The story of Solo Patagonia begins in 1886, when the grandfather of René, our founder, arrived in Argentine Patagonia. In 1980, that family story became a business: we were the first privatization carried out by the National Parks Administration for lake services in Argentina, and since then, we have been the concessionaires of Los Glaciares National Park.
We've been sailing Lake Argentino for almost 50 years. This article tells the story of where we come from, recounting the events that make up our history without adding unnecessary embellishment.
The roots: a Patagonian family since 1886
Before the ships, there was a family. René's grandfather arrived in Patagonia in 1886, and with him began a connection to this land that has been passed down from generation to generation. That sense of belonging explains many of the decisions we made later: we didn't come to the region to profit from the landscape; we grew up in it.
1980: the first lake concession of the Park
In 1980, the family business transformed into a venture within Los Glaciares National Park. We were the first privatization carried out by the National Parks Administration for lake services in Argentina.
It's important to put this in context: El Calafate was still a secret known only to a few. While many viewed the venture with uncertainty, we decided it was worthwhile to take travelers to the glaciers by water. The goal, then and now, has been the same: to create products that showcase the value of the places that surround us.
The story of Solo Patagonia, milestone by milestone
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1886 | René's grandfather, our founder, arrives in Argentine Patagonia |
| 1980 | Concession in Los Glaciares National Park: the first privatization of lake services in National Parks in Argentina |
| 2019 | Inauguration of the Spegazzini Refuge, in the Bay of Glaciers |
| 2024 | The Campbell catamaran joins the fleet |
| December 2024 | Inauguration of the 350m walkways to the De Agostini Viewpoint |
| March 2025 | A new viewpoint is added, closer to the Spegazzini Glacier and higher than the De Agostini viewpoint. |
A recipe with no secrets: work, commitment, and teamwork.
The journey wasn't straightforward. As with any venture, some projects didn't succeed, while others worked for a while and then faded away. What remained constant was the work ethic: hard work, commitment to the place, and a dedicated team that sustains it season after season.
The families that are part of the company have also grown. Today, new generations of young Patagonians sail, guide, and serve on board, embracing the founding values of respect, commitment, and hard work, and bringing fresh perspectives.
The Spegazzini Refuge and the difficult years
One of our most ambitious projects was the Spegazzini Refuge, inaugurated in 2019 at Spegazzini Base, a location accessible only by water and offering views of the Spegazzini, Heim, and Peineta glaciers. It features a 280 m² main hall with a picture window overlooking the glacier, a 120 m² terrace, a Captain's Club lounge, a market, and a boutique.
Just as we were ready to celebrate, the pandemic hit us hard and became one of the most difficult moments in our history. We remain steadfast, guided by the same values we've always held, and we continue to invest in our destination.
Recent years: walkways, viewpoints and a new ship
In December 2024, we inaugurated 350 meters of walkways along the lake shore, leading to the De Agostini Lookout, opposite Spegazzini, the park's tallest glacier, with walls up to 135 meters high. In March 2025, we added a new lookout point, closer to the glacier and at a higher elevation. We describe this in detail in our article on the Spegazzini Glacier walkways.
In 2024, the Campbell catamaran also joined the fleet. Today we sail with five aluminum catamarans, which we present one by one in this article: This is what catamarans that sail to glaciers are like.
What does this story mean for those who travel today?
- Experience in these waters: almost 50 years navigating Lake Argentino as concessionaires of the Park.
- Own infrastructure: The Puerto Punta Bandera terminal and the Spegazzini Base, with trails, walkways, viewpoints and a shelter.
- Certified quality and safety: We work with the IRAM-SECTUR 42300 and IRAM-SECTUR 42560 standards.
- An experience for everyone: The entire Glaciares area is 100% accessible, from the Punta Bandera pier to the viewpoints at the Base.
The full version of our journey is on the Solo Patagonia history page.
Sail with us
The best way to learn this story is to come aboard. Check availability and current fares on the All Glaciers Navigation website and come to Glacier Bay.
FAQ
Since when has Solo Patagonia sailed in Los Glaciares National Park?
Since 1980. That year, Solo Patagonia became the first privatization carried out by National Parks for lake services in Argentina.
Who founded Solo Patagonia?
The company was founded by René, whose family has been in Patagonia since 1886, when his grandfather arrived.
When was the Spegazzini Refuge inaugurated?
The Spegazzini Refuge was inaugurated in 2019 at the Spegazzini Base, in the Bay of Glaciers, overlooking the Spegazzini, Heim and Peineta glaciers.
What certifications does Solo Patagonia have?
Only Patagonia works with the IRAM-SECTUR 42300 and IRAM-SECTUR 42560 standards, which support its quality management, safety and preservation of protected natural areas.
