Canal de los Témpanos - Image 1
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Canal de los Témpanos

4.7
·7 reviews·, Argentina

Witness colossal icebergs calved from glaciers drift through the stunning Canal de los Témpanos in Patagonia.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for icebergs

CrowdMedium
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Canal de los Témpanos - Image 1

Canal de los Témpanos

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for icebergs

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness colossal icebergs calved from glaciers drift through the stunning Canal de los Témpanos in Patagonia.

4.7
(7 reviews)

"A surreal, ever-changing landscape of brilliant blue icebergs awaits."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Book Glacier Tours Early

Popular glacier excursions like 'Todo Glaciares' and 'Minitrekking' sell out fast. Book in advance!

💰 Budget for El Calafate

It's pricier than other Argentine spots, but worth it. Compare to global glacier destinations.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Drifting Icebergs

Drifting Icebergs

Canal de los Témpanos

Witness colossal icebergs calved from glaciers, creating a surreal, ever-changing landscape of brilliant blue.

Instagram
Glacier Navigation

Glacier Navigation

Lago Argentino

Cruise through Lago Argentino, getting up close to majestic glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala.

TikTok
Iceberg Channel Views

Iceberg Channel Views

Near Perito Moreno Glacier

Experience the awe-inspiring sight of icebergs floating in the milky-blue waters, a truly unique natural spectacle.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tours in Advance

Popular glacier tours, especially those involving trekking on ice, sell out quickly. Booking your 'Todo Glaciares' or 'Minitrekking' excursions weeks or even months ahead is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. TikTok

El Calafate's Cost Factor

While El Calafate can be pricier than other Argentine destinations, many visitors find it a worthwhile expense for the unique glacial experiences. Comparing costs to international glacier destinations often makes it seem more affordable. TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for icebergs
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Less crowded than midday
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

❄️ ¡Turistas registraron la rotación de un iceberg! 🤯 💧 Un grupo de turistas navegaba en el Lago Argentino cuando un témpano se desprendió y pudieron ver los colores del hielo que se esconde debajo del agua 😍 📲 El video se volvió viral en redes sociales cuando un usuario subió el paseo por el Glaciar Upsala en El Calafate, ¡impresionante! 🧊 📼 fran_silva11 #Viral #Turismo #ElCalafate #Glaciares #F...
@filonews
25.4K likes • 759.8K views

🚢 Book Glacier Tours Early

Popular glacier excursions like 'Todo Glaciares' and 'Minitrekking' sell out fast. Book in advance! TikTok

💰 Budget for El Calafate

It's pricier than other Argentine spots, but worth it. Compare to global glacier destinations. TikTok

¿Qué hacer en el Calafate?🇦🇷🙌🏼 Esta zona de la Patagonia Argentina me encantó, si eres de viajes de naturaleza este es un imperdible para ti 🏔️ te dejo mis 10 imperdibles de este lugar. #elcalafate #calafate #peritomoreno #peritomorenoglacier
@robertaconmaleta
24.2K likes • 782.8K views
Navegación por el canal de los témpanos .. y parada en Spegazzini .. hermoso. #lagoargentino #canaldelostempanos #calafate #elcalafate #santacruz #argentina #travel #travelphotography #photography #viajar #viajaresvivir
veritoponzio
24 likes • 175 views

🚗 Hire a Local Driver

For hidden spots like the 'hidden' part of the canal, a knowledgeable local driver is key. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cold, even in summer. TikTok

Increíbles Vistas de Témpanos sobre Canal de Los Témpanos. #glaciarperitomoreno #glaciares #patagoniaargentina #patagonianwindtransfers #parquenacionallosglaciares #tierradeglaciares
patagonianwind
8 likes • 145 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Book Glacier Tours Early

Popular glacier excursions like 'Todo Glaciares' and 'Minitrekking' sell out fast. Book in advance! TikTok

💰 Budget for El Calafate

It's pricier than other Argentine spots, but worth it. Compare to global glacier destinations. TikTok

🚗 Hire a Local Driver

For hidden spots like the 'hidden' part of the canal, a knowledgeable local driver is key. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cold, even in summer. TikTok

📸 Capture the Blue Ice

The deep blue hues of the icebergs are stunning. Look for opportunities to photograph them. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer beauty and scale of the icebergs in the Canal de los Témpanos and the surrounding glaciers. The surreal landscapes and the opportunity to witness nature's power firsthand are major highlights. Some find the area a bit hidden and recommend local guidance for the best experience.

