El Calafate Los Balcones
Half Day
The El Calafate Los Balcones half day excursion is a great way to reach to the high ground overlooking El Calafate and get, on a clear day at least, a fantastic long-distance view of the amazing Patagonian scenery – see this photo, for example. The excursion is called “los balcones” because, in Spanish this means “the balconies”, being a metaphor for the natural “balconies” in the hills where the tour stops at, from where you can look down and across to the scenery. In addition you will receive a lesion in geological history.
The Los Balcones Large 4 x 4 Truck Used for the Excursion
The Panoramic View Over El Calafate from the “Balconies”
Mexican Hats – One of the Geological Formations on the Balcones Tour
El Calafate Los Balcones
Half Day Excursion
Operated between September to end of April
Subject to local weather conditions
FULL REFUND IF TRIP CANNOT BE OPERATED
Note: We offer this activity to be built into your main itinerary and not as a standalone
An Introduction to El Calafate Los Balcones Half Day Excursion
This is an opportunity to be transported in a large, off-road 4 x 4 truck, up the nearby hills that form a high geological wall on the southern side of El Calafate, and travel along the flatter areas reaching a height of 1,050 metres above sea level (aprox 3,000ft). The excursion will stop at various points where you will get a panoramic view over all of El Calafate and Lake Argentina. And, as long as the day is clear, you will also be able to see in the distance the summits of Fitzroy and even “Torre” in El Chalten.
However, apart from the stunning view, you will receive an informative explanation about how the various geographical rock formations were made and a general history lesson in the incredible geography of the entire area.
There is also an option to ride quad bikes during the excursion – but for this please ask us first.
NOTE: Due to the altitude, there are many places that have vertical drops close to where passengers get out of the vehicle. Those who suffer from vertigo should NOT consider this excursion and those who participate and go with children need to be fully aware that there are danger spots.
Brief Info
Excursion Departure Times
10:00hrs and 15:00hrs and lasting for around 3hrs.
Included
- Transfers in and out from your hotel in El Calafate.
- Sandwich and soft drink for the 10:00hrs excursion and coffee with biscuit (cookie) for the 15:00hrs excursion.
- The length of the traverse is about 35km from start to finish and in time takes about 2hr to 3hrs.
Request here: request@experiencechile.org
What ExperienceChile.Org says about
El Calafate Los Balcones Half Day
In the event that you find yourself in El Calafate and have a half day to “kill”, this is a good option in which to occupy your time. The excursion will take you up the steep, low mountain hills at the back of El Calafate in a large 4 x 4 truck. Being in this vehicle as it transcends the inclines is, in itself, adventurous. Then, if the day is clear, when you arrive to the first “balcony”, the view looking down over El Calafate is stunning. In addition, the view out and on to the Patagonian scenery is amazing. Also, you will receive a short education form the guide about the incredible geological rock formations in the mountains and geological history to the area.
Note that we have been creating Torres del Paine W Trek itineraries and other Patagonian itineraries since 1996. We are based in Chile, English owned, and a leading receptive travel operator, covering in particular – Patagonia.
Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org
Please Send Us Your Enquiry
For the best service please supply us with as much information as you can. For example, where you want to go, what you want to do, what you want to experience and how much money you want to spend (or do not want to spend!). How many people, what type of beds (matrimonial, twin, single etc.)
VIP
In the event that you are a VIP in any of the fields such as celebrity and/or political and/or business, and you need “special attention”. For example, privacy and/or security for your trip please use an alias in the enquiry but mention that you are VIP and one of the directors will handle your request and keep your real name and details confidential.
OFFER
Ask us to handle ALL of your South America, or Chile trip and we WILL include some items for free or at special lower-than-public rates. How much we can offer you depends on how much we can arrange and book for you. REQUEST@EXPERIENCECHILE.ORG
Remember, our specialty is to create a travel itinerary custom-built to your needs.