el calafate balcony

FROM USD 189

Calafate Balcony Tour in a 4×4 Vehicle

Explore the hills above El Calafate on a 3-hour 4x4 adventure with panoramic views of Lake Argentino and the Andes.

Why Choose This Activity?

  • Round-trip hotel transfers included
  • English-speaking guide
  • Lunch box included
BOOK NOW

Discover the Stone Labyrinth and Hats Rock on a guided off-road tour.

Easy Cancellation

If you need to cancel or postpone, just send us an email and we will take care of everything.

Direct Communication With the Operator

You will have the WhatsApp for the operator of your choose excursion. No more lost pick ups!

English-Speaking Guide and Small Groups

Almost all of our tours are done in small groups. All of them have English speaking guides.

OVERVIEW

Explore the landscapes surrounding El Calafate on a 3-hour 4×4 adventure through the hills overlooking the town and Lake Argentino. The tour covers approximately 35 kilometers, reaching an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level and offering panoramic views of the Andes and the Patagonian landscape.

Along the route, visit natural viewpoints overlooking Lake Argentino, El Calafate, and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, you may also see the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks in the distance. Discover the Stone Labyrinth, an ancient Cretaceous formation with fossil remains, and the unusual iron formations known as Hats Rock.

The excursion operates with morning and afternoon departures, including hotel transfers, an English- and Spanish-speaking guide, and a lunch box with food and water. After exploring the mountain landscapes, return to El Calafate.

About Us

PeritoMorenoGlacier.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.

ITINERARY

Hotel Pickup and 4×4 Ascent

The excursion begins with pickup from your hotel in El Calafate. Board a 4×4 vehicle and travel along mountain trails through the hills surrounding the town.

The approximately 35-kilometer route crosses the Patagonian steppe, gradually climbing to an altitude of up to 1,050 meters above sea level.

Panoramic Viewpoints

The first stop is at a natural viewpoint overlooking El Calafate and the central section of Lake Argentino.

From this elevated location, admire the Andes, the Patagonian Ice Field, and Boca del Diablo, the narrow passage leading toward the Upsala arm of the lake. On clear days, it may also be possible to see Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in the distance and spot Andean condors flying overhead.

Stone Labyrinth

Continue the journey to the Stone Labyrinth, a geological formation dating back approximately 85 million years to the Cretaceous period.

Explore this ancient riverbed and discover rock formations containing fossil remains that reveal the region’s geological history.

Hats Rock and Lunch Box Stop

The excursion also includes a stop to enjoy an included lunch box at a selected panoramic location.

The route continues along the northern slope of the hills toward Hats Rock, also known as Sombreros Mexicanos, where unusual iron-rich geological formations create a distinctive landscape.

Return to El Calafate

After visiting the main viewpoints and geological formations, begin the descent toward El Calafate, enjoying additional views of Lake Argentino along the way.

The excursion concludes with drop-off at your hotel.

Departure Options

  • Morning Departure: 11:00 AM, approximately 3 hours.
  • Afternoon Departure: 4:00 PM, approximately 3 hours.

Both departures follow the same general itinerary and include a lunch box. The order of stops and the exact pickup time may vary depending on operational and weather conditions.

Duration: PM
Cancellation Policy: 48 hours before the date of your tour
Availability: All year
Starting Time: 11:00 AM / 4:00 PM
Finishing Time: 2:00 PM / 7:00 PM (approx.)
Pick Up: From Your Hotel
Drop Off: At Your Hotel
Language: English and Spanish
Minimum Booking: 1

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Round-trip transfers from your hotel in El Calafate.
  • Guided 4x4 excursion through the hills surrounding El Calafate.
  • English- and Spanish-speaking guide.
  • Visits to panoramic viewpoints, the Stone Labyrinth, and Hats Rock.
  • Lunch box including water, alfajor, chicken or vegetable sandwich, and ham-and-cheese or vegetable empanada.
  • Meals and beverages other than the included lunch box.
  • Personal expenses.

OPTIONALS

There's no optionals available for this excursions. Let us know if you need anything on your booking.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

FAQs

Is this tour available on December 24th, 25th, 31st or January 1st?

Please contact us for this infomation.

Does this tour have any age restrictions?

There is no age restriction for this trip.

Is this tour available for people with reduced mobility?

Ask us before booking.

How does the booking process work?

After booking and finalizing payment, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase. Then, in less than 24 hours, you will receive the voucher that you can use to take the excursions.

If the reservation is for the next day, we will be attentive and send you the voucher before your excursion begins.

How long is the tour?

It starts at 3:00 pm and finishes at 6:00 pm, making the total duration approximately 3 hours.

What should I bring with me?

Bring warm clothing, including a coat for cold temperatures, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain, including stairs.

How rough is the 4×4 ride?

Expect uneven tracks, bumps and changing terrain. The experience is adventurous but operated on established routes, with the driver adapting speed to conditions.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to motion sickness?

The off-road sections can be bumpy. Travelers who are very sensitive to motion should consider this when booking and choose a seat strategically when possible.

Can the weather change the route?

Yes. Wind, snow, rain, road conditions or visibility can require adjustments. Local drivers select the safest viable route for the day.

Will there be time outside the vehicle?

Most scenic 4×4 experiences include stops for viewpoints, short walks or interpretation. The balance between driving and stops varies by product.

Is the activity very physically demanding?

Usually the main physical factor is comfort on rough roads rather than sustained exercise, unless the excursion specifically includes trekking or another active component.

Can I bring camera equipment?

Yes. Protect cameras from dust, vibration and sudden movement, and keep equipment secured while the vehicle is moving.

Will the driver also provide interpretation?

Many 4×4 excursions include a driver-guide or guided interpretation about geology, wildlife, local history and landscape, depending on the product.

Book Now!

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Booking Details (1/2)

Select the starting time for this excursion

BOOKING FAQS

How Do I Book?

Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.

What Happens After Booking?

Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.

If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.

I Have Other Questions...

Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.

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