Spegazzini Glacier
Towering ice walls of Spegazzini Glacier, accessible by boat on Lago Argentino, offering breathtaking Patagonian vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
Spegazzini Glacier
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Towering ice walls of Spegazzini Glacier, accessible by boat on Lago Argentino, offering breathtaking Patagonian vistas.
"The glacier was spectacular and being in a boat provided you with a sense of how large it actually is."
🚢 Book Glacier Tours Early
Popular tours like 'Todo Glaciares' sell out. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred departure time.
🧥 Layer Up for the Cold
It's colder on the water! Bring waterproofs, a hat, and gloves, even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spegazzini Glacier Face
Lago Argentino
Witness the towering ice walls, some reaching up to 135 meters high, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
+1
Iceberg Navigation
Lago Argentino
Cruise through a landscape dotted with massive icebergs, a testament to the dynamic nature of glaciers.
Refugio Spegazzini
Near Spegazzini Glacier
Enjoy incredible views from this shelter, offering a unique perspective of the bay and its glacial wonders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Access is Key
Dress for the Cold
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Glacier Tours Early
Popular tours like 'Todo Glaciares' sell out. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred departure time. +1
🧥 Layer Up for the Cold
It's colder on the water! Bring waterproofs, a hat, and gloves, even in summer.
📸 Capture the Scale
Include people or boats in your photos to show just how massive the glacier is.
🧊 Look for Icebergs
The journey through icebergs is as spectacular as the glacier itself. Keep your camera ready!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Glacier Tours Early
Popular tours like 'Todo Glaciares' sell out. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred departure time. +1
🧥 Layer Up for the Cold
It's colder on the water! Bring waterproofs, a hat, and gloves, even in summer.
📸 Capture the Scale
Include people or boats in your photos to show just how massive the glacier is.
🧊 Look for Icebergs
The journey through icebergs is as spectacular as the glacier itself. Keep your camera ready!
💰 Check 2024 Prices
Reference 2024 pricing for El Calafate tours to budget effectively.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the spectacular beauty and immense scale of Spegazzini Glacier, accessible only by boat. The journey through icebergs and the towering ice walls are highlights, though some find the photo stops on tours a bit too long. It's a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting El Calafate.
"Amazing Experience 😊
The glacier is only accessible by boat and I took the River of Ice tour.
The glacier was spectacular and being in a boat provided you with a sense of how large it actually is.
If you zoom in on my first photo you will see a boat just so as to give you a sense of scale.
Spegazzini is reportedly the highest glacier in the world.
The boat trip was impressive as you made your way through the icebergs and viewed a number of glaciers on the way.
The only downside of the trip was stopping for photos so everyone onboard had an opportunity to get a photo of themselves in front of the glacier face. Seemed pointless, 10 minutes would have sufficed.
It was cold in July but so worth the trip 😊"
Bruce NZ
"SUPERB GLACIER 😍😍😍 you need to take a to go to this glacier. 100% worth it. You will not only see the glacier but also huge icebergs floating around !!"
Rodri Diaz
"Just AMAZING ♥️
Nature in the best expression it’s breathtaking ♥️⭐️♥️"
andrea ines saez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spegazzini Glacier is only accessible by boat. You'll need to book a boat tour from El Calafate, which typically departs from the Puerto Bandera. Many tours include visits to other glaciers like Upsala and Perito Moreno. +2
Most visitors fly into El Calafate (FTE) airport. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation. +1
Public transport directly to Puerto Bandera is limited. It's generally recommended to arrange transport through your tour operator or take a taxi from El Calafate.
The boat journey to Spegazzini Glacier is part of a larger tour, often visiting multiple glaciers. The total excursion typically lasts between 5 to 8 hours, with significant time spent navigating Lago Argentino.
No, Spegazzini Glacier is not accessible by road. Boat tours are the only way to reach it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but expect to pay around $100-$200 USD per person for a full-day glacier tour. It's advisable to check current 2024 reference prices for El Calafate.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (December to February), to secure your spot on popular tours. +1
Most tours include boat transportation, navigation through icebergs, and views of multiple glaciers. Some may offer lunch or stops at refuges. +2
Yes, options range from standard boat tours to more adventurous ice trekking or kayaking excursions. The 'Todo Glaciares' tour is a popular choice for seeing multiple glaciers. +1
Tours typically depart in the morning and return in the afternoon. Specific departure times vary by tour operator, so check your booking details.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer scale of the glacier face, the dramatic icebergs, and the turquoise glacial water offer stunning photographic moments. Don't forget to include elements for scale.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness, while a telephoto lens can help get closer shots of the ice formations. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the ice and water.
