Balcones del calafate and 2 of the 4x4s
Man on balconies of el calafate in summertime
afternoon balcony views
snack table at the Huyliche stay
geological formation stone labyrinth in el calafate
people in dining room at estancia huyliche
4x4 in the stone of the hats
3 people in quad
views of the argentine lake
visitors enjoying the view of the argentine lake from the balcony
stones in the shape of mexican hats in the calafate
view of the argentinean lake from the balconies of el calafate
stop at the stone of the hats
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4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour

Guided 4x4 tour to Cerro Huyliche in a small group, with an optional Quad ride for extra adventure

(3 reviews)
El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in El Calafate at 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. depending on the option chosen.
Ends: To your lodging in El Calafate 3 and a half hours after the selected time.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Experience the Best Views on a 4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour. Looking for unforgettable views in Patagonia? Join us for an off-road adventure you won’t forget.

Hop into a 4x4 vehicle and climb to the top of Cerro Huyliche on our 4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour. From this stunning vantage point, you'll take in sweeping views of Lake Argentino and the majestic Andes Mountains—scenery that will leave you speechless.

Along the way, explore otherworldly rock formations like the Stone Labyrinth and the mysterious Stone of the Hats. This surreal landscape feels like stepping onto another planet.

Don’t miss this must-do experience during your trip to El Calafate!

Tour details

Included

  • Bilingual English/Spanish guide
  • Transportation to and from your accommodation
  • Lunch or afternoon snack (depending on the chosen schedule)

Not included

  • Beverages
  • 30-minute quad ride (available as an extra)

Important information

👉Want more adrenaline? Add an optional 30-minute QUAD ride and explore part of the trail on your own all-terrain vehicle. Please note: this activity is only available for guests aged 16 and over.

📅 From October to March, the morning tour departs at 10:00 AM.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

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

Tour itinerary

4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour

Altitude: 3,445 feet (1,050 meters) above sea level

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours

Pick up in El Calafate

Your 4x4 El Calafate Balcony Tour begins with pick-up directly from your accommodation:

  • 🕚 11:00 AM for the morning departure (available October to March)
  • 🌇 4:00 PM for the afternoon tour

Once everyone is on board, we’ll head west toward Cerro Huyliche.

port of el calafate

Huyliche Hill

Just 9 miles (15 km) from town, we reach the base of the hill. From there, the real adventure begins as we climb in our 4x4 vehicle along rugged mountain roads with jaw-dropping scenery.

Our first stop: a natural lookout offering unbeatable panoramic views of Lake Argentino, the vast Patagonian steppe, and the town of El Calafate.

views of the argentine lake from the balcony

Stone Labyrinth

We’ll continue ascending to the remarkable Stone Labyrinth, an ancient and dramatic rock formation unlike anything else in the region.

Then we begin our descent down the northern slope of the hill, where we’ll visit the Stone of the Hats—a rare geological phenomenon found in only four places on Earth. A true natural wonder!

Optional Quad Ride

Feeling adventurous? You can upgrade your tour with a 30-minute quad ride, perfect for thrill-seekers aged 16 and up. It's an unforgettable way to explore this wild Patagonian landscape.

4x4 in front of the labyrinth of stones in el calafate

Estancia Huyliche and gastronomic break

As we descend, we’ll stop at Estancia Huyliche, a working cattle ranch dating back to the 1920s and a historical site tied to the "Patagonia Rebelde" era.

Here, you’ll enjoy a relaxing gourmet break in the ranch’s original mansion. Depending on your tour time, you'll be served lunch or an afternoon snack — always fresh, hearty, and full of local flavor.

dining room of the huyliche estancia at lunchtime

Return to El Calafate

After this incredible journey, we’ll begin our return to El Calafate with Lake Argentino as our backdrop. We hope this unforgettable experience is just the beginning of your Patagonian adventure!

4x4 on the road back to el calafate

What to bring to 4x4 El Calafate Balcony tour

Before leaving for Balcones de Calafate, make sure you have everything you need to enjoy the experience to the fullest. The weather in Patagonia can change quickly, so it is best to be well prepared. Here are the essentials:

  • ID or passport
  • Comfortable and warm clothes
  • 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

  • I am traveling with children, can they join this Calafate balcony tour?

    Of course! The Balcones de El Calafate tour is perfect for families traveling with children, we come to enjoy the scenery!

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

    Yes, pick up is included in any accommodation located in El Calafate. If, on the other hand, you are staying in an Airbnb, or in an accommodation without reception, they will not be able to pick you up. In that case, a meeting point in downtown El Calafate will be indicated.

  • What is included in the lunch or snack?

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

    The afternoon snack offers 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.

  • How do I descend Cerro Huyliche?

    The excursion offers four different options for the descent of the hill:

    • By 4x4 (classic and comfortable mode)
    • By Quad (can be added as an extra)
    • By trekking (ideal if you like to walk and connect with the environment)
    • By zipline (for the more adventurous)

    If you want to add the extra trekking or zip line, contact us and we will help you.

4x4 El Calafate Balcony tour reviews with Howlanders

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