The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (trip)

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The Southern Patagonian Ice Field

  • El Chaltén Airport, Santa Cruz, Argentina
  • Active & Adventure
Argentina, Chile, South America, Patagonia

To check availability or book,
contact Andescross:

Period offered: October-March. The provider (view their profile) can provide you with specific departure dates, final prices, and other information.


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from $1,850* per person11 DaysOctober-March
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Andescross 10 people max
The Patagonian Ice cap, also called the Patagonian Ice field 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 4.500ft. a.s.l., covering valleys between the mountain chains, whose tops rise above the frozen plains.

Requirements and advices: This is one of the most scenic, complete and demanding treks in Patagonia. It's not required technical experience, but we request camping and trekking experience, and you must be self sufficient setting camps and cooking your meals. You should be able to carry a backpack with around 50 pounds; and hike 6 to 8 hours a day through different terrains as trails, moraines, glaciers and snow; 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.

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Locations visited/nearby

Argentina, Chile, South America, Patagonia

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Itinerary

Day one: Welcome in El Chalten the base town of the Patagonian Ice cap traverse. Check the gear.

Day two: We start the morning hiking to Piedra del Fraile, according go weather we keep hiking to La Playita of Lago Electrico.

Day three: Weather permitting we'll continue on the way to Lago Eléctrico (possible campground), and going up to the Marconi pass (1500m a/s/l) through the Marconi Glacier. 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!
Elevation gain = 900m. Hiking time= 8-9 hs.

Day four: We'll continue heading south through the plateau, using the snowshoes and snow sledges until we'll reach the "Circo de los Altares", unique west views of Cerros Torre and Fitz Roy. We'll build a wind shield with shovels, to protect our tents. And we'll melt snow to cook and drink water.
Hiking time: 6 hs.

Day five: 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: 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:We'll hike back to El Chalten through an easy trail. Possible views of both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from the "Pliegue Tumbado".
Hiking time: 6 hs ; elevation gain 500m.

Days 8- 9-10: Extra days 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.

Day 11:End of the services

More information from Andescross: