Calafate: Southern Glacier Adventure Hike Glacier Grande 1
Glaciar Sur Aventura
Calafate: Southern Glacier Adventure Hike Glacier Grande 3
Calafate: Southern Glacier Adventure Hike Glacier Grande 4
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park
Frias Lake
Walk on the glacier
Navigation in Gomones
Transfers sailing in semi-rigid
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Calafate: Southern Glacier Adventure Hike Glacier Grande

(3)
El Calafate, Argentina
Boat ToursBus & Minivan ToursNature ToursWalking ToursLuxury
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About this activity

An 11-hour full-day expedition combining boat navigation and guided trekking to reach Glaciar Frías, one of Patagonia's most remote and pristine ice formations in the extreme southwest of Los Glaciares National Park. This adventure takes you across Lake Roca and Lake Frías via semi-rigid boats, then on foot to a glacier few tourists experience, culminating in lunch amid untamed wilderness.

It starts in Calafate at 08:00 am, we travel 50 km to Lake Roca, we embark on a semi-rigid cabin with capacity for 15 people. After navigating for 45 minutes, we arrive at the southern head of the Brazo Sur, where the first stage of the walk begins to arrive at Lake Frías, a site where we embark on rubber boats with capacity for 7 pax with which we sail towards the west end of said lake and where after disembarking the second walk is made to the Frías / Dickson Glacier, extreme SW of the National Park. There, in the middle of an incredible landscape, the included lunch box is lunch and then the return begins.
You arrive at the Hotel at approximately 7:00 p.m. You walk between round trip around 14 kms in 6 hours. The entrance to the National Park is not paid. Passengers are always accompanied from Calafate by a bilingual trekking guide (English / Spanish, eventually Italian) in addition to the crew.

Highlights

  • ✓50 km overland journey from El Calafate to Lake Roca trailhead
  • ✓45-minute semi-rigid boat crossing through mountain-ringed waters
  • ✓14 km round-trip trek (6 hours) across remote terrain to Glaciar Frías
  • ✓Intimate rubber-boat navigation on Lake Frías with small group (max 7 per boat)
  • ✓Picnic lunch included in a dramatic glacial landscape
  • ✓Bilingual trekking guide (English/Spanish, Italian available) throughout

Insider tips

  • ★Start early at 08:00 to maximise daylight for photography; glacier colours are most vivid mid-morning
  • ★Bring layers—wind picks up dramatically on the open lakes and at glacier altitude; waterproof jacket essential
  • ★The second lake crossing on rubber boats is the highlight; sit near the bow for unobstructed glacier views
  • ★Pack trekking poles if you have them; the final approach to Frías glacier involves steep, loose ground

Good to know

  • •Total walking distance is 14 km over 6 hours with moderate-to-challenging terrain; fitness level matters
  • •National Park entrance fee is included; no additional gate costs
  • •Return to your hotel around 19:00; plan evening activities accordingly
  • •Guide speaks English and Spanish fluently; Italian available upon request
  • •Packed lunch is provided; inform operator of dietary requirements when booking

Who it's for

Active hikers and adventure seekers comfortable with 6+ hours of trekkingPhotography enthusiasts pursuing remote glacier and landscape shotsTravellers wanting an off-the-beaten-path alternative to Perito Moreno GlacierSmall groups and couples seeking immersive nature experiences with personal guide support

Best time to visit

October to April (Patagonian spring through autumn) offers the most stable weather and longest daylight. December–February is warmest but busiest; shoulder months (October–November, March–April) provide better conditions for hiking with fewer crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€466
per person