South Patagonia
10 Days Expedition
Training Required
Elevation Gain 1700m
The Patagonian Ice Cap is the third largest extension of ice of the world, and the biggest in South America. It has an average height of 1500m/a/s/l, and it can be described like a vast plain covered with snow and crossed by the Andes from north to south. In this program, we will circumnavigate the Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre mountain range, covering a distance of approx. 100km. From Marconi Pass, we´ll attempt to climb Mount Gorra Blanca (2900m). This is one of the most challenging and impressive trips in Southern Patagonia.
Backpack Weight: 30kg
2 to 6 People Groups
Winter Experience Required.
September to March
Meeting with the Guide; debrief about the details of the program and check of the personal equipment.
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.
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”).
Through 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)
This is a short day (about 6 hs) with the possibility to approach the famous west face of Cerro Torre. This site has one of the most impressive views of Los Glaciares National Park, the west face of Cerro Torre, especially at sunset! Camp at “Circo de los Altares”.
After about 4 hs hiking south from the Circo, we will exit the glacier and hike 2 to 3hs more trough moraines and rocky terrain. Camp at Laguna Ferrari or Paso del Viento hut.
Then, down through the Tunnel valley to get to Laguna Toro. In a clear day, there are excellent panoramic views of Mariano Moreno Range and Viedma Glacier. The terrain is rocky with screes and we’ll get across a short section of Glacier Tunel. There is a river crossing near Laguna Toro with a cable zip-line or by foot at he bottom of the valley. Camp at “Laguna Toro”.
Trek back to El Chaltén trough forest of “lengas” and over the “Pliegue Tumbado”, it´ll take about 5-6 hs. We will celebrate the end of the expedition with a barbecue dinner!
Note: The Itinerary can be modified and should be considered only as a guide. External factors such us the conditions of the snow or weather conditions could change the original plan, and your Guides will have the criteria to change the program if they consider is necessary.
* 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.
