Yes, there are wheelchair-accessible glaciers: the All Glaciers Navigation tour is 100% accessible. It has an elevator at the Punta Bandera Port dock, level ramps, adapted restrooms on the boats and at the Spegazzini Refuge, a floating dock for disembarking at Spegazzini Base, and accessible trails and viewpoints facing the Spegazzini Glacier. We designed it this way because we want everyone to be able to experience Los Glaciares National Park. We've been navigating these waters since 1980, and every infrastructure improvement is designed so that no one is left behind on the boat while everyone else disembarks.
Glaciers accessible by wheelchair, section by section
| Section | What's up? |
|---|---|
| Punta Bandera Port Terminal | 350 m² covered and heated, private parking, restrooms and nursing |
| Embark | Elevator at the dock and level ramps |
| On board | Accessible restrooms and enclosed cabin with a view of the landscape |
| Landing at Spegazzini Base | Floating dock |
| On land | Accessible trails, walkways and viewpoints |
| Spegazzini Refuge | Adapted restrooms and a lounge with a picture window overlooking the glacier |
Why the floating dock matters
The water level of Lake Argentino fluctuates throughout the year. A fixed dock can be high or low relative to the deck, making disembarkation feel like stepping on a staircase. The floating dock at Spegazzini Base follows the water level, ensuring a smooth transition between the ship and the shore. This is a detail that isn't visible in photos, but it makes all the difference for someone using a wheelchair, walker, or stroller.
What can you see at Spegazzini Base
Spegazzini Base is located in Glacier Bay, on the northern shore of Lake Argentino, and is only accessible by water. From there, you can see three glaciers: Spegazzini, Heim, and Peineta.
- Walkways: 350 meters along the lake shores to the De Agostini Lookout, inaugurated in December 2024.
- New viewpoint: added in March 2025, closer to the glacier and higher than the De Agostini.
- Trails with interpretive stations on glaciology, history, fauna and flora.
- Spegazzini Refuge: Main hall of 280 m² with a window overlooking the glacier and a terrace of 120 m².
The Refuge is also the natural place to take a break: the window of the main hall looks out onto the Spegazzini, so those who prefer not to walk the trails can see the glacier sitting in the shelter, while the rest of the group walks to the viewpoints.
If you want to know the route in detail, we describe it in our article about the Spegazzini Glacier walkways.
What can you see from the boat?
The 7-hour voyage includes the Devil's Mouth, the icebergs of the Upsala Glacier, the Upsala itself, with a surface area of 765 km², the Dry Glacier, the Heim, the Peineta and the Spegazzini, with walls up to 135 m high. Much of the landscape can be seen from the cabin, through the windows, and anyone who wants to can go out onto the outside decks to take photographs.
And is the Viedma Adventure accessible?
The Viedma Adventure is easy, but not fully accessible: it includes a landing at Cape Horn Bay and a gentle walk to a viewpoint overlooking Iceberg Bay. If you're traveling with someone in a wheelchair, the All Glaciers tour is designed to be fully accessible.
Tips for organizing your trip
- Please let us know when booking if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or other assistive device, so the crew can take this into account during boarding.
- If you're using the transfer from El Calafate, check the vehicle's conditions when booking. If you're driving, Punta Bandera's own parking lot is next to the terminal.
- Buy your National Park ticket online at pnlosglaciares.ar to avoid queuing.
- Bring layers of clothing: it's cold on deck and in the observation decks, even in summer.
If you are also traveling with elderly people, our guide to traveling to glaciers with seniors may be helpful.
Barrier-free navigation
Todo Glaciares offers daily departures from September to April and every other day from May to August. Check availability and current rates on the Todo Glaciares Navigation page or learn more about our accessible experience.
FAQ
Is it possible to visit glaciers in a wheelchair?
Yes. The All Glaciers Navigation is 100% accessible: elevator at the Punta Bandera dock, level ramps, adapted restrooms, floating dock at Spegazzini Base, and accessible trails and viewpoints.
Are the walkways at Spegazzini Base accessible?
Yes. The trails and viewpoints at Spegazzini Base are accessible, including the 350m walkways to the De Agostini Viewpoint.
Is the Viedma Adventure accessible for people with reduced mobility?
The Viedma Adventure is easy but not 100% accessible, as it includes a landing and a short walk to a viewpoint. For wheelchair users, the recommended option is All Glaciers.
Are there accessible restrooms on the All Glaciers Navigation?
Yes. There are accessible restrooms on the boats and at the Spegazzini Refuge, as well as restrooms at the Puerto Punta Bandera terminal.
