El Calafate in autumn, from March to May, combines forests of red and yellow lenga and ñire trees, low, warm light, calmer winds, and fewer people on board. The All Glaciers Navigation tour departs daily in March and April, from 8:30 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. (from April to August, from 9:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.), and from May onwards, it departs every other day.
We've been sailing Lake Argentino since 1980, and if you ask the crew about our favorite season, many of us say autumn. This is what we see from the boat when the hillsides change color.
Why visiting El Calafate in autumn is a good idea
- Color: The Patagonian Andean forest that descends to the water is tinged with red, orange, and yellow.
- Calm: The wind, the main feature of spring and summer, usually lets up.
- Light: The lower sun illuminates from the side, lengthens shadows, and gives relief to the ice.
- Space: After summer there are fewer travelers, more space on the decks and more silence on the trails.
Red forests facing the ice
The lenga and ñire trees are deciduous: before they lose their leaves, they paint them with vibrant colors. This is noticeable on the slopes of the North Arm of the Spegazzini River, especially when disembarking at the Spegazzini Base, where the trail winds through the forest to the walkways and viewpoints. Seeing a white and blue glacier framed by red trees is the quintessential image of this season.
The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year depending on the temperatures. Generally, April is the month with the most intense colors, and red may still remain on the slopes into early May. If you'd like to learn about the species, we present them in our article on the Patagonian Andean forest.
Low light and a serene lake: autumn for photography
In autumn the days get shorter, but the light becomes better. Around mid-March there are about 12,5 hours of daylight, and in April about 10,5. The sun never gets too high, which is ideal for photography.
- The walls of Spegazzini, up to 135 m above the lake, appear more voluminous due to the lateral shadows.
- With calmer winds, the lake can reflect images of mountains and icebergs.
- Cloudy days enhance the blue of the ice and the red of the forest at the same time.
Our camera and cell phone tips are in how to photograph glaciers from the boat.
What changes in May
| Month | Departures from All Glaciers | How is the landscape? |
|---|---|---|
| March | Daily, from 8:30 to 16:00 (from April to August, from 9:30 to 17:00) | End of summer, cooler mornings, first ochre tones |
| April | Daily, from 8:30 to 16:00 (from April to August, from 9:30 to 17:00) | More intense colors in the forest, serene days |
| May | Every other day (check the departure schedule) | Cold, first snowfalls on the hills, last colors |
The route is the same for all three stages: Boca del Diablo, icebergs and the face of the Upsala Glacier, Seco Glacier, Heim Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, and disembarkation at Spegazzini Base, with a view of Peineta Volcano. It's a 7-hour boat trip. If your trip falls in May, plan your days in El Calafate according to the departure schedule.
What to wear in autumn
Autumn in Patagonia begins mild and ends with a wintry feel. Mornings are cold, especially on the road to Puerto Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate. We recommend:
- Thermal base layer, intermediate fleece coat and windproof and waterproof jacket.
- Hats and gloves, essential on decks since April.
- Closed shoes with good soles: at Base Spegazzini, fallen leaves and moisture can make the path slippery.
- Sunglasses: with the sun low, the reflection in the lake reaches directly into the eyes.
A hot meal at the Shelter
Autumn calls for warm food. At Refugio Spegazzini , the 280 m² main dining room overlooks the glacier through a large window. The optional Refugio Menu includes guanaco goulash, lamb stew, or lentil and vegetable stew, depending on your choice. And if you want the most complete experience, the Captain's Club adds a preferred cabin and its own menu.
Choose your fall date
If you have the choice, April has almost everything: daily excursions, vibrant colors, and a serene lake. Check availability and current rates on the All Glaciers Navigation website , and if you're still comparing seasons, also see what summer is like on the glaciers.
FAQ
When do the forests in El Calafate turn red?
Generally between late March and early May, with April being the month of most intense colors. The exact timing varies each year depending on the temperatures.
Does the entire Glaciers program come out every day in autumn?
Yes, in March and April, with daily departures from 8:30 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. (from April to August, from 9:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.). From May to August, departures are every other day, so it's best to check the departure schedule.
Is it very cold in autumn on glaciers?
The mornings are cold, and near the ice the wind chill makes it feel even lower, especially from April onwards. With layers of clothing, a hat, and gloves, you can sail comfortably.
Are there fewer people in autumn?
Yes, after summer the number of travelers decreases, and that is noticeable on the roofs, on the trails of the Spegazzini Base and in the Refuge.
