From El Calafate, in just a few minutes, we'll start the ascent to the Huyliche mountain range. The route begins by walking along the slopes of the Cañadon del Arroyo Calafate, from where you can spot the native fauna: guanacos, foxes, hares, loicas, bandurrias, caranchos and hawks, among other species. We'll continue along the winding uphill path surrounded by erratic blocks, witnesses to the power of glacial erosion, to the First Balcony, a scene 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 fossilized vegetation. Stop for photos.
We'll continue up to 1100 meters above sea level, the upper balconies, a panoramic point of the Andes Mountains, the Patagonian Continental Ice and all the arms of Lake Argentino, surrounded by curious rock formations. On clear days, you can see from Mount Stokes to Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre, in El Chaltén, as well as the Patagonian Continental Ice over the Cordillera. If the valley is cloudy, you'll be able to see the Andes above the clouds—which are usually at 700 meters—about 400 below where you are.
Besides 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 appreciate the majestic flight of the Andean Condor, the largest bird in Continental Patagonia.

We'll head down the southern slope of the hill in a 4x4 and stop for a walk to the Laberinto de las Piedras, a fascinating rock formation sculpted by wind erosion over thousands of years. Here, you'll find marine fossils, various unique rocks and stones, and fantastic caves, all of which make for a fantastic spot for unforgettable photos. This stop isn't available during times of thaw or heavy rain.
Continuing the descent, we'll arrive at Estancia Huyliche, a historic cattle ranch that's still in operation and dates back to the 1920s, the time of the historical events known as the Rebel Patagonia. Then, in the oldest house of the Estancia, we'll serve lunch, a snack, or dinner, depending on the time you booked.
* The Cerro Huyliche 4x4 excursion has 4 options for the descent: 4x4, Zip Line, Trekking, which must be chosen at the time of purchase. If you're traveling with family or friends and you choose different options, you'll share the 4x4 ascent to the hill and the time at the Estancia Huyliche. *
The tour lasts between 3.5 and 4 hours, depending on the number of participants.
In winter, the ascent can vary.
What to bring: Appropriate clothing for outdoor activities and trekking (warm and waterproof): comfortable shoes, loose pants (nylon/polyester), jacket or windbreaker, additional fleece, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen.