Ascent to Gorra Blanca, El Chalten

Join an IFMGA mountain guide into this 5-day trip to Gorra Blanca, a beautiful mountain of El Chalten, in the border between Argentina and Chile.

Andes

4 Days

Jan - Mar, Jul - Dec

High

Intermediate

Description

On this 4-day program, I invite you to climb to Mount Gorra Blanca, a beautiful mountain in the region of El Chalten.

At 2,920 meters above sea level, Gorra Blanca lies near Paso Marconi, on the edge of the Southern Ice Field. This is, indeed, the third biggest ice field in the world.

This impressive mountain is normally full of ice and snow, which makes it a fantastic expedition for climbers. Also, it shows breathtaking views of the Ice Cap and its surroundings.

Does this ascent sound attractive? Please contact me for this trip in a remote area of El Chalten, in Patagonia. Besides, we can combine Gorra Blanca with an expedition to the Southern Ice Field.

Located in the same area, I can also lead you to the top of Cerro Solo. Check this program out!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transport during the trip

- Personal insurance

Itinerary

Day 1: 'La playita'

A transfer takes us to Río Eléctrico and we start the trekking.

It takes 2 hours to get to ‘Piedra del Fraile’ Campsite or 5 hours to ‘La Playita’ Camp (600 m), at the foot of the Marconi Glacier.

‘Piedra del Fraile’ is a private campsite with services, at the edge of the forest.

After getting there, the terrain is open and rockery until the next campsite (La Playita).

Day 2: 'Paso Marconi' / Gorra Blanca hut

Ascent to ‘Paso Marconi’ (1550 m); a walk of about 8 to 10 hours with an elevation gain of about 1000 m.

This is the crux of the trip; we will need a reasonable good day to reach the pass.

If the weather is good, there are excellent views of Fitz Roy, Piergiorgio and Gorra Blanca, among others.

We will set our base at Gorra Blanca hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Summit attempt

Gorra Blanca summit attempt (2900 m) by the normal route (NW ridge), with average ice slopes from 30° to 40°.

There may be a short steeper section to climb the final mushroom at the summit.

If the weather is good, we will be able to contemplate part of the Ice Field, the Cordon Gaea, Volcano Lautaro, Mounts Fitz Roy and Torre, among others.

We´ll return by the same way back to the refuge.

This is about a 10 hour day with a gain of 1300 meters.

We estimate an extra spare day in case of bad weather.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Piedra del Fraile / El Chalten

Return to Rio Eléctrico bridge and transportation back to El Chaltén.

Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.

Details

More info

Level: the trip requires previous glacier experience.

The price includes technical and security equipment (crampons, harness, rope, helmet, Etc.), a VHF radio and a first-aid kit.

Meeting point

El Chalten, Argentina.

About the guide

Merlín

5.00

(80)

Mountain Guide

Certified UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain Guide from Argentina.

I live in El Chaltén since 1998. I'm originally from Bariloche and I started with mountain activities when I was 15 years old. I've done climbing and ascents in many mountains of Patagonia, Perú, Bolivia, United States and Europe; such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Alpamayo, El Capitán, Mont Blanc and Aconcagua among others. I'm also a Ski Instructor and I am passionate for backcountry ski.

I speak fluent English, Italian and French and have been leading trips and expeditions for more than 20 years. I work together with a group of guides, so if I'm not available for the trip you request, one of my colleagues will guide you!

Certificates

AAGM | UIAGM

Request more information

What people are saying about Merlín

5.00

We came to El Chalten late season (mid to late May) and wandered into Merlin's office hoping to find an open climbing guide. We discussed options with him given the upcoming weather and our abilities and ended up doing a day of sport climbing and a day of mountaineering on Cerro Madsen. Through both adventures he was knowledgeable, friendly, and safe. He encouraged us through the entire climb and even brought some treats for the top. I would highly recommend Mountaineering Patagonia if you are in search of a guide.

5.00

Had a great trip with Merlin and looking forward to a return trip next year. Highly recommended to anyone looking to explore the mountains near El Chalten or wherever he happens to be guiding.

5.00

Merlin is everything you would expect from a professional mountain guide and more. He looked after our creature comforts in camp with hot tea and hot meals not from a package. He will push you hard when on the move and is happy when you succeed. I highly recommend his service in the mountains and the accommodations he offers in town. Would be my first Choice for our next trip!

5.00

Awesome trip, challenging but incredibly rewarding. Thanks for such an excellent trip Merlin, will remember it for ages!

5.00

We just completed the Base Camps Trek with Frederico and it was incredible! It exceeded all our expectations, everything was taken care of, and Merlin and his team are great! Can't wait to do the Huemul Loop in the next year or two.