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Estancia El Condor – Lago del Desierto Traverse near El Chaltén, 5 days

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Join Diego, an AAGM-certified guide, for this 5 day trek through the gorgeous varied landscapes of remote Southern Patagonia!

Private

Andes

5 Days

Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Trek through beautiful landscapes of remote Southern Patagonia
  • Visit a typical Patagonian estancia - Estancia el Condor
  • Finish the trip with incredible views of the famous Fitz Roy

Description

Discover a remote area of stunning Southern Patagonia with this 5 day trek through some the beautiful and varied landscapes of the famous region.

This is an incredible trip that combines numerous highlights of Southern Patagonia in a 5 day trek. Following a vehicle transfer from El Calafate or El Chalten, we will begin the journey at the typical Hacienda el Condor, where we will experience the lifestyles of the locals while also spotting some of the region’s wildlife, including guanacos, red foxes, and condors.  Departing from the estancia on little used paths, our trek will take us around the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake San Martin, through forested valleys, and past sparsely vegetated mountain passes. We will sleep in refuges or set up our own camps along the way. The journey ends near Desierto Lake in time for our transfer back to El Chalten. The exact route is described in more detail below.

While this is not a technical trek, participants should have a good fitness level in order to walk for 9+ hours and 15+km for multiple days in a row. Also note that participants will be required to carry their sleeping bag, a portion of the food and group camping gear (totaling 4-5 kg per person).

Book now and we will spend a magical 5 days discovering some classic Patagonian landscapes along remote trails, with incredible views of such highlights as Lake San Martin and Fitz Roy.

Check out my other trips in the area: 4-day Gorra Blanca ascent in El Chaltén, Argentina, Huemul Massif, Argentina, 4 Day Guided Hike, and Patagonia Ice Field, 9 Day Guided Trekking Tour!

 

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transport during the trip

- Permit and entrance fees

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Price details

Minimum of 2 people per group. Price includes: bilingual guide, all meals, transfers, entrance and permit fees, technical gear, camping gear (excluding personal gear), satellite communication equipment, 1 night in double room at Estancia el Condor, transfer from El Calafate to Estancia El Condor at beginning of program, transfer from Estancia el Condor to El Chalten at the end of the trek.


Itinerary

Day 1: Hacienda el Condor

Vehicle transfer from either El Calafate or El Chalten to the Hacienda el Condor.  From El Calafate, the transfer is 5 hrs. During the ride, you will get your first glimpse of the Patagonian Steppe.  We will also have a chance to glimpse wildlife of the area, such as guanacos, red foxes, condorss, and choiques.

We arrive at the estancia where we spend the night. Dinner and breakfast will be included.

Day 2: San Martin Lake

We set off after breakfast. We head north around an arm of the gorgeous turquoise San Martin lake. We trek toward La Nana, where we spend the night in a tent or refuge.

Distance: 17km

Time: 8-9 hours

Day 3: Martinez de Rosas river

We begin to ascend as the terrain grows more rugged. Along the way, we will enjoy gorgeous views over San Martin lake. Near the border with Chile, our route takes us along Martinez de Rosas river.  We will have to ford the river several times before we arrive at our camp.

Distance: 17km

Elevation gain: +800m

Time: 8-9 hours

Day 4: Trek to Valley

Today’s trek takes us through lovely beech forest, with more river crossings. We reach the valley, where we set up our camps on the bank of a small river.

Distance: 15km

Elevation gain/loss: +300m/-500m

Time: 5-6 hours

Day 5: Desierto Lake

We continue our ascent during the morning, eventually passing into a sparse landscape with little vegetation. We top out at around 1,350m, where we will enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. We then descend into another lovely valley. After crossing the valley, we reach the south end of Desierto Lake where we enjoy stunning views of the famous peak of Fitz Roy and our transfer back to El Chalten.

Distance: 18km

Elevation gain/loss: +350m/-750m

Time: 9-11 hours

 

Details

Accommodation

We will spend the first night of the trip in Estancia el Condor. The remaining nights will be spent camping in a tent or mountain refuge.

