The Patagonian Southern Ice Field is the third largest ice mass in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland. It is a humongous plateau that is always covered in snow; located at an average altitude of 1500masl. It is crossed by the Cordillera of the Andes from north to south. It is shared by both Chile and Argentina.

This expedition is a 90km trek circling Mounts Fitz Roy and Torre. It is without a doubt one of the most exciting treks in the world.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Meet the Mountain Guide to go through equipment and final checks of the programme.

DAY 2: Transfer to the departure point for the expedition – the Eléctrico River Bridge (15 Km from El Chaltén). Trek for 2 hours through a thick forest of lengas until reaching Piedra del Fraile camp ground (private). After a short break, the trek continues along the old glacial valley of the Eléctrico River and then we cross the Pollone River.  Having traversed various different rocky terrains over a 3 hour period we arrive at the camp of “La Playita” (the little beach), on the northern edge of the Eléctrico Lake.

DAY 3: Ascent to Paso (Pass) Marconi (1550masl), the port of entry to the Continental Ice Field. To cross the glacier we will use crampons and depending on the weather conditions we may also use snow shoes and equipment to ensure a high level of security. This is an important day of the expedition as we do need good weather to be able to reach the Pass.
We set camp up at Campamento “Paso Marconi” at the spot where the ice suddenly becomes flat! A fantastic location for great views of the Mounts Fitz Roy, Pier Giorgio and Gorra Blanca.
About 8-9 hours of trekking. Elevation change of about 800 metres.
 
DAY 4: Trek to Campamento “Circo de Los Altares” (Circle of the Altars) (1350 masl); with the possibility of getting close to the West face of the mythical Mount Torre and the fabulous Fitz Roy. This has to be one of the most impressive views within the National Park Los Glaciares. 5 to 6 hours of walking.
 
DAY 5: Walk in a southerly direction passing by the Laguna de Los Esquíes and then turn due east either to Laguna Ferrari or to Refugio Paso del Viento, to set up camp for the night (where we go depends on the group and weather conditions). Walking today will be on a rocky terrain on the lateral moraine of Viedma Glacier. Walking about 7 to 8 hours.

DAY 6: Today we climb up to Paso del Viento (Windy Pass) (1550 masl), and then descend the valley of the Túnel River until we reach Laguna Toro. This is an excellent spot for a panoramic view of the Mariano Moreno range and Viedma glacier. The terrain will be rocky, crossing various moraines and part of Túnel glacier. We will also have to cross Túnel River by a Tyrolean rope. About 6 to 8 hours of trekking.
Last camp of the expedition at ¨Laguna Toro¨.
 
DAY 7: Trek to El Chaltén along the Túnel River Valley, passing the western slopes of Mount Pliegue Tumbado, which offers one of the best views of the valley of the Fitz Roy River and the valley of Mount Torre. We will walk across exposed areas, prairies and through forests areas. Approximately 6hours walking.
 
DAYS 8-9: Reserve days in case of bad weather conditions.