Plan your trip
What we bring, what we suggest you bring, and the questions we get most often on WhatsApp.
Gear included
- Helmet for the glacier ground
- Trekking poles
- Life jacket for the crossing
- Local guide for the whole day
What to bring
- Layers: thermal base layer, fleece and a windproof waterproof jacket
- Trekking trousers rather than jeans
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip
- Hat and gloves, summer included
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the glare off ice and water is strong
- Water for the day
- Food: meals are not included
- Small backpack for your things on the walk
- Camera or phone with a full battery
- Any medication you need
In Patagonia the day sorts itself out in the morning
The wind and the state of the lake decide the crossing. The guide assesses them on site and, if anything changes, we sort it out with you on WhatsApp.
Message us about the date you have in mind and we will confirm availability. Dress in layers: the day can start overcast and end clear.
What people ask us most
If your question is not here, message us on WhatsApp and we will answer.
Where do the tours start?
From Cochrane: the guide picks you up where you are staying, or at any point you choose within 25 km of the Plaza de Armas. Andean Lagoon leaves at 7:00 and Glacier Front has departures between 8:00 and 16:00. It is 55 km of gravel road to the southwest face of Monte San Lorenzo, about an hour and a half of driving. Both return to Cochrane the same day.
Which of the two tours suits me?
Glacier Front is the short one: easy, 5 hours in total and one kilometre of walking to the ice front. Andean Lagoon is the long one: easy to moderate, 7 hours, 12.5 km of walking, a climb to the lagoon and a descent into the periglacial zone to touch the ice.
What does the price include?
Local guide, technical gear (helmet, poles and life jacket) and the 7 km boat crossing of Lake Calluqueo. Andean Lagoon also includes a snack in the periglacial zone. Meals for the day are not included.
What is the difference between with and without transport?
With transport the guide picks you up in the morning where you are staying in Cochrane, or at any point you choose within 25 km of the Plaza de Armas, drives you to the glacier access and brings you back. Without transport you make your own way to the meeting point, which we arrange with you on WhatsApp when the booking is confirmed.
Is there a minimum number of travellers?
Yes: 2 travellers for Glacier Front and 3 for Andean Lagoon. If you are fewer, message us anyway — we can look for a date when the group fills up.
What level of fitness do I need?
For Glacier Front it is enough to be able to walk a kilometre on natural ground, with streams and moraine. Andean Lagoon asks for a bit more: 12.5 km of walking with ascent and descent on a mountain trail, at a calm pace and with breaks.
When and how do I pay?
We do not ask for a deposit: the full amount is paid on the day of the tour, before departure. We accept cash in Chilean pesos, bank transfer and cash in US dollars, and we issue a boleta or a factura, whichever you need.
Which months do you operate?
The season runs from October to May, and always depends on the weather. Message us about the date you have in mind and we will confirm.
What happens if the weather does not allow the crossing?
The lake and the Patagonian wind have the last word. The guide assesses conditions on site and, if it is not safe to sail, we sort it out with you directly on WhatsApp.
Can children come?
Yes. The reference minimum age is 10, but it depends on the tour: families with much younger children have done Glacier Front. Message us with the ages in your group and we will tell you which route fits best.
Do I have to sign anything before the tour?
Yes. Decree N°222 requires a registration and risk acceptance form, completed and signed before the activity starts. You can fill it in online from the Risk acceptance form section of this site, or sign it on paper on the day of departure.
How do I book?
On WhatsApp or Instagram. Tell us which tour you are interested in, the date and how many of you there are; with that we confirm availability and the total price.
Tell us how many you are and the day you want to go
We answer on WhatsApp and Instagram. If you already have a date we can hold it; if you are still deciding, we will help you pick the route.