trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

11 Days$USD

Activities
  • 8 day trek
Accommodation
  • 3 nights lodge
  • 7 nights camping
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts
8
Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Take the path less travelled on this challenging trek in Los Glaciares National Park
  • Enjoy unsurpassed views of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy
  • Undertake this very remote wilderness traverse of the Continental Ice Cap
  • Two contingency days in case of bad weather
  • 1:3 ratio of expert mountain guides to participants

A challenging circumnavigation of the towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre via the continental ice cap. Our self sufficient expedition will appeal to those looking for the ultimate Patagonian adventure with spectacular and rarely seen views of the dramatic granite spires of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The Patagonian Ice Field is one of the biggest fresh water reservoirs left in the world. This is probably one of the wildest trekking experiences that does not involve high altitudes and climbing. Very few people have undertaken this traverse and it is very unlikely that we shall meet anyone else. Whilst not technical, this trip involves long trekking days carrying a full pack of 15-20kg and using snow shoes or crampons at times dependent on the conditions. In the truest sense of exploratory trekking, this trip is weather dependent and the full circuit cannot be guaranteed. However we have included spare contingency days to give us the best opportunity to achieve our goal in case of poor weather. If we complete the circuit or not, one thing is guaranteed - pure adventure in a remote wilderness.

Trip Code: FZC

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel in El Calafate around 7.30am for your transfer to El Chalten. We will take the public tourist bus across the Patagonian Pampa to this small mountain village situated at 450m above sea level. On the way to El Chalten you will have magnificent views of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy in the distance if weather allows. El Chalten means ‘smoking mountains’ and is the main entry point into Los Glaciares National Park. It is the base camp for numerous climbing expeditions to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre as well as expeditions to the Patagonian Ice Field. This evening you will meet your guide for a first trip briefing at 7pm at your hotel before you head out for dinner with your group. Overnight: Lodge in El Chalten

Meals:  Nil

This morning after breakfast our guide will explain the adventures that await us in the days ahead. The rest of the day will be preparation for the trek and detailed instructions on how to use the camping and technical gear will be given and trained. Overnight: Lodge in El Chalten

Meals:  B

This morning we transfer to the “Rio Electrico” bridge, 15 km northwest from El Chalte´n, and the starting point for our first day’s trekking towards the base of the Marconi Glacier. The first two hours of the walk follow a well marked footpath along the river and a fording of the river on foot. We will then enter an area of moraine and rocky terrain; there will be a river crossing of "Pollone River”; sometimes the river is up to your knees and we will use the spare running shoes to wade through the river. After this we will continue to the end of Eléctrico Lake, in order to cross the Eléctrico River by a Zip-Line. The last two hours will be going up the Valley towards “Laguna de los 14”; our first Camp of the Expedition. Approximately 8 hours walking/15km/400m ascent.

Meals:  B,L,D

We ascend onto the Marconi Glacier and undertake a glacier trek up to the Marconi Pass (1550m above sea level). Weather allowing, there are excellent view of Fitz Roy, Piergiorgio and Gorra Blanca, among other peaks. This trek will require the use of crampons and depending on the glacier's conditions, we'll use climbing ropes and harnesses. Today will be truly out of this world and into a remote wilderness of stunning mountain scenery and impressive views of the ice field and the granite towers that make Los Glaciares world famous. Camp on the ice field. Approximately 7-10 hours walking/10km/800m ascent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continue trekking on the ice field southbound to the "Circo de los Altares" at the foot of the mythic west face of Cerro Torre. The narrow granite pinnacle of Cerro Torre is unmistakable in this glacial wonderland. For many decades Cerro Torre was considered impossible to climb due to its extreme vertical faces in an extreme environment, but eventually it was first climbed in the 70's by an Italian team, and many mountaineers consider this one of the greatest feats in mountaineering history. As we pitch camp under the mile high vertical spire we truly realise how extraordinary this mountain range is. Camp on the ice field. Approximately 6-7 hours walking/12km/50-100m descent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Another tough but rewarding trek on the ice field from Circo de los Altares to Los Esquies Lagoon. Today, weather permitting we should get great views of the Mariano Moreno range, Cerro Luca and Southern Ice Cap. We exit the ice field across the lateral moraine of the Viedma Glacier to our camp. If the weather and the physical condition of the participants permit, we will continue up to Paso Del Viento Hut. Approximately 7-8 hours walking/14km/250m ascent/250m descent

Meals:  B,L,D

Today has been set aside as a contingency day in case of bad weather. If it is not used, the group will spend an extra day at one of the beautiful campsites at either Circo de los Altares or Paso del Viento.

Meals:  B,L,D

Rest day in the campsite near the hut.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will cross the Huemel Pass with magnificent views of Cerro Huemul, the Andean steppe and glacial lakes. Spectacular aerial views of Viedma Glacier’s snout as it carves into Lake Viedma will reward us. Approximately 6-7 hours walking/8 km

Meals:  B,L,D

Trek down the steep descent to Lake Viedma and Cabo de Hornos Bay. We will hike to Bahía Túnel and will end our trek by zip-lining across the Tunel River. From here we will walk back to El Chalten where our comfortable lodge is awaiting us. Tonight we celebrate the end of the expedition with a last group dinner! Approximately 5-6 hours walking/5 km/600m steep descent Overnight: Lodge in El Chalten

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will take the public tourist bus back to El Calafate where your trip arrangements conclude. We do not recommend leaving El Calafate until after 4pm, just in case there are any delays.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches (includes box lunches) and 8 dinners
  • Expert UIAGM/AAGM certified mountain guide
  • Assistant guides (number dependent upon group size) from days 3 to 10
  • Lodge accommodation in El Chalten
  • Group camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags and mats)
  • Group mountain equipment (ropes, harnesses, carabiners, maps, compass, crampons and technical equipment)
  • Internal transportation
  • Group medical kit
  • GPS and radio communication with base in El Chalten

  • International flights, airport taxes and airport transfers
  • Internal flights and taxes
  • All personal expenses
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance and visas
  • Sleeping bag, sleeping mat and personal gear
  • Mountaineering boots, note these can be hired locally if needed, ask us for details.
  • Porterage (possible to add this for an additional cost)

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Additional departure dates can be added upon request.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement (hotel only) - Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap TraverseUSD$380
  • Porter to carry personal and a share of group equipmentUSD$2250
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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