Description
Day 1:
Reception at El Calafate airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Free time. According to your arrival time, an optional add-on excursion can be arranged (ask us).
Day 2:
Minitrekking on the Glacier: One of the most immersive experiences available within Los Glaciares National Park. The day begins early, with departure from El Calafate and transfer to Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, located 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) from the park entrance and 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the glacier. A short navigation across the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino—about twenty minutes—reaches the opposite shore of the Magallanes Peninsula.
From there, a small group, under the guidance of bilingual certified mountain guides begins a coastal hike of roughly thirty minutes leading to the southern margin of the Perito Moreno Glacier. At this point, metal crampons are fitted with technical assistance, followed by basic instructions on their use and a brief overview of glacial formation, regional flora, and fauna.
The ice walk, of moderate difficulty, lasts about one hour. Though the surface is uneven, it is stable and secure. Along the way, the glacier reveals crevasses, moulins, and a palette of shifting blues.
The return follows a different trail through the forest, offering a new perspective on the glacier. Back at the shelter, there is free time for a meal before boarding once again. During the final stretch of the navigation, the boat approaches the glacier’s frontal wall, allowing for a full sense of its scale from the water.
The excursion also includes time to explore the walkways overlooking Perito Moreno, either before or after the trek. Due to safety considerations, this activity is not available to anyone under 10 or over 65 years of age, or to individuals who are pregnant, have obesity, or physical limitations. Required clothing includes trekking or athletic footwear (rubber boots, après-ski boots, and high heels are not permitted), thick socks (preferably wool or cotton), long pants, warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and sunglasses.
Day 3:
A full day of navigation among Glaciers and icebergs, at the splendid Gourmet Glaciers Experience: This full-day journey aboard the María Turquesa Cruise blends two of southern Patagonia’s greatest pleasures: sailing among glaciers and enjoying refined cuisine surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The experience begins early in the morning with a transfer to Punta Bandera, where boarding from the Private Port La Soledad takes place . The navigation unfolds across the vast expanse of Lake Argentino, offering a privileged perspective on the Los Glaciares National Park—a perspective both immersive and remarkably close to the ice.
The first sights appear after crossing Escuadra Bay and the Condoreras Wall: the Seco and Heim Glaciers, suspended from mountain slopes and peaks—so-called “hanging glaciers.” The cruise continues south toward the Spegazzini Channel, leading to the glacier of the same name. This towering ice front rises between 260 and 440 feet above lake level, allowing for an awe-inspiring close-up approach.
The next stop is Puesto de las Vacas, a calm bay nestled within the channel. Here, the captain cuts the engines to allow a brief, guided walk along the shore, led by the onboard team of naturalist guides.
Later, the cruise approaches the barrier of icebergs that blocks access to the Upsala Channel. The distant outlines of the Upsala and Bertacchi Glaciers can be admired from the deck. A Gourmet boxed lunch, with non-alcoholic beverages included, is served amid this striking scenery.
The journey then continues through the Iceberg Channel toward the northern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, where the vessel stops to observe the dramatic calving of ice blocks crashing into the lake—a spectacle of sound, movement, and stillness.
Return to port is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. followed by the transfer back to El Calafate.
Note: When booking with us, guests may request for an upgrade to the VIP Premium Deck of the María Turquesa Cruise, an exclusive area with space for just 16 passengers. This option not only offers privacy but a full lunch with alcoholic beverages, plus complimentary cafeteria service throughout the navigation.
Day 4:
Breakfast at the hotel, and, at scheduled time, transfer to the airport. End of our services.
