Visit the Ice Caves!
Hiking to the top of the mountain to explore a millennia-old glacier is an unmissable experience if you’re visiting the end of the world. Glaciers are retreating, and it won’t be long before they disappear. We feel fortunate to visit them and don’t want you to miss out.
We invite you to walk on the glacier, observe its crevasses and sinkholes, and enter an ice cave. Keep in mind that the glacier is constantly retreating, so the features you see are always changing and melting. If you have questions about what you’ll see, feel free to ask us.
We start the hike in the Andorra Valley, walking through a peat bog and along the river. These wetlands are now RAMSAR sites, internationally protected environments. Here, we learn to interpret the place and its surroundings, feeling privileged to be there as active participants.
Upon entering the native Patagonian Andean forest, the ascent begins, combining steep slopes with flat stretches. The terrain is mountainous, so depending on the weather, the trail may be muddy, snowy, or dry.
The forest tells the story of loggers who, decades ago, exploited the area and its resources. The climb takes 2.5 hours, and maintaining a steady pace is important.
Emerging from the forest, we face the final steep slope that leads to the Laguna de los Témpanos. Immersed in a mountain environment, with snow-capped peaks and the glacier in the background, we’ll be awestruck by the spectacle of nature before us.
We share a delicious lunch, great conversations, and spectacular views before returning via the same path. The trek lasts all day and is of moderate difficulty, requiring good physical condition. It’s not about walking fast but maintaining a steady, sustained pace to reach the destination and return.
Mini Glacier Trekking: Activity available during the summer season.