 Pablo Etchevers  Mar Patag
This is a spectacular way to see the glaciers from a luxurious watercraft that approaches the iceberg barrier. A deluxe excursion. |
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A recently formed iceberg barrier prevents sailors from approaching the main wall of the Upsala Glacier. Here is an account of our own experience on board a luxurious watercraft headed for the barrier where we felt astonished by the ice floes floating adrift, as well as by the immensity of the Spegazzini Glacier.
The glaciers never cease to surprise visitors at each excursion. There are new proposals to enjoy this true natural show which provide excellent services. One of the most tempting ideas is to go on a short crossing on board an exclusive cruise to sail around the ice formations.
This original tour started at 9 in the morning in Puerto Bandera and it was organized by Mar Patag, a company run by three expert sailors from Chubut. One of them, Héctor "Tiño" Resnik, is the captain of the “Leal”, a boat that waits at the pier in silence. Along with the crew, Tiño welcomed all passengers on board and we all soon made ourselves comfortable on the springy sofas neatly arranged around the wood-burning stove. |
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The “Leal” is equipped with all the necessary amenities to pamper guests: a spacious and comfortable main cabin, a bar, a library, a dining-room, board games and seven double cabins with bunk beds, private bathroom and a view of the outside. The music and a friendly atmosphere give spirit to the pleasant dinner served by Javier, one of the sailors.
The navigation across the northern arm of Lake Argentino starts the following morning. After the delicious breakfast, everyone got ready to watch the glaciers. The blue icebergs wandering adrift on the cold waters anticipated the proximity of the Upsala Glacier, unreachable at present but which can be admired from a short distance.
It was the moment in which we all took pictures and tried to capture so much impressive beauty somehow. After stopping at the ice walls for a long while, the boat got close to the shore so that we could observe a cascade and occasionally grab a piece of ice that would later turn into a sculpture carved by the passengers. |
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Towards the Spegazzini
We continued crossing Lake Argentino but this time heading south. Thus, we took the Spegazzini Channel. The boat advanced in a very relaxed fashion until we reached the glacier in the afternoon and enjoyed this gelid monument in the national park to the fullest.
Admiring the walls of this magnificent glacier –which range from 80 to 135 meters of height- confirms that all the glaciers are different, just like they are amazing. Illuminated by the afternoon light, the Spegazzini gained a fantastic hue that left us speechless. |
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The site chosen to spend the afternoon was Puesto Vacas (Cows post), where the guides helped us land and shared a delightful hike with us as a reward for such an intense day of navigation.
During this walk, it is possible to appreciate real panoramic postcards of the Spegazzini Glacier and its surroundings. The sunset is the moment that invites us to start our way back.
Thus, we followed the northern arm of Lake Argentino and sailed towards the private port called La Soledad (Solitude) at Quiet Bay, Punta Bandera, where the tour ended but, fortunately for us all, an unconditional kind of love for the ancient glaciers emerged in our hearts. |
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Welcome Argentina - Outings in El Calafate
© 2003-2012 Total or partial reproduction forbidden. Derechos de Autor 675246 Ley 11723
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2 days
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This tour is available from August thru April. The company provides a roundtrip shuttle from the City of El Calafate.
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