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Why Glaciar Spegazzini should be on your Patagonia Itinerary

Included with some Perito Moreno Glacier tickets

Timings

Cruise ship near Spegazzini and Uppsala glaciers in Argentina.

Glaciar Spegazzini is one of Los Glaciares National Park’s most dramatic showstoppers and a must-see beyond the famous Perito Moreno. Towering up to 135 meters, Spegazzini Glacier is the tallest glacier wall you can witness in the region, rising like an ice fortress above the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino. It’s quieter than Perito Moreno, more remote, and absolutely perfect for travelers who want a cinematic, less crowded glacier experience.

How to access Glaciar Spegazzini

Glaciar Spegazzini sits deeper inside Los Glaciares National Park. While Perito Moreno is all about boardwalks and viewpoints, the only way to see Glacier Spegazzini Argentina up close is by joining a cruise on Lago Argentino.

Access to Glaciar Spegazzini is not included with all Perito Moreno tickets. You’ll need to book a cruise that specifically enters the Spegazzini Canal, usually the full-day cruises, which include the Spegazzini and Upsala area.

​Read all about Los Glaciares National Park before you go ➜

Why visit Glaciar Spegazzini?

Tourists photographing glaciers from a boat near Perito Moreno, Spegazzini, and Upsala.

Must-see highlights

  • Cruise directly in front of the tallest glacier face in Los Glaciares National Park, rising up to 135 meters.
  • Stop at Spegazzini Base, a beautiful shoreline viewpoint with short accessible trails and panoramic angles of the glacier that you cannot get from the boat.
  • Sail through the Spegazzini Canal, passing floating icebergs and dramatic cliffs unique to this sector of the park.

Unique facts

  • It has the highest ice wall of any glacier accessible to tourists in the park.
  • The glacier is fed by multiple tributaries, including the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers, creating its distinct layered blue-and-white façade.

Things to know before booking Glaciar Spegazzini tickets

  • Access to Glaciar Spegazzini is not included with standard Perito Moreno tickets. To visit this glacier, you must book a full-day cruise, as these are the only itineraries that sail into the Spegazzini Canal and include a stop at the Spegazzini Base.
  • Cruises that include Spegazzini Glacier are priced higher because they travel farther into the national park, cover multiple lake arms, and offer exclusive access to remote viewpoints not reachable by land. 
  • A premium cruise option is also available, offering fewer passengers, better seating, and more panoramic visibility.
  • You can upgrade your booking to include hotel transfers and Perito Moreno boardwalk access, giving you a smooth start to the day and extra time to enjoy the glacier from its famous viewpoints.
  • On the standard cruise, you can upgrade to include a tasty box lunch, while premium passengers enjoy a full onboard dining experience with a freshly prepared 4-course meal.
  • Your Los Glaciares National Park entry fee is not included in any cruise ticket. After booking your cruise, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how and where to buy this mandatory park ticket.
  • The experience is entirely boat-based; there are no trekking routes to Glaciar Spegazzini. While walkways at the Spegazzini Base are accessible, passengers sensitive to long travel days should take this into account.
  • During peak season (November–February), these cruises, especially premium options, sell out quickly. Book several days in advance if you have a tight itinerary in El Calafate.

Your Glaciar Spegazzini ticket types explained

Does the Glaciar Spegazzini ticket have to be purchased separately?Why go for it?Starting price

Full-day cruise

No

Covers three glaciers

From ARS 243,128

Full-day premium cruise

No

Exclusive access to a premium lounge

From ARS 442,050

Exploring Glaciar Spegazzini

Seco Glacier nestled between forested mountains in Argentina.

Seco Glacier

Seco Glacier is the quiet surprise of the Spegazzini Channel. It doesn’t reach the water anymore, which is exactly what makes it fascinating. Instead, you’ll see a dramatic sweep of exposed rock showing just how far the ice once stretched. It’s a striking, real-time reminder of Patagonia’s ever-changing landscape.

Spegazzini Glacier meeting the water with Peineta and Heim glaciers in the background, Argentina.

Heim Glacier

Heim feels like the glacier that almost sneaks up on you. As the boat rounds a bend, you’ll spot its steep tongue of ice spilling down the mountainside, carved with sharp ridges and soft blue layers. It feeds the larger Spegazzini system, creating a gorgeous, textured scene that photographers love.

