Best Glacier Cruise in El Calafate: A Complete Guide to the Glaciares Gourmet Tour

When we told our friends that we were going to Calafate, they told us that we absolutely needed to do the Glacieres Gourmet boat excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, which they claimed to be the best glacier cruise in el Calafate.

Being such experienced travelers, and after working on cruise ships, we hardly have high expectations for most boat tours, so we definitely thought they were exaggerating. However, we can definitely say that this excursion didn't just meet our expectations, but truly exceeded them.

In this guide we're going to explain everything how you need to prepare for this excursion, what to expect, and why we think it's a must do while visiting Calafate.

So let's jump right in! Here is everything you need to know for experiencing Glacieres Gourmet, the best glacier cruise in El Calafate.

The Best Glacier Cruise in el Calafate: An Intro to Glaciares Gourmet

Before going into all of the details of our favorite boat excursions in El Calfate, we're going to give you a bit of an overview of what the experience entails.

🛳 What is Glaciares Gourmet?

Glaciares Gourmet is the best glacier cruise in el Calafate! It is a coastal cruise that takes you around various channels through Parque de Los Glaciares (Glacier Park). The tour sails through the turquoise waters and visits three different glaciers.

The boat is three decks, with indoor seating, tables, outdoor viewing decks, and a snack bar. There are a few different dining options, and the cruise is guided in both English and Spanish. There are several stops for various points of interest, including icebergs, a waterfall, and a small island.

The boat gets up close and personal with the stunning landscapes around it, and is a full day experience.

Booking the Best Glacier Cruise in el Calafate: Getting Tickets for the Glaciares Gourmet Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier

When looking for things to do in Calafate, there are a number of different boat tours to choose from. Glaciares Gourmet is the specific one that we chose to do, as it includes more than most excursions. The company that runs this trip is called Marpatag.

Also known as the Maria Turquesa Cruise, you can book this tour at various agencies, directly with the company Marpatag, or on Get Your Guide. If you would like a more private experience, you can book one of the trips with the smaller boat called the Leal Cruiser.

If you are Argentinian, we'd recommend booking through Martapag Cruises, as it will be slightly more favorable paying with an Argentinian card.

If you are a foreigner, we'd recommend booking on Get Your Guide, as they offer the same experiences in dollars, and it's the most seamless and safe way to book the best glacier cruise in el Calafate.

If you'd like to skip the ride back and stop at the "pasarelas" (boardwalks) then you can arrange this as an add-on through another third party tour agency as well. We would really only suggest this if you have very limited time in Calafate, and want to squeeze everything into one day though.

Here is the Glaciares Gourmet tour offered on Get Your Guide, including the different dining and transfer options:

Best Glacier Cruise in el Calafate: Prices of the Glaciares Gourmet Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier

There are several different packages that you can. choose when it comes to the Glaciares Gourmet boat excursion. The main different here is what you'd like for your dining option.

🍴 The Different Dining Options for Glaciares Gourmet

There are various options when it comes to dining onboard the Glaciares Gourmet excursion. Here are the different ones you can choose from.

The Basic Option

If you want the most basic option, then there will be no food included in your ticket. However, there is a snack bar onboard that serves chips, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and simple food options such as sandwiches and empanadas. This ticket isn't offered on third party sites.

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The Sandwich Option

This is an option you can choose that if you want to add a simple lunch package. It includes a sandwich, fruit, sweet, and non-alcoholic beverage. This ticket is 16,350 pesos.

The Gourmet Sandwich Option

This option is for those that want a step up from the basic food options of the snack bar, but don't exactly want to go super gourmet. The sandwich included is shredded lamb, which is the specialty of Calafate. 

The lunch also includes roasted potato wedges, garlic aioli, gourmet dessert, and a choice of a non-alcoholic beverage.

The Premium Option

This option is for those that don't mind splurging, and want an extra special experience. The premium ticket includes a Gourmet Lunch Tasting Menu, as well as their own private deck. 

