The boat trip to Viedma Glacier that we offer is called Viedma Adventure: it departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel, 18 km from El Chaltén, and lasts 4 hours. It includes an easy hike to a viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Icebergs, a close-up view of the glacier face, a toast with ancient ice, and a snack on board.
We've been navigating Los Glaciares National Park since 1980. This guide compiles the questions we get asked every day at the Bahía Túnel dock: what the route is like, what to eat, what to bring, and how to combine it if you're staying overnight in El Chaltén or El Calafate.
How to navigate to the Viedma Glacier, step by step
- Boarding at Puerto Bahía Túnel. The port is 18 km from El Chaltén, on the shore of Lake Viedma. If you don't have your own transportation, you can add the optional transfer, which departs from and returns to our offices in El Chaltén.
- South shore of Lake Viedma. The boat skirts the southern coast over turquoise waters, with the Huemul Massif in view for much of the journey.
- Cape Horn Bay. After about 40 minutes, we disembarked for an easy walk to a viewpoint.
- Viewpoint overlooking Iceberg Bay. From above, you can see the blocks of ice floating adrift with the Andes Mountains in the background.
- Viedma Glacier Front. Back on board, we approached the front of the glacier: blue tones, deep crevasses and the sound of ice, with the guide's interpretation.
- Ice fishing and back. We toast with ancient ice from Viedma and return to the port.
The Viedma Glacier: the largest in the Park
The Viedma Glacier is the largest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and the largest in Argentina. It descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and terminates at Lake Viedma with a broad front, furrowed by dark bands of rock and sediment carried by the advancing ice. From the ice cap, the scale becomes clear: what appears to be a nearby wall continues to extend for kilometers toward the Andes Mountains. If you're interested in the scientific aspects, we cover them in our article with data on the Viedma Glacier.
The hike to Iceberg Bay
The hike is short and easy, designed for almost anyone with normal mobility. It's not a 100% accessible excursion, precisely because of this section on foot: closed, comfortable shoes are recommended. The reward is a sweeping view over the bay where icebergs calved from the glacier accumulate, with the mountains in the background. It's one of the best spots of the day for panoramic photos.
What's included and what can be added
| Included | Optional |
|---|---|
| Guided navigation on Lake Viedma | Captain's Club: Preferred cabin with specialty coffee, vegetable soup, cheese and charcuterie board, empanadas and savory muffins, a toast with whiskey, liqueurs and sparkling wines |
| Hike to the Iceberg Bay viewpoint | Round-trip transfer between our offices in El Chaltén and Bahía Túnel |
| Snack on board: premium sandwich, mineral water and brownie made in El Chaltén |
The sandwich is chosen from four options: Viedma (chicken), Cabo de Hornos (baked ham and smoked cheese), Veggie, and Vegan. Entrance to the National Park is not included and must be purchased separately online at pnlosglaciares.ar.
Ice fishing: a toast with the glacier
Towards the end, the crew retrieves a piece of ice that broke off from the Viedma and serves it in glasses. It's ice formed from snow that fell long ago and compacted over centuries in the ice field; that's why it's so dense and transparent. We explain the origin of this ice in the article about ice fishing.
What to pack and when to go
- Layered coat and windproof jacket: near the glacier it's cold even in summer.
- Closed shoes for walking.
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Camera or cell phone with battery: there are outdoor covers for taking photos.
The Viedma Adventure operates from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with daily departures from September to April and every other day plus Saturdays from May to August; check the departure schedule for your dates. There is no minimum age, and children aged 0-14 travel free of charge. Sailing is not canceled due to bad weather; however, in the event of an extraordinary situation, the situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If you're staying in El Calafate: the Full Day version
The boat trip is the same, but the Viedma Full Day Adventure picks you up from your hotel in El Calafate and puts together a 12-hour day: a stop at the historic Parador La Leona on Route 40, a 4-hour boat trip with a hike, views of Fitz Roy, a visit to El Chaltén, and a short hike to the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. It's the perfect way to explore Viedma without changing accommodations.
Book your trip to Viedma
If you are already in El Chaltén or are going to pass through there, check the availability and current rates on the Aventura Viedma page and add the transfer or the Captain's Club if you need it.
FAQ
Where does the boat trip to the Viedma Glacier depart from?
The Viedma Adventure departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel, 18 km from El Chaltén. The Full Day version includes bus transportation from El Calafate.
How long does the Viedma Adventure last?
The sailing lasts 4 hours, with disembarkation at Cape Horn Bay and a walk to the viewpoint of Iceberg Bay.
Is the hike difficult?
No. It's a short, easy hike. The entire route is not accessible on foot for that section, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
What food is included in the Viedma Adventure?
Includes Snack on board: premium sandwich of your choice (Viedma, Cabo de Hornos, Veggie or Vegan), mineral water and a brownie made in El Chaltén.
Does Aventura Viedma operate in winter?
Yes. From May to August, it departs every other day plus Saturdays, and from September to April, it departs daily. It's best to check the departure schedule for your travel dates.