Catamaran cruising near Spegazzini Glacier in Argentina.

Spegazzini Glacier

And then comes the showstopper, Spegazzini itself. This glacier towers above everything around it, with an ice wall soaring over 130 meters high. As you glide closer, its spires, crevasses, and hanging icefalls look almost sculpted. It’s dramatic, imposing, and easily one of the most unforgettable views in the park.

Tourists boarding a boat on Lake Argentino for Perito Moreno, Spegazzini, and Upsala exploration.

Las Vacas Post

Las Vacas Post is your chance to step off the boat and stretch your legs in one of the calmest corners of the lake. The short guided walk takes you through native plants, wildlife stories, and even bits of early-settler history. It’s a simple, charming stop, but one that gives real context to the region you’re exploring.

Know before you go

Tourists on a boat pointing at Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina.
  • Cruises to Glacier Spegazzini depart from Puerto La Soledad with check-in usually starting around 8am. Boats commonly leave by 8:30am.
  • Depending on your ticket type, the experience lasts 8–13 hours.
  • Shorter duration (8–9 hrs): Cruise only with return to El Calafate.
  • Longer duration (11–13 hrs): Includes transfers + time at Perito Moreno boardwalks.
  • Weather, wind, and lake conditions can extend or shorten cruising time slightly.
Your quick guide to glacier opening hours
  • Glaciar Spegazzini sits deep in the Spegazzini Channel of Lago Argentino, far from the road-access area of Perito Moreno.
  • The only way to reach it is by navigation cruise, all of which depart from Puerto La Soledad, about 55–60 minutes from El Calafate by road.
  • The port has a gated national park checkpoint, so arrival at least 45–60 minutes early is essential.
  • There are no trails, public buses, or alternative access routes.
  • If you're not self-driving, then opt for round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate, which add convenience and avoid tight timing issues.
Getting there made easy
Interior view of boat with passengers looking at Perito Moreno Glacier through large windows.
  • Patagonia weather changes quickly, so bring layers, a windproof jacket, and a hat or buff for the upper decks.
  • Top decks offer the best views of Seco, Heim, and Spegazzini, but winds can be strong; keep phones and cameras secured.
  • Premium deck travelers enjoy indoor floor-to-ceiling windows, ideal for photography without braving the wind.
  • At the Spegazzini Base, you’ll find short, accessible walkways, restrooms, and a café with great glacier views.
  • While the standard cruise is accessible to people with mobility issues, the premium cruise is not. The seating is on the first floor of the boat and can be reached only via stairs.
Make the most of your visit

Frequently asked questions about Glaciar Spegazzini

Is Glaciar Spegazzini access included in Perito Moreno tickets?

No. Perito Moreno tickets don’t include Spegazzini access. You must book a full-day cruise that specifically enters the Spegazzini Channel.

Do I need to book Spegazzini cruise tickets in advance?

Yes. Cruises often sell out in high season. Advance booking is recommended, especially for premium decks or transfers.

How long should I allocate for visiting Glaciar Spegazzini?

Expect a full-day experience, typically 8–13 hours depending on transfers and whether your ticket includes Perito Moreno boardwalk time.

Do standard cruises include meals?

No. Standard tickets don’t include food, but you can upgrade to add a box lunch.

What’s included with the premium cruise?

Premium tickets include cabin seating at the premium lounge, fewer passengers, priority boarding, and a 4-course onboard meal.

Are national park tickets included in the cruise price?

No. The Los Glaciares National Park entry must be purchased separately. Instructions are sent after booking.

Is the Spegazzini cruise kid-friendly?

Yes. Families are welcome. Boats have indoor seating, safe viewing decks, and accessible walkways at Spegazzini Base.

Is the cruise accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

Standard cruise vessels offer accessible boarding ramps and indoor seating, but outdoor decks and paths at Spegazzini base may be uneven. The premium deck is not accessible, as it’s located on the upper level.

Does the cruise include other glaciers besides Spegazzini?

Yes. You’ll also see Seco and Heim glaciers along the Spegazzini Channel, and also Perito Moreno and Upsala Glaciers

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