Cerro Huyliche 4×4 and Trekking

From El Calafate, in just a few minutes, we will begin the ascent to the Huyliche mountain range. The route starts by traversing the slopes of the Cañadon del Arroyo Calafate, where we can see the native fauna: guanacos, foxes, hares, crested caracaras, caracaras, and falcons, among other species. We will continue along the winding path, surrounded by erratic blocks, witnesses to the power of glacial erosion, until we reach the First Balcony, a scene from the Cenozoic Era, dated 65 million years ago, on the bed of an ancient sea that exposed fossils, sediments, and pieces of fossilized vegetation.

After disembarking from the vehicles for a few minutes, we will continue to ascend to 1,100 meters above sea level, the Upper Balconies, a panoramic point of the Andes Mountains, the Continental Ice of Patagonia, and all the arms of Lake Argentino, surrounded by curious rock formations. On clear days, we can see from Morro Stokes to the Fitz Roy and Torre mountains in El Chalten, as well as the Patagonian continental ice in the Andes. If the valley is cloudy, we may see the mountains above the clouds – which are normally located 700 meters below our position – about 400 meters below our position.

In addition to the unforgettable views of Lake Argentino, Brazo Rico, Garganta del Diablo, and the Andes, the location of the Balconies above the condor nests makes it an ideal place to appreciate the majestic flight of the Andean Condor, one of the largest birds in continental Patagonia.

Our tour offers 3 descent options, in Trekking mode, where a 90-minute guided walk is made along the north face of the hill, overlooking Lake Argentino, crossing a valley from the Cretaceous period with strange and unique geological formations, fantastically eroded by ice, water, and wind.

Continuing the descent, we will arrive at Estancia Huyliche, a historic cattle ranch that is active and dates back to the 1920s, the time of the historical events known as the Patagonian Rebellion. Then, in the oldest house on the ranch, we will serve lunch, snack, or dinner according to the reserved time.

Observations:
Requires good physical and health conditions. Not suitable for people with back or neck problems or overweight. Not recommended for pregnant women or children under 8 years of age. Wear suitable clothing for outdoor activities and trekking (warm and waterproof): comfortable shoes, wide pants (nylon/polyester), jacket or sweater, additional sweatshirt, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, gloves, snack, and water.