Meeting point

We will meet either in El Calafate or 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.

Languages

English

Certificates

AAGM


What people are saying about Diego De Angelis

Jorg Fischer

5.00

January, 2020

Magnificent tour! Cristian was an amazing guide we strongly recommend for your tour who knows all about the landscape, its plants and animals and all stories around the impressing climbing, trekking and expedition destination in the area!

Lisa G

5.00

June, 2018

I first saw the opportunity to trek the South Patagonia Icefield when I was in El Chalten 3 years ago. I finally took the plunge this year and signed up with Serac Expeditions for their late-February departure - best decision ever! The Expedition itself is incredible! Only about 100 people/year undertake it so you get to see a part of Patagonia that few others have experienced. And of course the scenery is amazing. I won't lie - the expedition is challenging (especially for a relatively small female), but if you go in with reasonable fitness and the right mental attitude, it is totally doable and absolutely worth it. It also helps when you have decent weather :) Serac Expeditions are wonderful! They are very responsive and helpful throughout the whole process of arranging the trek, provide excellent equipment, and work with incredible guides (million thanks Juan and Rafa - you guys are awesome!). They also include some special surprises along the way, but you'll have to sign up yourself or read my blog posts to find out what ;) 100% recommend Serac Expeditions and this trek. I am now wanting to return to do the Marconi - Estancia Cristina expedition with them, but this time at the start of the season (November) to experience the Icefield with snowshoes rather than crampons.

stefipres

5.00

March, 2018

My husband and I had a great experience with Serac - we did the El Chalten Mountain Escape trek and it was fantastic. Our guide (Christian) was very knowledgeable and kind; food was excellent and they even had wine portered to our campsites each night. All in all, highly recommended!

C4360AXianm

5.00

February, 2018

This was a great trek. The organization by and support from the Serac team was top notch. I reserved well in advance and the communications I received before my trip were always clear and timely. Once I arrived in EL Chalten, everything was smooth. Hostels were arranged and the team arrived to walk us through the trek. The guides were knowledgeable and helpful, the trek was challenging but the views were rewarding. Highlights were camping in "iceberg bay" and the hike up to Paso del Viento. The shuttle back to El Chalten was timely and even came with a complimentary beer! The trek is tough so not for the mentally unprepared.

Anonymous

5.00

February, 2018

Awesome guides provided by serac Expedition. The Huemul circuit is really beautiful and we were lucky to have good weather. Meals provided were sufficient, given that you have to carry your food, and dinner carried by the guide. It would be cheaper if you could go in a bigger group, and also definitely more enjoyable with more people. We managed to spend 1 hour at the Paso del Vento and the view is amazing!

Sofia_casanovas

5.00

November, 2016

Super professionals, great choice! When looking for options for trekking in Patagonia, Serac was the company that responded in the shortest time. They asked for our preferences and skills and they put together a plan for us. We adapt the program to our preferences and they always guided us and recommended what seemed best to us. Super thoughtful throughout the whole  planning. We spent 1 day in the Perito Moreno glacier and 4 days hiking guided by Martin (great experience with him, very good guide, at all times he knew how to adapt the plan to the climatic conditions and our fitness) Everything from the pick up to the airport, the hostels, the camping, the food to the guided one by the mountain have been exceptional !!!! Thanks to all the team, Diego, Sergio and Mariano for being so aware of us!

laurismis

5.00

January, 2015

Continental Ice Expedition I made the Continental Ice expedition with them. Aside from the absolutely amazing landscapes, everything was organized to perfection. The guides, in addition to very professional, are charming and made me spend very good times. I Completely recommended them! Wishing to do something with them again!

ariplus

5.00

April, 2014

A Great Experience Thanks to Serac I had an incredible memory of El Chalten and the expedition. The organization, assistance and development of the trip was impecable. I appreciate their fexibility and guidance. I will not hesitate to hire Serac again on my next trip to Patagonia Argentina!


 

 

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