The best glacier excursion for seniors is the All Glaciers Navigation: it's 100% accessible, with a lift at the dock, level ramps, and adapted restrooms. You can see almost everything from the cabin, and at Spegazzini Base, there are walkways and a refuge to rest in front of the ice. The key is to be mindful of dressing warmly and keeping to a pace throughout the day. We learned this on board: many of our passengers travel with parents or grandparents, and when the day is well-organized, they're the ones who enjoy it the most.
Why Todo Glaciares is a good glacier excursion with seniors
- Accessible infrastructure: elevator at the Puerto Punta Bandera dock, flat ramps, floating dock at the Spegazzini Base and adapted toilets on boats and in the Shelter.
- Convenient terminal: 350 m² covered and heated, with restrooms, nursing care and private parking.
- View from the cabin: The icebergs, the Upsala Glacier, the Seco Glacier, the Heim Glacier, the Peineta Glacier and the Spegazzini Glacier can be seen through the windows, without needing to spend the day on deck.
- Land at its own pace: At Spegazzini Base, everyone chooses how much to walk. The 350-meter walkways lead to the De Agostini viewpoint, and the trails and viewpoints are accessible.
- Spegazzini Refuge: 280 m² lounge with a window overlooking the glacier, perfect for sitting and gazing at the ice with something warm.
The rhythm of the day
The boat trip lasts 7 hours, and the full day, including transfers from El Calafate, takes around 10 hours. It's a long but relaxing day: you'll spend a good part of it sitting down. Here are some ideas to keep things interesting:
- Make it the first full day in El Calafate, never the arrival day.
- Arrive at Punta Bandera with plenty of time and wait in the heated terminal.
- Go out on deck only at key moments, such as icebergs and the front of the Spegazzini, and return to the cabin.
- At Spegazzini Base, prioritize the walkways and the Refuge over exploring everything.
- Leave the following day free.
Food and comfort on board
There's a cafeteria on board. For lunch, the Refuge Menu offers classic, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, along with a non-alcoholic beverage and an herbal infusion. For those seeking more comfort, the Captain's Club adds a preferred cabin with greater privacy, personalized service, and a menu served in stages, as well as a private 80 m² lounge in the Refuge. For many older travelers, having a guaranteed spot and a meal at the table is what they value most.
If the traveler uses a cane or walker
The boarding ramps and lifts eliminate steps at the Punta Bandera pier, and the floating dock at Spegazzini Base ensures a smooth transition between the ship and the shore. When booking, please let us know if anyone uses a cane, walker, or wheelchair: the crew will take this into account during boarding and disembarkation and can advise you on the shortest routes ashore.
Warmth and health
- Layers: Thermal underwear, a mid-layer, and a windproof jacket. On deck, near the ice, the cold is more intense.
- Closed shoes with a good sole for the trails and the pier.
- Regular medication in hand luggage, with the daily dose and something extra.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: The reflection from the ice is intense.
- If you have any particular health condition, consult your doctor before traveling and notify them when booking.
For the complete list, check out our guide on what to wear to glaciers.
And Lake Viedma?
The 4-hour Viedma Adventure is easy but not 100% accessible: it includes a landing and a gentle hike to a viewpoint. It's an excellent, shorter option for active seniors who can walk without difficulty. The Full Day trip from El Calafate adds 12 hours with bus travel, so it's best to consider this based on everyone's energy levels. If someone in your group uses a wheelchair, see our article on accessible glaciers for people with reduced mobility.
A day designed to be enjoyed without rushing
Todo Glaciares offers daily departures from September to April and every other day from May to August, from 8:30 AM to 16:00 PM (from April to August, from 9:30 AM to 17:00 PM). Check availability and current rates on the Todo Glaciares Navigation website.
FAQ
What is the best glacier tour for seniors?
The All Glaciers Navigation, because it is 100% accessible, much of the landscape can be seen from the cabin and at the Spegazzini Base there are walkways and a Refuge to rest in front of the glacier.
Is there a lot of walking involved in Todo Glaciares?
No. At Spegazzini Base, everyone chooses how much to walk; the 350m walkways to the De Agostini Viewpoint and the trails are accessible.
Is there medical care available in Puerto Punta Bandera?
The Puerto Punta Bandera terminal has a nursing service, as well as restrooms and covered and heated spaces.
Is the Viedma Adventure suitable for older people?
It's an easy hike, but not 100% accessible because it includes a landing and a gentle walk to a viewpoint. It's a good option for older adults who can walk without difficulty.
