Upsala Expediciones

Navigation through the arms of Lago Argentino is one of the most direct ways to grasp the scale of the glacier system in Santa Cruz. This itinerary focuses on the North Arm, a route that allows close approach to massive ice formations — including the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers — moving away from the land-based dynamic to observe the landscape from a purely lacustrine perspective.

The North Arm route

The activity unfolds across the glacial-blue waters that define Lago Argentino. The route passes through landmark points such as the Boca del Diablo, where the terrain and water movement set the pace of navigation. As the vessel advances along the North Arm, the surroundings give way to a panorama of ice walls and mountain peaks that define the character of the region.

The main focus is the observation of large ice masses. Glaciar Upsala and Glaciar Spegazzini are the centerpieces of this itinerary, offering close views of the ice walls as they calve into the lake. The dynamic allows visual contact with the true scale of these glaciers — something that from the walkways of the Perito Moreno offers a different perspective, more focused on depth and the extension of the lake’s arms.

Visitor profile and setting

This experience makes sense for those looking to complement their time in El Calafate with a look into the interior of the glacier system. It is an activity that demands attention to the detail of the landscape and is particularly interesting for travelers who have already walked the traditional boardwalks and wish to explore the complexity of Lago Argentino from its deeper arms.

The setting is defined by the constant presence of ice and the silence of Patagonia, broken only by the natural sounds of the ecosystem. The landscape combines the vegetation typical of the area with the imposing presence of the mountains and glaciers, offering a geographic context that is essential for understanding the dynamics of the ice rivers in southern Argentina.