Embark on a 4x4 adventure in Calafate Mountain Park, taking in the spectacular scenery of Los Glaciares National Park as you ride a chairlift to the Calafate Balcony. This summer excursion (October to April) offers Patagonia’s best panoramic views of glacial Argentine Lake (Lago Argentino) and the Andes mountain range from your chairlift and all-terrain vehicle. Accompanied by a driver-guide, you’ll watch condors soar above as you gaze over the lake toward Mt Fitz Roy, Mt Torre and El Chaltén. Snack and round-trip hotel transport are included.
After hotel pickup, take a short drive until you reach Calafate Mountain Park for your 1,250-foot (350-meter) ascent to the Calafate Balcony. Take a seat on a two-person chairlift (including security bar) and prepare to be wowed by stunning, 360-degree views of Argentine Lake and the Andes mountain range all the way to the top! Marvel at the milky blue color of Argentina’s largest freshwater lake, fed by glacial melt from several rivers within Los Glaciares National Park.
After a 30-minute chairlift ride, disembark at approximately 3,250 feet (990 meters) above sea level, where your 1.5-hour off-road tour begins. Hop into your all-terrain vehicle – Trekker or Land Rover – accompanied by your driver, and enjoy breathtaking sights of the steppes and the amazing diversity of vegetation.
Your first stop is a nature viewpoint with startling sights of El Calafate and the central body of Argentine Lake. Your guide will point out where the glaciers accumulate near Boca del Diablo (Devil’s Mouth) – the narrowest part of the lake, toward the Upsala Arm – and any condors soaring past. If you’re lucky and the day is sunny and clear, you’ll be able to see Mt Fitz Roy and Mt Torre in the small mountain village of El Chaltén.
Continue to ascend in your 4x4 vehicle until you reach El Laberinto de Piedras (The Stone's Labyrinth), a region where rock formations reveal fossils dating back 85 million years to the cretaceous period, when a river flowed through. Enjoy a snack as you take in the views and explore the area.
After your 4x4 adventure, descend by chairlift without losing sight of marvelous Argentine Lake and return to El Calafate with drop-off at your hotel.
