Bus and visitors over the cliff at the lookout point
Man contemplating the landscape at Los Balcones
Visitors observing the sea of clouds from the lookout point.
Condor flying over Patagonian cliffs
Snack at Cerro Huyliche Ranch
Visitors enjoying a meal at the estancia
4x4 vehicles at the viewpoint of the hill
Visitors and vehicle at the lookout point overlooking the lake
Hiking on rocky trails with views of Calafate
Viewpoint with panoramic views of the Argentino Lake.
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4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour

Discover Cerro Huyliche on a thrilling 4x4 ride and soak up stunning views of Lake Argentino

(6 reviews)
El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in El Calafate at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, or 6:00 PM
Ends: You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation approximately 3.5 to 4 hours after the tour begins.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Discover the best views of El Calafate on the 4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour.

Ready to be amazed?

Climb into our 4x4 and set off on an unforgettable adventure through the spectacular Balcones de Calafate. This tour takes you all the way to the top of Cerro Huyliche, where you’ll soak in unbeatable panoramic views of Lake Argentino and the Andes Mountains.

Explore incredible natural landmarks like the Labyrinth of Stones and the mysterious Stone of the Hats—geological formations that look straight out of another world.

This is an experience you simply can’t miss on your trip to Patagonia!

Tour details

Included

  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
  • Round-trip transportation from your accommodation
  • Lunch, afternoon snack, or dinner (depending on your chosen time)

Not included

  • Drinks

Important information

Winter Tour

During the winter months (April to September), when snow or mud make access tricky, the 4x4 tour goes up to about 800 meters, reaching the East Balcony. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of El Calafate, Lake Argentino, and the Andes Mountains.

Departure Times

October to March:

  • 10:00 AM (includes lunch)
  • 3:00 PM (includes afternoon snack)
  • 6:00 PM (includes dinner)

April to September:

  • 11:00 AM (includes lunch)
  • 3:00 PM (includes afternoon snack)

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

Cancel up to 96 hours before the tour starts and get a full refund. After that time, or if you don’t show up, unfortunately no refunds can be issued.

Tour itinerary

4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour - Cerro Huyliche

Maximum altitude: 3,445 feet (1,050 m.)

Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours

Pick up in El Calafate

The adventure begins! Your guide will pick you up in the 4x4 vehicle right at your accommodation in El Calafate at the time you choose:

October to March:

  • 10:00 AM
  • 3:00 PM
  • 6:00 PM

April to September:

  • 11:00 AM
  • 3:00 PM

Once everyone is on board, we’ll head out to Cerro Huyliche to kick off the tour.

4WD route from El Calafate to Cerro Huyliche marked in pink

Huyliche Hill

We’ll drive about 15 km from El Calafate to reach the entrance of the hill. That’s where the real adventure begins, as we climb high-altitude roads in our 4x4 vehicle surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Our first stop is a natural lookout point with some of the best views in the entire region: Lake Argentino, the vast Patagonian steppe, and El Calafate spread out in the distance.

views of the argentine lake from the balcony

Stone Labyrinth

We’ll keep climbing until we reach the spectacular Laberinto de Piedras, an impressive geological formation unique to this region.

From there, we’ll start descending along the northern slope of the hill until we arrive at the amazing Piedra de los Sombreros—a natural phenomenon found in only four places on Earth. It’s a true geological treasure!

4x4 truck and group of visitors exploring the Laberinto de Piedras in El Calafate

Estancia Huyliche - Gastronomic Break

As we make our way down, we’ll arrive at the historic Estancia Huyliche, a working cattle ranch since the 1920s and part of the story of the Rebel Patagonia.

In the ranch’s oldest house, we’ll enjoy a delicious break—lunch, an afternoon snack, or dinner, depending on the time you chose. It’s the perfect moment to relax, share, and savor this unique experience in the heart of Patagonia.

Rustic dining room at Estancia Huyliche with groups of visitors enjoying a meal by the stove.

Return to El Calafate

All good things must come to an end, and our 4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour wraps up here. With Lake Argentino as a stunning backdrop, we’ll begin the drive back to your accommodation in El Calafate.

Thank you for joining us! We hope to see you again soon on another adventure.

4x4 truck on the Cerro Huyliche trail with views of Lago Argentino and the Patagonian steppe.

What to bring to 4x4 El Calafate Balcony tour

Before heading out to Cerro Huyliche, make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your adventure. Patagonia’s weather can change in a heartbeat, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Here are the essentials:

  • ID or passport
  • Comfortable, warm clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Cell phone or camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

Where does the tour 4x4 El Calafate Balcony 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, 3 and a half 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

  • How do I descend Cerro Huyliche?

    On this tour, you’ll go up and down comfortably and safely in the 4x4 vehicle.

    If you’d prefer a different experience, you can customize your tour and descend by guided trekking or ziplining. Just contact us, and we’ll help you arrange it.

    If you’re looking for something more adventurous, we recommend the Extreme Adventure 4x4 Tour, where you’ll explore Cerro Huyliche in a 3-seater UTV that you or one of your companions can drive.

  • I’m traveling with children. Can they join this Calafate Balcony Tour?

    Absolutely! The 4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour is perfect for families with kids. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the scenery together.

  • Will I be picked up at my accommodation in El Calafate?

    Yes—pick-up is included at any accommodation in El Calafate that has a reception desk.

    If you’re staying in an Airbnb or a place without reception, no problem—we’ll give you a nearby meeting point in El Calafate.

  • What does lunch, afternoon snack, or dinner include?

    Lunch: A meat empanada or pumpkin soup, beef casserole, and a brownie for dessert. Drinks include water, juice, and a glass of wine.

    Afternoon snack: Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and juices served with homemade cakes, alfajores, and toast with butter and jam.

    Dinner: Similar to lunch—empanada or soup as a starter, beef casserole as the main course, and a brownie for dessert. Drinks included.

  • Are there options for vegetarians or celiacs?

    Yes! We offer special meals—just let us know in advance so we can prepare them:

    • Vegetarians: Empanada or pumpkin soup and vegetable casserole.
    • Celiacs: Pumpkin soup and vegetable casserole.

4x4 El Calafate Balcony tour reviews with Howlanders

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