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Gorra Blanca alpine climb in 5 days

Gorra Blanca alpine climb in 5 days
Gorra Blanca alpine climb in 5 days 2
Gorra Blanca alpine climb in 5 days 3
Gorra Blanca alpine climb in 5 days 4
Gorra Blanca

Come climb the 2920-meter-high Gorra Blanca, on the Patagonian Ice Field. Local IFMGA mountain guide Manuel will lead this unforgettable 5-day alpine ascent. Don't miss the chance!

Group

Andes

5 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

High

Beginner


Description

Let's climb the famous Gorra Blanca (2920 m), a mountain lying on the Patagonian Ice Field. Thanks to its proximity to the Marconi Pass, it is a summit of easy access.

In addition, Gorra Blanca is a non technical mountain to climb. However, the glacial terrain through which we will walk during these five days make this climb a serious alpine ascent. Therefore all participants should feel comfortable using crampons to face moderate slopes of up to 35 degrees.

Keep in mind that it will be a physically demanding 5-day trip. That is why a good fitness level will be mandatory. Remember you will also carry a backpack with your personal equipment (clothes, sleeping bag, insulation mat, etc.), group equipment (tent, pots, heaters, etc.) and food. However it is possible to hire personal porters if necessary.

It will be a really exciting expedition for those who love winter and snow activities. There will be some days that we'll set up camp on ice. So we will have to melt snow to make water and place snow protections for the tents. An adventure with all the ingredients!

If you want to book your places (I can guide 3 people) fill out the form and get in touch with me now. I'll be happy to help you conquer the Gorra Blanca summit.

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Transport during the trip

Itinerary

Day 1: El Chaltén - Marconi Glacier

Meeting in El Chaltén, where we will check the equipment before leaving. We will also have a talk about the characteristics of the region. Private transfer to the Eléctrico River Bridge which will be the starting point of our first day of trekking to the base of the Marconi Glacier. The first two hours we’ll walk along a well marked path that follows the waters of the Electrico River through a forest of Ñires and Lengas. At the end of the forest we will find the Piedra del Fraile Camp which will be our last contact with civilization for a couple of days. There we will leave the vegetation behind and a wide glacial valley will open before our eyes. From Piedra del Fraile we will border the Eléctrico Lake by its southern bank crossing glacier moraines and rock formations eroded and abandoned by the Marconi Glacier years ago. Then we will begin to follow the Pollone River from where we can admire one of the highest walls of Mount Fitz Roy. Another hour of hiking will take us to the west bank of the Electrico Lake where we will set up camp on the shore. We will be only 20 minutes from the Marconi Glacier, which we can visit after a well-deserved rest.

Day 2: Paso Marconi / Marconi Pass

Today is an important day of our ascent. The glacier and the Paso Marconi are one of the accesses to the Patagonian Southern Field. The majority of the winds come from the west or north and when arriving at the pass they are accelerated by a “bottleneck” effect.

So we will get up very early in the morning, have breakfast and leave. After about 30 minutes of walking we will ascend the Marconi Glacier, which combines ice and rock. We will reach a point where we must use harnesses, crampons and ropes. After a section of 30 to 35 degrees of snow/ice and an hour of hiking, we will finally arrive at the Marconi Pass. In front of us: Gorra Blanca!

Day 3: Summit day

Summit day! We will carry a light backpack with only the necessary for the day. Our goal is the Cerro Gorra Blanca’s summit. For that we will walk among seracs and cracks always pointing towards the west edge. Once on the edge, we will continue eastwards zigzagging “snow mushrooms” (a geographical formation of the place).

The last meters before the summit will be fixed with ropes. If the weather is good the scenery will be amazing. Finally, we will return to the camp in the Marconi Pass. It’ll be 1200 meters of altitude changes and 8 to 12 hours of walking depending on snow conditions and the physical level of the group. If the weather is bad we may consider ascending Cerro Marconi Norte.

Day 4: Back to El Chaltén

We’ll return by the same route to El Chaltén where a delicious and deserved lamb will be waiting for us.

Day 5: Extra day

Back up day in case of bad weather.

 

About the guide

Guide profile image

Manuel

5.0

(2)

Mountain Guide

UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide from Argentina

Based in El Chaltén, south Patagonia, since 2000. I was the first guide to complete the AAGM (Argentine Mountain Guides Association) complete training platform.

I did the first Argentinean guided ascent of Mt. Fitz Roy via Supercolouir route (la Supercanaleta). I have guided Aguja Guillaumet more than 25 times. I also guided Aconcagua, Alpamayo (Peru), Matterhorn (Switzerland), Mont Blanc, Dent du Geant (France), The Rockies & The Bugaboos (Canada), Torres del Paine (Chile), among others.

I am also member of El Chaltén Search and Rescue team. I have several WFR certificates with different schools such as NOLS & Fundacion Ecomed.

I speak Spanish, English and French fluently

My biggest passion is Alpine Rock climbing & Ski Mountaineering. Get in touch with me if you are interested in discovering the unique spots in the Fitz Roy massif, and other gems around El Chaltén! I work together with a group of guides, so if I'm not available when requested, one of my colleagues will guide you.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

AAGM | UIAGM | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about Manuel

Erik

Our Guide Juan did an excellent job . He was courteous, informative and a pleasure to spend the day with . He’s an experienced climber and knows his way around the mountains . I would definitely contact Juan again for any future adventures . Well worth every penny !

Preetha

Manuel was very knowledgeable and worked with me with what I wanted to climb and learn. With his help, I climbed my first multi-pitch route! Would definitely recommend!


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