Explorers Glacier hiking tour Patagonia: Viewpoints & guide

Walk the side trail to Explorers Glacier and stand at its viewpoints

A guided hike to viewpoints overlooking Explorers Glacier in Patagonia's Laguna San Rafael National Park, starting from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The 6 km round-trip trail climbs 108 meters through native forest to panoramic views of the glacier, its lagoons and crevasses, plus the peaks of Silver Cordon and Mount Valentine. A certified guide leads the walk, interprets the landscape and explains the geology. Park entry, vehicle transport and a box lunch are included. The hike suits travelers with moderate fitness who want to reach the glacier without technical climbing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Explorers Glacier viewpoints

• Drive 52 km to park entrance
• Hike 6 km round trip to viewpoints
• Enjoy panoramic glacier views
• Return by vehicle
• Stop at Cascada La Nutria for photos
• Drive back to village

The experience

The day starts with a 52 km drive along the valley from your accommodation in Puerto Rio Tranquilo to the Exploradores sector of Laguna San Rafael National Park, roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there, your certified guide leads the hike along the side trail that borders the glacier, moving at a pace that lets everyone reach the viewpoints. The walk covers 6 km round-trip with a 108-meter elevation gain, climbing from 155 meters to 263 meters altitude.

At the viewpoints you stand close enough to see the glacier's lagoons and crevasses clearly, and the guide points out the surrounding mountains: Silver Cordon and Mount Valentine rising beyond. Along the way the guide interprets what you're seeing: the landscape, the geology, how this place formed and what makes it distinct. On the return drive, the route passes lakes, mountain glaciers and waterfalls, and you stop at Cascada La Nutria to photograph the waterfall before heading back to the village.

Park entrance, the air-conditioned vehicle for both the drive and the return, and a box lunch are all included. The lunch is a beef sandwich with tomato, avocado and lettuce, plus a sweet bite, crackers and fruit compote: enough to refuel during the hike. Bring your own water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a buff. Wear trekking or sportswear suited to a moderate climb in variable mountain weather.

What’s included

• Park entrance and air-conditioned vehicle transport from your accommodation.
• certified hiking guide in English or Spanish.
• box lunch with beef sandwich, fruit compote, crackers and a sweet bite.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Cayutuehike

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide explaining the glacier's geology and landscape as you walk, rather than hiking independently: the certified guide sets the pace on a moderate uphill route.

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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 (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

How far is the hike to Explorers Glacier and how steep is it?

The trail is 6 km round-trip with a 108-meter elevation gain, climbing from 155 meters to 263 meters altitude. It's graded medium difficulty.

What exactly do you see when you reach the glacier viewpoints?

At the viewpoints you have a close, panoramic view of Explorers Glacier where you can distinguish its lagoons and crevasses. You can also see the mountains Silver Cordon and Mount Valentine from there.

What's included for lunch during the hike?

A box lunch is provided with a beef sandwich (tomato, avocado and lettuce), a sweet bite, crackers and fruit compote.