The South Patagonian Ice Cap, third largest expanse of continental ice on earth, is exceeded in scale only by Antarctica and Greenland. Our exciting trekking adventure in the wilds of the southern Patagonia, has as its centre-piece a challenging traverse of this Ice Field.
We enter Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, and spend ten days on a trekking and snow-shoeing circuit amid its glaciers and towering granite spires.
Our trek (seven to nine days, depending upon climatic conditions) takes us up the Marconi Glacier and onto the Ice Field. We spend several days in this immense icy wilderness as we snow-shoe our way west and south across the white expanse and marvel at the rarely-seen west face of the Cerro Torre group as well as the Mariano Moreno and other ranges at the heart of the Ice Field to the west.
Having completed our circuit, we return to Calafate. [Note: For this programme, experience in the use of crampons and snow-shoes is not a requirement. However, extreme weather conditions can make the going tough and previous experience of trekking and camping in winter conditions would be beneficial. Participants are required to carry their own back pack, so a good level of fitness is necessary.]
Joining the tour
On booking, you will be sent the following information: name and address of Chalten hotel, and time of rendezvous with guide.
Itinerary details
Note: If circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Note: There are spare 'buffer' days available in case we lose days due to poor weather].
Day 1 Today you make your way (we can organise hotels and buses) from El Calafate to El Chalten, by bus (4 hours). El Chalten is small town of approx 300 population, located at the foot of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. You meet with rest of your group and guide and receive a trek briefing about the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The guide gives instructions on how to use camping and technical gear (provided) and checks your kit. Spend the evening in a hotel or lodge. (D)
Day 2 After breakfast, our vehicle takes you to the bridge over Eléctrico River, 15 Km northwest of El Chaltén, and the start point of our trek towards the base of Marconi Glacier. We walk the first two hours on a well-marked path, through a forest of Lengas and Ñires trees alongside Eléctrico River.
As the vegetation thin, we happen upon the Piedra Del Fraile campsite (Refugio Los Troncos – property of Estancia Ricanor), our last encounter with civilization until we return to El Chaltén.
From here, we continue to trek towards the Fitz Roy massif, entering a great glacier valley surrounded by Treinta Aniversario, Marconi South and the North Peaks. We follow the southern shore of Lake Eléctrico, crossing moraines and rocky formations left by the glaciers less than 70 years ago.
We cross Pollone River and get views of the North-west face of Fitz Roy. Another hour of trekking brings us to the western shore of Lake Eléctrico where we set-up our camp, only 20 minutes away from Marconi Glacier. Those with energy can explore the immediate area. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Today we get start what will be the daily camp routine - expedition: breakfast, pack up camp and backpacks, then trek.
Within 30 minutes of leaving camp we can see the face of the Marconi Glacier. A gigantic scree moraine is our first obstacle; the terrain here is unstable and moves constantly, preventing the formation of a clear path. It’s a scramble for 20 minutes until we reach the glacier for what is probably the toughest part of the trek.
We climb 2400 ft (800 m) on ice and snow, using crampons and avoiding crevasses, with the expert assistance of the guide and his team (we may rope up if necessary). It may be windy and stormy, or completely clear, but our goal is our second campsite, on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field itself.
After a long trek, our second campsite is in the shadow of Marconi South Mt and only an hour away from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field itself. With luck, the campsite offers fantastic sunsets and sunrises over the Fitz Roy Range, Cerro Pier Giorgio, and Gorra Blanca. Full board. (B,L,D)
Day 4 In the morning, we cross the Marconi Pass. The Guide and team of assistants use sledges to carry most of the general equipment (tents, food, gas…) and we don our snowshoes. The Patagonian Ice Field opens itself up, giving fantastic views (weather permitting) of Lautaro Volcano (still active), Mariano Moreno Range (much larger than the Fitz Roy Range), the De Los Cuatro Glaciares Pass and Chico Glacier to the south.
Day 5 Today is the last day on the Ice Cap itself. We trek to De Los Esquíes lagoon, on the lateral moraine of Viedma Glacier, and it’s here the cap itself ends. If the weather is good, and the group is feeling good, we can continue up to
Paso Del Viento Hut for views. Return to camp (B,L,D)
Day 6 Rest day in the campsite near the hut (B,L,D)
Day 7 This itinerary – instead of climbing to the Windy Pass and returning to El Chalten – follows the Viedma Glacier towards Lake Viedma. This allows us to trek alongside and in view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and Viedma Glacier for two more days.
Day 8 It’s a steep descent to Lake Viedma and Cabo de Hornos Bay for our rendez-vous with the boat HUEMUL, which will take us to Bahía Túnel. From here, we meet the van and it takes us 30 minutes to get back to El Chaltén, and our lodgings – civilisation – showers, restaurants and for those that indulge – beer! (B,BL,D)
Day 9 To be used at any point of the expedition. If the day is not needed, our services end on the first morning after we return to El Chalten. (B,BL,D if used).
Day 10 Tour ends.
