Ojo del Albino Glacier trek: 10 km to the ice wall

You walk on the glacier itself, not just look at it from below.

A small-group trek from your hotel to Ojo del Albino Glacier in Patagonia covers 10 kilometers and 1200 meters of elevation, passing Esmeralda Lagoon on the way up. After two hours of trekking, you reach the lagoon, then continue ascending through high mountain terrain to the glacier. Lunch and a rest stop happen at 7 kilometers. When weather and your fitness allow, you climb the final wall and walk across the ice itself before returning the same way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trekking to Ojo del Albino Glacier

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to trailhead
• Trek to Esmeralda Lagoon
• Rest at Esmeralda Lagoon
• Ascend to Ojo del Albino Glacier
• Break at glacier
• Return along same path

The experience

The trek starts with a 20-minute drive from your hotel to the trailhead. From there, the first two hours take you up to Esmeralda Lagoon, where you pause to take in the view before the real climb begins. The path follows the lagoon's right bank as it steepens, and the terrain demands focus. This is high mountain country, not a gentle walk.

At 7 kilometers in, you stop for lunch in the mountains and rest for a bit. The second half of the trek pushes higher, and the landscape opens into what the operator calls the Balcones del Ojo del Albino. A viewpoint where you can see the entire high valley below. The final push is a wall climb that gets you to the glacier itself. If the weather holds and your body is ready, you walk on the ice. If conditions are marginal, you'll spend time at the glacier but may not go onto it. Either way, you're at 1200 meters, looking at the thing itself. The return follows the same path, and you're back around 3 p.m.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese and picks you up from your accommodation. The trek includes trekking sticks and crampons if you need them, plus a sandwich, cereal bar, chocolate, and coffee or tea. You'll need to bring your own trekking boots, coat, waterproof clothing and backpack. The operator does not provide these.

What’s included

• Trekking sticks and crampons if needed.
• a sandwich, cereal bar and chocolate.
• coffee and/or tea.
• hotel pickup and a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (15 to 55 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arpon Trekking

Is this one for you?The 10-to-12-hour commitment means this trek fills most of your day and rules out other major activities, but the small-group format and fixed itinerary let you plan the rest of your schedule around a single departure time.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the trek to Ojo del Albino Glacier actually take?

The full day runs 10 to 12 hours from pickup at your hotel to drop-off, with the trek itself covering 10 kilometers and climbing 1200 meters of elevation.

What is Esmeralda Lagoon and where does it fit in the route?

Esmeralda Lagoon is the high-altitude lake you reach after two hours of trekking from the trailhead. You rest there briefly, then continue ascending past it toward the glacier.

Will I actually walk on the glacier or just see it from a distance?

When weather and your physical condition are optimal, you climb the final wall and walk on the ice at Ojo del Albino Glacier itself. If conditions are not ideal, you spend time at the glacier but may view it from the approach instead.

What fitness level do I need for this trek?

The operator requires a high level of physical fitness. The trek involves sustained climbing through high mountain terrain where concentration is needed, and you reach 1200 meters of elevation.

What's included in the trek, and what do I need to bring?

The trek includes a guide, hotel pickup, trekking sticks, crampons if needed, and a mountain lunch with snacks and hot drinks. You must bring your own trekking boots, waterproof coat, waterproof clothing and backpack.

Is there a minimum age for this trek?

Yes, the minimum age is 15 years old.