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Boat tour · El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Navegación a los glaciares Upsala y Spegazzini
Boat route along the Brazo Norte of Lago Argentino, with sections through the Upsala and Spegazzini channels. Embarkation takes place at Puerto Punta Bandera, outside El Calafate.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Navegación a los glaciares Upsala y Spegazzini
The navigation to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers explores the arms of Lago Argentino in the southern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. The excursion departs from Puerto Punta Bandera, about 47 km by road from El Calafate, and follows the Brazo Norte to the channels that receive the ice from those mountains.
Canal Upsala offers the scenery associated with one of the park's major glaciers. How close you can get depends on floating ice and the chosen route; don’t expect to always reach the glacier front. In Brazo Spegazzini, the ice wall descends from the mountain to the water, surrounded by slopes and forest.
Some itineraries include a landing at Base Spegazzini and a walk along boardwalks through the forest. Others change the order of visits or add lake sectors. Compare the route, the transfer to Punta Bandera and what is included before booking. Reserve a separate day for the Perito Moreno boardwalks: they are visits with their own access and routes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Set aside a day for the boat trip and transfers between El Calafate and Puerto Punta Bandera. Duration varies with the itinerary and any landings.
Best time
From November to March there are more daylight hours to explore the lake. Floating ice, wind and visibility can alter navigation conditions in any month.
How to get there
Leave El Calafate via provincial routes 11 and 8 to Puerto Punta Bandera, about 47 km by road. The excursion embarks at the port; confirm the pier and the round-trip transport.
Tip
Choose the itinerary based on the advertised route. Upsala can be viewed from a distance, and not all sailings include the same landing at Spegazzini.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Navegación a los glaciares Upsala y Spegazzini
Does the boat depart from downtown El Calafate?
No. Boarding takes place at Puerto Punta Bandera, about 47 km by road. Check whether transfer is included or needs to be arranged separately.
Does the boat trip replace the Perito Moreno boardwalks?
No. Upsala and Spegazzini are other sectors of the park. The Perito Moreno boardwalks have a separate land access and deserve a different day.
Does the boat always get close to Upsala?
The viewing distance varies depending on floating ice and the itinerary. Check the route and do not rely on a specific close approach.