How long does the "All Glaciers" tour last? The boat trip takes 7 hours from Puerto Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate. If you book a transfer from town, the entire day takes around 10 hours. It's a full day: it's best not to schedule anything demanding afterward and to arrange meals, warm clothing, and park entrance fees in advance.
We have been sailing this route since 1980. This is how we recommend organizing the day for those who ask us how to fit it into their trip.
How long does Todo Glaciares last and how is the day divided?
The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.; from April to August, they are one hour later, from 9:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. You confirm this when booking. The sequence is always the same:
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Transfer | 47 km from El Calafate to Puerto Punta Bandera, by your own car or with the optional transfer, round trip from your hotel |
| Bus Terminal | Check-in, park entrance if you didn't buy it online, restrooms and boarding |
| North arm | Devil's Mouth, icebergs and the Upsala Glacier front |
| Glacier Bay | Dry Glacier, Heim Glacier, Peineta Glacier and Spegazzini Glacier |
| Spegazzini Base | Landing, trails, walkways, viewpoints and Spegazzini Refuge |
| He came back | Return voyage to Punta Bandera and transfer to El Calafate |
Before you leave: what you should have sorted out
- Entrance to the National Park: is not included. Buy it online at pnlosglaciares.ar and save the receipt on your phone.
- How do you get to the port? With the transfer you don't have to worry about the route; if you go by car, the terminal has its own parking lot.
- Date: Daily departures from September to April; from May to August, every other day (see the departure calendar).
- Breakfast: You leave early and the day is long, so it's best not to start on an empty stomach.
What and where to eat during the excursion
During a seven-hour sail, you're going to get hungry more than once. There are three ways to solve this:
- Cafeteria on board. It works while you're browsing for something hot or a snack.
- Refuge Menu. Optional meal served at the Spegazzini Refuge, facing the glacier: classic version with meat empanada, guanaco goulash, and chocolate mousse; gluten-free version with lamb casserole; and vegetarian version with lentil and vegetable casserole. Includes a non-alcoholic beverage and an herbal infusion. We describe it in detail in Patagonian cuisine from the Refuge Menu.
- Captain's Club. Optional with preferred cabin and food and drink throughout the tour: welcome, snack in front of the Spegazzini, main course at the Refuge and closing toast.
If you are going to add the Refuge Menu or Captain's Club, book them together with the sailing.
What to wear in the backpack
- Windproof and waterproof jacket, plus an intermediate warm layer.
- Hat and gloves: on deck, facing the ice, it's cold even in summer.
- Comfortable, closed-toe footwear for the trails and walkways of Spegazzini Base.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the reflection from water and ice is strong.
- Camera or cell phone with a charged battery and an external battery.
- Water in a reusable bottle.
The weather at Spegazzini Base
Disembarking is the perfect time to stretch your legs. From the dock, an accessible trail winds through the forest with interpretive stations covering glaciology, history, fauna, and flora. The 350-meter walkways lead to the De Agostini Viewpoint, and a newer, higher viewpoint, closer to the glacier, completes the route. The Spegazzini Refuge features a 280-square-meter main hall with a picture window overlooking the glacier, a terrace, a market, and a boutique. Our advice: explore the walkways and viewpoints first, then visit the Refuge.
What to do when you return to El Calafate
After about 10 hours of work, a light plan is best:
- Walk along the shores of Lake Argentino or the Laguna Nimez Reserve if there is still daylight, which is common in summer.
- A hot shower, a quiet dinner in the village, and reviewing the photos of the day.
- Leave the next day more free or reserve it for another outing, such as the Viedma Full Day Adventure.
If you're planning the whole trip, it might be helpful to know how many days to stay in El Calafate.
Book your glacier day
With the duration clear and the day organized, all that's left is to choose the date. Check availability and current rates on the All Glaciers Navigation page.
FAQ
How long does Todo Glaciares last?
The boat trip takes 7 hours from Puerto Punta Bandera. With the transfer from El Calafate, the entire day takes around 10 hours.
Is it possible to eat during All Glaciers?
Yes. There is a cafeteria on board and you can add the Refuge Menu, served at the Spegazzini Refuge, or the Captain's Club, with food and drinks throughout the trip, as optional extras.
Is it worth doing another excursion on the same day as Todo Glaciares?
No. Between the transfer and the boat trip, it takes a full day; it's best to leave the afternoon free to relax and walk around El Calafate.
How far is Puerto Punta Bandera from El Calafate?
Punta Bandera Port is 47 km from El Calafate. You can get there by car or with the optional transfer, and the terminal has its own parking.
