From El Calafate, in just a few minutes, we'll start the ascent to the Huyliche ridge. The route begins by driving along the slopes of the Cañadón del Arroyo Calafate, from where we can spot native wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, hares, long-tailed meadowlarks, white-faced whistling-ducks, caracaras, and falcons, among other species. We'll continue along the winding uphill road surrounded by erratic boulders, evidence of the power of glacial erosion, up to the First Balcony, a site from the Cenozoic Era, dated at 65 million years old, on the bed of an ancient sea that is exposed in the form of fossils, sediment, and pieces of fossilised vegetation. Stop for photos.
We'll continue up to 1,100 metres above sea level, to the Upper Balconies, a lookout point over the Andes Mountains, the Patagonian Continental Ice Field, and all the arms of Lake Argentino, surrounded by intriguing rock formations. On clear days, you can see from Cerro Stokes to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in El Chaltén, as well as the Patagonian Continental Ice Field over the Andes. If the valley is cloudy, we'll be able to see the Andes above the clouds – which are usually at 700 metres – about 400 metres below our position.
In addition to the unforgettable views of Lake Argentino, Brazo Rico, the Devil's Throat, and the Andes, the location of the Balcones above the condor nests makes it an ideal place to admire the majestic flight of the Andean Condor, the largest bird in mainland Patagonia.

We'll begin the descent in the 4x4 along the south slope of the hill, where we'll stop to take a hike to El Laberinto de Piedras, a fascinating rock formation shaped by wind erosion over thousands of years. Here, we'll find marine fossils, various rocks and unique stones, and fantastic caves formed by erosion—a wonderful spot for unforgettable photos. During periods of thaw or heavy rain, we make other alternative stops to enjoy the scenery without any hassle.
Continuing our descent, we'll arrive at Estancia Huyliche, a historic working cattle ranch dating back to the 1920s, the era of the historic events known as the Patagonia Rebellion. Then, in the oldest house on the Estancia, we'll serve lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, depending on the booked time.
The Cerro Huyliche 4x4 excursion has 4 options for the descent: 4x4, zip line, or hiking, which must be chosen at the time of purchase. If you are travelling with family or friends and choose different options, you will share the 4x4 ascent of the hill and the time spent at the main house of Estancia Huyliche. *
The sightseeing tour lasts 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the number of participants.
What to bring: Appropriate clothing for outdoor activities and hiking (warm and waterproof): comfortable shoes, loose-fitting pants (nylon/polyester), jacket or windbreaker, extra fleece, sunglasses, hat, sun cream.