Explorador Valley half-day tour: Glacier hike & five lakes

Hike to the Explorers Glacier viewpoint through five alpine lakes

A half-day guided tour of Explorador Valley in Patagonia combines an hour-and-a-half drive through mountain scenery with a 1.8 km round-trip hike to the Explorers Glacier viewpoint. You'll stop for photos at The Quiet Lake, Waterfall of La Otria, Lake Spontaneo, and Lake Bayo on the way to Explorers Park, then walk an easy trail to the glacier overlook and finish with hot drinks and snacks. The guide interprets the valley's geography, flora and fauna as you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Explorador Valley and Glacier

• Drive to Explorador Valley
• Photo stop at Lake Bay
• Hike to Explorers Glacier viewpoint
• Enjoy snack with hot drinks

The experience

The tour starts with a drive through Explorador Valley lasting about an hour and a half, with photo stops at each of the main attractions: The Quiet Lake, Waterfall of La Otria, Lake Spontaneo, and Lake Bayo. You'll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in Patagonia's variable weather. The drive ends at Explorers Park, where the real focus of the day begins.

From the park, you hike 1.8 km round trip to the Explorers Glacier viewpoint on an easy trail that takes an hour. The guide walks with you and explains the valley's geography, plant life and wildlife along the way. At the end of the hike, you'll have a snack with hot drinks, cookies, fruit and something salty before heading back.

Entry to Explorers Park is included, as is hotel pickup. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the tour suits all fitness levels because the hike itself is straightforward and the pace is set by the group.

What’s included

• Entry to Explorers Park.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the drive through the valley.
• guided hike to the Explorers Glacier viewpoint.
• hot drinks, cookies, fruit and snacks at the end.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 14:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Cayutuehike

Is this one for you?Choose this shared group tour if you want a guided introduction with set stops and timing included. Pick a private option instead if you prefer flexibility or a longer backcountry hike beyond the 1.8 km glacier viewpoint trail.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Explorers Glacier viewpoint like when you reach it?

The viewpoint sits at the end of a 1.8 km round-trip hike through Explorers Park and offers a direct view of the Explorers Glacier. The trail is easy and takes about an hour to complete.

How much time do you spend driving versus hiking on this tour?

You drive for about an hour and a half through the valley with photo stops, then hike for an hour round trip to the glacier viewpoint. The total tour runs about five and a half hours from pickup to drop-off.

What does the snack at the end include?

The snack consists of hot drinks, cookies, fruit and something salty, served after you finish the hike.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included in the tour price, and the guide speaks either English or Spanish.