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Southern Ice Field Expedition, Patagonia

Southern Ice Field Expedition, Patagonia
Paso del Viento
Southern Ice Field Expedition, Patagonia
Southern Ice Field Expedition, Patagonia
Southern Ice Field Expedition, Patagonia

Join Merlin, an IFMGA- certified mountain guide, on this extraordinary Southern Ice Field Expedition and get to know a unique spot in the amazing Patagonia.

Andes

8 Days

Jan - Mar, Nov, Dec

High

Advanced


Description

This 8 days expedition will take us to the Southern Ice Field, in Patagonia. It is the third largest extension of ice of the world, and the biggest in South America.

During this demanding but amazing expedition we will cover almost 100 km in a round circuit, starting from El Chaltén and going around Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and enjoying great views of these iconic mountains. The variety of glaciers, stone massifs, as well as the different landscapes created by the weather conditions make this trip a unique lifetime experience.

Success will always depend, in great measure, on the climatic factors and the conditions of the terrain. The weather in this area is very unstable and unpredictable; you must be prepared for “wild” weather conditions and accept that we will do our best to achieve our goals.

Contact me if you are interested in this unforgettable expedition in the southern Patagonia!

Price includes

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

Itinerary

Day 1: EL CHALTÉN

Meeting with the Guide; debrief about the details of the program and final check of the gear.

Day 2: LA PLAYITA

Transfer to Río Eléctrico and start the trekking. It takes 2 hours to get to “Piedra del Fraile” Campsite or 5 hours to “La Playita” Camp, 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). Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: PASO MARCONI

Trek to “Paso Marconi” (1550 m/a/s/l); 6 to 10 hours. This is the crux of the trip; it’s needed a reasonable good day to reach the pass. Weather allowing, there are excellent views of Fitz Roy, Piergiorgio and Gorra Blanca, among others. Once over the Pass, the wind is not against us anymore, it will be on our backs for the rest of the way. Camp on the Ice Cap or at the Gorra Blanca refuge. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: CIRCO DE LOS ALTARES

Trek to “Circo de Los Altares”. This is a short day (about 6 hours) with the possibility to approach the west face of Cerro Torre and its satellites. This is one of the most impressive views of Los Glaciares National Park. Camp on the Ice Cap. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: PASO DEL VIENTO

Trek to “Laguna Ferrari” or “Paso del Viento” refuge. After about 4 hours hiking south from the Circo, we will get out of the glacier and hike 2 to 3 hours more trough moraines and rockery terrain. Camp at Laguna Ferrari or Paso del Viento refuge. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: LAGUNA TORO OR PASO HUEMUL OPTION

Trek over “Paso del Viento”(1500 m/a/s/l) and then down the Tunnel valley to get to Laguna Toro and camp at the forest, about 6 to 7 hours. There are excellent views of the Mariano Moreno Range and Viedma Glacier. The terrain is rockery again and we will pass some small glaciers as well. There is a river crossing near Laguna Toro, through a tyrolean traverse. Camp at “Laguna Toro”. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.
*Paso Huemul Option: An alternative is to continue this day to “Paso Huemul”, in order to arrive the following day to “Bahía Túnel” (“Boat transfer is optional from Bahía Cabo de Hornos”).

Day 7: EXTRA DAY

Back up day in case of bad weather conditions or rest day. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: RETURN TO EL CHALTÉN

Trek back to El Chaltén through a trail, over the Pliegue Tumbado, it will take about 5 to 6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.

 

About the guide

Guide profile image

Merlín

5.0

(88)

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 this trip

Michael

Fantastischer Bergsteiger-Trip über das patagonische Eisfeld von El Chaltén aus. Unser Bergführer Juan und sein Assistent Raffael waren hervorragende Führer. Wir hatten eine super Zeit zusammen. Die Tour ist körperlich sehr anspruchsvoll, ein echtes Abenteuer. Aufgrund eines Schlechtwetter-Einbruchs mussten wir zusammen 2,5 Tage auf einer chilenischen Hütte ohne Heizmöglichkeit Weihnachten feiern. Juan und Raffa haben uns am 24.12. sogar Pizza auf dem Gaskocher gebacken! Das Wetter klarte auf und wir konnten auf das Eisfeld gehen. Die Blicke auf den Cerro Torre und FitzRoy waren atemberaubend schön! Die gesamte Organisation über Merlin und sein Büro sowie mit Juan und Raffa waren top! Unser absolutes Highlight in Patagonien.

José

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.


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