Among the continent’s largest glaciers, Canal Upsala is a visual treat in southern Patagonia. It is known throughout the world both for its otherworldly aesthetic and its rapidly retreating ice, which is considered a sign of global warming. Join a range of available tours offering ways to learn about and get involved with this formidable feat of nature.
Tour the area by catamaran, which will take you close to the glacier wall. Gaze up at the monstrous icebergs that dwarf the boat with their gigantic height. These giant white orbs float along Lake Argentina.
Learn about the icy landmark from the bilingual guide on the vessel. The docent will inform you about the geological formation of the glacier as well as its recent decrease in size that may be due to the effects of global warming.
Rent a kayak with a friend or family member for a more personal experience. One of the most memorable parts of the trip will be listening to the fearsome sound of cracking ice.
The glacier presently stretches across an area of roughly 210,000 acres (85,000 hectares). Capture photos of it to remember the varying hues of light and dark blue. Drink champagne on the boat with glacial ice chilling your drink.
The valley is named after a university in Sweden that sponsored glacial studies in the region. Visit the glacier in any season, but remember to bring warm clothes. The tours include transportation and are advertised in area hotels.
The catamaran tour has a reasonable price with additional fees for a private viewing in the captain’s area. Make sure to check whether your fee includes meals.
Canal Upsala is in the Los Glaciares National Park in the province of Santa Cruz, near El Calafate in the southern part of the Argentine side of Patagonia. Visit this glacier as well as the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Perito Moreno Glacier.
