menu facebook twitter instagram pinterest youtube search chevron-down chevron-up
Be My Travel Muse
  • About
    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Press
    • Work With Me
  • Blog
    • Archives
    • Best of BMTM
  • YouTube
  • Solo Female Travel
    • Bucket List
      • The 31 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2025
      • 31 BEST Places in the USA for Solo Female Travelers in 2025
      • 25 Unexpectedly Awesome Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
      • 25 Best Countries to Travel Alone for the First Time
      • 13 Perfect Weekend Trips for Solo Female Travelers in the USA
      • 10 Best Weekend Trips from Phoenix, Arizona
    • Resources
      • How to take the best travel selfies
      • 41 safety tips for solo female travelers
      • The ultimate solo female travel guide
      • Best group tours for solo female travelers
      • Why Every Woman Should Travel Alone
    • All solo female travel blogs
  • Be My Travel Muse
  • Tours
  • Destinations
    • USA
      • Hawaii
      • California
      • Nevada
      • Idaho
      • Arizona
      • Florida
      • Alaska
      • Utah
    • North America
      • Mexico
      • Costa Rica
      • Canada
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Philippines
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Aruba
      • Chile
      • The Galápagos
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • Iceland
      • Italy
    • All Destinations
  • Trip Planning

Ice Waves: Trekking on Glaciers in Patagonia

06/13/2016 by Kristin Addis 33 Comments

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to go back in time, coming face to face with something that is thousands of years old?

Though time travel isn’t possible (yet), walking on a glacier that was formed during the last ice age sure is.

Bonus: the glaciers in Patagonia hold water that is some of the purest on Earth.

exploradores glacier trekking
Climbing through an ice cave at the Exploradores Glacier in Chile

Tours go every day from the nearby town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo over to the Exploradores glacier, which is a few hours away. After Steve showed photos of it to me on Google images, I was 100% down with the glacier hike.

Tours only started on Exploradores a few years ago, opening up a new revenue stream for the town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo and increasing tourism. In the grand scheme of things, even access to the town of Pto Rio Tranquilo is new. Prior to the construction of the Carretera Austral in the late ’80s, this was one of the most remote places on Earth.

exploradores glacier trekking
A waterfall on the way to the glacier (but there were hundreds)

The groups are of about 20 people plus two guides, roaming in a single file across the glacier. In this case a guide is a necessity. They’re not only required in the national park, but also essential to not falling into a crevasse. They know the routes, and where to find the best photo opportunities.

Down south on Perito Moreno or Glacier Grey, the costs for a tour are about double (this one only cost around USD $60), and the photos I saw from those didn’t compare to those from our trek. Perhaps it’s a different kind of glacier or with more people, slightly tighter regulations, but I loved what I ended up seeing (and editing later that evening).

exploradores glacier trekking
A shot from Steve’s drone above the glacier

The hike starts through a forest path for about an hour before coming to a glacier moraine. The thing about moraines is, like the glaciers, they’re constantly moving. This means there is no specific path and it’s a game of jumping from boulder to boulder and sometimes climbing with hands and feet. This lasts for a couple of hours as well.

Not to worry, though, because if you get thirsty you can always count on the fresh water coming directly from the glacier!

exploradores glacier trekking
First, it’s rocky
exploradores glacier trekking
And you’ve got to stay on your feet!

Eventually the rocks make way for ice. Crampons on, the feeling of walking on the ice is akin to that of the satisfying crunch from jumping on autumn leaves. It’s crisp and it crackles.

We were taught how to stay upright and how to climb up and down the slopes of the glacier. I felt that chances were good that nobody would fall into a crevasse, but given how steep some of the ups and downs are, I could have quite easily, at the very least, fallen flat on my face. I’m just that coordinated.

exploradores glacier trekking

New ice caves are opening up and closing off all the time as the glacier recedes, as they are doing globally. Some of the ice waves and corners we crawled into and through are probably not even there anymore, and that was just a couple of months ago.

exploradores glacier trekking
Ice waves in Patagonia

At some point during the day it hits you, while surrounded by such baby blue water, giant mountains that frame the glacier, also covered in glaciers and waterfalls of their own, that this is a special place.

exploradores glacier trekking

There aren’t that many places in the world with that much ice, so few tourists, and so many adventurous options. No wonder Patagonia has long enthralled adventurists and sat so high on the bucket lists of so many travelers.

Yet so many of them pass this opportunity right up, because it’s not the easiest place to get to. So they go straight to the south instead and bypass most of Chilean Patagonia.

exploradores glacier trekking
A really deep crevasse

You know what? That’s just fine with me, because the remoteness makes it all the more alluring.

But if you’re welling to go the distance, I hope that you make it there, too.

