Glaciares Gourmet Premium Lounge boat Tour + El Calafate pick up

This is a full-day Lake Argentino cruise that hits multiple glaciers, not just one. I like how the day is built around repeated glacier viewing stops, with the captain repositioning the boat so you can watch from both inside and the outdoor decks.

Two things I really like: the Premium Lounge VIP area (with a private terrace, private bathroom, and an open bar), and the fact that the schedule includes big-name moments like Upsala icebergs and the Perito Moreno area, plus a calm estancia-style walk at Las Vacas Post. One thing to keep in mind is that the VIP lounge can feel a bit crowded for its price point, since it caps at 16 people.

Key Highlights That Matter

• VIP Premium Lounge access: private terrace, private bathroom, open bar, and a 4-course tasting menu
• Captain-guided glacier time: frequent 30-minute stops and smart boat positioning for views from any deck
• Upsala without the close-in risk: you get dramatic ice up close, without the ship going within 6 miles
• Real Patagonian pause at Las Vacas Post: a quiet, guided walk in an old estancia setting inside the park
• Perito Moreno timing depends on your option: walkways add about an extra hour and shift your return time
• Guide-led clarity: instructions are detailed, and you may get extra science-style explanations from the team (for example, ice color comes from light/refraction)

Why the Premium Lounge Changes the Glacier Day

Lake Argentino cruises can be gorgeous, but they can also be a little cold, damp, and crowded around the best viewing angles. The VIP setup here is designed to solve that. You’re not stuck fighting for a spot at the rail, because you have a premium room with its own terrace plus an indoor place to stay comfortable.

The other big win is how much food and drink is baked into the experience. This is not just a cruise with snacks. You get lunch on board as a 4-course menu, and the open bar runs during the tour for adults over 18.

The third “why it works” is pacing. The day is built around multiple glacier encounters, and the captain keeps the viewing time useful. You get long enough looks, and you’re positioned for photos whether it’s sunny or gray.

Price and Value, Plus the One Cost You Still Need to Plan For

The tour runs about $445 per person and lasts roughly 11 hours. That price makes sense when you look at what you actually receive: hotel pickup and drop-off, a VIP premium lounge, an open bar, and a full 4-course lunch on board.

But there’s one unavoidable budget line: the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee is not included. The operator has different entrance options, so they don’t bundle it into the base tour price. Before you go, check what entry option fits your situation so you do not get surprised on the morning.

Also, note that the premium experience is tied to the VIP option. This isn’t a “maybe you’ll get VIP” situation. If you buy into this, you are paying for the premium area itself.

Morning Logistics in El Calafate: Getting on the Water by 8:30

Your day typically starts with pickup in El Calafate at 7:00 a.m. If you are staying in the main hotels, you’ll likely be collected from there. There are also different meeting points around town if that’s more convenient.

From there, you head toward Puerto Privado La Soledad, about 29 miles from El Calafate. Then boarding begins at 8:30 a.m. on a large catamaran with four outdoor decks, which matters because you want options for wind, visibility, and photos.

You’ll also be assisted with purchasing the Los Glaciares National Park entrance ticket. Since it isn’t included in the tour price, the guides help you handle it so you can focus on the day rather than paperwork.

Inside the VIP Premium Lounge: Terrace, Private Bathroom, and Open Bar

The VIP area is the heart of this tour. You get access only with the VIP option, and that comes with a dedicated premium room located in the best position for viewing.

What you should expect in that VIP space:

• A private terrace for watching glaciers even when the rest of the boat is busy
• A private bathroom, which is a quiet luxury on long cold days
• An open bar throughout the tour (for adults over 18)
• A 4-course tasting menu, served as lunch on board

One review specifically mentioned rain during the first glacier stops, and the private terrace made it easier to keep getting memorable photos without constantly sprinting back and forth between decks. I’d treat that as a practical reminder: weather happens, and the VIP layout helps you stay in the viewing game.

The one real caution I’d repeat from the feedback: the lounge cap is 16 people, and some felt that headcount made it feel a touch tight for the price. If you hate close quarters, think about whether you want the VIP experience for comfort or whether you prefer fewer people even if it means choosing a different operator.

Upsala Expediciones: Floating Icebergs and the Safety Distance

The first major stop is the Upsala section. You can spot floating icebergs early, and they can be up to four times bigger than the ship itself. It’s the kind of sight that makes you pause and look twice, especially if it’s your first time seeing icebergs on a lake.

Here’s the key detail that shapes your expectations: for safety reasons, the ship will not get within 6 miles of the glacier wall. Still, you are not getting less drama. The boat time is managed well, with the captain moving the vessel so you can see ice formations from the inside and from the outdoor decks.

You also get a repeated viewing rhythm. Each time the catamaran approaches a glacier face or a large ice block, the captain is in position for about 30 minutes. That means you’re not just getting a quick glance. You’re getting time to watch ice crack, changes in shadow and color, and how the ice looks from different angles.

