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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for icebergs
Canal de los Témpanos
Best Time
Best light for icebergs

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness colossal icebergs calved from glaciers drift through the stunning Canal de los Témpanos in Patagonia.
"A surreal, ever-changing landscape of brilliant blue icebergs awaits."
🚢 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Drifting Icebergs
Canal de los Témpanos
Witness colossal icebergs calved from glaciers, creating a surreal, ever-changing landscape of brilliant blue.

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
El Calafate's Cost Factor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 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.
🚗 Hire a Local Driver
For hidden spots like the 'hidden' part of the canal, a knowledgeable local driver is key.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cold, even in summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 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.
🚗 Hire a Local Driver
For hidden spots like the 'hidden' part of the canal, a knowledgeable local driver is key.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cold, even in summer.
📸 Capture the Blue Ice
The deep blue hues of the icebergs are stunning. Look for opportunities to photograph them.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
From the airport, you can arrange transfers to your accommodation, with some tours even including airport pickup.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.
For exploring the glaciers and the Canal de los Témpanos, booking organized tours is highly recommended. These often include transportation from your hotel.
Renting a car is an option for more flexibility, but be aware of road conditions.Public transport directly to the glacier viewing areas is limited. Most visitors rely on organized tours or private transfers for glacier excursions.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Booking in advance can sometimes secure better rates.Yes, there are several options including scenic boat tours ('Todo Glaciares'), ice trekking on glaciers ('Minitrekking'), and even kayaking.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light often provides the best illumination for capturing the vibrant blue hues of the icebergs. Overcast days can also create dramatic lighting.
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.
Drone usage is generally restricted within national parks to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check the latest regulations before flying.
Include a person or the boat in your frame to give a sense of scale against the massive icebergs.
Look for icebergs with interesting shapes, textures, and colors. The interaction of light with the ice can create magical moments.
🎫 ❄️ 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.
No, walking on the icebergs is not permitted due to safety reasons and the unstable nature of the ice.
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.
The ice in these Patagonian glaciers is thousands of years old, compressed over centuries.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
🏞️ Nature & Adventure Seekers
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. The raw, untamed beauty of Patagonia promises an unforgettable adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Iceberg Channel
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.
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. Remember that the conditions can be chilly, so dressing in layers is essential for comfort.
Experiencing the Glaciers Up Close
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. 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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit