The Calafate Balconies Experience – Tour in FWD Vehicle

The Calafate Balconies Experience offers an exhilarating 3.5-hour adventure in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, providing an intimate exploration of El Calafate’s breathtaking landscapes. Participants ascend to Cerro Huyliche, reaching an impressive 1050 meters for stunning panoramic views of Lago Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy, and Mount Torre. With a maximum group size of 10 and bilingual guides, the tour ensures personalized attention. As the vehicle descends towards Piedra de los Sombreros, travelers can anticipate the discovery of unique geological formations, leaving them eager to uncover more about this captivating region.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour guided tour offers panoramic views of Lago Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy, and Mount Torre from the Cerro Huyliche viewpoint at 1050 meters.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and a lunch with a glass of wine, water, or soda (not included in September).
• The 35-kilometer journey through the mountain line includes stops at a natural viewpoint and the Labyrinth of Stones, ending at Piedra de los Sombreros.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Customers have rated the overall experience 4.5/5, with high praise for the quality of service and the tour’s structure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Calafate Balconies Experience tour takes visitors on a 3.5-hour adventure through the stunning landscapes behind El Calafate.

Priced from £93.07 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and offers live guides in Spanish and English.

You’ll travel 35 kilometers over the mountain line, with highlights including views of Lago Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy, and Mount Torre.

The tour includes an ascent to Cerro Huyliche at 1050 meters for panoramic vistas, stops at a natural viewpoint and the Labyrinth of Stones, and a descent to Piedra de los Sombreros.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Itinerary and Experience

Traveling 35 kilometers over the mountain line behind El Calafate, the tour highlights breathtaking views of Lago Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy, and Mount Torre. The highlight of the experience is the ascent to Cerro Huyliche at 1050 meters above sea level, offering panoramic vistas. Along the way, the tour includes stops at a natural viewpoint and the Labyrinth of Stones, before descending to Piedra de los Sombreros.

Experience	Description
Lago Argentino	Witness the stunning glacial lake
Mount Fitz Roy	Marvel at the iconic mountain peak
Mount Torre	Gaze upon the jagged, granite spires
Cerro Huyliche	Admire the sweeping panoramic views
Labyrinth of Stones	Explore the unique geological formation

Pickup and Logistics

Hotel pickup is provided 15-20 minutes before the scheduled activity. Not all hotels in El Calafate are included in the pickup routes, so if your hotel isn’t on the list, the closest pickup location will be communicated to you.

The tour then takes you back to El Calafate while you enjoy the stunning views of Lago Argentino. Pickup and drop-off services are included in the tour price, providing a convenient and seamless transportation experience.

Whether your hotel is part of the designated pickup route or not, the tour operator ensures you can easily access and depart from the tour.

Inclusions and Accessibility

Included in the Calafate Balconies Experience tour are hotel pick-up and drop-off from accommodations in El Calafate.

Visitors will also enjoy the services of a bilingual guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish. A lunch with a glass of wine, water, or soda is provided, though this isn’t included during the month of September.

Plus, the tour offers:

• Optional gratuities
• Airport transfers (additional cost)
• Wheelchair access to accommodate all participants

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the available customer reviews, visitors have shared mixed feedback on the Calafate Balconies Experience tour. The tour has received a 4.5/5 rating based on 8 reviews. While the service (4.7/5) and organization (5/5) have been praised, the value for money (3.3/5) has been a point of concern for some. The tour’s highlights, such as the stunning views of Lago Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy, and Mount Torre, have been well-received. However, a few customers noted issues with the tour guide’s language delivery. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the customer feedback:

Metric	Rating (out of 5)
Overall	4.5
Value for Money	3.3
Service	4.7
Organization	5.0

Views of Lago Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy

The tour’s highlights include breathtaking vistas of Lago Argentino, the sprawling glacial lake that serves as a centerpiece for the region’s natural splendor.

As the vehicle climbs the mountain line, participants are treated to awe-inspiring views of the iconic peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre.

The tour’s ascent to Cerro Huyliche at 1050 meters above sea level offers panoramic perspectives that showcase the majesty of the Patagonian landscape, including:

• Striking blue hues of Lago Argentino
• Jagged silhouettes of the Fitz Roy massif
• Towering glaciers that cling to the mountainsides
• Sweeping vistas of the rugged, untamed terrain

These breathtaking vistas provide an unforgettable experience for all who join the Calafate Balconies tour.

Ascent to Cerro Huyliche Viewpoint

The tour’s ascent to Cerro Huyliche at 1050 meters above sea level offers participants a unique vantage point to soak in the panoramic views of the region’s natural wonders. From the summit, visitors can gaze upon the captivating landscapes of Lago Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy, and Mount Torre. This elevated viewpoint provides an unparalleled perspective, allowing guests to fully appreciate the grandeur of El Calafate’s breathtaking scenery.

Featured Views	Highlights
Lago Argentino	Vast, glacial lake
Mount Fitz Roy	Iconic, jagged peak
Mount Torre	Striking, granite tower

The Cerro Huyliche viewpoint is a must-visit highlight of the Calafate Balconies Experience, offering travelers an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Descent to Piedra De Los Sombreros

After marveling at the breathtaking panorama from the Cerro Huyliche viewpoint, the tour descends towards Piedra de los Sombreros. This unique geological formation, known as the "Hats of Stone," features a surreal landscape of rounded boulders that resemble a field of hats.

The descent offers:

• Incredible vistas of the Lago Argentino and the surrounding mountains
• Opportunities to observe the diverse local flora and fauna
• Insight into the area’s geological history, as explained by the knowledgeable guide
• Time to explore the labyrinth-like Piedra de los Sombreros up close

This part of the Calafate Balconies Experience provides a captivating contrast to the earlier ascent, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?

The tour appears suitable for families with children. It offers panoramic views, stops at natural landmarks, and provides wheelchair access. However, the duration of 3.5 hours and the ascent to 1050 meters may not be suitable for very young children.

What Is the Level of Physical Activity Required?

The tour requires a moderate level of physical activity. It involves a 3.5-hour excursion with an ascent to Cerro Huyliche at 1050 meters above sea level and some walking on uneven terrain. Wheelchair access is provided.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour provides a lunch that can accommodate dietary requirements. Visitors should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking, and the operator will work to cater to those needs during the provided meal.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There’s no minimum age requirement for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the length and terrain. Participants should be able to safely navigate the hikes.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides in This Region?

The tour guides are highly experienced in the local region, with in-depth knowledge of the landscape, wildlife, and history. They provide insightful commentary throughout the tour, which is delivered in both English and Spanish to cater to all participants.

Recap

The Calafate Balconies Experience offers an unforgettable adventure, immersing visitors in the breathtaking landscapes of El Calafate. From the panoramic vistas of Cerro Huyliche to the unique geological formations at Piedra de los Sombreros, this tour provides a personalized and intimate exploration of the region’s natural wonders. With a small group size and bilingual guides, the experience ensures travelers leave with lasting memories of this stunning corner of Patagonia.

You can check if your dates are available here: