Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Glaciar Upsala & Lago Onelli
Glaciar Upsala - 595-sq-km huge, 60km long and some 4km wide in parts - can be ad-
mired for its monumental dimensions alongside the strange and graceful forms of the
nearby icebergs. The downside is that it can only be enjoyed from the crowded deck of a
massive catamaran: just nature, you and 300 of your closest friends.
On an extension of the Brazo Norte (North Arm) of Lago Argentino, it's accessible by
launch from Puerto Bandera, 45km west of El Calafate by RP11 and RP8. Not included
in cruise prices is the bus transfer (approximately AR$50) from El Calafate.
Solo Patagonia S.A.
CRUISE
( 02902-491115;
www.solopatagonia.com
;
Libertador 867, El Calafate)
Offers the All Glacier
tour (AR$720) from Punta Bandera, visiting Glaciar Upsala, Glaciar Spegazzini and Gla-
ciar Perito Moreno. If icebergs are cooperating, boats may allow passengers to disembark
at Bahía Onelli to walk 500m to iceberg-choked
Lago Onelli
, where the Onelli and
Agassiz glaciers merge. Its other all-day tour, Rivers of Ice, takes in glaciers Upsala and
Spegazzini (AR$480).
Meals are expensive, but you can bring your own.
Mar Patag
LUXURY CRUISE
( 02902-492118;
www.crucerosmarpatag.com
; 9 de Julio 57, office 4, El Calafate; day cruise
US$288)
Luxury cruises with onboard chef serving gourmet meals. The day trip leaves
from the private port of La Soledad and takes in glaciers Upsala and Spegazzini. The
three-day cruise (from US$1608 per person, double occupancy) leaves twice weekly and
also visits glaciers Mayo and Perito Moreno. Transfers from El Calafate included.
Lago Roca
The serene south arm of Lago Argentino, with lakeshore forests and mountains, features
good hikes and pleasant camping.
Estancia
accommodations occupy this section of
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, where most visitors rarely travel. No entrance fee is
charged. For transportation, contact Caltur.
Cerro Cristal
HIKING
A rugged but rewarding 3½-hour hike, with views of Glaciar Perito Moreno and the
Torres del Paine on clear days. The trail begins at the education camp at La Jerónima,
