Upsala Glacier
Witness the colossal Upsala Glacier and its mesmerizing icebergs on a breathtaking boat tour through Argentine Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Upsala Glacier
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the colossal Upsala Glacier and its mesmerizing icebergs on a breathtaking boat tour through Argentine Lake.
"Cruising among towering icebergs is an unforgettable highlight of Patagonia's natural wonders."
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Popular 'Todo Glaciares' tours sell out fast! Book ahead to secure your spot.
🧊 Be Aware of Glacier Retreat
Boats may stop far from the glacier for safety. Appreciate the icebergs!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upsala Glacier Icebergs
Argentine Lake
Witness colossal icebergs, some rotating due to melting, a testament to the glacier's immense scale.
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Boat Tour on Argentine Lake
Puerto Bandera
Cruise crystalline waters for breathtaking views of Upsala and other glaciers, a truly unforgettable Patagonian experience.
Glacier Calving Spectacle
Upsala Glacier front
While not always guaranteed, seeing massive chunks of ice break off (calve) is a powerful display of nature's force.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Glacier Tour in Advance
Understand Glacier Retreat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Popular 'Todo Glaciares' tours sell out fast! Book ahead to secure your spot. +1
🧊 Be Aware of Glacier Retreat
Boats may stop far from the glacier for safety. Appreciate the icebergs!
📸 Capture Iceberg Rotations
Witnessing icebergs rotate is a unique phenomenon due to melting.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Layers are key for comfort on boat tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Popular 'Todo Glaciares' tours sell out fast! Book ahead to secure your spot. +1
🧊 Be Aware of Glacier Retreat
Boats may stop far from the glacier for safety. Appreciate the icebergs!
📸 Capture Iceberg Rotations
Witnessing icebergs rotate is a unique phenomenon due to melting.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Layers are key for comfort on boat tours.
🥾 Consider Kayaking (if budget allows)
For an up-close experience, kayaking is amazing but pricey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the magnificent scale of Upsala Glacier and the surrounding icebergs, describing the boat tours as a highlight of their Patagonian adventure. However, some note that due to glacial retreat, boats may not approach as closely as in the past, and the experience can be costly.
"The glaciers of Patagonia are a gift of nature and it is unfortunate that one of the largest in the region is now in retreat. due to this same reason it was no longer possible to go close to the glacier on boat in winter when i visited in July 2019."
Shashank Nitundil
"Amazing"
Andrei Bibliev
"Very beautiful place"
Kuldeep Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upsala Glacier is accessed via boat tours departing from Puerto Bandera, about 45 minutes from El Calafate. Many tours include transfers from your El Calafate accommodation. +1
Public transport to Puerto Bandera is limited. It's generally recommended to book a tour that includes transportation or arrange a private transfer.
Yes, you can drive to Puerto Bandera. There is parking available, but it's advisable to check with your tour operator regarding specific arrangements.
The most popular and recommended way to see Upsala Glacier is by taking a boat tour on Argentine Lake from Puerto Bandera.
Yes, 'Todo Glaciares' tours often include views of Upsala, Spegazzini, and sometimes Perito Moreno, offering a comprehensive glacier experience. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary depending on the tour operator and inclusions, but expect costs to be in the range of $100-$200 USD per person for a full-day tour. Booking in advance is recommended. +1
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. This fee is often included in the tour price, but it's best to confirm with your tour operator.
It's highly recommended to book your glacier tours in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out. Same-day tickets may be available but are not guaranteed.
While not directly applicable to boat tours, if you plan to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways on consecutive days, keep your ticket as the second day is half price.
Most tours include boat transportation, park entrance fees, and sometimes transfers from El Calafate. Some premium tours may offer lunch or other amenities. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see the massive Upsala Glacier, often from a distance, and navigate through a stunning landscape of icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Other glaciers like Spegazzini may also be visible.
Due to safety concerns from ice calving, boats typically maintain a safe distance from the glacier face. You'll primarily see the impressive icebergs.
Standard boat tours do not involve hiking on the Upsala Glacier itself. For glacier trekking, you would need to book a specific 'minitrekking' or 'Big Ice' tour, usually at Perito Moreno.
The 'Todo Glaciares' tour is a popular full-day boat excursion that visits several glaciers in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, including Upsala and Spegazzini. +2
Yes, some operators offer kayaking tours on Argentine Lake, allowing for a more intimate experience with the icebergs. These can be quite expensive.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light often provides the best conditions for photographing the glaciers and icebergs, with softer shadows and clearer skies.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the landscape and icebergs. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the glacier. Bring extra batteries as cold can drain them faster.
The entire boat journey offers incredible photo opportunities. Keep your camera ready as you navigate through iceberg fields and approach glacier fronts.
Drone usage is generally restricted within national parks to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check current regulations before flying.
Include a person or the boat in your frame to give a sense of scale against the massive icebergs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are dressed warmly in layers, as Patagonian weather can be chilly even in summer. Consider tours that provide clear commentary about the glaciers, making the experience educational as well as awe-inspiring.
While kayaking is an option for older, adventurous kids, the boat tour is generally more accessible and comfortable for families. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for morning departures to take advantage of softer light and potentially clearer skies, which enhance the blues of the ice. Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the lake and the scale of the icebergs, and a telephoto lens for capturing details on the glacier face or distant wildlife.
Don't forget extra batteries, as the cold can significantly reduce their life. Be prepared for dynamic conditions; the rotation of icebergs is a unique phenomenon worth capturing. 🌍 Nature & Adventure Seekers
+1 While the main boat tours offer incredible views, consider if your budget allows for more adventurous options like kayaking for a more intimate encounter with the ice. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Upsala Glacier's Retreat
This retreat is a global phenomenon affecting many glaciers due to rising temperatures. This glacial retreat has direct implications for tourism. The calving of large ice masses can create tsunamis in the lake, leading tour operators to maintain a safe distance from the glacier's face for visitor safety.
+1Despite its retreat, Upsala Glacier remains a vital part of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and a must-see for visitors to El Calafate. The sheer scale of the icebergs and the dramatic Patagonian landscape offer a profound connection with nature's raw power.
+1Navigating the 'Todo Glaciares' Boat Tour
Key highlights of this tour include sightings of the immense Upsala Glacier, often seen from a distance amidst a mesmerizing field of icebergs, and the towering Spegazzini Glacier, known for its impressive height.
The journey itself is an adventure, cruising through crystalline waters surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Many visitors describe the experience as 'unforgettable' and a 'bucket list' item. When booking, consider tours that offer convenient transfers from El Calafate, as this simplifies logistics.
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