SOUTHERN PATAGONIAN ICE FIELD
Paso Marconi to Paso del Viento traverse
SOUTHERN PATAGONIAN ICE FIELD
Paso Marconi to Paso del Viento traverse
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP
TRIP DETAILS
The Patagonian ice cap is the largest non polar ice on earth, and the third glacier mass in size after Antartica and Greenland. It has an average height of 4500ft. a.s.l., covering valleys between the mountain chains, whose tops rise above the frozen plains.
Hiking distance: 50 miles
Elevation gain: 3000 ft
Group Size: 2 to 10
Conditions of the Program:
This is one of the most scenic, complete and demanding trek in Patagonia. It’s not required technical experience, but we request camping and trekking experience.You should be able to carry a backpack with around 45 pounds; and hike 6 to 8 hours a day through different terrains as trails, moraines , glaciers and snow, scree slopes; for about a week in total.
The spare days will be utilized in case of bad weather to continue the trek, or taking an alternative program.
Weather conditions:
During this trek, you should expect all kind of weather; sun, rain, perhaps some snow. The temperature during the summer is usually between 5 and 10 centigrades celsius
Operated by a partner Official Prestador de Servicios de Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.
INTINERARY
Day 1: Chalten arrival
Reception in El Chalten, meeting at hostel to re-check gear
Night in Hostel
Day 2: Chalten- Playita Electrico
We will check the gear during the morning and we’ll start the trip during late Morning, pass by to Piedra del Fraile; 2-3 hs hike and continue to Lago Electrico- Night in tents
Day 3: Electrico- Paso Marconi
Weather permitting we’ll continue on the way to Lago Eléctrico (possible campground), and going up to the Marconi pass(1500m a/s/l)trough the Marconi Glacier. Elevation gain = 900m. Hiking time= 8-9 hs. This will be a key day of the trip, the most extraneous hike and heavy load to carry. On a clear day the views of Fitz Roy, Piergiorgio and Pollone are magnificent!
Day 4: Marconi- Circo de los Altares
We’ll continue heading south through the plateau, using the snowshoes and snow sledges (if necessary) until we’ll reach the “Circo de los Altares”, unique west views of Cerros Torre and Fitz Roy. Hiking time=6 hs.
We’ll build a snow wall, to protect our tent’s. And we’ll melt snow to cook and drink water.
Day 5 : Circo de los Altares- Laguna de los esquies- Lago Ferrari
We’ll continue walking with the snowshoes through the Viedma Glacier, until we’ll come back to the lateral moraine, going out of the ice cap. Today we’ll camp at Ferrari’s bivouac, near the Ferrari Lake. Hiking time: 7-8 hs
Day 6: Laguna de los Esquies- Lago Toro
We’ll climb up to the “Paso del Viento” (the windy pass) about 1550m a/s/l and 400m elevation gain. And we’ll go down to the Tunel valley; with a possible tyrolean traverse crossing over the Río Tunel. Finishing the day back at the forest, at Laguna Toro campground.
Day 7: Lago Toro- Chalten
We’ll hike back to El Chalten trough an easy trail. Possible views of both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from the “Pliegue Tumbado”. Hiking time: 6 hs ; elevation gain 500m.
Night in Hotel
Days 8:
Extra day in case of bad weather conditions at the beginning of the trip. It’s needed a reasonable good day to go up to the Marconi Pass. Or spend the extra days at others campgrounds. End of Services
Itinerary is a Guideline and could be modified according to fitness of clients, weather and other details.
GEAR LIST
- 60-70 l Backpack
- Sleeping bag (800 gr equivalent to down recommended)
- Sleeping pad
- Plastic boots or waterproof technical leather boots (recommend the second one)
- Long underwear
- Over-pant with lateral zips (gore-tex recommended)
- 2 Capilene
- Thick fleece or similar (second layer)
- Rain Jacket (Gore-tex or similar)
- Patagonia puff, synthetic jacket (light weight warm)
- Gaiters
- 2x fleece gloves and waterproof gloves
- Hiking poles obligatory
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Sun glasses with UV filter
- 70 SP sun protection and lips protector
- One liter plastic bottle (Nalgene recommendable)
- Mol skin( for blisters)
- Hand sanitizer
- Pocketknife
- Head lamp
- Personal Medical Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Electrolytes, energy supplements
INCLUDES
- UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV Mountain guide and assistant.
- All meals during the expedition
- Transportation from Balmaceda airport to the starting point
- Transportation back to Balmaceda.
- Lodging in Fundo San Lorenzo and hut /Tents, stoves, camping gear
- Night in Hotel during the first and last day of the trip
- Horses for carrying gear
Not includes
- Domestic and international flights Meals in citys, towns.
- Crampons, harnesses, ice axe could be provided /rented if is necessary
PHOTO GALLERY
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
70% RATE OF RETURNING CLIENTS FOR OVER 10 YEARS
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