Challenging Trekking in Los Glaciares National Park

On the southern edge of Patagonia, alongside the largest ice field outside Antarctica, looms the sheer granite mass of Fitzroy, the centerpiece of Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park and rising some 6,000 feet from the glaciers at its base. Often shrouded by mists and violent cloudbursts, the foreboding spires of this region have long attracted the most daring climbers and adventurers.

Our trip takes you to the most remote reaches of the park-not only to the base of Fitzroy, but to the shores of Lago Toro and Lago Viedma. Along with spectacular views of Cerro Torre and the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, keep your eyes open for the massive condors that nest here! This trip is paradise for hardy trekkers who love to challenge themselves on strenuous terrain. Patagonia's highlands are some of the most dramatic anywhere, and this unparalleled trip brings you to the very heart of this legendary landscape. Minimum age is 15.

Activities

7 days strenuous hiking on uneven terrain

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Challenge yourself with strenuous hikes among the famous high peaks of Los Glaciares National Park
• Traverse massive glaciers and hike the shorelines of expansive lakes that few travelers ever have the chance to see
• Stunning views include Cerro Torre, Fitzroy, the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, and Lago Viedma

Winter 2010-2011 Prices
$ 4,195 (8 - 10 members)
$ 4,395 (6 - 7 members)
$ 4,695 ( 4- 5 members)
$350 internal airfare
$650 single supplement

Duration: 11 days Start Location: Buenos Aires End Location: Buenos Aires Best time to go: January

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Buenos Aires

  Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• Day 2 : Calafate – El Chaltén

  Fly to Calafate and transfer to the village of El Chaltén, within Los Glaciares National Park.

• Day 3 : El Chaltén – Fitzroy Adventure Camp

  Traveling north you'll have the chance to ride mountain bikes or float the Río de Las Vueltas-with Fitzroy looming on the skyline!

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  Day 4 : Loma del Diablo

  Hike up Loma del Diablo (5,900'), a rarely traveled area with gorgeous views of Cerro Torre.

• Day 5 : Laguna de Los Tres

  A hike up the Río Blanco brings you to La Laguna de los Tres, where you'll be able to see the routes of technical assaults on Fitzroy.

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  Day 6 : Laguna Toro

  Cross Agachonas Pass, then follow the Río Túnel to our camp near Lago Toro.

• Day 7 : Paso del Viento

  Scramble over glaciers and up scree slopes to a panoramic lookout over the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Camp in a lateral moraine of the Viedma Glacier.

• Day 8 : Rest Day

  A rest day, or time to be used elsewhere in case of inclement weather.

• Day 9 : Huemul Pass

  Today's hike circles Cerro Huemul, in a remote part of the park. Camp in a dwarf beech forest with views of the Viedma Glacier flowing into Lago Viedma.

• Day 10 : Lago Viedma – El Chaltén

  Descend steeply to Lago Viedma, where we rendezvous with a boat that will take us to a waiting vehicle for our return trip to El Chaltén.

• Day 11 : Departure

  Drive to Calafate and fly to Buenos Aires. Fly home.

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  Loi Suites Recoleta

  This five star hotel is located in the most elegant area of the city, at walking distance from museums, art galleries, shopping areas, historical architecture and beautiful parks.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Sergio Fitch-Watkins

  A native of Mexico is Mountain Travel Sobek's senior climbing guide, with over 20 years of experience (his climbing resume is eight pages long—the short version, that is). Besides leading our climbing expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina’s Aconcagua, he also loves to lead some of our more challenging treks in Nepal and Peru. Having led more than 100 trips for Mountain Travel Sobek, Sergio has acquired a considerable, loyal following!

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