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Beautiful views of Cerro Torre peak in Patagonia - Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse, Argentina
Beautiful views of Cerro Torre peak in Patagonia  | Sue Badyari
Trekking beneath Mont Fitz Roy in Patagonia - Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse, Argentina
Trekking beneath Mont Fitz Roy in Patagonia  | David Taylor
Overlooking the Cerro Torre on the Fitz Roy Circuit, Patagonia, Argentina - Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse, Argentina
Overlooking the Cerro Torre on the Fitz Roy Circuit, Patagonia, Argentina  | Alan Beech
Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park - Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse, Argentina
Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park  | Sue Badyari
Beautiful views of Fitz Roy from the trail to Laguna de los Tres - Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse, Argentina
Beautiful views of Fitz Roy from the trail to Laguna de los Tres  | Sue Badyari
Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park - Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse, Argentina
Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park  | Sue Badyari

Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse

Pure adventure in remote wilderness while circumnavigating the Towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre

Argentina
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 2 reviews

10 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: FZC
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 10 Days
Activities
  • 7 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights lodge
  • 6 nights camping
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
8 / 10

Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks

Carbon Footprint  

117kg of CO2-e PP per day

Trip highlights

  • Undertake this very remote wilderness traverse of the Continental Ice Cap
  • Take the path less travelled on this challenging trek in Los Glaciares National Park
  • Enjoy unsurpassed views of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy
  • One contingency days in case of bad weather
  • 1:3 ratio of expert mountain guides to participants
  • Optional climb of Mount Gorra Blanca (2,900m / 9,514ft), from the Marconi Pass, adding an alpine objective to the traverse

Overview

This expedition offers a demanding circumnavigation of the dramatic granite towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre across the vast Patagonian Ice Cap. The Patagonian Ice Cap is the third largest ice mass in the world and the largest in South America, stretching across the Andes at an average elevation of around 1,500m / 4,921ft and forming an immense snow-covered plateau. Travelling self-sufficiently, the route covers approximately 100km / 62mi around the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre range, with spectacular and rarely seen views of these iconic spires rising from the ice. From Marconi Pass the journey also includes an attempt to climb Mount Gorra Blanca (2,900m / 9,514ft), adding an alpine objective to the traverse. Despite the relatively moderate altitude, this is one of the most challenging trekking journeys in southern Patagonia. Long days are spent trekking across glacier and ice cap terrain while carrying a full pack of around 15–20kg, with snowshoes or crampons used when conditions require. Very few people have completed this remote traverse, making encounters with other travellers unlikely and reinforcing the sense of true wilderness exploration. As with all expeditions in this region, weather conditions play a decisive role and completing the full circuit cannot be guaranteed. A contingency day is included to provide the best possible opportunity to achieve the objective should conditions delay progress. Whether the full circuit is completed or not, the journey promises a powerful experience of Patagonia’s wild landscapes and one of the most adventurous trekking routes in the region.

Itinerary

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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. Overnight: Patagonia Hostel or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning after breakfast you will meet your guide. 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: Patagonia Hostel or similar

Meals: B

This morning we transfer to the “Rio Electrico” bridge, 15 km northwest from El Chalten, 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. Overnight: Laguna de los 14 Distance: 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 and Piergiorgio, among other peaks and if conditions are suitable, we will attempt Mount Gorra Blanca (2900m). 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. Overnight: Camp on the ice field or Refugio Garcia Soto. Distance: 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. Overnight: Camp on the ice field at Circo de los Altares. Distance: 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. Our camp will depend on the weather conditions. Overnight: Either “Laguna Ferrari” or “Paso del Viento” hut. Distance: 14km (250m ascent/250m descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Embark on the Laguna Trek over 'Paso del Viento' (1500m), descending through Tunnel Valley to reach Laguna Toro. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of the Mariano Moreno Range and Viedma Glacier. The terrain is rocky, with scree slopes, and includes a short section across Glacier Tunnel. At Laguna Toro, there's a river crossing, which can be traversed using a cable zip-line or by foot at the bottom of the valley. Overnight: Camp at Laguna Toro. Distance: 15km (600m elevation gain)

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.

Meals: B,L,D

Trek back to El Chaltén through a forest of 'lengas' and over the 'Pliegue Tumbado'. 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! Overnight: Patagonia Hostel or similar Distance: 18 km (400m ascent)

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

Ready to start your adventure?

4 scheduled departures between 15 Nov 2026 and 7 Feb 2027.

  • Departs 15 Nov 2026 – ends 24 Nov 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 13 Dec 2026 – ends 22 Dec 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 10 Jan 2027 – ends 19 Jan 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 7 Feb 2027 – ends 16 Feb 2027 (10 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches (includes box lunches) and 7 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
  • 1:3 guide to trekker ratio

Not included

  • 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)

Reviews (2)

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A fantastic and challenging adventure, featuring all types of Patagonian wind!

Anna|QLD, Australia
28 Jan 2026
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The ice field trek led by Juan and Alejandro was an amazing adventure including beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. The World Expeditions and local teams did a fantastic job. A truly extreme trekking experience.

John|California, United States
24 Jan 2026

Extra trip info

Who will I travel with?Will My Trip Run?
Group shot, 'African wilderness in comfort' trip | Peter Walton

Travelling with our local partners

This trip is run by one of our local partners, on a departure shared with travellers from other companies.

What's the benefit to you? More departure dates, and dates that reach their minimum numbers sooner, because bookings from several companies go into one group. Your guides live and work in the region.

Who is in your group? Expect a mix of travellers and nationalities, not only people who booked with World Expeditions.

What will we tell you when you book? We advise the name of the local partner at the time of booking, along with any terms of their own, such as an additional deposit. These apply alongside our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Travelling alone? On some partner-operated trips your own room is required. The room options on this page show which applies to this trip.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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