🚌 Traslados

Tickets can include transportation to the port and back, or be sold without transportation included. The "Traslados" (transfers) are an charge, and when we went it was just an extra $10. While we usually like to go places on our own, we found that adding the traslados was the best option without a car at the time.

The buses in Calafate to the park of Perito Moreno Glacier were not running at the time, so the only other way to get to the pier was with taxi or rental car- both of which were much more expensive. Now we'd argue that renting a car might be a more favorable option if you are visiting the park more than one day.

The great things about getting the transfer is that they come directly to your hotel to pick you up and drop you off. We'd recommend making this decision depending on whether or not you're in a big group, or staying for several days.

➕ Add Ons

When you are on the boat everything on the tour itself is included. However, we would suggest bringing some extra money just in case you feel like purchasing something onboard.

🍿 The Snack Bar

The snack bar is open from start to finish. Lunch is at 1:30, so the snack bar is open in case you'd like anything before or after. You can opt to get alcoholic beverages, snacks, or other drinks while onboard, and pay directly to the snack bar.

📸 The Photo Package

During the duration of the entire excursion there are a team of professional photographers that will take pictures of everyone around the boat.

They display them throughout the day on the screens throughout the boat, and then they are able to be purchased on a USB. The price of the photo package was reasonably priced, and can be paid at any time throughout the trip. (It was 1,500 at the time, but due to Argentina's inflation, the price will be much higher).

What to Expect On the Best Glacier Cruise in El Calafate: Itinerary for Glaciares Gourmet

Now we're going to let you know exactly what to expect during the excursion! We took the traslados, so we will include every step of how the day looks like on the Glaciares Gourmet Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier.

🚐 Glaciares Gourmet Boat to Perito Moreno Glacier: Before the Tour

7:00 Pick Up Time

A small van will personally pick you and the other passengers up. This can vary by 15-20 minutes depending if you're one of the first or one of the last to be picked up.

8:00-8:15 Arrival to the Park

The van will bring you to pier, and you will need to pay for entrance to the park. The price is separate from the ticket to the excursion, which is typical of all tours from Calafate. Below is a picture of what we paid in 2021, but of course this will be different than when you go.

8:15- 8:30 Boarding the Boat

The kiosk is right next to the pier where you will be boarding the boat. There will be plenty of other people, so you have time.

However, we suggest trying to get on as early as possible so that you can get one of the tables next to the windows. Tables are shared, and fit up to six people.

🚢 Glaciares Gourmet Boat to Perito Moreno Glacier: The Tour

8:30 Disembarkation

The boat will leave and you'll sail through the beautiful waters surrounded by mountains. There will be a quick stop pulling up close to a waterfall, and the guide will be talking over the microphone about everything you will be seeing on the tour.

9:30 Passing Through Icebergs 

After about an hour on the water you will start sailing right next to icebergs!  This is a truly magical moment. We suggest being outside ready as everyone will start crowding the outer decks.

10:00- 12:00 Visits to Glacier Upsala & Glacier Spegazzini

The next two stops will be sailing to the two impressive glaciers of Upsala and Spegazzini.

For us, Spegazzini was truly outstanding. We loved this one because the boat really gets close enough to feel the power of this glacier.

Upsala is surrounded by small icebergs, and is the biggest glacier in the country. Because of this the boat isn't able to get up as close as Spegazzini, but it still is an impressive sight.

12:00- 1:00 Stop at Puesto Las Vacas

The next stop is where you will actually be getting off the boat! Puesto de las Vacas is a remote area of Parque de los Glacieres where you will be able to really appreciate the history of Patagonia. 

Here the guides will divide the group into two for English and Spanish speakers. They'll take you down a small path through the woods that will lead to an old house on the water. They'll explain the history behind the area, and then give you some free time for photos.

1:30 Lunch

After quite a day, lunch time couldn't be at a more perfect time. The boat will slowly sail through the mountains while everyone enjoys time to eat and drink. Have your ticket ready to give for when the carts come around with the food & beverage service.

From 1:30 to 3:00 you'll have time to just relax and enjoy some downtime while the boat is on the way to the last, (and more awaited) stop.

🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier

3:00- 4:00 Perito Moreno Glacier

This is the moment that everyone has been waiting for! Perito Moreno Glacier is the most famous glacier in Argentina, and one of the most unique in the world. What makes this the best glacier cruise in el Calafate is just how impressive this part of the experience is.

We'll be honest, we really thought they were just going to sail there, do a turn, and go back. But the experience was seriously breathtaking. The ship does multiple turns, so you can truly appreciate the glacier at every angle. It also gets up close and personal with Perito Moreno Glacier.

There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures, witness large pieces of ice break off into the water, and to just stare at this beauty. They even finish off by welcoming everyone to the top deck for a special ceremony. This is also when certain passengers will disembark so they can finish their tour at the pasarelas.

🏁 Glaciares Gourmet Boat to Perito Moreno Glacier: Finishing the Best Glacier Tour in El Calafate

5:00 Arrival Back Into Port

The next hour is the sail back. It is relaxing and peaceful, as now everyone is just resting from the long and exciting day visiting all of the amazing spots in the Glacier National Park.

6:00 Hotel Drop Off

Now the driver will bring back each passenger to his/her designated hotel.

There you have it! Quite a day right? Well, here's a few more things to know before your Glaciares Gourmet Boat Excursion.

Other Things to Know for Glaciares Gourmet, the Best Glacier in El Calafate

Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Calafate, and when doing the Glaciares Gourmet boat excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier.

📆 When to Go to Perito Moreno Glacier

The absolute best time to visit Calafate is in the summer (from December to March). Due to being so far south in Argentina, the winters can get pretty rough, and most excursions don't even run. In the summer the weather can change quite a bit, but you have much higher chances of warmth and sunshine.

🎒 How to Prepare for the Glaciares Gourmet Cruise

Now you know all about what to expect for the best glacier cruise in El Calafate, and here are a few ways to be prepared for your trip.

👩🏻‍🏫 Book in Advance

If you plan on going in summer, then make sure you book tickets in advance. This is because there is a limited capacity on the boat, and there is only one excursion a day. If you plan on doing the premium ticket, we suggest you to plan even earlier.

🧥 Bring a Jacket

If you're going in summer, you might have pretty warm weather. However, sailing towards icebergs and glaciers the air temperatures can drop quite a bit. Not only that, but it can get pretty windy, which will definitely add to the cold factor.

👶🏻 It's Also Kid Friendly

We definitely didn't see a ton of kids on this excursion. However, there is a small area in the front of the boat that is gated in and has a place with toys for small children to stay occupied. This is definitely helpful for parents who want to enjoy the excursion without kids getting bored.

📸 Photo Tip: Stay in One Place

When it comes to taking photos, you'll have so many great opportunities! But if you're like us and don't want other people in, then you'll have to know how to be prepared.

When visiting the main attractions, the guide will let everyone know beforehand. The natural instinct of everyone will be to run outside and get as close as possible. The boat will then start to turn, and the crowds will follow.

We suggest grabbing a spot and then waiting for the boat to turn. This will insure you can get the shots you want. We personally loved staying on the side in the little crevice where the door to the inside lies. You can hide a bit for the wind, and also have room to take photos without a lot of other people around.

The Glaciares Gourmet boat ride to Perito Moreno Glacier was truly a unique experience. It's not just the best glacier cruise in El Calfate, but the best boat excursion we have ever done!

Even after working on cruise ships and going on many boat excursions, we were really impressed by this tour. We are also happy to say that it is great for all ages and traveler types, and think everyone should add it to their bucket list.

Are you excited yet for your trip to Calafate? Well there are tons of other fun things to do in this stunning area of Patagonia! Check out our complete guide for the best things to do in and around Calafate, and check out some of the other tours that we did.

Planning on traveling around Argentina? We also have other full guides about Iguazu Falls and the capital of Buenos Aires!

Ready to start planning your next trip? Let us help! With 10 years experience traveling all over the world, we can save you the stress of researching and booking, and also help you save money! Want to learn how? Check out some of the travel planning packages that we have.

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