And while you’re at it, check these marble caves out!

exploradores glacier trekking
Pretty darn cool

Do it Yourself:

Getting There: Take a tour from Puerto Rio Tranquilo. They depart daily and there are many companies where you can book in person. I went with and can recommend Explora Sur, which charged 45,000 CLP. The same company also runs boat tours to the marble caves which take off multiple times daily from town and last a couple of hours.

Wear: Something that isn’t baggy. I had wished my baggy pants had just been left at home because you can trip on them and go flying into a crevasse. Also bring hiking boots appropriate for all of the rocks, gloves, waterproof clothing, and sunscreen.

Sleep: Either in campgrounds if you have a tent, or at one of the guesthouses in town. It’s best to arrive and ask around.

A guide to glacier trekking in Patagonia. It needs to be on your adventurous bucket list! Click to read and see more photos #Patagonia #GlacierTrekking
Pin me!
Everything you need to know about trekking the least-crowded and one of the best glaciers in Patagonia - Exploradores Glacier!
Get the guidebook for solo female travelers!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

« The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Carretera Austral
Hiking the Huemul Circuit: The Toughest and Most Rewarding Hike in Patagonia »

Hello There!

headshot

Welcome to Be My Travel Muse, one of the top female travel blogs in the world, welcoming over 5 million readers annually.

I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

Click here!

Get the Solo Female Travel Guidebook

Popular Posts

I am currently in:

The USA!

Check it out on Instagram Stories!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. John says

    06/13/2016 at 9:01 am

    This definitely looks like a fun experience! However, it was also a bit dangerous as the ice is very tricky and falling into a crevasse is quite easy.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/13/2016 at 4:02 pm

      For sure and it would be very foolish to go without a guide.

      Reply
  2. John E says

    06/13/2016 at 10:51 am

    Wow, another great adventure! If I ever get out of this cube and start my own travel blog like I hope, I’m just going to have to call it TravellingInKristinsFootsteps.com! Lol

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/13/2016 at 4:02 pm

      Haha awesome. Honored to be an inspiration!

      Reply
  3. Lauren Bishop says

    06/13/2016 at 11:18 am

    I’ve walked on a glacier Alberta, Canada and came away thinking ‘meh, kinda just like walking around in winter’ but your experience was absolutely amazing! I actually got tingles when you were talking about how it is one of the few remote places left in the world. Such an adventure to climb on and through a beautiful glacier like that one.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/13/2016 at 4:01 pm

      I’ve seen photos of other glacier hikes and they didn’t go in the ice caves and the ice waves. I guess it’s a different kind of glacier (I’m no expert in these things) or maybe safety regulations preventing guides from taking people into these things haven’t hit this area yet. Was super cool!

      Reply
  4. Amanda says

    06/18/2016 at 12:37 pm

    I’m definitely a sucker for a good glacier, and this one looks amazing! I’ve been glacier hiking a few times, but never into ice caves/waves like those! Just one more reason to bump Patagonia up to the top of my list!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/19/2016 at 9:46 pm

      Totally. It was way different to the glacier I’d experienced in NZ

      Reply
  5. Crystal says

    10/15/2016 at 5:27 pm

    Where did you stay in Puerto Rio Tranquilo? I am not finding much online. Will be taking a long bus ride from El Chalten, because I can’t miss this while I am there. How many days do you recommend for this spot? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/16/2016 at 1:24 am

      You’re not finding much online because there’s not much internet there. It’s small mom and pop homestays and I just arrived and looked around. Can’t remember the name of the place now but that’s how the Carretera Austral was. Arrive and look around. I’d give it at least 3 days to allow for weather!

      Reply
  6. Trailhead Pursuits says

    02/18/2017 at 3:24 am

    Your tip about not wearing baggy pants is spot on, especially when wearing crampons! Do you know if the outfitter or guides ever offer any multi-day/overnight trips?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/18/2017 at 6:47 am

      Definitely in El Chalten

      Reply
  7. Joe says

    12/19/2017 at 5:09 pm

    I don’t see in your picture hikers walking with hiking pole? Any reason? Can I rent spiky hiking shoes there? is there any age restriction? Can I take my 12 years old?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/19/2017 at 6:10 pm

      We didn’t use hiking poles on the glaciers, but we did use crampons which they provided. I didn’t see kids that age so I would ask the tour company!

      Reply
  8. Joe says

    12/19/2017 at 5:11 pm

    Pls advice whether Dec is good month to visit this place. Thanks for posting your article.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/19/2017 at 6:09 pm

      Should be! I’m not sure though, always depends on the year.

      Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    01/02/2018 at 3:27 pm

    Hey Kristin! I’m planning a 3 week Patagonia trip. Planning on doing TDP, Fitz Roy, Torres, and all the good stuff. I would love to check out Puerto Rio Tranquillo. What is the best way to get there from Puerto Natales or El Cafate?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/03/2018 at 2:26 am

      You can bus over from the Argentina side or if you have some time to work with you can hike to Villa O’Higgins via El Chalten: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-walk-from-villa-ohiggins-to-el-chalten/

      Reply
  10. Justine says

    04/15/2018 at 8:03 pm

    Which tour company did you go with?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/21/2018 at 8:47 am

      Explora Sur

      Reply
  11. Image Earth Travel says

    05/31/2018 at 3:14 am

    Had a fantastic and memorable experience back in 2011 at Perito Moreno Glacier, shame I didn’t see some of the others whilst there though. Organised the tour from El Calafate. 🙂

    Would love to return, you?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      05/31/2018 at 11:35 pm

      Yeah same I’d love to go back. Will probably do so in 2019!

      Reply
  12. Nicola Barber says

    09/06/2018 at 7:58 pm

    Hi Kristen,
    Our son is spending a month hiking around Patagonia before we catch up with him to do TdP W hike in mid October. I’ve been reading about your 10 best hikes in Patagonia and they all look pretty amazing! I’ve noticed that you do a bit of hitch hiking to get around. He’s travelling on his own, but hoping to meet fellow hikers in Puerto Natales and go from there. Do you think it’s pretty safe to hitch hike around Patagonia on your own generally? I like the way you started at the top and worked your way south, he flys into Punta Arenas and will then bus to Puerto Natales. He’s then thinking of bussing it up to say Bariloche and hike and travel back from there.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/07/2018 at 2:03 pm

      It’s quite common to hitchhike along the Carretera Austral, however it doesn’t sound like his trip would involve that road if he’s traveling between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. It’s easy to bus between those two places and from there, I’d probably bus over to Argentina’s El Calfate and fly up to Bariloche. It depends on how much time he has and whether he wants to involve the Carretera or not. There are so few buses on that road most people end up hitchhiking and I thought it was fine but it, of course, always comes with risks.

      Reply
  13. Christian says

    09/21/2018 at 6:28 pm

    Hey Kristin,
    Love your top 10 list. I am trying to do as many as possible of them while I’m here. I’m Currently in Bariloche waiting for the weather to clear.
    I really want to see the Exploradores glacier but have a hard time finding a good way down there from here. Any suggestions?
    Cheers,
    Christian

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/23/2018 at 5:52 pm

      You could go down to Patagonia on the Argentinian side and cross over to Puerto Rio Tranquilo or go down the Carretera Austral but that’s the slow, adventurous method.

      Reply
  14. Valentina says

    11/03/2018 at 1:25 pm

    Hi Kristin!
    I was wondering if the glacier + the caves was a 2 days thing for you, or if these are doable in 1 day.
    Say the glacier in the day, while boat tour to the caves in the afternoon. You mentioned the caves are a couple of hours. Are these 2 doable in a day?

    Thank you,
    Valentina

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/04/2018 at 12:33 pm

      I think it’s probably doable, yes.

      Reply
  15. Ana says

    11/16/2018 at 12:52 pm

    Hi Kristin,

    Thank you for your posts. Because of this one I have decided to do a side trip from the original Patagonian plan and explore Exploradores Glacier as you did.

    My problem is following, Google shutdown reCAPCHA and in order to email Explora Sur you need to confirm you are not a bot, this is no longer possible because the haven’t replaced original reCAPCHA with anything else. Do you have their direct email where i could email them and book the tour?

    I am flying to Buenos Aires in two weeks and working my way up North and then down south trekking through Patagonia. I have only a month to do all. And i just can’t stop talking and thinking about it all day every day.

    Thank you kindly in advance,

    Ana

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/17/2018 at 1:15 am

      Hi Ana,
      Oh dear, that’s annoying! Can you use a different browser than Chrome, or is that not the issue?
      I actually booked this in person the day before, which shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately I don’t have any direct contact info, but I believe most people probably do just show up and book in person. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  16. Patryk Wiśniewski says

    08/12/2019 at 3:43 pm

    Unfortunately now the price is 80,000 CLP. It is too much for me, but thank you for your tips.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      08/12/2019 at 9:17 pm

      Wow it went up a lot!

      Reply
    • PaweÅ‚ says

      01/13/2020 at 1:31 pm

      Patryk, rezerwowałeś wcześniej trekking w Explora Sur? Czy załatwiałeś na miejscu?
      WÅ‚aÅ›nie siÄ™ zastanawiam czy rezerwować to wczeÅ›niej czy na miejscu da siÄ™ Å‚atwo ogarnąć, np. dzieÅ„ wczeÅ›niej…
      Pozdrawiam!

      Reply

Stay Connected

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Archives
  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer

© 2025 · Be My Travel Muse. All Rights Reserved

footer-icon