rear track of 4x4 vehicles
man driving 4x4 with two companions
group of people and 4x4 at one of the viewpoints
couple inside one of the caves on the tour
Snack at the Huyliche estancia
vehicles at el mirador
Family waving in the 4x4
Young couple in the 4x4
UTVs on the sand road
group of people on the way to the caves
group ascending the cave by ladder
mother and two children in one of the caves
Lunch at Huyliche Ranch
Dining room of the estancia Huyliche with people at the tables
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El Calafate 4x4: Adventure Tour in Cerro Huyliche

Drive your own UTV across Cerro Huyliche and discover the true Patagonian wilderness

(2 reviews)
El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in El Calafate at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. , 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. (depending on the option chosen).
Ends: To your accommodation in El Calafate 3 hours after the selected time.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

El Calafate 4x4: Adventure Tour in Cerro Huyliche – Discover Patagonia in a different and exciting way. You’ll drive a 4x4 UTV, a safe and agile off-road vehicle, perfect for exploring ancient steppe and mountain trails. Always accompanied by an expert local guide, who will lead the route and share stories, fun facts, and insights about the stunning natural surroundings.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, with stops at spectacular viewpoints of Lake Argentino and the Andes Mountains, plus the chance to explore the incredible Stone Labyrinth—featuring marine fossils, caves, and one-of-a-kind formations—this is it. Halfway through the journey, we’ll take a break to enjoy a traditional Patagonian lunch at an authentic local estancia (a charming Patagonian ranch).

Adventure, unforgettable landscapes, and local culture await. Book now and experience Patagonia like never before!

Tour details

Included

  • Bilingual guide
  • UTV, Helmet and safety equipment
  • Transfer to and from your accommodation
  • Lunch, afternoon snack or dinner (depending on departure time)

Not included

  • Tips
  • Travel insurance

Important information

⌚🍝 Schedules and meals included: The tour offers different departure times depending on the time of year. Departures at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM include lunch, the 3:00 PM departure includes an afternoon snack, and the 6:00 PM departure includes dinner.

🪪 The driver must present a valid driver’s license at the time of the tour.

🛻 Each ATV (all-terrain vehicle) has capacity for 1 driver and up to 2 passengers, who must belong to the same group as the driver:

  • If there are 2 people and both want to drive, they must book 2 adults (1 ATV each).
  • If you prefer to ride together in a single vehicle, you must select 1 adult + 1 passenger (or 2 passengers if there are 3 of you).

⚠️ RESTRICTIONS: This activity is not suitable for people with mobility issues, vertigo, pregnant travelers, children under 6 years old, people weighing more than 265 pounds (120 kg) or taller than 6.6 feet (2 meters).

💙 HOWLANDERS TIP: Thanks to the different departure times available, this tour is ideal for your arrival or departure day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 96 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

El Calafate Adventure Tour: 4x4 UTV

Meeting with the guide and arrival at the estancia

We’ll pick you up directly from your accommodation in El Calafate and head to Estancia Huyliche, the base of this off-road adventure. There, you’ll meet your guide, get a safety briefing, and learn the basics of driving your UTV 4x4.

A woman driving the 4x4 and her companion

Ascent through the Cañadón del Arroyo Calafate and balconies.

Kick off your adventure driving UTVs along old mountain and steppe trails. Along the way, we’ll stop at scenic viewpoints offering jaw-dropping views of Lake Argentino, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the Andes—featuring iconic peaks like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Reach the Upper Balcony, sitting at 3,600 feet (1,100 meters) above sea level, where you’ll soak in an unforgettable panoramic view of Patagonia’s vast wilderness. Take a moment to snap some photos, breathe the crisp mountain air, and hear your guide’s stories about the region’s glaciers, geography, and legendary explorers.

four 4x4 vehicles at lookout point in front of panoramic views

Descent to the Laberinto de Piedra (Stone Labyrinth)

From there, begin a thrilling descent down the southern slopes toward the Moyano Canyon to explore the Laberinto de Piedra—a surreal stone labyrinth sculpted over thousands of years by Patagonian winds. Wander through hidden caves and dramatic rock walls as your guide reveals the ancient secrets of this unique natural formation.

group of travelers exploring the stone labyrinth

Break for a Patagonian Meal

In the heart of nature—surrounded by fossils, caves, and one-of-a-kind rock formations—we’ll pause for a break. Depending on your tour time, enjoy a hot chocolate and cake or a traditional Patagonian lunch or dinner inside the original farm workers' house. You’ll also get the chance to explore the historic shearing shed and corrals, still standing as a tribute to rural life in Patagonia.

Return

After the meal, continue descending between Cerro Huyliche and Cerro Calafate. After over three hours of adventure through Patagonia’s wild beauty, we’ll bring you back to your accommodation in El Calafate.

Dining room of the Huyliche estancia with people

What to bring to El Calafate 4x4: Adventure in Cerro Huyliche tour

The weather in Southern Patagonia is very unstable, so it is possible to experience all 4 seasons in the same day. It is recommended to be prepared for sun, wind, rain and cold, all in the same day.

  • Layered warm clothing (including windbreaker or raincoat).
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes, ideally trekking shoes.
  • Hat, gloves and scarf, even in summer.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera or cell phone with charged battery
  • Identity card and valid driver's license (in case you are a driver)

Where does the tour El Calafate 4x4: Adventure in Cerro Huyliche start

🚌 Pick up and return:

The tour starts with pick up at your accommodation in El Calafate, according to the selected schedule. Remember to tell us the name of your accommodation when booking. For convenience, the tour ends at the same place, 4 hours later.

✈️ Plan your entire trip:

Be sure to arrange your transfer to or from El Calafate Airport before or after the tour:

📍 How to get to El Calafate?

Check our complete guide and discover all the routes and transportation options to get to this amazing destination.

Questions & Answers

  • Can children participate in this 4x4 excursion in Calafate?

    Yes, children over 6 years of age may travel as companions.

  • What license is needed to drive in El Calafate Adventure Tour: 4x4 UTV?

    The driver must have and present a valid driver's license, either automobile or motorcycle.

  • What type of vehicles are used?

    ATV type SXS (Side by Side) vehicles are used, with 4-wheel drive and automatic transmission. They drive like an automatic car and passengers travel side by side.

  • What does lunch, snack or dinner include?

    Lunch and dinner include a beef empanada or pumpkin soup, beef casserole and a brownie for dessert. Drinks included are water, juice and a glass of wine.

    Snacks include hot chocolate, coffee, tea and juices, accompanied by homemade cakes, alfajores and toast with butter and jam.

  • Are there options for vegetarians or celiacs?

    Yes, there are options. It is necessary to inform these preferences in advance.

    • Vegetarian: Empanada or soup and vegetable casserole.
    • Celiac: Pumpkin soup and vegetable casserole.

  • What safety measures should be followed during the tour?

    • Always respect the indications of the staff.
    • It is not allowed to leave the demarcated path.
    • It is not allowed to overtake or exceed the guide's speed.
    • All occupants must wear helmets, protective gear and seat belts during the entire tour.

  • How many people join the tour?

    The tour is run in small groups to ensure a safe, dynamic, and personalized experience. We currently have 5 UTV vehicles: four with capacity for 3 people each, and one new vehicle with capacity for 6 people.

    The total group size can be up to 18 participants, distributed among the 5 vehicles. All UTVs are driven by the travelers themselves, and the tour is done in a convoy, always guided and supervised by an expert guide.

El Calafate 4x4: Adventure in Cerro Huyliche tour reviews with Howlanders

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