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Introduction

The objective of this trip is climb the “Gorra Blanca” (2900m/a/s/l), which is located near “Marconi Pass”, at the entrance of the Patagonian Ice Cap. There is a Chilean refuge at the base, which facilitate the logistic.

Data Sheet

4 Days expedition

Very difficult: Physically very demanding. Training required

30-40% slope gradient

Elevation gain: 2400 meters

Glacier experience required

1-2 people per guide

September to March

Itinerary

DAY 1

Transfer to Río Eléctrico and start the trekking. It takes about 8 hs to get to “Laguna de los 14” Campsite at the foot of Gorra Blanca Glacier. The first 2 hs along a lenga forest, and then on rocky terrain around Lago Electrico. There will be 2 river crossings: Pollone River & Electrico river, but only the second one has a cable zip-line to go across with harnesses.

DAY 2

Trek to “Paso Marconi” (1550m/a/s/l); 6 to 8hs. This is the crux of the trip; we'll need a reasonable good day in order to reach the pass. Weather allowing, there are excellent views of Fitz Roy, Piergiorgio and Gorra Blanca, among other peaks. After the camp, there are some steep rocky passages in order to reach the glacier. Once on the Ice or snow; we´ll start using crampons, rope and sleds, to continue to Gorra Blanca refuge (Refugio “Eduardo García Soto”).

DAY 3

Gorra Blanca summit attempt (2900m/a/s/l) by the normal route (NW ridge), with average ice slopes from 30 to 40 degrees. There may be a short steeper section to climb the final summit mushroom. If the weather is favorable, we´ll be able to contemplate part of the Ice Field, the Cordon Gaea, Volcano Lautaro, Mount´s Fitz Roy and Torre among others. We´ll head back to the refuge in the afternoon. This is about a 10 hour day with a gain of 1300 meters. (4000 feet).

DAY 4

A long day heading back from Marconi Pass to Laguna de los 14, Lago Eléctrico and El Chaltén.

End of the services.

Trekking El Chalten Patagonia

INCLUDED SERVICES

Certified Mountain Guide
4 seasons tents
Kitchen set & utensils
Glacier equipment: crampons, harness, rope, helmet, etc.
VHF radio or In Reach
First-aid kit
GPS
Expedition food
Transfer El Chaltén-Río Eléctrico-El Chaltén

Trekking El Chalten Patagonia

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES

Transportation from El Calafate to El Chaltén
Lodging at El Chaltén
Porters (at your request)
Personal Equipment
Alcoholic drinks
Personal Travel & Rescue Insurance (highly recommended)
Services not specified
Gratuities

Packing List

Weather: The weather in Patagonia is notorious for high winds and extreme variability. Days can range from sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s (15°C) in October to rain, hail, and occasionally even snow. Nighttime temperatures often drop down into the 30s and 40s (0-5°C). The wind-chill factor can sometimes make the ambient temperature feel much colder. Please come prepared for all possibilities and equipped with good quality rain and wind gear.

1

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

• Mountaineering boots CLASS B1 OR B2 (*).
• 65-70 L backpack
• Sleeping Bag (-10 or -15°C, down recommended)
• Bivi sac (optional)
• Insulate mattress (Therm-a-Rest or similar recommended, with insulation)
• Walking poles with snow basket
• Sunglasses with UV filter (Class 4 for glacier travel)
• Ski Goggles
• Sun-block and lip balm
• Compeed or second skin (personal blisters kit)
• Personal Hygienic set (toilet paper, wet wipes)
• Small Personal first aid kit
• Pocket knife & spoon / Bowl and cup
• Duct-Tape (optional)
• Head lump (with spare batteries)
• Water Bottles (2 Nalgene bottles recommended)

2

GEAR LIST

• Light shoes (Approach shoes or mountain running shoes)
• Neoprene socks (light weight; optional for river crossings)
• Merino baselayers (top and bottom)
• Soft shell pants
• Sweater (medium weight)
• Synthetic puffy jacket (mid weight)
• Down hooded Jacket (heavy weight)
• 3 pairs of thermal socks (2 thick and one liner)
• Waterproof pants (Gore-tex with lateral zips)
• Waterproof Jacket (Gore-Tex)
• Snow Gaiters
• 3 pairs of gloves: Thin gloves + midlayer gloves + waterproof insulated gloves (with fingers ideal)
• Sun cap or Sun hat
• Wool or fleece hat
• Neck warmer, buff, or balaclava

(*) We can rent you the boots; If needing these, please let us know when you register. Also, give us your boot size. 

Please make sure you have all requested equipment, let us konw if you need advice for buying or renting

NOTE

Water is potable in Southern Patagonia. Please bring your own water filter or purification tablets if you don’t want to drink the water untreated.
Sleeping bags/pads are available for rent in El Chaltén. Book early for best availability

If you like this program, you can start planning your adventure now!

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Contact Us

Eduardo Brenner 88 (9301)
El Chaltén, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Phone: +54 9 2966 60-7070
Email: info@mount-patagonia.com

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