"Striking waterway in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, known for its stunning array of floating icebergs. These icebergs, which have calved from the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, drift through the canal, creating a surreal and ever-changing landscape."

Iryna Kabanchuk

"A HIDDEN PLACE WHEN VISITING THE GLACIER WALKWAYS. TO CONTEMPLATE THE WATER AND NATURE AT ITS MAXIMUM EXPRESSION AND ABOVE ALL THE CONNECTION WITH THE PUREST WATER OF THE GLACIER! TO FIND IT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD DRIVER OR SOMEONE WHO KNOWS ABOUT THE PLACE. SINCE IT IS A LITTLE HIDDEN AND VERY LITTLE VISIBLE BUT I RECOMMEND YOU GO AND HAVE THAT CONNECTION WITH THE WATER, YOU WILL RETURN VERY RENEWED, I LEAVE YOU POSTCARDS"

Pilar Versalles

"To contemplate hours and days. Wonderful place."

Natalia Piazza

What People Like

Stunning icebergs
Glacier proximity
Surreal landscapes

What People Dislike

Can be hard to find
Tour costs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach El Calafate is by flying into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE). Direct flights are available from Buenos Aires and other major Argentine cities. TikTok From the airport, you can arrange transfers to your accommodation, with some tours even including airport pickup. TikTok

While you can drive to El Calafate, accessing specific parts of the Canal de los Témpanos might require local knowledge or a guided tour. Some visitors recommend hiring a local driver for less-known viewpoints. Reddit

For exploring the glaciers and the Canal de los Témpanos, booking organized tours is highly recommended. These often include transportation from your hotel. TikTok Renting a car is an option for more flexibility, but be aware of road conditions. TikTok

Public transport directly to the glacier viewing areas is limited. Most visitors rely on organized tours or private transfers for glacier excursions. TikTok

Absolutely! Many 'Todo Glaciares' tours include stops at various glaciers and viewpoints along Lago Argentino, making it easy to see multiple sights in one day. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the Canal de los Témpanos itself is typically part of boat tours on Lago Argentino. You will need to purchase tickets for these navigation tours. TikTok

Prices for glacier tours vary significantly. A 'Todo Glaciares' navigation can range from $100-$200 USD, while 'Minitrekking' on Perito Moreno is more expensive, often around $200-$300 USD. TikTok+1 Booking in advance can sometimes secure better rates. TikTok

Yes, there are several options including scenic boat tours ('Todo Glaciares'), ice trekking on glaciers ('Minitrekking'), and even kayaking. TikTokInstagram+1

These tours typically include boat navigation on Lago Argentino, offering views of glaciers like Spegazzini, Upsala, and others, often passing through areas like the Canal de los Témpanos. TikTokInstagram

Most full-day glacier tours, including those that visit the Canal de los Témpanos, last between 5 to 8 hours, often including transportation to and from your hotel. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Morning light often provides the best illumination for capturing the vibrant blue hues of the icebergs. Overcast days can also create dramatic lighting. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the glaciers and icebergs. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted within national parks to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check the latest regulations before flying. TikTok

Include a person or the boat in your frame to give a sense of scale against the massive icebergs. TikTok

Look for icebergs with interesting shapes, textures, and colors. The interaction of light with the ice can create magical moments. Instagram

🎫 ❄️ Glaciers & Ice

The icebergs are pieces that have broken off (calved) from larger glaciers, primarily the Perito Moreno Glacier, and then drift into the canal. TikTokInstagram

No, walking on the icebergs is not permitted due to safety reasons and the unstable nature of the ice. TikTok

