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.
Itinerary
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.
What’s included
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 states 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 on this site 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.
Traveller reviews
Traveller feedback on this tour, in our own words. More sit on the Perito Moreno Glacier tours reviews page.
Rated the premium deck worth the upgrade for the food and drinks, and enjoyed seeing several glaciers close up.
Anne · February 2026
Disappointed by the distance kept from Upsala and recommended bringing binoculars, while praising the lunch.
Leena · January 2026
Described a calm, well-run trip with a good vegetarian option, and recommended taking the version that lets you walk the pasarelas.
Camila · February 2026
Questions about this tour
How long does this cruise spend at the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Thirty minutes at the front, according to the operator's own itinerary. The rest of the day is spent at Seco, Spegazzini and Upsala.
Where does the boat leave from?
Puerto Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate. This is a different port from the walkways and from the ice-trek crossing.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A box lunch on the classic deck, or a four-course sitting on the premium deck. Vegetarian and coeliac options are available on request.
Can I still walk the pasarelas?
Yes, if you book the option that includes disembarking at Puerto Moreno. The standard cruise does not stop there.
How close does the boat get to Upsala?
Not close. Vessels are no longer permitted near the front, and several travellers advise bringing binoculars.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Conditionally. The classic deck is described as accessible on the option without transfers; the premium deck is not. Confirm with the operator before booking.
Compare this against every other option at Perito Moreno Glacier Tours, check the fees and hours on the visitor information page, or see the numbers side by side on the key facts page.