Punta Bandera Port is 47 km from El Calafate, on the shores of Lake Argentino, and is the starting point for the All Glaciers Navigation tour. You can arrive by car, with parking available at the port, or with our optional transfer from El Calafate. The terminal is covered and heated, with restrooms, a first-aid station, and a ticket office for the National Park.
We embark our passengers at this port every day during the season and understand the concerns of first-time visitors. Here's what you need to know: how to get here, what you'll find at the terminal, and how to plan your morning for a smooth boarding experience.
Where is Puerto Punta Bandera located?
The port is located west of El Calafate, within Los Glaciares National Park, on the shore of Lake Argentino. From there, boats sail to the northern arm of the lake, which leads to the Upsala, Seco, Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini glaciers. The 47 km (28 miles) separating it from the center of El Calafate are covered by road, with the lake alongside for much of the journey.
The park has several entrances, and it's easy to get them mixed up. If you're doing the entire Glaciers route, your destination is Puerto Punta Bandera: it's best to enter that into your GPS and not follow generic directions to "the glaciers."
How to get to Puerto Punta Bandera: car or transfer
| Choice | How it works | Who benefits from this |
|---|---|---|
| Own car or rented car | 47 km from El Calafate; the terminal has its own parking lot | Who wants to manage their own time or continue their journey later |
| Solo Patagonia Transfer | Optional service, round trip between your hotel in El Calafate and Punta Bandera | Those who do not have a car or prefer not to drive on the Patagonian route |
With the transfer included, the full day takes approximately 10 hours: 7 hours of sailing plus transfers. This is added when booking the excursion on the All Glaciers Navigation website.
If you're driving, be aware of the Patagonian wind, which can be strong along the lake shore, and that there may be frost early in the morning during the winter. Leave with plenty of time and without rushing.
What's on at the Punta Bandera terminal
The terminal is our own and we designed it to make the wait comfortable even on cold days:
- 350 m² covered and heated, with space to wait for boarding.
- Sanitary Ware y Nursing.
- Own parking for those arriving by car.
- Sales windows from Solo Patagonia.
- Two National Parks posts where the park entrance ticket is sold.
- Elevator at the dock and level ramps: boarding is 100% accessible.
Park entrance: buy it in advance or at the terminal
Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park is not included in the boat tour. There are two options: purchase it online in advance at pnlosglaciares.ar or pay at the National Parks office in the bus terminal. On busy days, having your ticket arranged beforehand will save you time in line and give you more time to grab a bite to eat before boarding. Everything you need to know about this process is in our article about park entrance fees.
The sooner we get to the port
Your check-in time is listed on your reservation and is the one that matters. As a general rule, plan to arrive with enough time for three things: parking, buying your park ticket if you haven't already, and using the restroom before boarding. If you're traveling with a shuttle, the pick-up time from your accommodation already accounts for these times.
Arriving early also gives you the opportunity to choose your spot on board. If you're interested in photography, position yourself near the exits to the outside decks.
Before leaving El Calafate: checklist
- Confirmed reservation and identity document.
- Park entrance ticket purchased online, or planned to be purchased at the terminal.
- Layered clothing, windbreaker, hat and gloves, even if it's summer.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the reflection from ice and water is intense.
- Battery charged in the cell phone or camera.
There's a cafeteria on board, and at Spegazzini Base there's a refuge with a market. If you'd like to have lunch overlooking the glacier, you can book the Refuge Menu as an option.
What happens after boarding
From Punta Bandera, the ship crosses the Devil's Mouth, sails among the Upsala icebergs, passes by the Seco and Heim icebergs, reaches the Spegazzini Glacier, and ends with the disembarkation at Spegazzini Base. We describe it in detail in our "All About Glaciers" section.
Book your departure from Punta Bandera
Todo Glaciares operates from 8:30 AM to 16:00 PM (from April to August, from 9:30 AM to 17:00 PM), with daily departures from September to April and every other day from May to August. Check availability and current rates, and add the transfer if needed, on the Todo Glaciares Navigation page.
FAQ
How many kilometers from El Calafate is Puerto Punta Bandera?
Puerto Punta Bandera is 47 km from El Calafate, on the shore of Lake Argentino, within Los Glaciares National Park.
Is there parking at Puerto Punta Bandera?
Yes. The Solo Patagonia terminal has its own parking lot for those arriving by car.
Can I buy a ticket to the Park at Punta Bandera?
Yes. There are two National Parks booths at the terminal that sell tickets. You can also buy them online in advance at pnlosglaciares.ar.
Is there a transfer from El Calafate to Punta Bandera?
Yes. Only Patagonia offers an optional round-trip transfer between your hotel in El Calafate and Punta Bandera. With the transfer, the All Glaciers day trip lasts approximately 10 hours in total.
Is boarding at Punta Bandera accessible?
Yes. The pier has an elevator and the terminal has level ramps, so boarding is 100% accessible.
