This challenging expedition ventures deep into the Patagonia Ice Field, the world's largest outside the Polar regions. From El Calafate we transfer north to picturesque El Chalten where, after our pre-trek briefing and equipment check the real adventure begins! We skirt Largo Argentina before building to our toughest day, crossing the Marconi Glacier. The terrain we traverse is extremely varied; from lush lenga forest to lichen covered glacial moraine and the stark, immense ice of the Patagonia Plateau. Our efforts are constantly rewarded with magnificent views across this icy wonderland of brilliant blue lakes and twisting glaciers. Along the way we will likely sight Andean condors soaring high against a backdrop of towering granite spires, active volcanoes and the snowy ranges of Mariano Moreno and Fitz Roy. The famous Paso Marconi takes us to Circo de los Altares, our camp at the foot of the towering western face of Cerro Torre, this rare and stunning view is a just reward for our hard work. This expedition is physically strenuous and a rewarding challenge for those seeking to immerse themselves in a unique Patagonian experience. The trek is suitable for adventurous people with trekking and camping experience in remote mountain areas and a high level of fitness; prior technical experience with snowshoes or crampons is not required. Join us for this truly unforgettable expedition across the Patagonian Ice Field!

Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate and transfer to hotel.

Arriving Early?
If you are arriving early into El Calafate to relax before your trek we can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you. Many visitors to El Calafate also like to visit Perito Moreno Glacier which we can also arrange as a day trip, please contact us for details. For a longer stay in El Calafate you might also like to look at our Perito Moreno and Upsala Glaciers 3 night package (PSPU).

Upon arrival in El Calafate, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel; as you exit the airport look out for your transfer driver holding the Peregrine signboard. Today is an arrival day so if you do arrive early, be sure to take a walk around the town and absorb the lively atmosphere in the main street (Avenida del Libertador General San Martin), which in the evening is accentuated by the long twilight of the southern summer. The picturesque town of El Calafate is set on the southern shores of Lake Argentina and is named after a small dark berry that grows in abundance around the area. It was officially founded in 1927 and has a population of 6000. In the evening you will meet your Local Expedition Leader who will hold a pre-departure briefing (Around 6.00pm). Please check the notice board or ask at Reception to confirm the time and place of your meeting.

Day 2: Drive to El Chalten - Prepare for Trek

Meals included: 1 breakfast 

This morning after breakfast we take a regular bus 220 kilometres north to the village of El Chaltén, located at the foot of Cerro Fitz Roy (Fitz Roy Range). Our road journey takes around 4 hours, the mountain scenery is spectacular, but only a glimpse of what is to come! On arrival in El Chaltén we meet our Expedition staff and then check our equipment in preparation for the trek. The rest of the afternoon is at our leisure, you may wish to take some optional hikes in the area or rest and relax before we set out in the morning. Founded in 1985, the tiny town of El Chaltén situated within the Los Glaciares National Park is considered the 'trekking capital' of Argentina. We spend the night in twin-shared rooms in lodge style accommodation.

Day 3: Begin trek. Walk to Lago Electrico camp

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner 

Rising early, we drive from our lodge to the bridge over Rio (River) Eléctrico around 15 kms north of El Chaltén. This is the starting point for our traverse. Our trek begins with an easy hike along well defined trails into lush lenga forest. After around two hours trekking we reach Los Troncos Shelter, at Piedra del Fraile (Stone of the Friar). This camp was named in honour of Father Alberto de Agostini, the famous Patagonian explorer who in 1931 sheltered at this rocky outcrop together with mountain Guides Croux and Bron. Their party was the first to fully traverse the Patagonia Ice Field. Of their Patagonian crossing Father Alberto Agostini wrote: "This is one of the most wild and spectacular of places. Forests, lakes, rivers, cascades, constitute the pedestal of this fantastic mountain castle, with gigantic strong walls, covered with armor of ice, exceeded by haunting spires that are able to seduce even the boldest of mountaineers." From the Los Troncos Shelter we skirt the southern bank of Lago (Lake) Eléctrico for a further two hours to Rio Pallone from where we have are fantastic view of the North-Western face of Fitz Roy. We continue our Trek around the shores of Lago Eléctrico to the West bank and set up our first camp at ‘La Playita, just 30 minutes from the Marconi Glacier.

