I begin this experience as so many great adventures in Patagonia do: with the feeling that something special is about to happen. In the middle of the afternoon, in January, the Patagonian summer makes itself felt with pleasant weather, clear skies, and that endless light that seems to stretch the day. I was picked up from my hotel in El Calafate and, after a 45-minute transfer, arrived at the port of Punta Bandera, surrounded by a landscape that already hints at what is to come. From here, several navigations depart to explore the national park, including my two-day cruise, called Spirit of the Glaciers. I insist—it is a magnificent two-day journey that explores the most impressive corners of Los Glaciares National Park.
Spirit of the Glacier Cruise
Navigate iconic Patagonian glaciers and explore remote landscapes aboard an expedition cruise.
From Price: USD890
Boarding is calm, almost intimate. The Santa Cruz cruise ship is not a massive vessel; quite the opposite—it is exclusive, with capacity for just 38 passengers and 19 cabins, making the experience highly personalized from the very beginning. As soon as I step on board, the crew welcomes me warmly, assigns my cabin, and I head straight out to the deck. Lake Argentino opens up before me with its deep turquoise color, as the ship slowly begins to sail toward the most remote arms of the park.
My cabin is far more comfortable than I expected: exterior, with direct lake views, a private bathroom, and the feel of a floating boutique hotel. Every detail is carefully considered, from the bedding to the perfectly controlled temperature.
As we sail, the landscape begins to transform. The first icebergs appear like floating sculptures, and as we venture further in, the sense of immensity becomes overwhelming. I understand why they say glaciers are experienced differently from the water: they are giants rising more than 50 meters in front of us, silent yet imposing.
That first afternoon unfolds between conversations in the lounge, moments out on deck, and a drink at the bar while the sun remains high even close to 10:00 pm. Dinner is another highlight: gourmet cuisine, beautifully prepared dishes, and included beverages, all enjoyed through large windows that frame the landscape like a live movie.
Sleeping in the middle of Los Glaciares National Park is something difficult to put into words. The ship anchors in a remote bay, surrounded by mountains, forest, and ice. The silence is absolute, broken only by the distant cracking of glaciers. That night, stepping out onto the deck and seeing the Patagonian sky—still holding a soft light that never fully fades in summer—is one of those moments that stays with you forever.
The next day, I wake up early. Breakfast is relaxed, with open views over the lake. Then the activities begin: we disembark for a guided walk through the Andean-Patagonian forest, where the guide explains the flora, the history of the area, and the fragile balance of this ecosystem.
Later, we return to the ship and continue sailing past some of the most impressive glaciers in the region, such as Spegazzini or Upsala, depending on the itinerary. The proximity is incredible—you are literally facing massive ice walls, witnessing calving events and hearing the deep, resonant sounds of the glacier.
Lunch on board, with these views, is another unforgettable moment. Dining in front of such a natural setting gives everything a different meaning. Afterwards, the navigation continues among icebergs before heading back.
The experience ends around 4:00 pm, when the ship returns to the port. The transfer back to the hotel feels different—you are no longer the same person who left the day before.
There is something about this journey that perfectly blends luxury with raw nature. It is not just a cruise; it is a way of experiencing Patagonia from within, with comfort, yet without losing that feeling of being in one of the most remote and authentic places on Earth. I strongly recommend it—don’t miss it!
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Spirit of the Glacier Cruise
Navigate iconic Patagonian glaciers and explore remote landscapes aboard an expedition cruise.
From Price: USD890