It can be challenging due to movement and cold. Ensure your camera is protected from moisture and consider a wrist strap.
The boat will navigate to prime viewing spots. Refugio Spegazzini also offers excellent vantage points.
Morning light often provides softer, more dramatic lighting on the ice. However, afternoon light can also be beautiful, especially if there are interesting cloud formations.
🎫 ❄️ Onsite Experience
Spegazzini Glacier is one of the tallest in Los Glaciares National Park, with ice walls reaching between 80 to 135 meters above the water level.
While not guaranteed, you might spot various bird species, and occasionally seals or other marine life in Lago Argentino.
Most standard boat tours do not involve hiking on the glacier itself. Some tours may include short walks at the Refugio Spegazzini.
Temperatures can be quite cold, even in summer, due to the wind and proximity to ice. Expect it to be chilly, especially on the boat.
You cannot touch the main glacier face from the boat. However, some tours might offer opportunities to see or even touch smaller icebergs that have calved off.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some tours include lunch, or stop at Refugio Spegazzini which offers food and drinks with a view. It's also wise to pack snacks and water.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and a packed lunch is a good idea, especially if your tour doesn't include meals or if you have dietary restrictions.
Refugio Spegazzini typically offers regional dishes, sandwiches, and drinks. It's a great spot to refuel while enjoying the scenery.
Some tours may offer alcoholic beverages for purchase on board, but it's not guaranteed. Check with your tour operator.
It's best to inquire with your tour operator or at the Refugio Spegazzini in advance about specific dietary options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider tours that offer a stop at Refugio Spegazzini, as it provides a break from the boat and a chance to stretch legs while enjoying the scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the immense panoramas and a telephoto lens to zoom in on intricate ice formations and distant glacier details. +1 The interplay of light on the ice, especially during the golden hours of morning or late afternoon, can create truly magical images. Be prepared for challenging conditions: wind, spray, and cold can affect your gear. Protect your camera from moisture and consider a sturdy tripod for stable shots, especially if you plan to capture long exposures of the ice.
The boat's movement can make photography tricky, so a good wrist strap is essential. ❄️ Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) or even winter (July) when prices might be slightly lower and crowds thinner, though be prepared for colder weather.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Spegazzini Glacier
+2 The sheer scale is difficult to comprehend until you see it from the water. The glacier's immense size and the dramatic calving events, where large chunks of ice break off into the lake, create a dynamic and awe-inspiring spectacle. Access to Spegazzini Glacier is exclusively by boat. This means that the journey itself is an integral part of the experience. Tours typically depart from Puerto Bandera near El Calafate and navigate through the stunning Lago Argentino, often passing by other significant glaciers like Upsala and Perito Moreno. The boat trip allows for unparalleled views of the glacial landscape, including the mesmerizing sight of icebergs of all shapes and sizes floating in the turquoise waters.
Many visitors highlight the Refugio Spegazzini as a key stop on these tours. This shelter offers a unique vantage point to admire the glacier and its surroundings, often accompanied by delicious regional cuisine.
+1 The combination of the colossal glacier, the serene lake, and the crisp Patagonian air creates an unforgettable experience that many describe as a 'dream come true.' Navigating Lago Argentino: A Glacier Cruise Experience
The journey is punctuated by the presence of numerous icebergs, calved from the glaciers. These floating sculptures of ice, ranging from small chunks to massive formations, create a surreal and ever-changing environment. Navigating through them offers a sense of adventure and highlights the immense power of nature.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the experience is enhanced by the sounds of the glacier – the creaking, groaning, and occasional thunderous roar as ice breaks away. This auditory dimension adds a profound sense of the glacier's living, dynamic nature.
The tours are carefully planned to provide ample time for viewing and photography, ensuring that visitors can fully absorb the grandeur of this Patagonian treasure. 
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