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Spend a full day aboard the María Turquesa cruising Lake Argentino to see the massive ice fields of Upsala and the towering Spegazzini Glacier, with a short forest walk and optional onboard lunch. Ideal for travelers who want dramatic glacier views without technical hiking.
Spend a full day aboard the María Turquesa cruising Lake Argentino to see the massive ice fields of Upsala and the towering Spegazzini Glacier, with a short forest walk and optional onboard lunch. Ideal for travelers who want dramatic glacier views without technical hiking.
A brisk Patagonian morning lifts off in El Calafate as the María Turquesa slips into Lake Argentino, the air tasting of cold and metal as icebergs drift like slow boats of glass. The voyage moves north through channels carved by ancient ice; the glaciers loom—sheer walls of blue-white that shove small bergs into the water and rattle the silence.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by ParaViajantes Tours · El Calafate, Santa Cruz
A brisk Patagonian morning lifts off in El Calafate as the María Turquesa slips into Lake Argentino, the air tasting of cold and metal as icebergs drift like slow boats of glass. The voyage moves north through channels carved by ancient ice; the glaciers loom—sheer walls of blue-white that shove small bergs into the water and rattle the silence.
Los Glaciares National Park is a product of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, where glacial tongues like Upsala and Spegazzini descend from the Andean plateau. Upsala sits about 15 km across from the channel and feeds an armada of ice floes; Spegazzini towers roughly 135 m above lake level, one of the tallest frontal faces in the park. The trip threads geological history—millennia of ice movement—and local culture: gaucho ranching on the lakeshore and the scientific legacy of early explorers who mapped these moving giants.
Practical guidance is simple: the day is long (about 8–9 hours) and mostly boat time punctuated by a 30-minute shore walk at Puesto de Las Vacas through low Andean forest and pebble beaches. Terrain there is flat but can be wet and windy; expect short, uneven trails rather than steep climbs. Pack layered, windproof clothing, waterproof footwear, and a camera with spare batteries.
Timing matters—midday light reveals blue ice tones, while afternoons bring dramatic shadows. Bring water and motion-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive; respect viewing distances and wildlife. The cruise combines immersive glacier viewing with a short forest walk, delivering a concentrated, accessible Patagonian glacier experience.
Pick-up from hotels in El Calafate is included; the transfer to Punta Banderas port is approximately 45–60 minutes (about 47 km).
Lunch is optional; the operator offers two menu options plus a vegetarian menu, or you may bring your own food to eat aboard.
The cruise is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible on the boat, but the shore walk is uneven and may be difficult for those with limited mobility.
The boat approaches glacier fronts safely but maintains regulated viewing distance; calving happens unpredictably—be prepared for sudden cracks and splashes.
ParaViajantes Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A brisk Patagonian morning lifts off in El Calafate as the María Turquesa slips into Lake Argentino, the air tasting of cold and metal as icebergs drift like slow boats of glass. The voyage moves north through channels carved by ancient ice; the glaciers loom—sheer walls of blue-white that shove small bergs into the water and rattle the silence.
A brisk Patagonian morning lifts off in El Calafate as the María Turquesa slips into Lake Argentino, the air tasting of cold and metal as icebergs drift like slow boats of glass. The voyage moves north through channels carved by ancient ice; the glaciers loom—sheer walls of blue-white that shove small bergs into the water and rattle the silence.
Los Glaciares National Park is a product of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, where glacial tongues like Upsala and Spegazzini descend from the Andean plateau. Upsala sits about 15 km across from the channel and feeds an armada of ice floes; Spegazzini towers roughly 135 m above lake level, one of the tallest frontal faces in the park. The trip threads geological history—millennia of ice movement—and local culture: gaucho ranching on the lakeshore and the scientific legacy of early explorers who mapped these moving giants.
Practical guidance is simple: the day is long (about 8–9 hours) and mostly boat time punctuated by a 30-minute shore walk at Puesto de Las Vacas through low Andean forest and pebble beaches. Terrain there is flat but can be wet and windy; expect short, uneven trails rather than steep climbs. Pack layered, windproof clothing, waterproof footwear, and a camera with spare batteries.
Timing matters—midday light reveals blue ice tones, while afternoons bring dramatic shadows. Bring water and motion-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive; respect viewing distances and wildlife. The cruise combines immersive glacier viewing with a short forest walk, delivering a concentrated, accessible Patagonian glacier experience.