South Patagonia
5 Days
Training Required
Trekking Exp. Required
Enjoy a variety of landscapes, from towering mountains and expansive glaciers to serene lakes and verdant valleys, showcasing the region's diverse natural beauty.
4 Nights Camping
2-8 People
per guide
Intermediate Difficulty
October to April
Debrief about the program and early check of your personal equipment.
Located on the Northwest branch of the Argentino lake (200 meters or 630 feet a/s/l). We'll start hiking around noon, along the Catalina river valley and then, after passing the Northern margin of Anita lagoon, we will arrive to the Norte river valley. The landscape is mostly steppe and beech forests (lenga trees), transiting on old cattle tracks. Estimated time of total walk is about 7-8 hours. We will set camp at “Río Norte 1”.
During this day we'll walk among lengas, “mallines” (wet grasslands) and glacier moraines (rocky terrain), with some traces of old tracks. We'll hike right by the Mount Norte base, with excellent views to its hanging glacier and small lake. We will get to a second lagoon and an open meadow in order to reach our second campsite: “Río Norte 2”. Total time of walking will be around 8 hours.
From our previous night campsite, we will continue our way up to the “Paso Norte” (1100 meters or 3500 feet a/s/l), our highest point of the trip. Upon arriving, the view is of some astounding 360º, and wide open on the valleys below. After some time for pictures (weather allowing), we will start walking downhill to the “Bosque Quemado” (burned forest) valley, approaching lake Viedma’s Moyano sound. This day is mostly off the beaten track, crossing through “mallines”, rocky terrain and bush wagging. Estimated walking time for the day is of about 8 hours. We will set camp for the night at the “Puesto”, a beautiful spot by the shores of lake Viedma (300 meters or 980 feet a/s/l).
After breakfast, we will walk towards East, going along the Viedma lake by its Southern margin. We will be wading some small creeks, crossing through some more bushes and “mallines” until reaching the “Laguna de la Pesca”, where we will set our last night camping. We will be walking a total of about 4-5 hours this day.
Once we leave the “Laguna de la Pesca”, some old tracks start to show in our way, we will follow them walking through hillsides, until we reach Estancia Helsingfors. We will be walking a total of about 3-4 hours this day. Transfer to El Calafate or El Chaltén. End of our services.
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. This will not entitle passengers to claim any compensation.
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.
* 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.
