12 elements (8 brands)
Created: Diego De Angelis
Last update: 17 Sep 2018
SOUTHERN PATAGONIAN ICE FIELD EXPEDITION
| Activity type: | Trekking |
| Activity level: | Moderate |
| Availability: |
23 Mar 2019 - 30 Mar 2019 |
| Duration: | 8 Day(s) / Tour with fixed start dates |
| Price: | from $1850 / Negotiable |
Full description
This is the most varied and spectacular mountain itinerary at Los Glaciares National Park and perhaps in Patagonia. It allows experiencing very close the movement and behaviour of glaciers in Patagonia and their effect on nature. A real adventure spending 3 full nights camping on the ice that requires a minimum of experience in multiple days trekking carrying a full backpack.
Previous day: In the afternoon previous to the expedition we will have a meeting in El Chaltén to check the equipment, get informed about the last details and clear up any doubts that may arise.
Note: all participants must carry their own sleeping bag and mat plus the necessary equipment and some food also provided by Serac. (5 a 7 kgs per person)
Price includes
- Private bilingual guide during the expedition
- All meals, transfers, staff necessary, permits during the trekking
- 1 assistant guide from 3 participants. Rate 1:3
- Technical gear when required (harness, carabiners, ropes, crampons, snow shoes)
- Tents and any gear necessary except what is personal
- Satellite communication
- Entrance and necessary permits
- Note: all participants must carry their own sleeping bag and mat plus the necessary equipment and some food also provided by Serac. (5 a 7 kgs per person)
Not included in price
- Personal gear
- Medical ensurance
- Tips for guides
Guide
Verified Profile
- Email address
- Phone number
Location
Day 1
Check the equipment day
In the afternoon previous to the expedition we will have a meeting in El Chaltén to check the equipment, get informed about the last details and clear up any doubts that may arise.
Day 2
El Chalten - Eléctrico river - Pollone River
This morning a vehicle will take us to the bridge over the Eléctrico river, 15km to the north-west of El Chaltén, from here the expedition begins. The first two hours hike passes through a forest until reaching the Piedra del Fraile camping area. After which we follow the Eléctrico river upstream into a wide glacial valley with very little vegetation, from where we are able to see the area’s impressive peaks. Two hours later we must wade across the Pollone River. From here we will be able to see the North face of Mount Fitz-Roy and the Pollone needle.
Distance: 11 km +270
Trekking time: 6 / 8hours
Day 3
Marconi Glacier - Marconi pass - Ice Field
At first light we break-camp and set out towards the Marconi Glacier. We cross old moraine fields until reaching the toe of the glacier. Here we trek up the glacier until nearing the Marconi pass – entrance to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This will surely be the Expedition’s toughest day.
The climb in altitude today is approximately 800 meters over moraine and glacial terrain, and given the shape and orientation of the valley, the winds experienced can be very severe. Today ends when we enter the Ice Field.
Distance: 10km +800
Trekking time: 7/9 hours
Day 4
Southern Patagonian Ice Fields - camp Circo de los Altares
In spite of the usual strong wind, the traverse with snowshoes is mostly flat and very enjoyable. Today is comparatively short, less demanding and after 6 hours we get to our snow-camp in an area called the Circo de los Altares (or the Cirque of Alters), at the foot of Cerro Torre’s west face, one of the most spectacular places on earth.
Distance: 12km -200
Trekking time: 6 hours
Day 5
Paso del Viento refuge
We continue our trek at first in a southerly direction avoiding crevasses in search of a large moraine-field. We pass a series of lagoons and eventually reach the Paso del Viento refuge.
Distance: 13km -350
Trekking time: 8/9 hours
Day 6
Viento Pass - Túnel River Valley
Today we climb gaining height until reaching the Viento (windy) Pass, at 1,500 m. From here we leave the icefield and will also provide us with some great panoramic views, before we head downwards to the Túnel River Valley and back into the vegetated area.
Before arriving at the Toro Lagoon campsite we must cross the Túnel Glacier and also a zip line across the valley’s river.
Distance: 13km +600/-900
Trekking time: 7/8 hours
Day 7
Lake Viedma - Pliegue Tumbado hill
Weaving through forest and fields, in between the Huemul massif and Lake Viedma, we cross the Pliegue Tumbado hill. After reaching the highest point we make a break to enjoy, eat our lunch with magnificent view of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy before descending to El Chaltén.
Distance: 15km
Trekking time: 6/7 hours
Day 8
Reserve day
This day is reserved for bad weather, in case the party has to spend more than one night at a particular night stop due to the weather conditions.
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Last update: Diego De Angelis
(31 Mar 2019)