Explore-Share logo and link to home

Paso del Viento 3-day trekking traverse

Join Merlín in this amazing Patagonian Trek up to Paso del Viento. Once in there you won't believe such stunning viewpoint! They will be 3 unforgettable days in company with a local IFMGA/UIAGM - AAGM mountain guide.

Not specified

Andes

3 Days

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec


Description

I bring you a great trekking option in the Patagonia, Argentina. The Paso del Viento 3-day trekking traverse is a hiking challenge to one of the most amazing viewpoints of the South Patagonian Ice field: the Viedma Glacier, the birth of Upsala and, as a backdrop, the imposing Mariano Moreno range.

This trek requires a good physical condition. In addition, my experience and knowledge of the region will assure the best guided traverse. Thus, if you want to know more about this trip, keep reading the following itinerary:

Day 1

Our meeting point will be in El Chaltén town. Then, we’ll have a briefing about the program and the checking of your gear. At the afternoon, the hike starts in direction to Laguna Toro campsite, where we’ll spend the night.

  • Total hiking time: 6 hours.

  • Altitude change: 500 meters. 

Day 2

Early in the morning we leave the camp towards the Tunnel River. Depending on the waters conditions we’ll cross it by foot or using a fixed cable and harnesses.

Then, we can hiking up in direction to Paso del Viento. On that way we have to face some moraine and rocky terrains. Once we are at the pass you cannot believe such a viewpoint. From that altitude you will see one of the best sights of the Patagonia, including the Ice Cap, Viedma Glacier and Mariano Moreno mountains.

Finally, we’ll descent to the base camp at Laguna Toro again.

  • Hiking time: 7-8 hours

  • Altitude gained: 900 meters

Day 3

Last day of this amazing trekking adventure. We will go back to El Chaltén. If you want, we can enjoy a side hike to the “Pliegue Tumbado” lookout.

  • Total hiking time of the day: 6-8 hours

So, what are you waiting to join me? It will be a honor for me to guide you in this amazing trek. Contact me for further information of if you want to book your place. Next departures are from October to April, so hurry up!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner


Details

Accommodation

2 nights in tents.

About the 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!

Languages

Italian | French | English

Certificates

AAGM | UIAGM


What people are saying about Merlín Lipshitz

Matthew Weiss

5.00

September, 2023

Trip of a lifetime! Merlin is great the setting is spectacular and we were blessed with perfect snow and bluebird skies. Couldn't ask for more.

Nash Smoll

5.00

September, 2023

Merlin is the man!! He made sure we got the most out of our week ski touring in El Chalten. Very memorable experience

David Milton

5.00

March, 2023

Our Guiide was Sebastian and I couldn’t recommend him high enough . He’s very personable. Knowledgeable, professional , well prepared and a pleasure to be with .

Marcial Manzano

5.00

March, 2023

Had an amazing experience climbing Mojon Rojo with Merlin. This was my first mountaineering experience and he made sure I was comfortable and safe the whole journey. He really knows his stuff both technically and about the area. If you're considering doing something like this, can't go wrong with Merlin.

Jonathan Campos

5.00

February, 2023

Had a great time climbing with el Chalten and fitz roy in the background. Merlin was very knowledgeable and made sure we stayed safe. Had great conversations as well.

Stephanie Krzyzewski

5.00

February, 2023

Merlín is an awesome guide, can’t recommend him enough. He’s easy going and fun to be around, and his method of route selection was perfect for us. We shared what we were hoping for, and once he was able to assess our skill level, he took us on a route that was right at the edge of both our skill and comfort zone. His intuition about what would be the best experience for us was spot on, and it was our favorite day of climbing we’ve ever had!

Ariana Kim

5.00

January, 2023

Juan was wonderful! Though we weren't able to do our first day due to a neck injury he had, he rallied for our second day, and we were so grateful - we checked out some of the most beautiful multi-pitch climbing I've done, with condors soaring ahead...and then did some super fun sport leads after lunch...Juan was kind, knowledgeable, and a total pro. We highly recommend Juan!

Jose Cotrim

5.00

December, 2022

It is not an easy trip you must be prepared for what the weather will be at that moment. But once said that is for sure one of the most beautiful places to visit good gear and good guiding is for sure a good start.

Tim Board

5.00

November, 2022

Brilliant climb of Cerro Electrico with Merlin! I had actually booked for a 2 day ascent of Mojon Rojo but the weather forecast didn’t allow it. As I couldn’t stay another day Merlin offered the 1 day climb of Cerro Electrico instead. I felt very safe with him all day, he has a vast experience of mountaineering in the region and beyond. I would definitely book with Merlin again.

Sebastian Becker

5.00

November, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Alfonso MARTINEZ

5.00

September, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Ben Cynewski

5.00

July, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Gülçin Altinok

5.00

February, 2022

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

Keith Bailey

5.00

January, 2022

Emiliano was great. I have traveled all over the world with many trekking guides. He is definitely among the best. Thank you, Emiliano, for a great trip!

Tatsuya Sato

5.00

January, 2022

Merlin is a well accomplished climber, and he has shared with me his knowledge abs skills while we were climbing. Climbing Cerro Electrico was very physically demanding, but I had an amazing time climbing with him. I can’t wait to climb other peaks with him again.


 

You may also like

 

Find more hiking trips in Argentina

 

Join our newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.