Day 4: Trek to the Marconi Glacier for spectacular views of Fitz Roy.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Today is likely to be our toughest day. Our first half hour sees us trekking over huge moraine, the path is constantly changing as the terrain is unstable and we may need to scramble to arrive at the Marconi Glacier. From here we have an 800 metre ascent on snow and ice, assisted by our expert guides we slowly forge up the glacier, using snow shoes, crampons and safety ropes where necessary to cross crevasses and traverse icy slopes. Our challenging day comes to an end at the arête of Marconi South where we set up camp and with the good fortune of a clear night, soak up the sunset over the Fitz Roy Range, Cerro Pier Giorgio, and Gorra Blanca.

Day 5: Trek over the Marconi pass on to Circo de los Altares.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner 

With our most challenging day behind us we set out for the hour long trek up the glacial valley to the Marconi Pass (1,570m), gateway to the great expanse that is the Southern Patagonia Ice field. From the pass we have incredible views over the Paso de los Cinco Glaciares, (the pass of the five glaciers) backed by a panorama of the still active Lautaro Volcano, Cerro Gorra Blanca and the impressive Cordón Mariano Moreno. We cross the ice field on snow shoes to our most spectacular camp yet; Circo de los Altares (1250m) at the foot of the western face of Cerro Torre, this is surely one of the most magical places on earth.

Day 6: Continue trek over to the Viedma Glacier and then walk by lagoons to Paso del Viento shelter.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner 

After breakfast with an awe inspiring view, we continue our traverse south on glacial moraine for around two hours to the tongue of the Viedma Glacier where we expect sensational views of the Mariano Moreno Range. Leaving the ice, we cross the lateral moraine and trek around a series of small lagoons before reaching our camp at Paso Viento Shelter (900m). We will walk by a group of lagoons until we reach the Paso del Viento shelter which offers a change in scenery from ice to a green area by the Los Esquies lagoon.

Day 7: Trek to Paso del Veinto and decend into the Valley of the Tunel river.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner 

Today, weather permitting we trek up and over Paso del Viento (1,500m) for a panoramic view of the ice field before we descend into the green valley and cross the Tunnel river by Tyrolean rope to our campsite in the Lenga forest.

Day 8: Trek to View point of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy Massif and return to El Chalten.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Our final day trekking takes us through lush forests and grasslands backed by views of Cerro Huemul and Viedma lake. Crossing through Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, we tackle the last of our climbs to our vantage point where we enjoy a magnificent view of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. After one last look, we trek down the valley by the De Las Vueltas River to El Chaltén.

Day 9 & 10: Weather contingency days

Weather Contingency days. The weather in Patagonia can be unstable and at times, extreme. These days will be used in case weather conditions do not allow us to continue to trek in a safe manner. In favourable weather conditions we will complete our trek on the evening of day 8 when we will stay in Refugio with shared accommodation and facilities. For nights 9 and 10 we will return to our cozy lodge in El Chalten. If we return to El Chalten as planned we will have two free days here where you may choose to rest or if you wish there are optional activities available, such as day hikes to Laguna de Los Tres and Lago Torre.

Day 11: Drive to El Calafate. Expedition ends on arrival.

Meals included: 1 breakfast 

This morning we take an early bus to El Calafate where our adventure ends on Arrival at El Calafate Bus station. For those of you who are flying out this afternoon please do not book your flight before 3pm, you can be dropped at the El Calafate airport on the way into town. Alternatively if you wish to extend your stay in El Calafate we are able to arrange accommodation for you, please contact us for details. In this case you will be transferred to your hotel on arrival at the bus station.

For the specifics on this tour operator, please contact AdventureLink directly.