Embarking on the Turquoise Maria Cruiser, travelers can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia’s renowned glaciers. This full-day adventure from El Calafate, Argentina, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majesty of Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Upsala glaciers up close. With a gourmet box lunch featuring local delicacies, guests can savor exquisite flavors while surrounded by the ethereal beauty of the region. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour ensures a comfortable and enriching exploration, leaving visitors with an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary.

Good To Know

Gourmet Glaciers - Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation (classic) - Good To Know

  • Full-day excursion from El Calafate, Argentina, to explore notable glaciers, including Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Upsala.
  • Gourmet box lunch served onboard the Turquoise Maria Cruiser, featuring locally sourced charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and a hearty main dish.
  • Scenic walking tour at Puesto Las Vacas with panoramic views of Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers.
  • Navigation towards the northern face of Perito Moreno Glacier for close-up glacier exploration.
  • Seamless start and end to the tour, with shared hotel/port transfers and an English-speaking guide.

Tour Overview

Gourmet Glaciers - Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation (classic) - Tour Overview

The "Gourmet Glaciers – Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation" tour is a classic full-day excursion departing from El Calafate, Argentina.

This 8-hour tour takes travelers on a journey to witness notable glaciers, including Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Upsala.

The tour departs from La Soledad Private Port at 9:00 am and includes a gourmet box lunch served onboard.

Guests will disembark at Puesto Las Vacas for a walking excursion and enjoy panoramic views of the Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers.

The tour then navigates towards the northern face of the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier before returning to La Soledad Port by 5:00 pm.

This tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and is priced from $285.00 per person.

Itinerary Highlights

Gourmet Glaciers - Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation (classic) - Itinerary Highlights

Departing at 09:00 am from La Soledad Private Port, the tour takes visitors on an immersive journey to witness several renowned glaciers in the region.

The tour includes visits to the Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Upsala Glaciers. Disembarking at Puesto Las Vacas, guests will enjoy a scenic walk with panoramic views of the Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers.

Lunch is served onboard, and the navigation continues towards the northern face of the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.

The tour returns to La Soledad Port by 05:00 pm, providing an opportunity to capture the stunning landscapes and glacial features throughout the day.

Included Amenities

Gourmet Glaciers - Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation (classic) - Included Amenities

Shared hotel/port transfers whisk guests to and from the departure point, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour. Onboard, a gourmet box lunch is served, catering to various dietary needs. The entrance fee to the National Park is included, payable in AR pesos on the day of the excursion. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, eliminating language barriers and providing in-depth information about the glaciers and the region.

Included Amenities
Shared hotel/port transfer
Gourmet box lunch
Entrance fee to National Park
English-speaking guide

Accessibility and Participation

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible? Yes, the Gourmet Glaciers – Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation tour is designed to be accessible for both wheelchair and stroller users.

Infants are also welcome, but they must sit on laps during the tour. The maximum number of participants is 200, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

Here are some key details about the tour’s accessibility and participation:

  1. Wheelchair accessible
  2. Stroller accessible
  3. Infants must sit on laps
  4. Maximum of 200 travelers can participate

Customer Feedback

The positive reviews of the Gourmet Glaciers – Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation tour highlight the scenic views of the glaciers and the relaxing boat experience.

Travelers praise the tour’s ability to provide panoramic vistas of the Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers.

However, some feedback suggests the tour could be improved by allowing more viewing time at the Perito Moreno Glacier and getting closer to the Upsala Glacier for better photo opportunities.

Departure and Arrival Times

The tour departs from La Soledad Private Port at 9:00 am.

Travelers can expect to return to the port by 5:00 pm, after a full day of exploring the glaciers.

The schedule is as follows:

  1. Departure from La Soledad Private Port at 9:00 am
  2. Panoramic views of Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers
  3. Disembark at Puesto Las Vacas for a walking tour
  4. Navigate towards the northern face of Perito Moreno Glacier
  5. Return to La Soledad Port by 5:00 pm

The entire tour lasts approximately 8 hours, providing ample time to witness the stunning glacial landscapes.

Glacier Exploration

Gourmet Glaciers - Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation (classic) - Glacier Exploration

During the tour, travelers will visit four notable glaciers: Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Upsala.

They’ll disembark at Puesto Las Vacas for a walk, offering panoramic views of the Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers.

As the boat navigates towards the northern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, guests will enjoy a gourmet box lunch served onboard.

The tour provides an opportunity to witness the majestic glaciers up close, with an English-speaking guide to facilitate the experience.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a scenic adventure, this glacier exploration promises to leave a lasting impression.

Onboard Dining Experience

Gourmet Glaciers - Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation (classic) - Onboard Dining Experience

Guests aboard the Turquoise Maria Cruiser can look forward to a gourmet box lunch served during the tour. The lunch includes:

  1. A selection of locally sourced charcuterie and artisanal cheeses.
  2. A fresh seasonal salad with a tantalizing vinaigrette dressing.
  3. A hearty main dish showcasing the region’s renowned lamb or beef.
  4. A decadent dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Prepared with care by skilled chefs, the onboard dining experience complements the stunning glacial vistas, allowing guests to savor the flavors of Patagonia as they glide through the turquoise waters.

With this delightful lunch, the Gourmet Glaciers tour provides a well-rounded culinary adventure amidst the breathtaking natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size requirement for this tour. It’s a shared tour that allows individual travelers to participate without needing to meet a minimum group size.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a gourmet box lunch is provided and included in the tour price, so there’s no need to pack your own meal.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Infants can attend but must sit on laps. The maximum group size is 200 travelers, making it suitable for all ages to enjoy the scenic glaciers.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Cruise?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this cruise tour. The tour operator has restrictions in place for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Only service animals are permitted to join the excursion.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors on this full-day glacier cruise. However, the price includes hotel/port transfers, lunch, and an English-speaking guide to enhance the overall experience.

The Sum Up

The Gourmet Glaciers – Turquoise Maria Cruiser Navigation (classic) tour offers an immersive glacier exploration experience from El Calafate. Guests can savor local delicacies while surrounded by Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. With a knowledgeable guide and a comfortable capacity, this full-day adventure ensures an enriching and memorable journey through the region’s renowned glaciers.