Perito Moreno boat tour from El Calafate: Glaciares Gourmet

Glaciers are the main event here, and this trip does it efficiently: you cruise across Lake Argentino, then get multiple glacier views in one long day. Think five different ice encounters plus photo-worthy calving and floating ice.

I really like the catamaran setup, with four open-air decks so you can chase the best light without feeling stuck. I also like how the boat and captain work together, with frequent repositioning so you get views from both inside windows and on deck, even when the weather gets pushy.

One thing to consider: the included meal is a box lunch. If you expect a true sit-down gourmet spread, you may want the premium option, because some people feel the standard lunch does not match the name.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel On This Day

• Five glaciers from the lake: Upsala, Heim, Seco, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno in one run
• A proper viewing boat: multiple decks, plus the option of a VIP outdoor deck
• Captain maneuvering so everyone sees ice up close, even with big safety distances
• Lunch that matches Patagonia timing: you eat on the cruise, not hours later in town
• Two Perito Moreno choices: walk the boardwalks or stay onboard for the full return
• Smallish groups (max 50), which helps with getting around the boat and dock areas

From El Calafate to the Port: A Long Day Starts Early

This is a full-day glacier outing, roughly 10 to 12 hours, so your schedule has to be ready for an early start. If you select the pick-up option, the day begins at 7:00 a.m., with pickup from your accommodation in El Calafate. If you choose to skip transfers, you’ll need to make your own way to Puerto Privado La Soledad, about 29 miles (47 km) from town.

By 8:15 a.m., everyone is together at the port. Here’s a key detail: the Los Glaciares National Park entrance ticket is not included, so you’ll buy it with your guide’s help. That saves time and stress, because this is not the kind of trip you want to mess up on paperwork while cold air is already winning.

Boarding the Catamaran: Deck Space, VIP Upgrade, and Real Viewing Comfort

At 8:30 a.m., boarding begins on a spacious catamaran with four open-air decks. That matters more than it sounds. On glacier days, wind and clouds can shift fast, and having deck options makes it easier to keep getting good sightlines.

The boat also has a VIP section with a private outdoor deck. If you’re the type who wants your own calmer viewing zone, this upgrade is the easiest way to “buy” comfort without changing anything else about the itinerary.

The boat departs at 9:00 a.m. and you’ll spend hours out on Lake Argentino. One practical takeaway from what people say after the fact: it can get windy on deck. You’ll be happiest if you plan to rotate between inside windows and deck time, not treat it like one long, frozen photo marathon.

Upsala Glacier: The Big One With a Safety Distance That Still Feels Huge

The day’s first true ice spectacle is Upsala Glacier. It’s described as the second largest glacier in South America, and calving is so intense that the boat does not come closer than ten kilometers for safety reasons.

Here’s the fun part: ten kilometers is still close enough to make your brain stop working. You’ll see a wall of ice that looks almost unreal, with a striking blue tone that comes from the ice itself and the way light hits thick glacial ice.

You’ll also notice something subtle and important: the captain handles navigation like a craft. When the boat approaches a glacier wall or a large ice block, it maneuvers so you can view the action from multiple angles. The goal is simple, everyone gets a shot, and nobody has to crane their neck for hours in one uncomfortable place.

Heim and Seco: Hanging Glaciers That Look Like They’re Refusing to Touch Water

After Upsala, you’ll continue cruising and hit the Heim and Seco glaciers, often described as hanging glaciers. The idea is dramatic but easy to picture: these glaciers cling to the mountainside and don’t extend down to the surface of Lake Argentino.

On a boat, hanging glaciers can feel more mysterious than the big, floor-spanning ice walls. They look suspended, like something stuck in mid-motion. You also get a different sense of scale than you do at your main glacier stop, because there are more “forms” to track, not just one giant face.

This segment is shorter than Upsala, but it’s a great breather. It keeps the day from feeling like a nonstop assault on your senses while still moving you deeper into the glacier system.

El Puesto de Las Vacas: The One Stop That’s Not Just Ice

A lot of glacier tours are all boat, all the way. This one mixes in a calmer nature pause at El Puesto de Las Vacas, also known as the cow stall. You’ll disembark for about an hour of a guided walk with the tour team.

This is a historic Patagonian cattle ranch inside the national park area. You’ll see horses, old buildings, and artifacts tied to early Patagonia settlers. It’s not a long hike, and that’s the point. Your boots get a moment outside the boat, you stretch a little, and you get context for the human side of the region.

There’s a trade-off to know up front: some people feel this part is a little slow or not essential. If you’re the type who wants maximum glacier time, treat this as a scenic reset, not the main climax of your day.

Spegazzini Glacier and Lunch: Where the Meal Earns Its Place

Next up is Glaciar Spegazzini, and it’s a show from every angle. It’s noted as rising up to 425 ft (130 m), nearly twice the height of Perito Moreno. That height difference matters because you’ll often see it as a towering, vertical ice wall from the water, not a distant slope.

This is also when lunch happens. The standard included lunch is a Patagonian lamb sandwich with baked vegetables, served as part of your Gourmet lunchbox, with drinks and dessert included.

