Perito Moreno boat tour from El Calafate: Glaciares Gourmet
4.5 / 5 · 99 traveler reviews
The El Calafate Glacier Boat Tour is the most extensive boat tour available in Glaciares National Park. Onboard a modern cruise vessel, your group will sail across Lake Argentino and visit the Upsala, Spegazzini, Perito Moreno, Heim, and Seco Glaciers. It’s the only boat tour that allows you to see all five of the park’s main glaciers in a single day. During the tour, you’ll also take a one-hour walk through the forest on Puesto de Las Vacas, a small island in the Spegazzini Channel. To finish, you’ll enjoy a delicious Patagonian meal served onboard. The tour offers three transportation options: Tour with transfers + Perito Moreno visit: Includes the boat trip, round-trip transfers from El Calafate, and a visit to the Perito Moreno walkways. Highly recommended! Tour with transfers: Includes the boat tour and round-trip transfers from El Calafate. Tour without transfers: Includes only the boat tour; you’ll need to get to the port on your own.
Your experience
Stop 1
This tour includes transfers from 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. If you select “without pick-up,” you’ll need to make your own way to Puerto Privado La Soledad, located about 29 miles (47 km) from El Calafate. By 8:15 a.m., all passengers will be at the port, and with the help of your guide, you’ll purchase your entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park, as it’s not included in the tour price.
Stop 2
The adventure kicks off! At 8:30 a.m., boarding starts on a spacious catamaran with four open-air decks, giving you plenty of room to comfortably take in the stunning views of Lake Argentino. The boat also offers a VIP section with a private outdoor deck. To enjoy this exclusive feature, be sure to choose the VIP upgrade when you book your tour!
Stop 3
The boat leaves promptly at 9:00 a.m., and within minutes, you’ll encounter the park’s vast ice fields, often stretching up to four times the size of the ship! Upsala Glacier is the second largest glacier in South America. The calving is so massive that, for safety reasons, the boat won’t come closer than ten kilometers. Even from that distance, the glacier looks enormous. The ice’s color is striking, almost as if it’s glowing with a mysterious light. Whenever the boat nears a glacier wall or a large ice block, the captain expertly maneuvers so passengers can get a perfect view from both inside the boat and from any of the decks. This way, everyone onboard can enjoy the glaciers no matter where they are.
Stop 4
As the captain navigates the boat across the lake, you’ll see some of the most fascinating hanging glaciers. Known as the Heim and Seco Glaciers, these glaciers cling to the mountainside without reaching the surface of Lake Argentino below.
Stop 5
The peaceful quiet of nature! During this part of the tour, you’ll get off at El Puesto de Las Vacas for a calm walk guided by our team. El Puesto de Las Vacas (The Cow Stall) is a historic Patagonian cattle ranch located in the heart of the National Park. Here, you’ll see horses, old buildings, and various artifacts left behind by Patagonia’s early settlers. Take in the fresh air and natural surroundings as your guides share the fascinating history of this special area.
Stop 6
The Spegazzini Glacier is stunning from every viewpoint. The section that hangs over the lake rises up to 425 ft (130 m), nearly twice the height of the Perito Moreno Glacier. And if the cold works up your appetite, it’s time to enjoy lunch! Savor a delicious Patagonian lamb sandwich served with baked vegetables. If you select the premium option when booking, you’ll be treated to a special four-course meal: two appetizers, a main dish, and dessert. Drinks are included with both options, and the premium package also offers an open bar throughout the entire El Calafate Boat Tour.
Stop 7
Now with full stomachs and happy hearts, the boat tour continues through the Canal de Los Témpanos toward the northern edge of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Perito Moreno is a massive glacier with constant activity. From the safety of the boat, you may see ice cracking and hear the powerful roar as chunks of ice break off and crash into the depths of Lake Argentino. At this point, two options are available: Option 1: Disembark at Perito Moreno After cruising alongside the glacier wall, the boat will arrive at a dock around 3:30 p.m., where passengers will get off to explore the Perito Moreno trails. You’ll have about two hours to stretch your legs and walk the paths of this famous glacier before heading back to El Calafate by shuttle bus. You’ll arrive in town around 7:00 p.m. TIP: Disembarking is highly recommended for travelers who don’t plan to join other Perito Moreno tours like the Minitrekking.
Stop 8
Option 2: Tour Without Disembarkation After cruising along the face of Perito Moreno, the captain will turn the boat around and head back to Puerto La Soledad, where you’ll disembark around 5:00 p.m. If you chose the option with transfers, a shuttle will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in El Calafate. You’ll arrive in town around 6:00 p.m.—just in time to relax after an unforgettable day on the Gourmet Glaciers Tour. If your booking does not include transfers, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation back to El Calafate.
What’s included
- Boat tour (5 glaciers)
- Professional guide in Spanish and English for all activities
- Hotel transfers from El Calafate (if selected at booking)
- Disembark at Perito Moreno Walkways (if selected at booking)
- Lunch
Not included
- Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park
Meeting and pickup
From Puerto La Soledad
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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