Description
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
Southern Patagonian Ice Expedition
It is a humongous plateau that is always covered in snow; located at an average altitude of 1500 masl.
It is crossed by the Cordillera of the Andes from north to south. It is shared by both Chile and Argentina.
This expedition is a 90km trek circling Mounts Fitz Roy and Torre, walking through forests, crossing rivers, walking with crampons and/or snowshoes, living a unique experience: it is without a doubt a most exciting, challenging and technical trek. Ice-Field expeditions in Patagonia are very tough since they require hiking over all kinds of terrain and in very isolated areas. This is a physically and mentally demanding itinerary. Hard weather conditions are a real challenge. Any accident or medical need can even last one day or more due to helicopters cannot access the area sometimes.
It is essential to be aware of this potential dangers and accept them. VERY IMPORTANT:
Winter camping mountaineering and long difficult trekking and hiking experience is mandatory.
Excellent level of fitness and willing to carry a rucksack of about 20/25 Kg required.
6 to 10 hours walks every day.
Moderate to big drops in altitude (400 to 1000 m).
Lodging in tents or mountain huts.
We recommend aerobic training before the trip.
Snow, ice and rock climbing can be required during the ascent.
All group members carry their own gear as well as shared gear as tents, cooking equipment, etc.
The proposed itinerary can be changed due to weather conditions or other forced situations that put in risk the group security.
The guides have the authority to change the itinerary programmed according to their criteria. You can be sure the changes have two main objectives: to maximize security and succeed with the program. And they are based our guides knowledge and experience. • Itinerary: 9 days (2 extra days included in case of bad weather)
• Trip Level: 5. Extreme
• Season: November to March
• Group Size: 2 to 6 people
Day 1 | Arrival to El Chaltén
Transfer from El Calafate airport to El Chalten town.
Expedition briefing and equipment check.
Meet the Mountain Guide to go through equipment and final checks. Last chance to rent any equipment that you may need.
Go to Gendarmería and go through Immigration as we enter Chile on this trek.
Overnight in Poincenot Hotel
Day 2 | Río Eléctrico Valley- “La Playita” Basecamp
We beging with a transfer to the departure point for the expedition – the Eléctrico River Bridge (17 Km from El Chaltén). We trek for 2 hours through a thick forest of lengas until reaching Piedra del Fraile camp ground. After a short break, the trek continues along the old glacial valley of the Eléctrico River before crossing the Pollone River.
Having traversed various different rocky terrains over a 3 hour period we arrive at “La Playita”, where we will camp for the night.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 12 km.
– Walking time: 6 hours.
– Elevation change: 50 m
Day 3 | Glaciar de los 14
This is an important day of the expedition as we do need good weather to be able to make it to the ice field. Today we will cross a zip line, climb up some rocky walls to reach Laguna de los 14, and finally hike gently uphill “De los 14” Glacier”, which is the current port of entry to the Continental Ice Field. While crossing the glacier we will use crampons and depending on the weather conditions, we may also use snow shoes and equipment to ensure a high level of security.
We set camp up on the glacier, where the ice suddenly becomes flat! A fantastic location for great views of the Mounts Fitz Roy, Pier Giorgio and Gorra Blanca. Depending on the weather conditions we may continue on to the Mountain Refuge of Gorra Blanca, located in Chile.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 12 km.
– Walking time: 8/10 hours.
– Elevation change: 800 m.
Day 4 | Ice Field: Marconi Pass– Circo de los Altares
This day we make our way to the “Circo de Los Altares”, where we will get close to the West face of the mythical Mount Torre and the mountains surrounding it.
This has to be one of the most impressive views within the National Park Los Glaciares.
– Overnight: Tents (on ice).
– Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 10 Km.
– Walking time: 5/6 hours.
– Elevation change: 100 m.
Day 5 | Ice Field: Laguna Ferrari, de Los Esquíes or Refugio Paso del Viento
Today we begin our journey walking on our crampons or snowshoes in a southerly direction passing by the Laguna de Los Esquíes and then turn due east either to Laguna Ferrari or to Refugio Paso del Viento, to set up camp for the night (where we go depends on the group and weather conditions). The second half of the journey will be on a rocky terrain on the lateral moraine of Viedma Glacier.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and Dinner.
– Distance: 20 Km.
– Walking time: 8/10 hours.
– Elevation change: 500 mts.
Day 6 | Laguna Toro
This day we climb up to Paso del Viento, to descend afterwards the valley of the Túnel River until we reach Laguna Toro.
This is an excellent spot for a panoramic view of the Mariano Moreno range and Viedma glacier. The terrain will be rocky, crossing various moraines and part of Túnel glacier. We will also have to cross Túnel River on a zip line.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and Dinner.
– Distance: 8 Km.
– Walking time: 6/8 hours.
– Elevation change: 500 mts.
Day 7 | Back to El Chalten
We return from Laguna Toro to El Chaltén, with the option of climbing up Pliegue Tumbado and enjoying great views of Mt Torre and Mt. Fitz Roy, from a different perspective!
– Meals: Breakfast and Pack lunch.
– Distance: 15 Km.
– Walking: 6 hs.
– Elevation change: 250 m.
Overnight in Poincenot Hotel.
Day 8 y 9 | Back up in case of bad weather conditions or rest day
To be used at any point of the Expedition. If the extra days are not necessary, the expedition and services provided will end the first evening after arriving at El Chalten.
Day 10 | Departure
At indicated time, pick up at your hotel and private transfer to Santiago International Airport to take you flight back.
Special features
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic & international flights.
- Buenos Aires City Accommodation Tax: USD 1.50 per person, per night – to be paid at the hotel.
- Travel Insurance.
- Restaurant, guides or driver’s tips.
- Extras not mentioned in this itinerary.
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