South Patagonia
3 Days Activity
Training Required
Technical Climb Required
Aguja de la S (2335m/a/s/l) is an ideal intro to an Alpine Ascent in Patagonia, for experienced climbers. The terrain involves steep screes, glacier travel, Ice Climbing & Rock Climbing. Besides the "Austrian Route", there are alternative routes according to conditions.
Camp & Bivouac
1-2 People per guide
Elevation Gain: 2000m
November to March
Transfer to Río Eléctrico. Trek towards Laguna Sucia, passing through Piedras Blancas Glacier and Poincenot Campsite. From Laguna Sucia is a scree and scrumble terrain to reach the rock cave below the Rio Blanco Glacier. Aproaching time: approx 5hs. Vertical gain: approx. 800m.
We´ll start before sunrise from our bivouac (4-5 am approx), after 45 min uphill through rocky terrain, we´ll reach the base of the glacier. From there we´ll continue with crampons and rope to the beginning of the climbing route. The climb starts with a snow couloir of 200m (50˚ slope), and then 7 rock climbing pitches of V+/6a (French scale) on very good granite! For the descent, we will rappel down to the start of the route and then walk down back to the bivouac site. The complete activity will take about 14 to 16 hours with a 1000 meters of elevation gain.
Descent to El Chaltén by Capri Lake, approx 5hs.
Note: The itinerary can be modified and should be considered only as a guide. External factors such as snow or weather conditions could change the original plan, and your guide will have the criteria to change the program if necessary. This will not entitle passengers to claim any compensation.
* Please make sure you have all requested equipment. If you need to rent some of these items, please let us know in advance.
Don't hesitate and get in touch with us
so we can evacuate your doubts.
To help you choose and prepare for our activities, we described the Level of Difficulty that corresponds to the physical effort, and technical skills required:
Physical Training Difficulty:
Moderate: Main Trails along the National Park, with distances between 5 and 18 km distance, and elevation gain lower than 500m.
Intermediate: Could involve some terrain off-trail and steep screes. Distances between 10 and 20 km, elevation gain between 500 and 1000m.
Difficult: Semi-technical Alpine terrain, could involve steep screes, scrambling, moraines, glaciers, snow, etc. Elevation gain 1000m or more.
Very Difficult: Technical Alpine Terrain; could involve rock climbing, Ice Climbing or Ski Touring. Elevation gain 1000-1500m or more.
Technical Skills:
Trekking experience required: previous backpacking 2 to 3 days.
Winter experience required: backpacking in winter conditions 3 to 4 days.
Glacier experience required: technical use of crampons and ice axe.
Climbing experience required: Alpine ascents on multi-pitch routes; rock or ice climbing. (Or both).
Ski touring experience required: Backcountry ski descents & skinning uphill.
Use of beacon, probe & shovel.
Daily programs do not include packed lunch (you can request with an additional cost). All our multi-day programs (ascents, trekking, expeditions) include the Expedition meals as detailed below. (You could bring some of your personal snacks as well).
EXPEDITION MEALS
Breakfast:
• Coffee, Tea, milk, sugar, etc.
• Muesli (cereals).
• Cookies.
Pack lunch:
• Cereal bar
• Trail mix
• Chocolate bar
• Bread or crackers
• Assorted cheeses and cold meats.
Snack:
• Peanuts
• Crackers
• Olives, etc.
Dinner:
• Instant Soup
• Main dish: Pasta, risotto or stew. (In some cases, could be dehydrated or freeze dry meals).
• Dessert: Chocolate bonbons - Herbal tea.
For a reference of the estimated weight you will be carrying in your backpack, according to the activity you choose, you can use the next chart:
| Activity | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Hiking 1 day | 5-8 kg |
| Trekking 4-6 days | 15-18 kg |
| Mt. Ascents & Alpine Climbs 3 days | 18-20 kg |
| Ice Field Expeditions 8 days | 22-24 kg |
| Ski Touring 1 day | 14-16 kg |
Yes, definitely! We are specialized on Custom Trips, and we can provide also the following services: Transportation, Lodging, Expedition Meals, Porters. We also provide services for Travel Companies, Photographers and Private Groups.
We highly recommend booking 90 days in advance, in order to find services available.
Our goal is to follow plan A, but if the weather or terrain conditions do not allow it, you will be offered a plan B or C, in order to use our services as best as possible.
info@mount-patagonia.com
+54 9 2966 60-7070
10am to 5pm
Eduardo Brenner 88 (9301) - El Chaltén.