Discover all the highlights of Patagonia’s national parks with our 15 day Patagonia Adventure or, for trekking enthusiasts, our Wilds of Patagonia trip.
Argentina also hosts the mighty Iguazu Falls. Check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Practical information Small groups mean flexibility and informality. Please note that from your arrival in Chalten on day one of the itinerary until departing Chalten on day 10, an English-speaking guide will be on hand to provide information, offer advice and iron out any problems. At all other times you will be assisted by our local representatives. While trekking you will be accompanied by mountain guides. In Chalten, a lodge with dormitory-style accommodation is used. When camping we use two person mountain tents. On the ice field trek non-personal equipment is transported for us, but you are required to carry your own rucksack containing kit and communal food. You may be called upon to assist guides in meal preparation.
Fitness and experience: To get the most out of this tour you should be in very good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the trek, since this is a subjective matter. However, we have classified this trek as strenuous. We will walk approximately six to nine hours per day while carrying all our personal luggage and equipment. The trek involves several ascents and descents (some long and steep). It also involves long periods on snow and ice. Previous experience of hillwalking and camping in remote areas is recommended for this tour. While experience in winter walking and the use of crampons would be beneficial, it is not a requirement. Neither is the use of snow shoes. A grounding in the use of equipment is provided.
Altitude: Not a major factor on this itinerary, since we do not go above 1600 metres. Nevertheless, the strong winds which periodically affect Patagonia during the summer months can make walking much more strenuous, particularly while on the ice field.
Climate: [NB This itinerary takes place within southern Patagonia. Seasonal climate information below refers specifically to this zone].
May to October Autumn/winter. Cold and wet. Snow often lying on higher ground. Proximity of oceans means that temperatures rarely drop below zero at sea level. Short days. Not suitable for trekking.
November to April Spring/summer. Average high 14 degrees Celsius, average low 5 degrees Celsius at sea level. However, temperatures drop sharply with altitude gain, especially on the ice field. After dark, temperatures on the ice field drop well below zero. Typical feature of the climate here is strong westerly winds, which lower temperatures significantly. Weather changeable and localised. In general, the further west, the wetter and the further east, the drier. Rarely snow lying below 800 metres. Long days. Trekking season.
Visas: British citizens visiting Argentina currently require no visa. You must have a passport valid for at least six months after the date of travel. Non-British passport holders should check their visa requirements with the Chilean and Argentinean Embassy. All requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Vaccinations: Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for latest advice as requirements are subject to change.
Personal expenses: We recommend you carry funds in US dollars cash (mixed denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and US dollar travellers cheques, which can be changed in larger towns and typically incur a 5% commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM machines are available in Rio Gallegos and Calafate. Credit cards can be used in some restaurants and for obtaining cash in certain banks.
The cost of the tour includes all meals while on the trek, but you will need money to cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately the same price as Europe); any equipment hire; gifts; airport taxes ($29 international, $14 national); optional excursions; extra entrance fees; tips; laundry etc.
Flights: We can arrange your flight to Calafate at competitive rates through our ATOL-bonded agency. Approximate prices are shown on the Dates and Prices sheet sent with the brochure.
Insurance: Your insurance policy must cover you against medical expenses and repatriation. If you do not purchase insurance from us, please ensure it covers all activities you will be participating in. Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible after booking.
Luggage & Equipment: You should bring a piece of lockable luggage (eg holdall or kit bag) to be left at the hostel in Chalten while trekking. For the main trek you will need to re-pack into a rucksack (80-90 litre) which you yourself will carry. For the ice field you will need: plastic boots or four-season leather boots suitable for step-in crampons, sleeping bag (-20 deg C), camping mat (if Therm-a rest style. Standard foam mat provided), gaiters, headlamp, thermal underwear, polar fleece jacket and pants, goretex-type jacket (with hood) and overpants/saloppettes, thin polypropelene gloves, mittens and goretex overmittens, balaclava, ski-poles, bandanna, good glacier sunglasses, head-torch.
Crampons, harness and snowshoes are provided, as is all non-personal trekking and camping equipment.
Most of the above (eg plastic boots) can be hired in Chalten. Advise us as early as possible so that items can be reserved.
(Please let us know if you'd like to be sent a comprehensive equipment list).
Optional extensions: If you want to spend more time in South America, whether a high altitude train journey in Peru or Bolivia, a 5-9 day jungle expedition in Peru's Manu Reserve, or a spectacular trek in another part of the Andes, please get in touch. Facts and figures: Argentina
Population: 34.5 million, the vast majority of European origin. Important Middle-Eastern and Japanese minorities. About 15% of the population is mestizo. Of the 200 thousand Indians, many live in northern Patagonia.
Capital city: Buenos Aires, pop approx 11 million.
Geography: With 2.78 million square kilometres, Argentina is the second largest country in South America. Economy: GNP US$ 244 billion. Highest per capita income in South America. Wealth traditionally from farming, but today it accounts for only 6% of GNP. Over half of export earnings from farming and food processing. Surplus of oil, natural gas and hydroelectricity. |
