Patagonia Ice Cap Trek
Mountaineering around FitzRoy & Cerro Torre
The remote Continental Ice Cap is one of the wildest places in earth, a surreal world of ice and rock, where explorers will have a unique and rewarding experience.
This intense trip to the southern Patagonia will allow you to admire the contrast between desolated yellow steppe, deep green Nothofagus forest and the white horizon of the Ice continental cap.
This full circuit around Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massif will offer impressive views of the many famous rock spires. Walking and camping on the ice will reward us with a powerful experience in this exceptional place.
Patagonia Ice Cap Trek Trip Details
- Skill level: Physically demanding. Different types of terrain, ice, steep slopes, moraines and flat ground as well.
- Location: Continental Ice Cap, The Fitz Roy, and Cerro Torre Massif, Patagonia, Argentina.
- Length: 10 days
- Climber/guide ratio: 3:1
- Capacity: 9
- Prerequisites: excellent physical condition, previous experience on expeditions recommended.
- Cost: $3,100
- Departure dates:
- 11/15/10
- 12/6/10
- 1/9/11
- 2/7/11
Included
- Certified Mountain Guides
- 2 nights Hotel accommodations in Chalten
- All meals while in the mountains
- Restaurant meals in town
- Camping and cooking gear for the group
- Technichal gear for the group
- Porter for group gear
- Private ground transportation throughout the trip
- Satellite phone
- 24/7 assistance in the US before and during the program.
- AMG Cap and T-shirt
Not included
- Plane tickets
- Park Fees
- Restaurant meals and those not listed in the itinerary
- Restaurant drinks
- Personal gear (see the Patagonia Ice Cap Trek Equipment List)
- Personal expenses
- Rescue costs and extra expenses caused by abandoning the expedition.
Patagonia Ice Cap Trek Trip Itinerary
| Day 1 |
El Calafate - El Chalten. We'll be waiting for you at the airport and we will continue together for 5 hours to Chalten, where we'll check in at our Hotel and go out for a welcome dinner. |
| Day 2 |
Rio Electrico. This day we’ll drive to Electrico’s bridge, from where we’ll start hiking to our first camp at “La Playita” (5 hours).
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| Day 3 |
Eléctrico Lake to Marconi Pass.
This might be the hardest day and we will use ropes and climbing techniques to deal with the pass. Expect magnificent views of the Continental Ice-cap. We’ll camp at the ice field. Approx. 8 to 9 hrs.
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| Day 4 |
Trek to Circo de los Altares.
There are incredible views in this section that can’t be missed; the Cirque is formed by several of the most famous peaks in the climbing world, such as Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and Egger. Weather permitting, we’ll be able to approach the West face of Cerro Torre, one of the best views in the area. Aprox 5 hours.
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| Day 5 |
Paso del Viento. After breakfast we’ll start hiking towards Paso del Viento. Heading South we’ll traverse until getting out of the glacier, to approach the Refugio through rocky terrain. 8 hours.) |
| Day 6 |
Huemul Pass. Moving arround Cerro Huemul, we’ll hike for 6/7 hours to reach Huemul Pass, with incredible views of the Viedma Glacier and Lake. Camp at the pass. |
| Day 7 |
Viedma Lake- Chalten. This day we’ll start descending to reach Cabo de Hornos Bay (3 hours), from where we’ll take the Huemul shuttle. We’ll navigate for an hour through the Viedma Lake until reaching Bahia Tunel. From there, a tranfer will take us to Chalten where our cozy hotel room, a hot shower and a great dinner will be waiting for us.
NOTE: if the shuttle can’t navigate due to bad weather conditions, we’ll be hiking our way down.
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| Day 8 & 9 |
Extra days. These days will be used for resting or as weather days, based on the guide’s judgment.
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| Day 10 |
Transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate. End of our services. |
Restaurant meals included: day 1 (D) and day 7(D).
Hotel includes breakfast.
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