Minitrekking is a guided tour where you walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier itself, equipped with crampons. It's a unique way to experience the ice up close. TikTok+1

The ice in these Patagonian glaciers is thousands of years old, compressed over centuries. TikTok

Perito Moreno is famous for its dynamic calving events and accessibility via walkways. Other glaciers like Upsala and Spegazzini are often viewed from boat tours. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Canal de los Témpanos and surrounding glacier tours offer a fantastic educational and awe-inspiring experience for families. Boat tours are generally suitable for children, providing safe viewing platforms to witness the icebergs and glaciers. TikTok The sheer scale of the ice can captivate young minds, sparking curiosity about nature and geology. TikTok

While Minitrekking on the glacier has age restrictions (usually 10+), other activities like the 'Todo Glaciares' boat tour are more accessible. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options on tours can be limited. The unpredictable Patagonian weather means dressing everyone in warm, waterproof layers is crucial for comfort. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Canal de los Témpanos is a dream destination. The interplay of light on the icebergs creates endless opportunities for stunning shots, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups of ice textures. Instagram+1 The vibrant blues of the ice, especially when contrasted with the water and sky, are incredibly photogenic. TikTok

Consider booking tours that offer flexibility or longer stops in scenic areas. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide dramatic effects. Remember to protect your gear from the elements, as wind and spray can be present. A polarizing filter can significantly enhance the colors and reduce glare on the ice and water. Instagram

🏞️ Nature & Adventure Seekers

The Canal de los Témpanos and the broader El Calafate region are tailor-made for nature and adventure lovers. Beyond the iconic boat tours, consider kayaking for a more intimate encounter with the icebergs. Instagram For the truly adventurous, Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier offers an unparalleled experience of walking on ancient ice. TikTok

Explore the Pasarelas (walkways) for different perspectives of the Perito Moreno Glacier, and don't miss the chance to visit other glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala via boat tours. TikTok The raw, untamed beauty of Patagonia promises an unforgettable adventure. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Iceberg Channel

The Canal de los Témpanos is a breathtaking waterway on Lago Argentino, renowned for the spectacular sight of icebergs drifting through its waters. These massive chunks of ice have calved from the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier and other giants, creating a dynamic and ever-changing natural spectacle. The water itself often has a milky-blue hue, a result of glacial sediment, which contrasts beautifully with the brilliant blues of the ice. Instagram+1

Boat tours are the primary way to experience the Canal de los Témpanos. These excursions, often part of a 'Todo Glaciares' itinerary, allow you to get remarkably close to these floating ice sculptures. You'll witness their immense size, intricate shapes, and the deep blue colors hidden beneath the surface. Some tours even make stops near glaciers like Spegazzini, offering even more stunning views. TikTokInstagram

For a truly immersive experience, consider kayaking in designated areas of the canal. This offers a unique, low-to-the-water perspective, allowing you to feel the scale of the icebergs and the vastness of the Patagonian landscape. Instagram Remember that the conditions can be chilly, so dressing in layers is essential for comfort. TikTok

Experiencing the Glaciers Up Close

El Calafate is synonymous with its magnificent glaciers, and the Canal de los Témpanos offers a unique vantage point. While the Perito Moreno Glacier is the star attraction, accessible via extensive walkways, the surrounding waters are dotted with icebergs calved from it and other impressive glaciers like Upsala and Spegazzini. TikTok+1

Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is an unforgettable adventure. Equipped with crampons, you'll walk directly on the ice, exploring crevasses and ice formations under the guidance of experienced guides. This tour provides an intimate connection with the glacier's power and beauty. TikTok+1 The 'Todo Glaciares' boat tour offers a broader perspective, cruising past multiple glaciers and through areas like the Canal de los Témpanos, showcasing the sheer scale of these icy giants. TikTok

Beyond the ice itself, the surrounding Patagonian landscape is equally stunning. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, and be prepared for the dramatic sounds of the glaciers – the cracking and groaning of ice is a constant reminder of their living nature. TikTok

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