Excursion Mid voyage land adventure: el calafate - glacier encounter tour at Montevideo
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Journey deep into Argentine Patagonia on this extraordinary overland program to El Calafate, gateway to the legendary glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park. This remote region of ice, mountains, and wind-sculpted landscapes offers one of South America’s most powerful natural spectacles.
DAY 1 – MONTEVIDEO / BUENOS AIRES / EL CALAFATE
Gateway to Patagonian Ice
Disembark the ship in Montevideo and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, where you will connect onward to El Calafate, the gateway to Argentine Patagonia. Lunch is at leisure during today’s travel.
Upon arrival in El Calafate, transfer to your hotel, beautifully situated amid the vast Patagonian landscape. After check-in, enjoy time to relax and take in the dramatic surroundings of this remote region.
This evening, dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight at Xelena Hotel
DAY 2 – EL CALAFATE
Perito Moreno Glacier & Los Glaciares National Park
After breakfast, depart for Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its immense ice fields and pristine wilderness. Travel through sweeping Patagonian scenery to reach the park, where your first stop offers a breathtaking introduction to the legendary Perito Moreno Glacier.
Explore the glacier via an extensive network of elevated walkways and panoramic viewing platforms, providing multiple perspectives of its towering ice walls, deep crevasses, and striking blue hues. Conditions permitting, witness dramatic ice calving as massive sections break away and plunge into the waters below.
A scenic navigation brings you even closer to the glacier’s immense ice face, offering an unforgettable view of one of the world’s most active glaciers. Lunch is served inside the national park, surrounded by extraordinary natural scenery.
In the late afternoon, return to El Calafate. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
Overnight at Xelena Hotel
DAY 3 – EL CALAFATE / BUENOS AIRES
Return & City Highlights
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, or breakfast-to-go depending on flight schedule, before transferring to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival, enjoy a time-permitting city sightseeing tour, introducing some of the Argentine capital’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights may include Recoleta, Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the colorful district of La Boca, famous for its vibrant streets and tango heritage. Lunch is at leisure during the city tour.
Afterwards, transfer to the pier to rejoin your ship, concluding your remarkable journey through the glacial landscapes of Patagonia.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
One-way flights between Montevideo / Buenos Aires / El Calafate / Buenos Aires, in economy class
Airport and hotel transfers as outlined in the itinerary
Two nights’ accommodation in El Calafate at the Xelena Hotel (or similar), including hotel taxes and service charges
Daily breakfast (2 breakfasts total)
One lunch during the full-day excursion in Los Glaciares National Park
Two dinners at the hotel, including 01 soft drink and glass of wine per person
Full-day guided excursion to Los Glaciares National Park, including visits to the Perito Moreno Glacier
Scenic navigation along the glacier’s ice face (weather and operational conditions permitting)
Professional English-speaking local guides throughout the program
Entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park and all included sites
Time-permitting Buenos Aires city sightseeing tour prior to embarkation
Handling and assistance by the local ground operator
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Any meals or beverages not specifically listed in the “What Is Included” section
Lunches at leisure and beverages outside of included meals
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, minibar items, and room service
Excess or overweight luggage charges imposed by airlines
Optional activities or services not described in the published itinerary
Any items of a personal nature not expressly stated as included
Note
PLEASE NOTE
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and payment terms apply as per Silversea overland policies. Air tickets are non-refundable once issued. Hotel accommodations may be canceled up to 60 days prior to check-in without penalty. Please refer to your booking confirmation for exact deadlines.
Activity Level of the Tour
This overland program involves extensive activity. Guests should expect long periods of walking and standing, including approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) over natural terrain within Los Glaciares National Park. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition.
Tour Accessibility
This tour is not wheelchair accessible. While certain viewing platforms at Perito Moreno Glacier include ramps, not all circuits are fully accessible, and some areas involve stairs, slopes, and uneven surfaces. Guests with limited mobility must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion able to provide assistance.
Driving Time / Flying Time
The program includes multiple flights between Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and El Calafate, as well as extended overland transfers to and from Los Glaciares National Park. Guests connecting through Buenos Aires must collect and re-check luggage for domestic flights. Flight schedules are subject to change.
Clothing Requirements
Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are essential. Guests should dress in warm, layered clothing and bring a wind- and water-resistant jacket, as weather conditions in Patagonia can change rapidly. Hats, sunglasses, and sun protection are also recommended.
Additional Important Information
Paths and viewing areas at Los Glaciares National Park are generally well maintained but may be wet, icy, or windy, depending on weather conditions.
Domestic flight luggage restrictions apply, typically one checked bag (up to 15 kg / 33 lbs) and one carry-on bag (up to 8 kg / 17 lbs). Excess baggage fees may apply and are payable locally.
Restroom facilities are available at designated locations but may be limited during transfers and within the national park.
Lunch is included on Day 2 inside the national park; other meals are provided as outlined. Meal substitutions are subject to availability.
General Conditions
The order of sights visited may vary due to weather or operational considerations.
Space on this overland program is limited and participation is subject to availability.
This program may not be offered on all voyages.