For a honeymoon in El Calafate, our top recommendation combines a day of sailing with Captain's Club, including a toast in front of the Spegazzini Glacier, a full-day adventure tour to El Chaltén from Viedma, and free afternoons on the shores of Lake Argentino. Four days is enough to see it at a leisurely pace.
We've been sailing these waters since 1980, and every season we see newlyweds come aboard. This is the route we suggest when they ask us how to plan their trip.
Why El Calafate works for a honeymoon
El Calafate has something unusual: vast landscapes and a small town that's easy to explore on foot. You don't need to drive for hours to be face-to-face with the ice: Puerto Punta Bandera is 47 km away, and from there you can sail to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers within Los Glaciares National Park. On the way back, the shores of Lake Argentino and the Laguna Nimez Reserve are just steps from the town center, perfect for a stroll at the end of the day.
Honeymoon itinerary in El Calafate: 4 days for two
| Daytime | Plan | So that |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, shoreline of Lake Argentino and Laguna Nimez Reserve | Slow down and find your place |
| 2 | All Glaciers Navigation with Captain's Club | Glacier Day, with exclusive attention |
| 3 | Free day in El Calafate | Rest between two long days |
| 4 | Viedma Full Day Adventure | Lake Viedma, glacier and El Chaltén |
Day 2: Glaciers in a preferred cabin
The All Glaciers Navigation lasts 7 hours from Punta Bandera: it crosses the Devil's Mouth, sails among the icebergs of the Upsala, passes in front of the Seco and Heim glaciers, reaches the Spegazzini, the highest in the Park with walls of up to 135 m, and disembarks at the Spegazzini Base, from where you can also see the Peineta.
For a honeymoon, we suggest adding Captain's Club. It's a premium cabin with personalized service and a menu that complements the cruise.
- Welcome: coffee, tea, hot chocolate and pâtisserie.
- Spegazzini Moment: Patagonian snack with wines and beer in front of the glacier.
- Refuge Moment: main course of your choice, including guanaco goulash, Patagonian lamb casserole or lentil stew, among others.
- Sweet ending and toast: chocolate mousse and a toast with champagne, whiskey or spirits.
On land, Captain's Club has its own 80 m² lounge inside the Spegazzini Refuge, with a terrace and views of the Spegazzini and Heim glaciers. Before or after, walk together the 350 m of walkways to the De Agostini viewpoint and the new viewpoint, closer to the glacier. If you prefer the afternoon light, there is also the All Glaciers Sunset option.
Day 4: A toast with ancient ice at Lake Viedma
The Viedma Full Day Adventure departs from El Calafate and is a 12-hour excursion. It stops at the La Leona rest stop on Route 40 and continues to Puerto Bahía Túnel for a 4-hour boat trip on Lake Viedma, with views of the Huemul Massif.
Halfway through the voyage, you disembark at Cabo de Hornos Bay for a leisurely walk to a viewpoint overlooking Iceberg Bay. Afterward, the boat approaches the face of the Viedma Glacier, the largest in the park, and leads to one of the most memorable moments for couples: "ice fishing," a toast with ancient ice harvested from the lake. The day concludes in El Chaltén, with views of Fitz Roy and a short hike to Chorrillo del Salto, a waterfall in the Andean forest.
Evenings: sunsets and aimless walks
- Argentino Lakefront: The lake changes color with the afternoon light and the wind usually calms down at the end of the day.
- Laguna Nimez Reserve: a quiet circuit for birdwatching just a few minutes from the center.
- The people on foot: El Calafate is best explored on foot; you don't need a car to enjoy the nights.
When to go and how to give the trip as a gift
In the summer months, the days are long and the weather milder: ideal for enjoying the afternoons. Autumn brings the vibrant red of the lenga trees and fewer people. From May to August, the Todo Glaciares tour departs every other day, and the Aventura Viedma tour departs every other day plus Saturdays; from September to April, both tours depart daily.
If you're putting together your wedding registry, glaciers can also be given as a gift: we'll tell you how to give a trip to the glaciers with a gift card.
Book the day of the glaciers
The heart of this plan is the Spegazzini sailing trip with Captain's Club. Check availability and current rates on the All Glaciers Navigation page and add the optional excursion when booking.
FAQ
How many days are needed for a honeymoon in El Calafate?
Four days is enough for a Glaciers All Navigation tour, a Viedma Full Day Adventure to El Chaltén, and free time to rest and walk along the shore of Lake Argentino.
What does Captain's Club include in All Glaciers?
Preferred cabin, personalized attention and a menu by moments: warm welcome, Patagonian snack with wines in front of the Spegazzini, main course in the Refuge and closing toast with champagne, whiskey or spirits.
What is ice fishing at Aventura Viedma?
It's a toast in front of the Viedma Glacier, made with ancient ice harvested from the lake. It's part of the Viedma Adventure and Viedma Full Day sailing trips.
Can we give sailing to glaciers?
Yes. Only Patagonia has a gift card to give the experience in Los Glaciares National Park, a frequent option for wedding registries.
