Climb Aguja Guillaumet in Fitz Roy massif, Patagonia
Discover the exhilaration of climbing the magnificent Aguja Guillaumet, one of Patagonia's most iconic peaks and part of the Fitz Roy massif, alongside Indio, a certified mountain guide. With his expert guidance and support, you'll be well-equipped to reach the summit and experience the satisfaction of conquering this Patagonian icon.
Private
Andes
3 Days
Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Get introduced to real Patagonian alpine climbing in Aguja Guillaumet, Patagonia.
- Discover fantastic views of the surrounding peaks, such as Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
- Enjoy ice climbing and rock climbing in the southern Andes.
Description
Climbing the aguja (needle) Guillaumet is one of the classics in Patagonia. The needle is one of the satellites of the Fitz Roy range. I really like it because it provides us with unique views. In addition, the needle is easily accessible with a 1-day hike and it is technically relatively easy. You need to be well trained and have good climbing experience to do it.
The climate in El Chalten area is very unstable, characteristic of deep Patagonia. This provides some “seasoning” for this great climb. As far as possible, depending on my agenda, I try to be flexible. I propose to give a range of maximum 7 days to do the trip with the best weather conditions according to my judgment. The previous days before the expedition I will do some small day-trips with you to prepare the climb. I consider it great to offer this flexibility so that we increase the chances to summit.
Best conditions are generally found in October if you like ice climbing, or from November to March if you prefer rock climbing.
Take a look at the itinerary that I propose below.
Feel free to contact me to organize this great experience together, I would love taking you up there!
I also lead a climb to Cerro Solo in El Chaltén. Check it out!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Tents
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
Itinerary
Day 0: Equipment check, ideally the day before the expedition.
Day 1: Hiking day
Start of the trip from the bridge of the Electrico river to the camp. Approximately 5-6 hours hiking. Camping is required as it would take too long to do the approach and climbing in one day.
Day 2: Guillaumet
2 hours of approach to the Guillaumet needle (2579m). This is the great day of the trip! Climb up to the needle takes approximately 8-9 hours. It includes a part of ice climbing and a great part of rock climbing. We enjoy the great views at the top including the Fitz Roy! The descent lasts approximately 4-5 hours to the camp.
Day 3: End of the program
Return to the bridge of the Electrico river by the same way hiking.
Details
More info
About El Chalten
El Chalten is a cute little town in Patagonia where more and more hikers come to enjoy beautiful views, granite peaks and large lakes. It is also the “base camp” town to go climbing the famous Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. The town has a real mountain atmosphere when you stay for a couple of days.
The best period for climbing is during the Argentine summer because days are longer and temperature higher. November and December are more suitable for ice climbing, January and February for rock climbing. To avoid too many tourists October-November and March-April are the best months.
There are two main spots where climbers go :
- Cerro Torre range
- Cerro Fitz Roy range
Climbing Cerro Torre is a much more serious business than Cerro Fitz Roy, but both offer some fantastic climbing, well-known all over the world.
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Harness
You should bring mountaineering boots and climbing shoes, an adequate sleeping bag, an insulating mat, and camping utensils for food and drink.
FAQs
What is the difficulty level of climbing Aguja Guillaumet?
The climb is technically intermediate and requires good physical fitness and climbing experience.
Where is Aguja Guillaumet located?
Aguja Guillaumet is located in the Fitz Roy range, in the El Chalten area of Patagonia, Argentina.
How do I get to El Chalten?
The nearest airport is El Calafate, which is about a 3-hour drive from El Chalten. You can also reach El Chalten by bus from El Calafate or other cities in Argentina and Chile.
What is included in the price?
This climbing trip to Aguja Guillaumet includes:
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Harness
- Crampons
- Helmet
- Camping equipment tents
How long does the Aguja Guillaumet climb take?
The trip typically takes 3 days, with the possibility of extending to 7 days. To maximize your chances of conquering Aguja Guillaumet, I propose a flexible trip itinerary spanning a maximum of 7 days. This allows us to adapt to the ever-changing Patagonian weather and choose the best window of opportunity for your summit attempt.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own?
To conquer Aguja Guillaumet, you'll need specific gear to ensure your comfort, safety, and success. Here's a checklist of essential items: mountaineering boots and climbing shoes, an adequate sleeping bag, an insulating mat, and camping utensils for food and water.
What is the best time of the year to climb Aguja Guillaumet?
The best time to take this trip is during the months of January through March and October through December.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Indio
4.9
(21)
Mountain Guide
I am an IFMGA and a High Mountain AAGM certified Mountain Guide. I was born in San Juan, where I found my passion for the mountains when I was a child. Today my home is El Chalten, this magical place where I have my family and where I work and live since 2008.
I have climbed many different peaks along the Andes, as well as in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, France, Spain, Germany Italy, Austria and Switzerland. I have climbed great mountains and new routes in Patagonia, both in Cerro Torre and in the Fitz Roy mountains. I climbed Mount Fitz Roy five times and Mount Torre three times. All of them through different routes and some of them opening a new one.
One of my biggest achievements was the Standhardt - Herron - Egger traverse and the "Directa Huarpe" new route, on the west face of Cerro Torre. As well as climbing the Tehuelche route on the Fitz Roy hill in 16 hours.
I also guide in the Central Andes, in places such as Cerro Mercedario and Vallecitos in Mendoza, among other mountains. I am also a Mountaineering and Climbing instructor in different associations and member of the relief committee at the Club Andino Mercedario of the San Juan Province. I am also a member of the technical committee of the Argentine Association of Mountain Guides, in which I am part of the staff of instructors for IFMGA guides.
I guide my clients mainly in Patagonia. I spend summer in the town of El Chalten and I move to Bariloche, in northern Patagonia, in the winter, where I guide more technical excursions, like ice and/or rock climbing, as well as classic mountaineering ascents. During the year I also guide in the mountains of Peru, Bolivia and in Europe.
Even when I’m not working I enjoy climbing, bouldering, sport skiing and mountaineering. Keeping at my highest level of performance helps me ensure my clients’ safety, that is always my top priority.
Languages
English
Certificates
AAGM | IVBV | UIAGM | IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Lawrence
Brandon
Gracias por los comentarios, la pasamos muy bien en la Ascensión. un muy buen grupo y divertidos!!
Lawrence
Elaine
Indio was an amazing guide! I am safe and sound on the ground now :) He was very knowledgeable about the terrain and weather patterns; he changed plans, urged me to move faster accordingly. He answered all my questions and was really patient with my slowness. As for the climb, it's a great intro to Alpine world. I'm primarily a rock climber, so the ice/snow part was all new. The ice/snow part was strenuous, but doable as a completely newbie, and basically you can be pulled up or lowered if you're struggling. Approach was long, rocky, and windy. What a great experience. Highly recommend Indio and the climb!
Brian
Indio is an awesome guide and all around great guy. The trip up Aguja Guillaumet is absolutely amazing, we took the Comensana-Fonrouge route cause the Amy coluoir was in bad condition. Indio found a two day window of good weather for the climb. He also spent a day climbing in town to go over "systems" and gauge my ability. A great trip I will never forget. Can't say enough good things about Indio!
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