big ice

This excursion takes you to the center of the glacier. The physical demands are high, both on the ice and in the forest. Big Ice, unlike the Minitreking and Minitreking 2.0, has a 3-hour walk on the ice and a 4-hour walk in the forest. Big Ice is a highly personalized excursion: the groups on the ice will be up to 10 people and will be accompanied by two mountain guides.

After traveling 70 km from El Calafate, we will arrive at the Bajo de Las Sombras Port where we will embark and travel along the Rico arm of Lake Argentino for 20 minutes.

Upon arriving at the refuge, the group will be received by expert mountain guides, who will divide them into subgroups and accompany them throughout the tour. The 2-hour hike begins on the moraine, where you can see different panoramic views of the glacier and the forest

Once on the glacier and with crampons on, the world takes on a new perspective: blue lagoons, deep crevasses, huge sinkholes, magical caves and the unique feeling of being in the heart of the glacier.

For about 3 hours, you will explore the corners of the most special glacier in the world. During the tour, the mountain guides will help you get to know the ice and its surroundings better, you will be able to measure the magnitude of the glacier and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains, such as the Dos Picos, Pietrobelli and Cervantes hills. In addition, you will have half an hour to have lunch and be amazed by a place of unparalleled beauty.

At the end of the hike, we will begin the return to the refuge, where we will have a few minutes to appreciate the environment that surrounds us and we will embark again to return to the port.

Once back at the port, if you have booked the transfer with Gigantes Patagones, we will go to the walkways to admire the glacier from the mainland and thus complete a day full of adventure and natural beauty.

Frequency: daily. Operates from September 15 to April 30.

Duration: 13 hours – 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What to bring?: comfortable and warm clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves and hat. Food and drink.

Not included: lunch or entrance to Los Glaciares National Park. Transfer upon request

Restrictions: Only suitable for people between 18 and 55 years old, without exception. Not suitable for pregnant people. Not suitable for people with mobility difficulties. Not suitable for people with heart problems or other problems that may harm their health during the hike. Not suitable for sedentary people with obesity.

Cancellation policy: cancellation of the service is allowed without charges up to 24 hours before the date of the activity. Cases of force majeure duly documented (modification or cancellation of flights) or certified medical reasons.

No show: in case of not taking the service on the date, time and place agreed, 100% of the cost of the excursion will be charged as cancellation fees.