Balcones de El Calafate: Panoramic 4x4 Tour to Cerro Huyliche
I climbed Cerro Huyliche in a 4x4 and discovered Patagonia from 950 meters high. Balcones de El Calafate is the most comprehensive panoramic tour to explore the region in half a day. Departing from your hotel, you will travel by 4x4 vehicle towards the Huyliche Ranch to begin the ascent up the mountain, crossing Patagonian steppe and unique rock formations.
Once at the top, you will explore the Cerro Huyliche plateau with panoramic views of El Calafate, Lake Argentino, the Andes Mountains and the silhouettes of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre on the horizon. The experience includes a short 20-minute walk to a refuge where it is offered Patagonian lunch, afternoon snack or dinner, Depending on the schedule you choose. This excursion is suitable for all ages with an easy level of difficulty.
Reserve your place!
Space for this experience is limited and sells out quickly in high season. Reservations are coordinated directly with our operations team through our inquiries channel. We will confirm availability and coordinate all the details for you to live the experience in an organized and safe way.
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Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary of the Excursion
The day begins with a pick-up at your hotel in El Calafate, taking you to Estancia Huyliche, the starting point for the Balcones de Calafate viewpoint. From here, we begin the ascent in a 4x4 along mountain roads, traversing the Patagonian steppe and enjoying the first panoramic views of Lake Argentino and the city.
Hotel pick-up
Tour begins
Arrival at Cerro Huyliche
4x4 Journey
Hike up the hill
Panoramic view of the Balconies
Lunch, snack or dinner
Catering service included
Return to El Calafate
All-Inclusive TourSchedules may vary depending on availabilityAscent in 4x4 to Cerro Huyliche
We begin our adventure by ascending the mountain in an off-road vehicle, traversing the Patagonian steppe and sedimentary rock formations from the end of the Cretaceous period. Along the way, we can observe fragments of ancient wood, shark teeth, and fossilized oysters, as well as spot native wildlife such as condors, eagles, and foxes.
Panoramic viewpoint and hike across the plateau
Upon reaching the Balcones de El Calafate viewpoint, 950 meters above sea level, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the vastness of Lake Argentino, the city spread out below, the source of the Perito Moreno Glacier, and the silhouettes of Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre, iconic landmarks of El Chaltén. A short 20-minute walk through rock formations and erratic boulders leads you to the refuge.
Patagonian lunch, afternoon snack or dinner at the refuge
In a cozy retreat, we welcome you with a warm welcome and a typical Patagonian meal at your chosen time. The menu includes steak, either served as a sandwich or on a plate, with beverages, and for afternoon tea, homemade pudding, bread rolls with jam, and herbal teas. After the visit, we begin our return to El Calafate, descending with Lake Argentino as the backdrop on the horizon.
Transfers to and from the hotel are included in the tour. Pick-up times may vary depending on availability and tour departure times (morning, afternoon, or evening).
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Info to keep in mind
Tour Balconies of Calafate
“Excellent service from the moment I booked: they answered all my questions quickly and even contacted me days before to confirm my arrival. On the day of the tour, they picked us up promptly from the hotel. The experience was wonderful, everything organized by very friendly professionals and with complete safety. I highly recommend them.“
“The best travel experience of our lives!!!!! Totally recommended and the guides were very careful and attentive!!!!!“
“Excellent experience with the agency. They respond quickly and all the instructions are clear. All the tours are punctual and without problems. Much better than we imagined. I highly recommend it 🍀“
Prepare for an unforgettable panoramic day by going up Cerro Huyliche in a 4x4, contemplating Lake Argentino and the Andes from 950 meters, with lunch, afternoon tea or Patagonian dinner included.
Book now and live the adventure of a lifetime in Patagonia!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the minimum age to take the Balcones de El Calafate tour?
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What level of fitness is required for the tour?
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What are the tour's departure times?
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What does the food at the shelter include?
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What clothes and shoes should I bring?
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Are transfers from the hotel included?
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See Terms and Conditions
Which one to choose? Compare scenic 4x4 tours from El Calafate
3 half-day excursions with panoramic views, lunch included and transfers
| Balconies | Huyliche Hill | Cerro Frias | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⏱ Duration | 4 hs (half day) | 4 hs (half day) | 4 hs (half day) |
| 📊 Difficulty |
Easy |
Easy |
Medium |
| 👤 Age | All ages | All ages (zip line 12+) | All ages (horseback riding 7+) |
| 🚀 Mode | 4x4 + 20 min walk to the refuge | 4×4 safari + optional zip line | Choose: 4x4, horseback riding, trekking or zip-lining |
| 🎯 What to visit | Cerro Huyliche · Viewpoint 950m · Gastronomic refuge | Cerro Huyliche · 360° Views of Lake Argentino · Wildlife Viewing | Summit Cerro Frias - Views of Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine - Centinela Valley |
| 🍽 Meal | Patagonian lunch, afternoon snack or dinner + drinks | Lunch, afternoon snack or dinner · Adapted menus (vegetarian, celiac) | Patagonian stew (AM) or afternoon tea with cake (PM) · Drinks not included |
| 🗣 Bilingual guide | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 🚐 Transfers | Including | Including | Including |
| 💰 Price from | $17,000 ARS | $150,000 ARS | $160,000 ARS |
Which one is right for you?
Complement your trip
Balcones is a half-day tour. These excursions combine perfectly with other days or times:
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