On The Trail of Glaciers

Patagonia Active Adventure

Traverse the paths that rim the glaciers of the Fitz Roy mountain range and the Cerro Torre. Walk on the Cagliero Glacier to the north, cruise on the Laguna del Desierto (Desert Lagoon) and hike up to the limit between Argentina and Chile.

The camps provide all the facilities for a comfortable stay and are manned by a friendly and professional staff who prepare the meals and take care of everything necessary with a smile and exceptional service.

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights

Difficulty: moderate

Minimum: 2 participants

Dates of Operation: October 20 to March 31st

Itinerary

DAY 1

EL CHALTEN – LAGUNA TORRE – THORWOOD CAMP

The day starts with an 8 am hotel pick-up. From El Chaltén start out for Laguna Torre (Torre Lagoon), walking along the Fitz Roy River valley and visiting several viewpoints with vistas of the Cerro Solo, the Adela cordon, and the Cerro Torre.

After traversing the valley, arrive at Thorwood camp. Here there is time for a rest before continuing as far as the Laguna Torre moraine to enjoy a box lunch, before returning to camp for the night. Upon arrival, a delicious dinner will be waiting, with bedroom tents set up for the night’s rest.

Hike time: 4 hours

Distance: 9 kilometres

Slope: 250 metres (máximum ascent in the day)

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Camp (double tents, sleeping bag, insulating m

DAY 2

THORWOOD CAMP – LAGUNA DE LOS TRES – POINCENOT CAMP

After breakfast it is time to start out towards Poincenot Camp, bordering the Madre and Hija lakes on the way. This is a very beautiful Trail, with incredible panoramic points. After a 3-hour trek, arrive at camp for a rest before starting the ascent to Laguna de los Tres. This is the emblematic hike of the area and provides access to a spectacular viewpoint for the entire Fitz Roy Cordon. Spend an hour at this wonderful spot to enjoy the views and a box lunch, before descending once again to Poincenot Camp for dinner and to spend the night.

Hike Time: 7:00 hs

Distance: 10 km

Slope: 650 m

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Lodging: Camp (double tents, sleeping bag, insulating mat).

DAY 3

POINCENOT CAMP – PIEDRA DEL FRAILE CAMP

After breakfast leave Poincenot Camp and follow the western bank of the Blanco River towards the next camp: Piedra del Fraile, passing the Piedras Blancas Glacier on the way. Once installed in the new camp, the guide will lead a one-hour hike to the Pollone Glacier and amazing views of the Fitz Roy mountain.

Hike Time: 4:00 hs

Distance: 10 km

Slope: 0 m

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Lodging: Camp (double tents, sleeping bag, insulating mat).

DAY 4

PIEDRA DEL FRAILE CAMP – LAGUNA CONDOR REFUGE

After breakfast start the descent along the Electrico River to the bridge over Route 41. Here a transport will be waiting for the drive to the Laguna Condor Refuge for a two night stay in cabins equipped with private bathrooms.

This day is a day to rest and recharge energy. One can take advantage of the facilities such as the hot tub or take bicycle rides in the surrounding area. Dinner is a three-course meal.

Hike Time: 3:00 hs

Distance: 7 km

Slope: 0 m

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Lodging: Cabin with private bathroom (double base)

DAY 5

CAGLIERO GLACIER ICE TREK

Around 8:30 a.m. take a vehicle transfer to the Los Huemules Private Reserve. Here join a little-used trail through fascinating lenga forests towards the Diablo Lagoon, enjoying an uncommon view of the northern face of the Fitz Roy mountain. Upon arriving at the lagoon, guides will assist with donning the equipment necessary for traversing the Via Ferrata (rock climbing areas of little difficulty that have been prepared with steel wires and artificial steps, so that trekkers can move autonomously and self-secured with specially designed harnesses and belts).

This part of the activity is an excursion in its own right. The longer one traverses the Via Ferrata, the more entertaining it becomes. It will take approximately one and a half hours to reach the Glacier Viewpoint (Mirador del Glaciar). From here, a short walk leads to the face of the glacier and the Cagliero Bivouac, where guides will assist with donning the crampons necessary for the walk on the glacier itself, the highlight of the day.

Return to the Cagliero Bivouac in the afternoon to enjoy a hot beverage and the stunning views before starting the descent via a “Tibetan Bridge” to the starting point of the Via Ferrata (to drop off the technical equipment). Then on to the gateway of the Los Huemules Reserve for the vehicle transfer back to the Refuge at Condor Lagoon to enjoy a delicious dinner and a well-earned rest.

Hike Time: 9:00 hs

Distance: 14 km

Slope: 550 m

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Lodging: Cabin with private bathroom (double)

DAY 6

CONDOR LAGOON REFUGE – ARGENTINA-CHILE FRONTIER – EL CHALTEN

Around 8:30 a.m. transfer by van to the southern end of the Lago del Desierto to board a boat for a one-hour navigation to the northern shore of the lake. Upon arrival, go through Customs procedures and then start the climb up to the historical milestone at the limit between Argentina and Chile. This is a 6-kilometre trek which takes around 2:30 hours. Enjoy a box lunch at the milestone before descending once again to the northern shore of the lake. At 5 pm start the return boat trip to the southern shore where the vehicle awaits, for the return drive to El Chalten. End of services.

Hike Time: 5:00 hs

Distance: 10 km

Slope: 150 m

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch

Lodging: not included

Remember that each participant must carry their personal equipment, box lunch and water throughout the whole itinerary.


Program Includes:

• Mountain guide

• Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary

• One night in Camp Thorwood (tent in double base, sleeping bag, insulating mat)

• One night in Camp Poincenot (tent in double base, sleeping bag, insulating mat)

• One night in Camp Piedra del Fraile (tent in double base, sleeping bag, insulating mat)

• Two nights in Laguna Condor Refuge (cabins in double base)

• Ice Trekking excursion at Cagliero Glacier (mountain guide / entrance fee Los Huemules Private Reserve).

• Technical equipment for the activity (crampons, harnesses, helmets, etc.)

• Navigation (there and back) on the Lago del Desierto

• Meals specified in the itinerary

• Radio Communication with El Chalten


Program does NOT include:

• Box lunch on Day 1

• Personal equipment

• Any services not specified in the itinerary


Recommended Equipment


• Backpack with a 60-litre capacity

• Waterproof trekking boots

• Two to three pairs of synthetic socks

• Trekking trousers

• Goretex-type trouser covering or similar (preferably with lateral zippers)

• Polar fleece jacket

• Warm jacket (duvet or synthetic)

• Goretex anorak (or similar) with hood

• Two or three synthetic T-shirts

• Warm skullcap or hat

• Pair of warm gloves

• A cap and sunglasses

• Plastic bottle or light thermos

• Headlamp with replacement batteries

• Utility knife or multiblade penknife

• Sunscreen (SPF 50)

• Lip balm with sunscreen (SPF 50)

• Personal first aid kit including personal medications

• Wide adhesive tape (for blisters)

• Personal hygiene items

• Camera

• Trekking poles (optional)

Hiking times, distances and slopes are indicative.

For more information contact: Matias Gomez at mgomez@atpdmc.com