Patagonia Ice Cap Trek & Gorra Blanca
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 includes climbing Cerro Gorra Blanca, and 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 & Gorra Blanca Trip Details
- Skill level: Beginner & Intermediate. Different types of terrain, ice, steep slopes, moraines and flat ground as well.
- Location: Continental Ice Cap, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre Massifs, Patagonia, Argentina.
- Length: 12 days
- Climber/guide ratio: 3:1
- Capacity: 9
- Prerequisites: excellent physical condition, previous experience on expeditions recommended.
- Cost: $3,400
- Departure dates:
- 11/3/10
- 12/4/10
- 1/7/11
- 2/5/11
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
Patagonia Ice Cap Trek & Gorra Blanca Trip Itinerary
| Day 1 |
El Calafate - El Chalten. We'll be waiting for you at the airport and will continue together 5 hours to Chalten, where we'll check in at our Hotel. |
| 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 |
Gorra Blanca hut. This might be the hardest day and we will use ropes and climbing techniques to deal with the Marconi pass. Expect magnificent views of the Continental Ice-cap. We’ll spend the night at Gorra Hut or advanced camp. Approx. 8 to 9 hrs. |
| Day 4 |
Gorra Blanca. From its summit we’ll enjoy an incredible view of the whole range, including Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre to the south, and the immense Patagonian Ice Cap to the west. 8/10 hours roundrip. |
| Day 5 |
Gorra Blanca Hut. Rest day. |
| Day 6 |
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. |
| Day 7 |
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 8 |
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.
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| Day 9 |
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 10 & 11 |
Extra days. These days will be used for resting or as weather days, based on the guide’s judgment. |
| Day 12 |
Transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate. End of the program. |
Restaurant meals included: day 1 (D) and day 9 (D).
Hotel includes breakfast.
Restaurant meals included: day 1, day 2, day 16 and day 17.
Hotel includes breakfast.
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