At a Glance: 2-Day Glacier Adventure

This itinerary focuses on the Los Glaciares National Park area. It groups activities to reduce travel time. You will base yourself in El Calafate for both nights. Most tours include hotel pickups which makes logistics easy.

• Day 1: Boat tour to Spegazzini Glacier and hiking at Puesto de las Vacas.
• Day 2: Perito Moreno boardwalks and optional ice trekking.
• Best Base: El Calafate city center for easy access to shops.

Each day requires a national park entry fee. You can often pay these online in advance. Most boat tours depart early in the morning. Be prepared for cold winds even in summer.

Day 1: Hiking at Puesto de las Vacas Landing

Your journey begins at Puerto Punta Bandera. This port is about 47 kilometers from El Calafate. You will board a modern catamaran for a full-day sail. These boat tours El Calafate operators run are very efficient. The boat cruises through the north arm of Lake Argentino.

Day 1: Morning: 07:30 – 11:30. Travel to the port and board your vessel. Sail past icebergs in the Spegazzini Channel. See the massive walls of the Upsala Glacier from a distance. The views from the deck are breathtaking and cold.

Day 1: Afternoon: 12:00 – 14:00. This is the time for hiking at Puesto de las Vacas landing. The boat moors at a quiet beach. You can choose from several trail options based on your fitness. An easy path leads to an old settler’s house. A moderate uphill climb offers panoramic views of the Spegazzini ice wall. This landing is part of a detailed Spegazzini glacier cruise guide for active travelers.

Day 1: Evening: 14:30 – 18:00. Return to the port while enjoying more glacier views. Head back to El Calafate for a warm meal. Many hikers find this the highlight of their Patagonia trip. Logistical tip: Wear sturdy boots as the landing can be slippery.

Day 2: Perito Moreno Glacier Boardwalks

After seeing the remote glaciers, visit the most famous one. Perito Moreno is unique because it is still advancing. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre site. It is easily accessible by bus or car from the city.

Day 2: Morning: 09:00 – 12:00. Explore the tiered boardwalk system. There are miles of metal walkways at different levels. They offer safe views of the glacier's face. If you are curious, learn how tall is the Spegazzini glacier wall compared to this one. Both are incredibly massive and roar as the ice cracks.

Day 2: Afternoon: 13:00 – 16:00. Consider an optional boat ride to the glacier base. This gets you within 300 meters of the ice wall. Alternatively, spend more time on the upper trails to spot Andean condors. The Perito Moreno glacier guide suggests bringing a packed lunch. There is a cafe, but eating outdoors on the trails is better.

Essential Tips for the Puesto de las Vacas Trail

Hiking at Puesto de las Vacas landing requires preparation. The weather in Patagonia changes very quickly. You may experience rain, sun, and snow in one hour. Always use the layering system for your clothing. A waterproof outer shell is a must for the boat deck.

The trails at the landing are well-maintained by Administración de Parques Nacionales staff. Please stay on the marked paths to protect the flora. The ground is often damp, so waterproof shoes are helpful. Do not forget your camera with plenty of battery life. Cold air drains phone batteries much faster than usual.

Optional swap: If it rains heavily, skip the high trail. Stick to the forest path at the landing. The tree canopy provides some shelter from the elements. This path is better for children or those with limited mobility. Always listen to the guide's safety briefing before leaving the boat.