Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour: Upsala and Spegazzini

The full-day gourmet glacier tour to Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers in El Calafate is an unforgettable adventure. Priced at $340 USD, the tour promises stunning natural beauty and insights into glacier formation. Spanning 10-12 hours, you will witness awe-inspiring ice formations and calving events. While wheelchair accessible, it’s crucial to consider any medical conditions that may impact one’s ability to fully enjoy the experience. With a bilingual guide, roundtrip transfers, and lunch included, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park. What makes this glacier adventure so special, however, is the chance to…

Good To Know

• This full-day tour in El Calafate, Argentina, visits the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, offering boat excursions and educational commentary from bilingual guides.
• The tour includes roundtrip transfers, navigation, lunch, and park entrance fees, but excludes taxes for Argentine residents and pickups from non-reception hotels.
• The tour is rated 3.8/10 from 10 reviews, with mixed feedback regarding inclusions, tour duration, and disappointment about not seeing the Perito Moreno glacier.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.
• Passengers should confirm their passport information for reservation, and be aware of the 10-12 hour tour duration and early 7:00 AM departure time.

Tour Overview and Details

The full-day Gourmet Glacier Tour takes visitors to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers in El Calafate, Argentina. Rated 3.8 out of 10 from 10 reviews, the tour lasts approximately 10-12 hours and costs $340 USD.

It includes roundtrip transfers, navigation, a professional bilingual guide, insurance, lunch, and the national park entrance fee. However, it excludes taxes for Argentinian residents and pickups from airports or Airbnbs.

The tour departs at 7:00 AM and requires passport confirmation. It’s wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

Feedback indicates mixed reviews, with issues around communication and expectations not being met.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Gourmet Glacier Tour includes several key elements in its package.

Travelers will receive roundtrip transfers from their lodging in Calafate, as well as navigation and a professional bilingual guide. The tour also includes insurance and lunch, plus the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park, which costs $12 USD.

However, the package excludes taxes for Argentinian residents and pickups from airports or Airbnbs – only hotels with reception are covered.

It’s important to note that the tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Pickup and Confirmation Details

Pickup for the Gourmet Glacier Tour is available from most hotels in El Calafate.

Passengers should contact the tour provider via WhatsApp for details if their accommodation doesn’t have a reception desk. The tour departs promptly at 07:00 AM, so it’s essential to be ready on time.

To confirm the reservation, passengers need to provide their passport information when booking, as it’s required for the confirmation process. If the booking is made within 12 hours of the tour, the confirmation may not be received until the last minute.

The key pickup and confirmation details are:

1. Pickup from most hotels in El Calafate
2. Tour starts at 07:00 AM
3. Passport required for confirmation
4. Confirmation may be delayed for last-minute bookings

Health and Accessibility Information

Wheelchair accessibility is provided for this Gourmet Glacier Tour. However, infants must sit on laps during the navigation.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. Most travelers can participate, though. Guests should be aware of these health and accessibility considerations when booking this excursion.

The tour operator give you an inclusive experience, but certain physical limitations may prevent some individuals from fully enjoying the activities. Guests are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the tour provider prior to booking to ensure the tour meets their needs and abilities.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to reviews, the Gourmet Glacier Tour has received mixed feedback from customers.

While some praised the tour’s inclusions and the professional bilingual guide, others expressed disappointment that the tour content didn’t match the descriptions.

Complaints included:

1. Issues with the lunch inclusion and tour duration not being as advertised.
2. Visitors not getting to see the popular Perito Moreno glacier as expected.
3. Recommendations to book directly with local providers for better pricing and a more authentic experience.
4. Responses from the tour hosts indicating misunderstandings in booking and setting proper expectations.

Exploring the Upsala Glacier

The Upsala Glacier is a captivating highlight of the Gourmet Glacier Tour. Flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, this massive glacier offers a breathtaking display of nature’s power.

As the tour boat navigates the turquoise waters, travelers can marvel at the towering walls of ice and the dramatic calving events that send chunks of ice crashing into the lake. The guide provides informative commentary, sharing insights into the glacier’s formation and the impact of climate change on this natural wonder.

Visitors are encouraged to savor the moment, capturing the icy beauty through their cameras and memories. The Upsala Glacier exemplifies the tour’s focus on showcasing Patagonia’s most impressive glacial landscapes.

Marveling at the Spegazzini Glacier

After marveling at the impressive Upsala Glacier, the tour continues on to the equally captivating Spegazzini Glacier.

This massive ice formation towers over the surrounding landscape, its towering walls and deep blue hues creating a truly breathtaking sight. Visitors can observe the glacier’s calving process, where large chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake below.

To fully appreciate the grandeur of Spegazzini, the tour offers:

1. Boat excursions for up-close views of the glacier
2. Hiking trails with panoramic vistas
3. Educational talks by knowledgeable guides
4. Opportunities to capture stunning photographs

Planning Your Glacier Adventure

When planning your gourmet glacier adventure in El Calafate, Argentina, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

The tour runs for approximately 10-12 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing. Roundtrip transfers from your lodging are included, but you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport or Airbnb.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions.

Be sure to bring your passport for reservation confirmation, and note that the tour doesn’t include taxes for Argentine residents.

With careful planning, you can make the most of this gourmet glacier experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour includes lunch, but the overview doesn’t mention any specific dietary restrictions. Travelers should contact the tour provider directly to inquire about accommodating any dietary needs or preferences.

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Yes, the tour allows for photo stops along the way. The professional bilingual guide will provide opportunities for passengers to take photos of the scenic landscapes and glaciers encountered during the 10-12 hour excursion.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Glaciers?

The best time to visit the glaciers in El Calafate, Argentina is during the southern hemisphere’s summer months of November to March. This is when the weather is mildest and the glaciers are most accessible.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is approximately 10-12 hours, but there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend it. Customers should confirm the exact itinerary and duration with the tour provider before booking if they need a longer experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Beverages on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own snacks and beverages on the tour. The tour operator encourages guests to bring any additional food or drinks they’d like, as lunch is the only meal provided during the full-day excursion.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Gourmet Glacier Tour offers an unforgettable experience of El Calafate’s stunning glaciers. Travelers can witness the awe-inspiring Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, learn about their formation, and enjoy a gourmet lunch. While not suitable for all, the tour provides an exceptional opportunity to explore this natural wonder. With roundtrip transfers, a bilingual guide, and park entrance included, it’s a comprehensive glacier adventure worth considering.