Upsala Glacier: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about the largest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park
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The Upsala Glacier It is the most extensive of Los Glaciares National Park and one of the largest in South America, with an area of 840 km². Unlike the Perito Moreno Glacier, It can only be visited by boat: the enormous icebergs that calve from its face float along the North Arm of Lake Argentino, creating one of the most breathtaking glacial landscapes in the world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and the main attraction of boat trips on Lake Argentino since [year missing]. El Calafate.
| Location | North Arm of Lake Argentino, Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 49°53′S 73°19′W |
| Access from El Calafate | Only accessible by boat from Puerto Punta Bandera (~50 km from El Calafate) |
| Surface | 840 km² (the largest in the park) |
| Length | ~54 km long · 8-10 km wide |
| Origin | Southern Patagonian Ice Field |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes, within Los Glaciares National Park (1981) |
| State | In retreat: it has lost more than 3 km in length in recent decades |
| How to visit it | Navigation only (All Glaciers or Gourmet Glaciers) |
Where is the Upsala Glacier located?
The Upsala Glacier is located in the North Arm of Lake Argentino, within the Los Glaciares National Park, in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia. It is the largest of the 47 major glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located within the park.
Unlike the Perito Moreno Glacier, which can be seen from land-based walkways, the Upsala Glacier It has no land access. The only way to reach his forehead is through navigation on Lake Argentino, starting from Puerto Punta Bandera, located about 50 km from the city of El Calafate.
Map and geographical location
The glacier originates in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, on the border with Chile, and descends for approximately 54 km southeast, terminating in the North Arm of Lake Argentino. Its approximate coordinates are 49°53′ South and 73°19′ West. It is nestled among rugged mountains and nunataks (rocky peaks that emerge from the ice), which adds to the spectacular nature of the landscape.
Characteristics of the Upsala Glacier
The Upsala Glacier has a area of approximately 840 km², which makes it the largest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and one of the largest in South America. Its length is about 54 km and its width varies between 8 and 10 km. The front that flows into Lake Argentino is several kilometers long, although its exact geometry changes constantly due to retreat and landslides.
It was named after Uppsala University in Sweden, which funded the first scientific expedition to study the glacier in the early 20th century.
Size and dimensions
With an area of 840 km², Uppsala is more than three times larger than Perito Moreno (250 km²). While not the longest in the world, it is among the glaciers with the greatest mass in the Andean region. Its volume is difficult to calculate precisely because a large part of its tongue extends into a deep valley below the lake level.
Retreat of the Upsala Glacier
Unlike the Perito Moreno Glacier (which remains in equilibrium), the Uppsala has been in clear decline since the mid-20th century. It has lost more than 3 kilometers in length since the 1980s, and its terminus has fragmented. Satellite images compared over the last few decades show how the glacier has retreated to the advancing waters of the North Arm.
The retreat is attributed to a combination of factors: global climate change, the geometry of the bed it occupies (deeper than that of the Perito Moreno Glacier, which accelerates melting upon contact with water), and dynamics specific to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Today, it is one of the most studied glaciers by glaciologists as an emblematic case of contemporary glacial retreat.
The icebergs of Uppsala
One of the most distinctive features of Uppsala is the enormous blue icebergs that break off from its face and float down the North Arm. Some can be hundreds of meters long and 30-40 meters high above the water. These icebergs are the most photographed sight on cruise ships, since commercial vessels must maintain a distance from the glacier's face for safety and end up approaching the icebergs instead of the main ice wall.
How to visit the Upsala Glacier from El Calafate
The only way to see the Upsala Glacier is by navigation Tours depart from Puerto Punta Bandera, located approximately 50 km from El Calafate. They include ground transportation to the port and a boat trip on Lake Argentino. There are two main options:
All Glaciers Navigation
The All Glaciers excursion It's the most popular option for seeing Upsala. It's a full-day boat trip (~9 hours including transfers) that takes you past three glaciers: Uppsala, Spegazzini and Onelli. The boat approaches the Upsala icebergs, sails in front of the Spegazzini ice wall (the tallest in the park) and usually includes a landing at Onelli Bay for a short walk.
It's the best way to experience the diversity of glaciers in the North Arm in a single day.
Gourmet Glacier Navigation
For those seeking a premium experience, the Gourmet Glaciers Navigation It covers the same route (Upsala and Spegazzini) on a smaller vessel with premium onboard dining. It includes a menu prepared by local chefs with a view of the glacier.
What to bring on the voyage
Although most of the tour is done from the boat, it's important to be able to go on deck to photograph the glacier and icebergs. We recommend: a waterproof and windproof jacket, a fleece, a hat, thin gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. The wind on the lake can be strong even in summer.
Book your boat trip to the Upsala Glacier
Upsala Glacier vs Perito Moreno Glacier: differences
Both are the two most visited glaciers in the park, but they have very different characteristics:
| Feature | Upsala Glacier | Perito Moreno Glacier |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | 840 km² (the largest in the park) | 250 km² |
| Access | Navigation only | Land walkways + optional navigation |
| State | In clear decline | In equilibrium (advances ~2 m/day) |
| Main attraction | Giant icebergs in the North Arm | Ice front and landslides |
| Distance from El Calafate | 50 km to the port + ~3 hours of sailing | 80 km on paved road |
| Recommended duration | Full day (~9 hours) | Half day or full day |
| Typical excursion | Todo Glaciares | Tour of the Catwalks |
If your visit to El Calafate is for several days, the ideal thing to do is combine both: the Perito Moreno because of its accessibility and proximity to the ice, and the Upsala because of the scale and magnitude of the icebergs.
