In short
- Spegazzini has 135-meter ice walls, the tallest in the park.
- Upsala calves massive icebergs but is currently retreating.
- Spegazzini remains in a relatively stable state.
In this article
When you book a boat tour in Los Glaciares National Park, you will likely see both Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers. While they share the same lake, their physical characteristics and behavior differ completely.
How do the heights and sizes compare?
Spegazzini features the tallest ice face in the park.
Spegazzini Glacier has ice walls that reach up to 135 meters (443 feet) above the water. It spans roughly 134 to 135 square kilometers, with an average width of 1.5 kilometers and a length of 17 kilometers. Upsala covers a massive surface area, but its leading edge does not reach the towering height of Spegazzini.
| Feature | Spegazzini Glacier | Upsala Glacier |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Wall Height | Up to 135 meters (443 ft) | Lower at the lake face |
| Current State | Relatively stable | Retreating |
| Base Disembarkation | Yes (Spegazzini Base) | No land access |
Is Spegazzini Glacier retreating like Upsala?
No, Spegazzini remains relatively stable.
Upsala Glacier is known for its rapid retreat and for dropping massive blue icebergs into Lake Argentino. In contrast, Spegazzini maintains its position and size. This stability ensures reliable, close-up viewing conditions for boats arriving at Spegazzini Bay.
Do boat tours visit both glaciers?
Yes, most full-day navigations pass Upsala before stopping at Spegazzini.
Tours depart from Puerto Punta Bandera and head toward the Upsala Channel first. Boats usually view Upsala from a distance due to the thick icebergs in the water. Afterward, the boats navigate to the Spegazzini Base.
Which glacier produces the large icebergs?
The massive blue icebergs in Lake Argentino come primarily from the Upsala Glacier.
As boats sail through the Iceberg Channel (Canal de los Témpanos), they pass dense fields of ice. These chunks break off from Upsala as it retreats. Spegazzini drops ice as well, but it does not produce the same volume of giant, drifting icebergs.
Can you walk near Spegazzini and Upsala?
You can only disembark at Spegazzini.
There is no land access or disembarkation point at the face of Upsala Glacier. At Spegazzini, tours stop at the Spegazzini Base. Here, you can walk along 350 meters of accessible boardwalks through the coastal forest for direct glacier views.
Are both glaciers included in the same park fee?
Yes, one entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park covers both.
The national park fee is approximately 50,000 ARS for non-resident adults. You must pay this fee separately from your boat tour ticket. The boat excursions that navigate to both glaciers cost around 330,000 ARS and last 7 to 8 hours.
Questions travellers ask
Can you walk on the ice of Spegazzini or Upsala?
No, neither glacier allows ice trekking on these boat tours. You can only view them from the boat decks or from the pathways at Spegazzini Base.
How far is the departure port from El Calafate?
Puerto Punta Bandera is located 47 to 50 kilometers from El Calafate. The drive or shuttle transfer takes about 45 minutes.
Are these glaciers accessible year-round?
Yes, boat tours to both glaciers operate throughout the year. The best months for longer daylight hours and milder weather are September to April.
