Itinerary

Day 1
Meet guides and the rest of the group in either Coyhaique or Balmaceda airport (see “Getting Here” section), Transfer to Puerto Bertrand in van (5 hours), along the breathtaking Southern Highway. Arrive in Puerto Bertrand (pop. 65), situated in a spectacular location at the headwaters of Chile’s most voluminous river, the Rio Baker. Welcome dinner with guide team, orientation meeting, packing instructions and final instructions for the start of the trek. Campo Baker.

Day 2
Final packing and preparation of luggage after breakfast and then a boat trip across the emerald blue Lago Bertrand and Lago Plomo (1 hour). We meet up with the horse team here to off load some of the luggage before a 3 hour hike, traversing the flanks of the Cordon Soler above the river and then down to camp. 200 meters ascent and 100 meters descent, 10 km. Rock Garden camp (Nº 1).

Day 3
Continue towards the back of the Soler Valley, along an undulating route on the south side of the valley. Pass by the Concordia of 3 major glacial valleys and walk up into the old growth beech forest to the Palomar ranch. 6 hour hike, 200 meters ascent and 150 meters descent, 18 km. Camping at the Palomar Ranch (Nº 2).

Day 4
Climb up 200 meters to the northern margin of the Neff Glacier, cross the 6 kilometre wide glacier. Descend the south side of the glacier and climb up to the mirrored lakes. 6 to 8 hours hiking, 300 meters ascent, 100 meters descent, 10 - 12 km. total, 6 - 8 km on the glacier.

Day 5
This day can either be spent exploring the area and climbing to the Mirador summit for expansive views of the 3 glaciers which fill the valleys in this corner of the northern ice cap. Alternatively the day sometimes has to be used to allow for non ideal weather for the glacier crossing. Laguna Espejo Camp (Nº 3).

Day 6
Hike down the Buena Cueva Valley among old growth beech forests, Cypress filled wetlands, and huge boulders. Lunch with three major glaciers in view. Continue along the shore of Lake Cachet. The Cachet camp is 100 meters above the lake and facing the Colonia Glacier that carves off with unannounced regularity. 5 hours hiking, 200m descent, 100 ascent, 8 km. total. Cachet Camp Nº 4).

Day 7
The day begins amongst glacial kettles and drumlins with constant views of icebergs and the 50 meter ice wall of the glacier. The trail continues into the old growth beech forest above a 200 meter deep canyon with a booming river. The night is spent overlooking the 4 km wide terminus of the Colonia Glacier with Lago Colonia beyond. 300m ascent / descent, 10 km. total. Colonia Camp (Nº 5).

Day 8
After hiking down to the moss covered beach between glacier and lake the trail follows tracks of the Huemul deer to the northern shore of Lago Colonia. A boat ride across the lake below 50m + waterfalls to the south shore is followed by a 40 minute walk to Camp at the Sol de Mayo Ranch. 250 meters descent, 6 kilometres, 2 hours walking, 30 minute boat ride. Sol de Mayo Ranch camp(Nº 6).

Day 9
A horse assisted hike down the Colonia valley to the Rio Baker. Horses carry all our gear and can carry people if requested. The hike passes through other properties where we have the chance to meet up with the local farmers and their families. at the traditional cableway raft we cross the Baker river and meet up with 4x4 vehicles for the ride across the Valle Grande into Cochrane and a well deserved celebratory dinner.

Day 10
The return journey takes about 6 hours along the Southern Highway either to Balmaceda for return flights or to Coyhaique for a final night in Patagonia. We can provide optional charter flights from Cochrane for anyone wishing to over-fly the route you have hiked or visit Laguna San Rafael Glacier on the coast.

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