Destination : Patagonia
Program Type : Multiactive

Duration : 8 days / 7 Nights
Price : $1,478 / € 1,123
(per person) Taxes included

El Chaltén – Marconi Pass – Glacier Tunnel – Toro Lake

One-of-a-kind global experience, of high difficulty.

The Patagonian Ice Field is one of the most impressive places to visit in the southern hemisphere, and it is the third largest expanse of ice in the world. To get to know it and visit its eternal snow, shared between Chilean and Argentinean territory, is the dream of many an adventurer. In this program, we offer you the chance to cover this territory in a tantalizing expedition, which will take you to captivating spots, intertwined with the imposing Andes mountain range.

Day 1: El Chaltén

Before starting your Patagonian adventure, you will meet with the mountain guide to check safety elements and to review the latest program details.

Day 2: El Chaltén – La Playita

Today we will start to experience the Ice Field in full!  After breakfast, you will be transported to Rio Eléctrico, from where you will take part in a fascinating trek of 2 hours to Piedra del Fraile.  Here you will find some services, provided by a local private refuge.  After having earned a short rest, you will resume the hike, now across rocky terrain, to arrive in approximately 3 more hours at La Playita Camp.

Day 3: Cerro Fitz Roy – Paso Marconi

If the weather permits it, today we will ascend Paso Marconi (Marconi Pass), which is 1500 meters above sea level.  During the trek, which has a duration of 6 to 10 hours, you will be delighted by the beauty of the scenery of this region, as you reach mountains/hills such as Pergiorgio, Fitz Roy and Piedra Blanca.  Once you find yourself west of Marconi Pass, you will have left behind the relentless wind and from there there will be no impediment to prevent you from arriving at the Marconi Pass Camp, or, in the absence of that, Gorra Blanca Refuge.

Day 4: Paso Marconi – Circo De Los Altares

The “Circus of the Altars” is waiting for you to conquer it in a trek that will take between 4 and 6 hours. If you would like, you can get close to the great western wall of the legendary Cerro Torre and enjoy one of the most astonishing panoramic views of Los Glaciares National Park. If this highlight occurs at dawn, the beauty of the scenery will be unequalled. After a similar sight, you will be directed to “Circus of the Altars” Camp, to revive the energy necessary to allow you to continue in this illuminating vividness.

Day 5: Sur Del Circo – Laguna Ferrari – Refugio Paso Del Viento

On this day you will have the option of crossing the paths towards Ferrari Lagoon or to undertake the hike that has Windy Pass Refuge as its destination.  Whatever your decision, a trek of around 4 hours awaits you towards the Sur del Circo (South of the Circus). You will leave from Viedma Glaciar and continue your hike, enjoying another two or three hours of pleasure, until you arrive at your chosen destination

Day 6: Paso Del Viento – Laguna Toro

You have been crossing the terrain for several days, but the extraordinary shapes of the Ice Field will not fail to surprise you.  On this day, the ascent to Windy Pass awaits you, and the Pass is located at 1500 metres above seal level.  Once you have reached the summit, you will descend by way of Valle del Río Túnel, with the aim of reaching Laguna Toro.  From this pass, the panoramic view of the Mariano Moreno Cordón and of the Viedma Glacier will leave you staggered.  The trek continues across a rocky-type terrain, and you will cross some moraines and also part of the Glacier Tunnel.  Before the day dies out, you will go across a zip-line that will take you above the Túnel River, to finally arrive at the “Laguna Toro” Camp, after around six hours of treking.

Day 7: Rest – Paso Huemul

This day is a planned precaution in our program, in case of inclement weather at some point in our journey.  If it is not necessary to use today to catch up, you can take advantage of a day of rest, well-earned at this stage of the the trip.  Another alternative is to take a diversion from the original itinerary and continue trekking towards Huemul Pass, to hike around the Hill of the same name, in an easterly direction.

Day 8: El Chaltén – Bahía Túnel

If you have chosen to relax on Day 7, this morning you will embark upon the course to return to El Chaltén.  In a hike of six hours, you will travel via the path, which will take you down into the valley of Río Túnel and you will cross the Pliegue Tumbado, to make the final point of this magnificent experience.
If, instead, your path continues along Huemul Pass, you will finish your trip en Bahía Túnel, with the possibility of taking a boat from Bahía Cabo de Hornos, which will take you away, little-by-little, from these unforgettable lands.

• Rates valid 2013-2014
• Rates subject to the variations of the market

Important Reminder

To venture towards the unexpected is part of the legacy – and of the emotion – of expedition adventures. By means of this reminder we ask you to keep in mind that there are no guarantees that we can complete all of these activities that we have proposed to do, since it will largely depend on the climactic conditions and on the terrain. A reasonable degree of flexibility is someting we ask of everyone who takes this trip. To increase the chances of being able to stick to the planned itinerary, we have added an extra day to the program. In each situation, however, it will be the Mountain Guides who will decide any adjustments that will need to be made to the program.

Characteristics Of The Expedition

This is an expedition of high difficulty. It requires that you are in excellent physical shape and are able to carry a backpack with a load that weighs between 25 and 30 kilos (55 and 66 pounds). (You will have the option to hire additional carriers to transport the load, if you wish.) Similarly, you will need to have previous experience of trekking and camping. However, it is not essential that you have technical knowledge. Due to the climate, this expedition will only be carried out between the months of October and March.

Note: For this proposed activity, technical safety and camping equipment will be provided, but not the personal attire that is detailed below, nor the technical footwear (plastic boots).

List Of Required Personal Equipment (Not Included)

• Backpack 75 L
• Sleeping bag 800 gr or (-15°C)
• Pocketknife or penknife
• Mat (Therma-rest recommended)
• Front-facing flashlight with spare batteries
• Double-plastic boots or similar leather boots.  (We can lease these to you for the expedition.  If you would like them, please indicate this on your application form, together with your shoe size.)
• A pair of spare light footwear (such as sneakers)
• Fine thermal pants or synthetic socks
• 3 pairs of socks (2 pairs thick synthetic socks, 1 light pair)
• Gore-Tex pants covers
• Light synthetic shirt
• Thick synthetic shirt
• Medium sweater or fleece
• Windbreaker or thick polar jacket
• Hooded anorak (Gore-Tex)
• Leggings
• Three pairs of gloves (polar or windcheater, waterproof and spare)
• Telescopic poles
• Wooly or polar winter hat
• Neck protection (type buff)
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses with UV and goggles
• Sunscreen and lip protector
• 1 Litre Nalgene bottle and/or Thermos
• Toiletries/personal hygiene set
• Wide duct tape

Included

• Mountain guide
• Assistant (1 for a group of up to 6 people; 2 for a group of 7 to 12 people)
• Technical equipment for the snowy mountains: crampons, harnesses, ropes and safety equipment.  Spades and sledges.
• High mountain tents, cooking set and personal dishes
• Food for the days of trekking: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner (Days 2 to 7.  Dinner not included on Day 8.)
• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• VHF Radio
• First-Aid Kit
• Transfer El Chaltén-Río Eléctrico

Not Included

• Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén
• Hotel in El Chaltén
• Additional carrier
• Personal equipment (described above)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Services not specified in the program
• Personal insurance tips