Heim and Seco Hanging Glaciers, Plus the Ice Canal Run

After Upsala, the cruise continues into the realm of the Heim and Seco hanging glaciers. They get their name because they hang from the mountain instead of touching Lake Argentino water directly.

This is where you’ll notice the glaciers behave like vertical sculpture more than flat sheets. The views are different from what you get when you see a glacier meeting the lake, and you can appreciate how the ice shapes the shoreline and slopes.

Then the boat moves through the Canal de los Témpanos. This is one of those stretches where the scenery feels like a moving gallery, because the canal brings you toward the northern side of Perito Moreno. You should be ready for sudden sound moments. The ice can crack at unexpected times, and you’ll hear a powerful roar in the water when it happens.

The stop pattern matters here too. You get about 30 minutes in this segment for the viewing window, so you’re not left waiting too long between big moments.

Las Vacas Post: A Quiet Walk Inside an Old Patagonian Estancia

Between the ice stops, you get a land interlude at Las Vacas Post. The boat stops, you disembark, and then you take a quiet, coordinated walk with guides.

This part is valuable because it changes the pace. When you’ve spent hours watching moving ice, your brain needs a reset. On land, you get that slower Patagonian rhythm, with horses and preserved old structures from early estancia life.

Las Vacas Post is described as an old Patagonian estancia inside the national park. Guides explain the history and context of the place, so the walk feels like more than a break. You’re learning why this area looked and worked the way it did, even if you’re not a history person.

Expect about 1 hour for this stop, and remember it’s a coordinated walk, not a free roam wander.

Spegazzini Glacier: Lunch On Board with an About-to-Freeze Payoff

Spegazzini Glacier is dramatic from every direction. The overhanging ice face rises about 130 m, which is why it feels so imposing even when you’re viewing from the lake.

The timing is helpful because the day can be cold, and the tour uses that reality. Lunch is served while you are in the Spegazzini zone, with a four-course tasting menu: two starters, a main course, and dessert.

I like this approach because it avoids the usual tour problem where you end up either hungry or distracted. Here, food arrives at a moment when your body is ready for warmth. And because you’re in the VIP lounge area, you’re not rushing from deck to dining the whole time.

If you have dietary needs, the tour data you provided does not specify customization. I’d plan to contact the operator ahead of time and confirm how they handle requests.

Perito Moreno: Walkways If You Want the Best Angles, Plus the Big Sounds

The final phase is all about Perito Moreno. The day’s timing shifts depending on your selected option.

If your option includes Perito Moreno walkways, you disembark and spend over an hour at the viewpoints. That extra time matters if you want the closest, most structured viewing angles and the chance to walk among the best overlooks.

Then you return by minibus to El Calafate, usually arriving around 7:00 p.m.

If you did not select the walkway option, you return directly via the port and transportation, arriving around 6:00 p.m. That can be the right choice if you prefer a faster end to the day or want to avoid additional walking.

Either way, you’re leaving with the sensory memory you came for. The canal run plus the Perito Moreno area includes cracks and a roar when the ice breaks. And because the cruise is paced with multiple stops, Perito Moreno is not the only climax. It’s the final big scene.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This one fits best if you want a glacier day that is organized, comfortable, and built for repeated viewing moments.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You care about comfort in changing weather, and you want the ability to watch from a private terrace without constantly switching decks
• You like food and drink being part of the day, not an afterthought, thanks to the 4-course lunch and open bar
• You want a single cruise day that covers several glacier types, including Upsala, Heim, Seco, Spegazzini, and the Perito Moreno area

You might think twice if:

• You really dislike a busier premium room, since the VIP lounge cap is 16 people
• You want absolute freedom to spend unlimited time on any one glacier, since most viewing blocks are structured and time-based

Book It or Skip It?

If you’re choosing between a basic boat cruise and this VIP Premium Lounge version, I’d lean toward booking this when comfort and time management are high on your list. The private terrace and private bathroom alone make sense on a long day, and the open bar plus four-course lunch means the cruise day feels complete.

Just do two things first. Budget for the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee since it is not included, and pick your Perito Moreno option based on how much walking you actually want. If you want the most angles and you can handle a bit more time on foot, choose the walkway option. If you prefer a shorter finish, keep it streamlined.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Glaciares Gourmet Premium Lounge boat tour?

The tour is about 11 hours.

Where does the pickup happen, and what time does it start?

Pickup starts at 7:00 a.m. in El Calafate, with pickup from main hotels, plus other meeting points in the city.

Is the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is not included, and you will purchase it with guide assistance since there are different entrance options.

What is included with the VIP Premium Lounge option?

VIP includes access to the Premium Lounge area with a private terrace, a private bathroom, an open bar (for adults over 18), and a four-course lunch menu served on board. Pickup and drop-off from El Calafate are included too.

Does the tour visit Perito Moreno walkways?

It depends on the option selected. If you select the walkway option, you disembark and spend over an hour at the walkways. If you do not, you return by port.

How long do you spend at each main viewing stop?

The glacier and ice viewing stops are typically around 30 minutes each, and the Las Vacas Post walk is about 1 hour. Perito Moreno walkways are over an hour when included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 16 people.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.