Perito Moreno Glacier Gourmet Cruise: Spegazzini and Upsala

Hours, prices and access verified by the Perito Moreno Glacier Tours team — last checked August 10, 2026.

• Four glaciers in one day: Seco, Spegazzini, Upsala and Perito Moreno.
• Spegazzini has the tallest ice front in the park; Upsala is the largest.
• Lunch included — a box on the classic deck, four courses on the premium one.
• Panoramic windows, heated saloons and open decks for the whole eleven hours.
• Sails from Puerto Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate, with transfers on some options.

Why this tour

This is the only day that shows you more than one glacier. The ship crosses Lago Argentino from Puerto Bandera and works its way past Seco, Spegazzini and Upsala before turning for the Perito Moreno front through the Canal de los Témpanos. Spegazzini has the tallest ice face in the park; Upsala is the largest.

It is also a comfortable day in a place where comfort is not guaranteed. Panoramic windows, heated saloons, open decks and a lunch that is either a box or a four-course sitting depending on the deck you book. Families report it works well with small children, which is not true of the ice treks.

Two further caveats, both raised repeatedly by travellers. Boats no longer approach Upsala closely, so bring binoculars. And the English commentary is a second language on a largely Spanish-speaking vessel. Neither is a reason to avoid the day; both are reasons to expect it accurately. Some options allow you to disembark at Puerto Moreno for the walkways, which is the version worth paying for.

Four glaciers, in order

07:15am — Hotel pickup in El Calafate

On the with-transfer and with-disembark options only. Without transfers, board at 08:30am at Puerto Bandera.

Morning — Lago Argentino

About three hours crossing the lake, with commentary and a photographer on board.

Midday — Glaciar Seco and Spegazzini

Fifteen minutes at Seco and thirty at Spegazzini, the tallest front in the park. Some itineraries land in the Spegazzini channel.

Early afternoon — Upsala

Thirty minutes at the largest glacier in the park. Vessels keep their distance; binoculars help.

Late afternoon — Perito Moreno Glacier

Thirty minutes at the front, reached through the Canal de los Témpanos. The disembark option leaves you at the walkways instead.

Who this cruise is for

This trip suits you if:

• you want breadth — the glaciers most visitors never see
• you would rather sit in a heated saloon than walk moraine and ice
• you have already spent a day at the Perito Moreno walkways

What the fare covers on each deck

Included

• Lunch — box lunch on the classic deck, four courses on the premium deck
• Bilingual guide
• Local guide
• Hotel transfer — on the with-transfer and with-disembark options only

Not included

• Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee
• Alcoholic drinks
• Hotel transfer on the no-transfer options

Meeting point and practicalities

The ship sails from Puerto Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate by RP 11 and RP 8 — a different port from both the walkways and the ice treks. Transfer options collect from your hotel from 07:15am. Without transfers, board at 08:30am, which means arranging your own drive.

Accessibility is conditional, and the listing puts it three different ways. The classic deck is described as wheelchair accessible on the option without transfers; the premium deck is not. Contact the operator before booking if this matters, and see the FAQs for the tours listed here that are unambiguously accessible.

Vegetarian and coeliac meals are available if requested at booking. Dress for open decks: this is eleven hours on the water in Patagonia, and the wind on the bow is the coldest part of the day. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and binoculars. The visitor information page covers the park fee, which is paid separately.

Know before you go

• The boats no longer approach Upsala closely. Bring binoculars. It is the single most common disappointment on this sailing.
• English commentary runs as a second language on a largely Spanish-speaking vessel. Sit near the guide, and treat the commentary as a bonus rather than the reason to book.
• Some options disembark at the walkways and some do not. If you want real time at Perito Moreno, choose the disembark version — it is the one worth paying for.
• Puerto Bandera is 47 km from El Calafate and only some options include the transfer. Check which you are buying, or arrange your own car for a fixed sailing time.

What passengers said

What travellers say about this tour. More sit on the Perito Moreno Glacier tours reviews page.

Questions about the cruise