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  • Eduardo Brenner 88 (9301)
    El Chaltén, Santa Cruz, Argentina
  • info@mount-patagonia.com

Ascent to Cerro Madsen Full Day in Chaltén

Ascent to Cerro Madsen Full Day in Chaltén

South Patagonia

Full Day Activity

Training Required

Long Journey

Highlights

The objective of this trip is to climb “Cerro Madsen” (1806 m/a/s/l), which is the easiest and closest peak to Fitz Roy. The terrain involves steep screes, scramble, and snow slopes between 30° to 40°. Fantastic views of Fitz Roy and surrounding Glaciers!

Data Sheet

No overnight

1-2 People
per guide

Elevation Gain 1300m

October to April

Itinerary

FULL DAY
Depart & transfer to "Eléctrico River".

We'll leave El Chaltén early in the morning, transfer to Río Eléctrico. After passing Fitz Roy camp, we will continue up to Laguna de los Tres and, continuing up, we will mount the rocky ridge east of Cerro Madsen. Depending on the time of the year, it is common to find some snow patches above. In the presence of snow, we will most likely use crampons, ice axe and short roping.
The view from the top is possibly the most imposing and closest view to mount Fitz Roy and Piedras Blancas Glacier. We’ll descend back the same way to El Chaltén. This is a long day, estimating from 12 to 14 hours of activity.

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.

Included Services

  • Certified Mountain Guide
  • Transfer to Río Eléctrico
  • Ropes & Glacier gear
  • VHF Radio
  • First-aid kit

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

1. Personal Equipment
  • Cramponable waterproof trekking boots (*)
  • 30L Daypack
  • Walking poles
  • Sunglasses & goggles (UV)
  • Sun-block and lip balm
  • Pocket knife
  • Headlamp (batteries)
  • Bottle and thermo flask (1l)
  • Gaiters
  • Snickers or light trekking shoes
  • Long underwear (top and bottom) synthetic or wool (top and bottom) synthetic or wool
  • Warm pants and shirt
  • Sweater (medium weight) (medium weight)
  • Insulated hooded jacket (down or synthetic) (down or synthetic)
  • Waterproof pants & parka (gore-tex) (gore-tex)
  • Fleece jacket or wind stopper or wind stopper
  • Windstopper and waterproof gloves (plus spares) (plus spares)
  • Sun cap & wool or fleece hat
  • Buff, or balaclava
2. Technical Equipment Provided
  • Crampons
  • Ice Axe
  • Harness & carabiners
  • Helmet

* Please make sure you have all requested equipment. If you need to rent some of these items, please let us know in advance.

FAQ's

For further assistance:

Don't hesitate and get in touch with us
so we can evacuate your doubts.

Contact us
  • How difficult is my program?

    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.

  • What meals are included in the trips?

    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.

  • How much weight should I carry?

    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:

    ActivityWeight Range
    Hiking 1 day5-8 kg
    Trekking 4-6 days15-18 kg
    Mt. Ascents & Alpine Climbs 3 days18-20 kg
    Ice Field Expeditions 8 days22-24 kg
    Ski Touring 1 day14-16 kg

  • What is the Guide-Client ratio?
    • Hiking: 1 Guide / 12 Clients
    • Trekking: 1 Guide / 8 Clients
    • Mountain Ascents: 1 Guide / 2 Clients
    • Rock Climbing Half day: 1 Guide / 4 Clients
    • Rock Climbing Full day: 1 Guide / 2 Clients
    • Ice Field Expeditions: 1 Guide / 6 Clients
    • Ski Touring: 1 Guide / 4 Clients
  • Can I hire a Private Guide?

    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.

  • How much in advance should I book?

    We highly recommend booking 90 days in advance, in order to find services available.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    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.

Back to Programs

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Contact us for doubts or booking on this program.

Email:

info@mount-patagonia.com

Phone:

+54 9 2966 60-7070

Opening Hours:

10am to 5pm

Address:

Eduardo Brenner 88 (9301) - El Chaltén.

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