Spegazzini Base is the landing point for the All Glaciers Navigation tour, located in Glacier Bay, on the northern side of Lake Argentino. On land, there is an accessible trail through the forest with interpretive stations, walkways leading to the De Agostini Lookout, viewpoints overlooking the Spegazzini, Heim, and Peineta glaciers, and the Spegazzini Refuge.
It is the only place in this bay that can only be reached by water, and we have been taking care of it for years as part of our concession in Los Glaciares National Park, which we have operated since 1980.
What is the Spegazzini Base and where is it located?
It's located within Los Glaciares National Park, on the northern shore of Lake Argentino, opposite the Spegazzini Glacier, the park's tallest, with walls reaching up to 135 meters above the lake. There's no road access: the All Glaciers Navigation boat arrives after passing through the Devil's Mouth, the Upsala icebergs, and the Seco and Heim glaciers, and docks at a floating pier.
Spegazzini Base: the four landing zones
| Studio | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Forest trail | Accessible route from the dock to the Refuge, with stations on glaciology, history, fauna and flora |
| Viewpoints | Views of three glaciers: Spegazzini, Heim and Peineta |
| Catwalks | 350 meters along the lake shore to the De Agostini Lookout, plus a newer, closer, and higher lookout. |
| Spegazzini Refuge | 280 m² lounge with picture window overlooking the glacier, 120 m² terrace, market and boutique |
The trail and the interpretive stations
From the pier, the trail winds through a forest of lenga and ñire trees. The stations explain, with information panels, how a glacier forms, who explored these ice fields, what animals live in the bay, and what plants grow at the edge of the ice. If you're traveling with children, this is the part they enjoy most because they can go from station to station. To learn about the species along the trail, check out our article on the Patagonian Andean forest.
Walkways and viewpoints: the glacier straight ahead
The walkways, inaugurated in December 2024, extend 350 meters along the shore to the De Agostini viewpoint. In March 2025, we added a second, higher viewpoint closer to the glacier. From there, the scale of the Spegazzini Glacier becomes clear: its face appears close, but the icebergs floating in front provide the true scale. All the details can be found on the Spegazzini Glacier walkways.
The Spegazzini Refuge
We opened it in 2019. The main dining room is 280 m² and features a large window overlooking the Spegazzini Glacier; outside, there's a 120 m² terrace. Those traveling with Captain's Club have their own 80 m² lounge, with a terrace and views of the Spegazzini and Heim Glaciers. There's also a market and boutique. If you booked the Refugio Menu , this is where it's served, with classic, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. You can find more information about the building on the Refugio Spegazzini website.
How we organize our time on land
After many seasons observing how people operate at the Base, here's what we recommend:
- First the glacier, then the table. As you descend, the light and silence of the shore are at their best. Head towards the walkways and viewpoints.
- Go back the way you came. The interpretive stations are best enjoyed once you've already seen the glacier and have questions.
- Shelter with time. If you have the Refuge Menu, eat with the window in front of you; if not, the market will do the trick.
- Terrace at the end. Before returning to the ship, one last look at the three glaciers from the terrace.
The crew will tell you what time to return to the dock; respect their instructions, as the boat departs with the entire group. An extra tip: wear your coat even if you disembark while it's sunny. On the shore, the air descending from the glacier cools quickly, and at the viewpoints, you'll want to stay still for a while, gazing at the ice.
Is the Spegazzini Base accessible?
Yes. Floating dock, level ramps, accessible trails and viewpoints, and adapted restrooms at the Refuge. All of Glaciares National Park is 100% accessible from the Punta Bandera dock elevator to the Base.
Get off at Spegazzini Base
The landing at the Base is included in the All Glaciers Navigation : 7 hours of sailing, approximately 10 hours with transfers. It sails from 8:30 AM to 16:00 PM (from April to August, from 9:30 AM to 17:00 PM) and departs daily from September to April, and every other day from May to August. Check the departure schedule, availability, and current rates on the tour page.
FAQ
Where is the Spegazzini Base located?
Located in the northern part of Lake Argentino, in the Bay of Glaciers, within Los Glaciares National Park. It is only accessible by water.
Which glaciers can be seen from Spegazzini Base?
From the Base you can see three glaciers: Spegazzini, Heim and Peineta.
Which excursion lands at Spegazzini Base?
The All Glaciers Navigation, which departs from Puerto Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate.
Is there anywhere to eat at Spegazzini Base?
Yes. At Refugio Spegazzini, the optional Refuge Menu is served, and there is a market.
Is the Spegazzini Base affordable?
Yes. It has a floating dock, level ramps, accessible trails and viewpoints, and adapted restrooms at the Refuge.
