North Patagonia
2 or 3 Days
Training Required
Climbing Exp. Required
Mount Catedral Spires and the surroundings of Refugio Frey, is considered one of the best places in Northern Patagonia to practice traditional granite climbing. Needles that vary between 150 and 750 feet in height, with an excellent variety of routes for crack climbing & face climbing, made this place stand out internationally. One of the classic routes is the “Normal to the Main Tower” (2200m), with 300 feet of climbing and difficulty up to 5.10a. Its first ascent was made in 1943.
Mountain Hut
1-2 People
per guide
Rock Climbing
November to March
We will drive early in the morning from Bariloche towards the base of “Cerro Catedral” (30min). From there we will go up the trail that takes us to the Frey hut, located at 1700m (about 3hs approx.) If the weather is favorable and there is enough energy, in the afternoon we can climb the “Sifuentes-Weber” route at “Aguja Frey”. (sustained difficulty in the V degree) or “Jim's crack and dihedral”.
After breakfast, we will leave early to the base of the Main Tower (approx 1 hour approach). The route consists of 3 pitches of 5.8 climbing and the last one of 5.10a. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking! After pictures, we will rappel down the same route and return to the Hut. Descent to the base of the Cathedral and return to Bariloche.
There is the possibility to extend the program one more day, and take advantage of the morning of day 3 to climb another classics routes at “El Abuelo” or “M2” needle and descend to Bariloche in the afternoon.
Note: The Itinerary can be modified and should be considered only as a guide. External factors such as the conditions of the snow or weather conditions could change the original plan, and your Guide will have the criteria to change the program if he considers it necessary. <br> 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.
