Published on Nov, 2023
This was one of the best experiences of our lives - you will not regret booking this trip.
We booked directly via Hielo y Aventura (there may be many third party companies you can book through but Hielo y Aventura are the actual company that run the excursion).
We were picked up from our hotel promptly at 7am. The journey to the National Park was about 1hr. Even though we had purchased entrance to the park online, we had to exchange our e-voucher for a real ticket.
We arrived at the balconies at around 9am and had them pretty much to ourselves before the coach loads arrived. Stunning views of the glacier, but quite cold and windy!
The coach took us to the port where we boarded a catamaran for a 15min journey across the lake. Here, we were divided into English-speaking and Spanish-speaking groups and informed about the trip. We were then split into smaller groups and began a short walk to some huts where we were equipped with helmets and harnesses.
I had read other reviews warning that the hike to the glacier was very difficult - but it was actually just a short uphill hike (about 1hr), not difficult at all. There were a few stops along the way to adjust layers as you quickly get warm. There was a short section of scree to get down to the crampon station which I found difficult only because I am a massive wimp when it comes to going downhill! But the guides helped me and even taught me some tricks for downhill.
We were then fitted with crampons. It took a bit of time to get used to walking in them but the guides taught us skills and helped us over crevasses. Again, I am a massive wimp but soon felt confident on the ice. It is very safe. We had about 3hr on the glacier and the time flew by. We had lunch in a sheltered section just before a short snow storm rolled in. This was so atmospheric. We saw ice caves, waterfalls and ice pools; we couldn't stop smiling for the entire trip. Who knew there were so many shades of blue?!
After removing crampons we hiked back the way we came and took the catamaran in front of the glacier for a final view. I won't spoil the extra surprises!
We returned back to El Calafate by around 6.30/7pm.
I'll also share a few other bits of information that I wanted to know before starting the trip:
What to wear
We wore baselayer bottoms underneath waterproof pants. On top we were mostly in our baselayers when hiking, and had to regularly take on or off soft/hard shells. You get warm while walking, but it quickly becomes cold especially when the wind hits.
Toilets!
There were proper toilets at the balconies and the huts before starting the hike. There are also pit toilets near the crampon station.
The trip was very well organised, all the guides were full of interesting facts, useful tips and tricks and were so supportive to everyone.
We cannot recommend this enough, it was worth every penny and we will treasure this experience for the rest of our lives. Thanks Hielo Aventura for an amazing day.
