Upsala Glacier | El Calafate

Information

Landmark: Upsala Glacier
City: El Calafate
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America

Upsala Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina, South America

Upsala Glacier is a large glacier located in Los Glaciares National Park, near El Calafate, Argentina.

It is one of the largest glaciers in South America and a significant feature of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Visual Characteristics

Upsala Glacier terminates in Lago Argentino, a large proglacial lake. The glacier's surface is characterized by extensive crevasses and seracs. Icebergs calved from the glacier vary in size and color, ranging from white to deep blue, depending on ice density and age. The surrounding landscape consists of steep, rocky mountains with sparse vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

Upsala Glacier is accessible primarily by boat tours departing from Puerto Bandera, located approximately 47 kilometers northwest of El Calafate. The journey across Lago Argentino takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours one way. Road access to the glacier's terminus is not possible. Parking is available at Puerto Bandera.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Upsala Glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a remnant of the Patagonian Ice Sheet that covered the Andes during the last glacial period. Its current form is a result of ongoing glacial processes and climate change, leading to periods of advance and retreat. The glacier is classified as a temperate valley glacier.

Key Highlights & Activities

Boat tours navigate through icebergs to approach the glacier's calving front. Observation of iceberg formations and the glacier's scale are the primary activities. No hiking or direct interaction with the ice is permitted on standard tours.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at Puerto Bandera. Boat tours typically include onboard facilities. Cell phone signal is intermittent on Lago Argentino. Food vendors are present at Puerto Bandera and on some tour boats.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal period for visiting Upsala Glacier is during the Patagonian summer, from October to April. This period offers more stable weather conditions and longer daylight hours. Mid-morning departures for boat tours generally provide good lighting for photography.

Facts & Legends

Upsala Glacier is named after the Swedish city of Uppsala, reflecting early Swedish exploration and mapping of the region. The glacier's rapid retreat in recent decades is a significant indicator of climate change impacts in Patagonia.