This adventure is a highly recommended option on our Carratera Austral or Full Patagonia trip. If you make one of our self-guided tours and have enough time, you shouldn’t miss this unique experience. A miracle of nature – A Journey to one of Patagonia’s Last Great Ice Frontiers.
Duration: ~10–12 hours total (approx. 2.5–3h motorcycle ride each way + 5–6h boat tour)
This unforgettable day begins early in Puerto Río Tranquilo, where you set off either with your own motorcycle or as a passenger in a transfer vehicle arranged by the tour operator. The route follows the stunning and remote Ruta X-728, a gravel road that winds deep into the Valle Glaciares — one of Patagonia’s most pristine and dramatic landscapes.
You’ll ride alongside Lago Tranquilo, through lush forests and pastures framed by snowcapped peaks. The road continues along the Río Norte, and as you climb gradually toward the Andean divide, the valley widens and the views become ever more spectacular. You’ll pass Lago Bayo, its still waters mirroring the mountains around it, and stop at the Mirador Glaciar Exploradores, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Exploradores Glacier — a teaser of the ice to come.
The final stretch follows the Río Exploradores, a glacial river flanked by ancient forests and towering peaks, leading to Puerto Grosse, a tiny outpost at the edge of the Patagonian fjords. Here, you’ll board a boat for the next phase of the expedition.
Boat Tour to Laguna San Rafael
Once aboard, the journey takes you down narrow channels surrounded by untouched wilderness. The highlight awaits at Laguna San Rafael, where you approach the massive San Rafael Glacier, one of the last tidewater glaciers in the world still actively calving into a lagoon.
Icebergs float silently in the water, and if you’re lucky, you’ll witness the thunderous spectacle of ice breaking from the glacier’s 70-meter face and crashing into the lagoon. Many tours include a glass of whisky served with ancient glacier ice — a classic Patagonian toast to the adventure.
Highlights:
- Remote and scenic motorcycle ride along Ruta X-728
- Lago Bayo and Glaciar Exploradores Viewpoint
- Spectacular boat ride through fjords and ice-filled waters
- Close-up view of the San Rafael Glacier
- Wildlife sightings: dolphins, sea lions, birds — and possibly condors
Warnings & Considerations:
- Ruta X-728 is gravel, often rough with potholes and narrow bridges — ride carefully
- Weather conditions can be unpredictable; tours may be canceled due to wind or visibility
- Dress warmly and bring waterproof layers — even on sunny days, the boat ride can be cold and wet
- Book the tour at least one day in advance; space is limited, especially in high season
Tip: Even if you ride your own motorcycle to Puerto Grosse, it’s best to coordinate with a tour operator based in Puerto Río Tranquilo for the boat portion. Some tours offer package deals with transfers, meals, and safety gear included.
See more details on the the Tour operators Webpage: 99%Aventura