If you want to lean into the “Gourmet” promise, there’s a premium option that upgrades your meal to a four-course dinner-style layout: two appetizers, a main dish, and dessert. Drinks are included either way, and the premium package also offers an open bar throughout the El Calafate boat tour.

Cold day plus boat time equals a simple rule: eat before you feel hungry. The schedule here helps you do that, and it’s one reason people come away rating the tour so highly even if they stay realistic about the meal.

Canal de Los Témpanos and Perito Moreno: The Day’s Loudest Moments

As you move toward the northern edge of Perito Moreno, you’ll cruise through the Canal de Los Témpanos. This part is famous because it’s alive. Perito Moreno has constant activity, so from the safety of the boat you may see chunks of ice crack and break off, and you can hear the roar as ice drops into Lake Argentino.

Even if you’ve seen glacier videos before, being there changes the scale. The sound is physical. It travels through your bones in a way photos never show.

At this point, you choose how you want the Perito Moreno finale to work.

Option 1: Disembark at Perito Moreno Walkways

With this choice, the boat docks around 3:30 p.m. and you get about two hours to explore the Perito Moreno trails and walkways. This is the option many people recommend if you want the full experience from land, especially if you are not planning another Perito Moreno tour later.

After your walk, you head back to El Calafate by shuttle bus and arrive around 7:00 p.m. This is a long day, but at least you end it with a plan: glacier time, then town time.

Option 2: Stay Onboard for a No-Disembark Return

If you choose not to disembark, the boat turns after cruising along the glacier face and heads back to Puerto La Soledad, where you disembark around 5:00 p.m. With transfers, you return to El Calafate around 6:00 p.m.

This option can be nice if you prefer less walking, if you’re traveling with someone who finds trails tiring, or if you just want a slower wind-down after a lot of boat time.

Price and Value: Is $245 a Fair Deal for Five Glaciers?

At $245 per person, this tour is priced like a premium day trip because you’re paying for three big things at once: long-distance boat access to glacier viewpoints, a guided program with bilingual narration, and meals during a full-day schedule.

But the national park ticket is extra, so your true total is the boat tour price plus that entrance fee. That’s not a deal-breaker, just budget for it so you do not get surprised at the port.

The other value question is “Gourmet” versus “actual gourmet.” Many people love the overall comfort and organization, but a few say the included box lunch does not feel gourmet at the price. If you’re the type who cares about food quality, the premium meal upgrade (open bar and a four-course structure) is where you’re most likely to feel the name matches the experience.

Also pay attention to boat crowding. Some people say the boat can feel packed and that seating can be tight. The fix is simple: assume you will rotate between inside and deck, and don’t plan on one perfect seat for the whole day.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Style)

This is ideal for you if you want a high-ROI glacier day. In one outing you get five glacier viewpoints, plus a land stop at a historic ranch. It’s a good choice for families, for couples, and for anyone who wants the comfort of a guided program without arranging multiple separate transport pieces.

You might want to think twice if:

• You want a long, active glacier hike, because this is mainly a boat-view and walkway day.
• You are very picky about meals, since the standard lunch is a boxed sandwich style.
• You dislike crowds and long days, because the boat can be busy and you will be on board for hours.

One more useful reality check: this tour gives an excellent overview from the water. If your goal is a very close, hands-on glacier walking experience, you may still want a separate activity focused on Perito Moreno hiking later.

Should You Book Glaciares Gourmet from El Calafate?

Yes, I’d book it if you want the most glacier power per day, with comfortable boat time and the option to get on land at Perito Moreno. The big wins are the five-glacier route, the way the captain positions the boat for viewing, and the fact that you’re not stuck with only one viewpoint.

I’d also book it if you like structure. Pickup, park ticket help, guided narration in Spanish and English, and a scheduled lunch means you can relax while Patagonia does its loud ice thing.

Just go in with honest expectations about lunch. If Gourmet-level food matters to you, consider the premium meal option. If you’re fine with a solid box lunch in exchange for the glacier itinerary, you’ll likely feel like this is money well spent.

FAQ

What time does the tour start if I choose pick-up in El Calafate?

If you choose the pick-up option, the tour begins at 7:00 a.m., when you’ll be picked up from your accommodation.

Is the Los Glaciares National Park entrance ticket included?

No. The entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park is not included, and you’ll purchase it with your guide’s help by about 8:15 a.m.

How do I get to the port if I skip the transfers?

If you choose without pick-up, you’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Privado La Soledad, which is about 29 miles (47 km) from El Calafate.

What is the total duration of the tour?

The tour duration is approximately 10 to 12 hours.

Can I walk on Perito Moreno during this tour?

Yes. If you select the option with disembarkation, you’ll get off at Perito Moreno around 3:30 p.m. and have about two hours to explore the walkways.

Is there a VIP upgrade on the boat?

Yes. There is a VIP upgrade that gives you access to a private outdoor deck.

What lunch is included, and what’s different with the premium option?

The included lunch is a Patagonian lamb sandwich with baked vegetables, served as a lunchbox, with drinks and dessert. The premium option includes a four-course meal (two appetizers, main, and dessert) and an open bar.

How many people are on the tour at most?

This tour has a maximum group size of 50 travelers.

FAQ

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.