10-day Ice Cap Expedition in Patagonia, near El Chalten

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Join AAGM certified mountain guide Juan for this challenging and highly rewarding expedition into the breath taking wild beauty of Patagonia!

Private

Andes

10 Days

Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Join a IFMGA certified mountain guide with his intimate knowledge of the route
Embark on the ultimate Patagonian expedition
Enjoy the Continental Ice Cap, one of earth's most isolated and astounding spots
Check out the charming town of El Chalten with its crags, bars and restaurants
Take advantage of our personalised service providing the best trips in Patagonia

Description

Located in the southern Argentinian province of Santa Cruz, Los Glacieres National Park is a spectacular glacial landscape of jaw dropping impact.

The largest park of Argentina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in total Los Glacieres spans 7,269 km2. It hosts sub polar forest, Patagonian steppe terrain, glaciers, mountains and more.

This is one of the most remote places on earth, a wild world of ice and rock where you can truly escape and enter the heart of nature.

We offer a unique and highly rewarding journey onto this land, it will be an intense experience not easily forgotten and one steeped in natural beauty.

We will meet at Calafate airport and head to El Chalten a charming small town with much to explore, from here we can already view the impressive Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre ranges.

Pulling your own sled and carrying a 20/25kg pack is a true workout and highly satisfying, it will give you a real appreciation of polar expedition life.

This can be a life changing experience. After trekking through isolated wilderness in some of the worst weather possible, when you finally come through it together you will be beaming with joy.

My colleagues and I are trained to the highest international standard and know this terrain better than anyone, our trips are highly personalised to meet your requirements.

Don’t hesitate to sign up now and I’ll be ready and waiting to start this once in a lifetime experience with you in this epic environment!

If Los Glacieres National Park has you excited and you’d like to summit some of its mountains then consider this immense 14-day expedition climb amongst stunning scenery. Or perhaps a shorter adventure is on your wish list, then sign up to this magical 6-day hike hut to hut in Baguales in beautiful Nothern Patagonia!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip

Meeting point

El Calafate Airport

Itinerary

Day 1: El Calafate

After meeting at the airport we will take a 3 hour drive through the steppe to El Chalten.

That night we will have a meal together and discuss the trip

Day 1: Rio Electrico

We will begin our first hike from Electrico’s bridge towards La Playita (5 hours)

Day 3: Marconi Pass

Possibly our hardest day, we’ll use ropes and climbing techniques to deal with the pass. Expect magnificent views of the Continental Ice-cap. We’ll camp at the ice field. Approx. 8 to 9 hrs.

Day 4: Circo de los Alteres

With incredible views, the Cirque is formed by several of the most famous peaks in the climbing world, such as Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and Egger. Weather permitting, we’ll be able to approach the West face of Cerro Torre, one of the best views in the area. Aprox 5 hours.

Day 5: Paso del Viento

We will hike towards Paso del Viento. Then heading South we’ll traverse until out of the glacier and will approach the Refugio through rocky terrain. 8 hours.

Day 6: Laguna Toro

Next we head down the Tunnel valley to get to Laguna Toro. On a clear day there are excellent panoramic views of Mariano Moreno Range and Viedma Glacier. There is a river crossing near Laguna Toro with a cable zip-line or you can cross by foot at he bottom of the valley. Camp at “Laguna Toro”. B, LB, D.

Day 7: El Chalten

Trek back to El Chaltén over the “Pliegue Tumbado”, it´ll take about 5-6 hs. Showers and a traditional Argentinian BBQ to celebrate the trip. B, LB, D.

Day 8 to 9: Extra Days

These days could be used for resting or as days to ride out bad weather, based on my judgement. B, LB, D.

Day 10: Transfer from El Chalten to El Calafate

You take your flight home from El Calafate. End of our services. B.

About the guide

Juan

5.0

(1)

Mountain Guide

I´m based in Bariloche, Patagonia, where I guide full time, mostly technical custom trips with small groups.

I started guiding in 1998, and my job took me all around the globe. In Montana, USA, where I lived for many years I worked extensively in the Rockies, guiding in the Tetons, Wind Rivers, and the Beartooths. Back to Argentina, I spend most of my time ski guiding volcanoes, rock climbing at Frey and mountaineering in Chalten and Tronador.

The rest of time I work as a Technical director at the AAGM, forming new guides, and trying to be an exciting dad for my two kids, taking advantage of the great backyard we have at home!

Languages

English

Certificates

AAGM