4-day Gorra Blanca ascent in El Chaltén, Argentina
Join Diego, an AAGM-certified guide, for this 4 day ascent through classic Patagonian landscapes to the summit of Gorra Blanca!
Group
Andes
4 Days
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Fit
Intermediate
Highlights
- Explore classic Patagonian landscapes
- Ascend Marconi Pass, the entrance to the famous Southern Patagonian Ice Field
- Technically intermediate ascent over icy and snowy terrain
Description
Visit the gateway to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field during this 4-day adventure over icy and snowy terrain to the summit of Gorra Blanca!
This trip is a great option for those interested in a technical ascent up an interesting route with great views and classic Patagonian landscapes. We begin the journey at the Electrico River Bridge, located 20km outside of El Chalten. We ascend through forest and sparse glacier landscapes to the Marconi Pass, the entrance to the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. From there, given favorable weather conditions, we tackle the summit of Gorra Blanca, a peak of 2,907m. Although there is one section of rock scramble, we can expect snowy and icy terrain as we traverse the glacier, and use of technical equipment such as ropes, crampons, and snowshoes will be necessary.
Please note that the afternoon before our morning departure to the trailhead, we will conduct a mandatory gear check in El Chalten. We can also review the itinerary and answer any remaining questions you may have at that time.
This is considered a technically intermediate climb, so participants should have some previous mountaineering experience. Due to the tough nature of the ascent, especially as weather conditions can be windy, a high level of physical fitness is necessary. While we provide equipment such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and ropes, you will be expected to carry food and a portion of the tent in your pack (totaling about 5-7 kg).
Book now to explore Patagonia during this exciting 4-day adventure through classic landscapes, including Marconi Pass and the summit of Gorra Blanca!
Check out my other exciting adventure: Huemul Massif, Argentina, 4 Day Guided Hike, and Patagonia Ice Field, 9 Day Guided Trekking Tour!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
Price includes: professional certified guides, 2-3 person capacity tents, safety equipment (ice screws, ropes, ice axe, etc), technical equipment (crampons, harnesses, snowshoes), all meals, cooking equipment (stoves, etc), first aid kit, navigation equipment, transportation to/from trailhead.
Itinerary
Day 1: Begin ascent - Electrico River
We depart El Chalten in the morning, taking a vehicle transfer to Electrico River, located about 20km northwest of town.
We hike for two hours through a forest landscape. Once we arrive at Pieda de Fraile campsite, we follow the Electrico River through a glacial valley. While the vegetation is sparse in this area, the views are incredible. We continue hiking, fording the Pollone River, in the direction of Marconi Pass before stopping for the night.
Distance: 19km
Elevation Gain: +550m
Time: 8-9 hours
Note: The day prior to departing, we will conduct a mandatory gear check in El Chalten, where we will also discuss the route and answer questions.
Day 2: Marconi Pass & Southern Patagonian Ice Field
Following breakfast, we continue heading toward the Marconi Glacier. Once we reach the first toe of the Glacier, we can begin our ascent to Marconi Pass. Marconi Pass marks the entryway to the famous Southern Patagonian Ice Field. We will be advancing over glacial and moraine terrain. At times, the winds we experience during this part of the climb are heavy, increasing the difficulty of the ascent.
Distance: 9,5km
Elevation gain: 500m
Time: 6 hours
Day 3: Summit Push - Gorra Blanca
We wake up early to push for the summit of Gorra Blanca (weather dependent). Before sunrise, we leave our camp, climbing on snowy and icy terrain toward the summit, possibly using snow shoes or crampons. Once we arrive at the summit (2,907m), we take a few moments to celebrate before returning to our mountain hut/campsite.
Distance: 22km
Elevation gain/loss: +/- 1,300m
Time: 9 hours
Day 4: Return to El Chalten
We wake up and begin our descent back down to the trailhead at Electrico River Bridge, where a vehicle transfer will take us back to El Chalten.
Distance: 23km
Elevation loss: -1,300m
Time: 9 hours
Details
Accommodation Camp on the mountain |
Meeting point El Chalten |
About the guide
I graduated in Buenos Aires as Universitary proffesional in tourism and as a Mountain Guide in Mendoza province. I started working in adventure activities, horseback riding and mountain ascents. Then i moved to Patagonia that was my dream place for living and thanks to this profession it became in my place for working and personal development.
After several years of experience working in these mountains and numerous trips around the world looking for adventures and experience, I managed to unite both professions in an objective, so Serac Expeditions arose. In the last 15 years working with Serac, I have organized trips for thousands of people and personally guided hundreds of them in diverse and remote places in Patagonia, Chile, Peru and Bolivia.
Today my passion is not only guiding but also organizing special and personalized trips for people who enjoy exploring in nature and at the same time push their limits. My ideal is to provide a safe trip, spend a good time togheter with my clients and be flexible to provide a great experience and memories. To do this I work with a group of guides that share my ideals and way of working.
What people are saying about Diego De Angelis
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