upon arrival at El Calafate Airport, leaving you with incredible memories of glaciers, pristine nature, and the magic of Southern Argentina.