Best time to visit the Upsala Glacier
The Upsala Glacier can be navigated year-round, although the peak season runs from September to April. Each season has its own characteristics.
| Time | Months | Climate | Advantages | Things to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Dec-Feb | 8-17°C, long days | Better weather, guaranteed navigation, all services operational | High demand, book in advance |
| Autumn | Mar-May | 2-10°C, autumn colors | Fewer tourists, spectacular scenery | May: Some sailings reduce frequency |
| Winter | June-August | -2 to 5°C | Intimate experience, snowy glacier | Limited sailings, higher risk of cancellation due to wind |
| Spring | Sep-Nov | 4-12°C, long days | Fewer people, good weather, low prices | Strong winds some days |
The critical factor for navigation to Uppsala is the wind over Lake Argentino. On windy days (frequent year-round, but more so in spring), sailing may be cancelled for safety reasons. It's advisable to be flexible with your dates and, if possible, consider booking your sailing trip at the beginning of your visit so you can reschedule if it's cancelled.
History and name of the Upsala Glacier
The glacier was named after Uppsala University in Sweden, who financed the first geological expedition to study it at the beginning of the 20th century. Scandinavian explorers played a key role in the scientific exploration of southern Patagonia.
Although Francisco Pascasio Moreno (the famous "Perito Moreno") was the main driving force behind the exploration of Los Glaciares National Park and gave his name to several geographical features in the area, the Upsala retains its Swedish name in recognition of that international scientific collaboration.
The glacier is a key reference point in scientific literature on climate change and glacial retreat in Patagonia. Its evolution over the last few decades has been extensively documented by satellite.
Flora and fauna in the Uppsala area
Navigation towards Upsala passes through the North Arm of Lake Argentino, where lenga and ñire forests combine with rocky walls. It is possible to spot wildlife along the lake's shores. Andean condors soaring over the cliffs, as well as black-chested buzzard-eagles and upland geese.
The lake's waters are home to rainbow and brown trout, species introduced in the early 20th century that have adapted to the Patagonian ecosystem. The more remote shores, less accessible than the boardwalk area of Perito Moreno, are habitat for elusive fauna such as the huemul, an endangered deer and symbol of the Argentine national coat of arms.
If the sailing is combined with the landing in Onelli Bay (included in Todo Glaciares), there is a short walk through Andean-Patagonian forest to a viewpoint of the lagoon where icebergs from the Onelli Glacier float.
Tips for your navigation to the Upsala Glacier
- Book in advance: During peak season (December-February) places sell out 2-3 weeks in advance.
- Be flexible: The sailing trip may be cancelled due to strong winds. If your itinerary allows, schedule the excursion at the beginning of your stay to allow for rescheduling.
- Dress in layers: Even in summer, the wind across the lake makes it feel cooler. Bring a raincoat, fleece, hat, and thin gloves.
- Sit on the right side: On the outward journey, the icebergs and lateral glaciers are best viewed from the port (left) side. On the return journey, it's the opposite.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The reflection of ice and water intensifies UV radiation, even on cloudy days.
- Charge battery: The boat trip takes approximately 9 hours, including transfers. Bring a power bank if you plan to take a lot of photos or videos.
- Consider combining it with Perito Moreno: They are complementary experiences, not substitutes. Most visitors do both on different days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Upsala Glacier
Where is the Upsala Glacier located?
The Upsala Glacier is located in the North Arm of Lake Argentino, Located within Los Glaciares National Park, in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia. Its approximate coordinates are 49°53′S 73°19′W. It has no land access: it can only be visited by boat from Puerto Punta Bandera, located about 50 km from the city of El Calafate.
How big is the Upsala Glacier?
The Upsala Glacier has a area of approximately 840 km², This makes it the largest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. It is approximately 54 km long and between 8 and 10 km wide. It is more than three times larger than the Perito Moreno Glacier (250 km²).
How to visit the Upsala Glacier?
The Upsala Glacier can only be visited by navigation. The two main excursions are: sailing Todo Glaciares (~9 hours, visiting Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli) and the Glaciares Gourmet (premium version with onboard dining). Both depart from Puerto Punta Bandera, about 50 km from El Calafate, and include ground transportation from the city.
Why is the Upsala Glacier retreating?
The Upsala River has been receding since the mid-20th century and has lost more than 3 km in length in recent decades. The causes are a combination of global climate change, The geometry of the bed it occupies (deeper than that of the Perito Moreno Glacier, which accelerates melting upon contact with water), and the dynamics specific to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, make it one of the most studied glaciers as an emblematic case of contemporary glacial retreat.
What is the difference between the Upsala Glacier and the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The Uppsala is more extensive (840 km² vs 250 km²) and can only be visited by boat. It is in sharp decline. The Perito Moreno is more accessibleIt has land-based walkways and maintains its equilibrium (advancing approximately 2 m/day). These are complementary experiences: the Perito Moreno Glacier due to its proximity to the ice front, and the Upsala Glacier due to its scale and large icebergs.
When is the best time to see the Upsala Glacier?
The best time is October to March, When the days are long and the temperatures are more pleasant, October, November, and March offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds. The critical factor is the wind over Lake ArgentinoOn days with strong winds (more frequent in spring) sailing may be cancelled for safety reasons, so it is advisable to be flexible with dates.
Why is it called Upsala Glacier?
The glacier was named in honor of the Uppsala University, In Sweden, the first geological expedition to study it was funded at the beginning of the 20th century. Scandinavian explorers played a key role in the scientific exploration of southern Patagonia.
How much does a boat trip to the Upsala Glacier cost?
Prices vary depending on the excursion and the season. Navigation Todo Glaciares It's the classic option and includes Upsala, Spegazzini, and Onelli in a full day. The version Glaciares Gourmet It has a higher rate for food service. Check the Prices updated 2026 to see the details.