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Paso del Cuadrado Alpine Climbing

The certified UIAGM-IFMGA mountain guide Merlin has a great mountaineering 1-day option: an alpine climb to Paso del Cuadrado. Gaining an altitude of 1200 meters you won't believe the views from up there!

Not specified

1 Day

Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec


Description

Paso del Cuadrado is located in the province of Santa Cruz near the great Electrico River. It is one of the best routes that leads mountaineers to Mount Fitz Roy. Besides, the trail is safe and well marked, gaining a high altitude between Cerro Electrico and its western point.

Once you are in Paso del Cuadrado you won’t believe such amazing viewpoint: all Fitz Roy’s back and its northern glacier, below us the Aguja Pollone with its glacier. And as if it wasn’t enough, Paso Marconi as a background of the landscape.

For more details of this 1-day alpine climbing in Paso del Cuadrado, please find below an estimate itinerary of the program.

itinerary

A transfer will take you 15 kilometers from El Chaltén to Electrico River. From there, we will start the trek in direction to Paso del Cuadrado across the Electrico valley. Once we arrive to “Piedra del Fraile”, we will hike on a scree terrain up to the foot of a small glacier.

Then, we must put the crampons and rope on in order to get to the top of the pass safely. And here comes the best part: the views that worth all the effort you did.

Time to rest for a while so that we are ready for the descent. We’ll use the same way than in the ascent. Once in Electrico River we’ll drive back to El Chaltén.

As you may notice, it is a adventure suitable for well-trained people. Take into account that the total hiking time will be around 12 hours and the altitude change, 1.200 meters.

Please, feel free to contact me and ask me all the questions you have. I am an experienced guide and know the Patagonia very well. I can help you to find the best option for you. 

Get in touch with me now and I’ll guarantee the best alpine experience in El Chaltén!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transport during the trip


About the guide

Guide profile image

Merlín

5.00

(4)

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

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What people are saying about Merlín

Tatsuya

5.00

Mojon Rojo was my second climb with Merlin (I climbed Cerro Electrico with him 2 days earlier.) But it was like climbing with your old friend. I had an amazing time climbing with him. His climbing skills and knowledge are top notch. I can’t wait to climb more peaks in Patagonia with him.

Dorothy

5.00

Merlin was great—very knowledgeable, encouraging, and safe. I would definitely climb with him again and recommend his services very, very highly!

Gülçin

5.00

Everything about this trip was really great. Firstly explore-share was extremely helpful, really responsive. We felt really supported making all the arrangements from Netherlands to Argentina. Thanks for the team for that! In terms of the trip -- this was one of the most special trips we ever had. Huemel circuit is was very special. You start day1 in Patagonian forests and slowly ascend to the more rugged, stoney views of the circuit until you end up in the glaciers (and walk on them!) in day 2. Day 2 is slightly challenging due to the long ascend and walk until the camp. But without being very experienced we were able to do it (also thanks to our amazing guide Luis). We camped in an area only by ourselves, where it snowed overnight, which added to the majestic beauty of the whole trip. Day 3 mainly was descending to the 3rd camp area next to Viedma lake. This was also slightly challenging given the very steep descend in the forest, but despite the challenge it was fun, and was filled with great views. The reward is big, where Viedma lake is awaiting with glacier pieces floating on the lake just in front of you (and sometimes letting go some of it’s pieces). It’s a mesmerising area. And day 4 is going back to the start through next to the lakes, hares and guanakos. slightly easier trek but very peaceful, a nice goodbye to the circuit. We were picked up by a car at the end, arranged by Merlin/Luis. In all days, we were flabbergasted by the ruggedness and beauty of Patagonian mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes and everything we've seen. We were mainly alone in the circuit -- at least in the direction we were doing there was no one else with us. In that sense it was extra special. Our guide Luis was one of the main reasons for why this trip was so special. Very experienced and friendly -- made us feel really comfortable in what we were doing through his guidance on technical moves (e.g. in traverses, when we are descending etc). Also very experienced in the area, knew the circuit step by step - gave us a lot of information on the story of the geography not just like a guide but like a scientist almost (he was full of knowledge for this space). It was obvious that he really loves these lands and mountains, it was great to experience this route with him. I never write reviews, but this was a great trip on all levels, and want to make sure anyone who sees the review doesn’t doubt and just goes for it. Thank you Luis, Merlin and explore share - for your friendliness, professionalism and love of nature. You definitely added an incredible memory to our minds. I highly recommend everyone to experience Huemel Circuit with Luis and Merlin. Gulcin and Sebastiaan

Jamie

5.00

Could not recommend both Merlin and his touring itineraries more. He went above and beyond from guiding us to lines I will never forget to showing us how an asado is done to renting me his *personal* skis for 2 weeks to make sure I had the best equipment for the adventure. He’s not like other guides I’ve had before, pushing us to get the most rewarding experience possible. Already looking forward to the next adventure.


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