How to Plan Your El Calafate Todo Glaciares Boat Trip

El Calafate is a charming city in Argentina known for its stunning glaciers, crystal clear lakes, and picturesque mountains. You can visit El Calafate as a day trip or a longer vacation to see the breathtaking landscapes of the area. One of the best ways to explore the glaciers is by taking the Todo Glaciares Boat Trip. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to plan your trip, including the highlights, full description, what’s included, and how to book the tour.

Experience

The Todo Glaciares Boat Trip is a fascinating experience that allows you to cruise through the stunning Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. You will get the chance to discover the Spegazzini Refuge and its mesmerizing viewing points while enjoying privileged views of the most important glaciers in the Argentinian Patagonia. The boat trip is available all year round, and it is an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of the glaciers in El Calafate.

Highlights

The Todo Glaciares Boat Trip offers several highlights that you should not miss while on the tour:

Sail Among the Spectacular Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers

The Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers are among the most stunning glaciers in the world. The boat trip will enable you to sail through the channels of the two glaciers which provide spectacular views of their beauty.

Discover the Spegazzini Refuge with Its Incredible Viewing Points

The Spegazzini Refuge is an ice-capped mountain offering an incredible view of the glaciers. You will also discover various viewing points that will enable you to witness the glaciers’ beauty from a vantage point.

Enjoy Privileged Views of the Most Important Glaciers in the Argentinian Patagonia

The boat trip offers an exclusive opportunity to get privileged views of the essential glaciers in the Argentinian Patagonia. You will have a chance to witness the stunning landscapes of the glaciers in their fullness.

Full Description

The Todo Glaciares Boat Trip starts with a hotel pickup at around 7:00 AM in El Calafate. You will then embark on a 47km journey to the Punta Bandera Port, where the boat departs at 9:00 AM. During the boat trip, you will sail through the channels of the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, discovering the stunning views of the glaciers and the surrounding areas. The boat trip lasts for approximately 10 hours, and you will return to your hotel in El Calafate by early evening.

Includes

The Todo Glaciares Boat Trip is an all-inclusive tour that comes with several features, including:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Boat trip to Upsala and Spegazzini channels
• Bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking guide
• Entrance to the national park (General AR$5.500; Argentine residents AR$1.500 per person)
• Food and drinks
• Pickup from private apartments

Booking the Tour

To book the Todo Glaciares Boat Trip, you can visit the following link: book the tour here. The booking process is fast and straightforward, and you can secure your spot by paying online. It is advisable to book the tour in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the Todo Glaciares Boat Trip is an adventure of a lifetime that you cannot afford to miss while in El Calafate. With its stunning glaciers, crystal clear lakes, and picturesque mountains, the area offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Follow the guidelines above to plan your boat trip and witness the natural beauty of the Argentinian Patagonia.

Insider’s Guide: El Calafate

El Calafate is a picturesque city located in the southern province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, the city attracts thousands of visitors every year looking to embark on the famous ‘Todo Glaciares’ boat trip and witness the impressive glaciers that adorn the park’s landscape. However, El Calafate is more than just a starting point to a boat trip, with its stunning surroundings, unique culture, and rich history, there are plenty of activities to do and places to explore.

Attractions

Los Glaciares National Park – The highlight of any visit to El Calafate is undoubtedly the spectacular Los Glaciares National Park. The 47 glaciers in the park, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, attract visitors from all over the world. Aside from the ‘Todo Glaciares’ boat trip, visitors can choose from a variety of activities, including trekking, hiking, and ice climbing.

Glaciarium – Before venturing into the park, it is worthwhile to visit Glaciarium, a museum dedicated to glaciers and their impact on the environment. The museum is located just outside of El Calafate and features interactive displays and educational exhibits on glaciers and climate change.

Birdwatching – El Calafate is a great place for bird watching, with more than 200 species found in the region. The Laguna Nimez Reserve is a prime spot to observe birds, including flamingos, swans, and ducks.

Dining

La Tablita – If you’re looking to taste the renowned Argentine beef, La Tablita is the place to go. This local eatery serves some of the best grilled meats in town, along with other traditional Argentine dishes.

La Cocina – For a fine dining experience, La Cocina is a must-visit restaurant in El Calafate. This restaurant offers an inventive menu of contemporary Patagonian cuisine with an extensive wine list to pair.

El Puesto – Looking for something more traditional? El Puesto serves authentic Patagonian food, like grilled lamb and the classic Argentine empanadas.

Cultural Experiences

Museo Regional El Calafate – To learn more about the history and culture of El Calafate and the surrounding region, head to Museo Regional El Calafate. The museum showcases the natural and human history of the area, with exhibits on geology, flora and fauna, and the indigenous Tehuelche people.

Handmade Crafts – El Calafate is known for its handmade crafts, made from locally sourced materials like leather, wool, and wood. There are various shops in the city where you can pick up authentic souvenirs like ponchos, rugs, and leather goods.

Local History

Estancia Cristina – For a true sense of the regional history, visitors can take a trip to the Estancia Cristina. This historical estancia is located on a remote peninsula and was founded in the early 20th century as a sheep-rearing operation.

Punta Walichu – Also, visit Punta Walichu, where there are ancient paintings dating back more than 4,000 years. The paintings depict Guanaco, birds, and hands in various shades of red and white.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Cerro Huyliche – For a panoramic view of El Calafate and the surrounding area, take a hike up Cerro Huyliche. This short but steep trail offers stunning views of Lake Argentino and the mountains beyond.

Lago Roca – Take a trip out to Lago Roca, a glacial lake on the outskirts of El Calafate. The lake offers fantastic views of the Andes mountains and is an excellent spot for fishing, picnicking, or just taking a relaxing stroll.

In conclusion, El Calafate is a city that offers not only a starting point for the “Todo Glaciares” boat trip but a great cultural and natural experience. Visitors can explore glaciers, take in the local culture, and discover the rich history behind Santa Cruz Province. Whether it’s hiking, bird watching, or indulging in excellent food and drink, El Calafate has something for everyone.