8-Day Southern Patagonia Ice Field Expedition
Join Diego, an AAGM certified guide, for an exciting 8 day trekking tour through the glorious ice fields of southern Patagonia in Argentina.
Private
Andes
8 Days
Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Experience the thrill of traveling along the world's third largest ice mass.
- Learn from the expertise of certified local guides in a safe and fun atmosphere.
- Take on the varied and exciting terrain that only Patagonia can provide.
Description
Patagonia. The name alone inspires images of wonder and I would like to show you a part of this magical region of Argentina! On this eight-day trek you will discover one of its most spectacular features: the glorious ice field!
If you want an up close and personal experience with glaciers in Patagonia, then this adventure is for you! On one of the most remarkable programs in the region, you will see first hand the movement and behavior of glaciers and understand their effect on nature. This is a popular adventure, as I have organized 135 of these expeditions and personally guided 42.
Venturing deep into the isolated southern region of Patagonia, you will explore its notorious and expansive ice field. As the third largest ice mass in the entire world, the vast area offers an infinite amount of natural splendor that you simply will not find anywhere else.
Our journey will begin in the town of El Chalten. From there, we will travel into the heart of the ice field. Along the way, we will stop in several wonderful areas, including Marconi Pass, Paso del Viento, and the Cirque of the Altars.
Throughout the adventure, you will experience the abundant natural highlights that epitomize the immensity of Patagonia. You will navigate through forests, passing lakes and lagoons, with infamous peaks like Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy as your stunning backdrop. Perhaps most importantly, you will live the glacier culture of this incredible region and its unparalleled world of ice!
Each day of this trip will consist of sustained hiking, reaching nine hours on certain days. The terrain will also include challenging sections, and we will at times hike to altitudes over 1,500 meters above sea level. As a result, it is important that participants are in excellent physical condition. You should have experience trekking for multiple days while carrying a backpack and equipment.
Book this unforgettable eight-day expedition NOW and trek through the pristine ice field of Patagonia while discovering the depth of its evocative glaciology!
I also lead a 4 day adventure through the Huemul massif to the Viedma glacier in Patagonia as well!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Itinerary
Day 1: Pre-Trip Equipment Check in El Chalten
We will meet the afternoon before our expedition to check our gear, go over the itinerary, and cover any questions or issues that require our attention.
Day 2: Electrico River
Departing in the morning from El Chalten, we will make our way 15 kilometers to a bridge crossing the Electrico River to begin our journey.
A forest hike takes us to the camping grounds at Peidra del Fraile en route to a wide glacial valley with fabulous views.
Continuing along the trail, we will run into the Pollone River and need to wade across it. Our vistas here will include the north face of Fitz Roy and the Pollone Needle.
We will set up camp in this beautiful natural landscape.
Distance: 19 km.
Elevation: +550 m.
Duration: 8-9 hours.
Day 3: Marconi Glacier
We will break camp early and head to our first objective: the Marconi Glacier. Moraine fields will lead us to the foot of the glacier, beginning our trek up into the ice field with Marconi Pass as its entrance.
With significant elevation gain, as well as substantial glacial travel and volatile weather, this stands to be the most challenging day of the excursion, culminating in our rewarding arrival at the ice field.
Distance: 9,5 km.
Elevation: +500 m.
Duration: 6 hours.
Day 4: Cirque of the Altars
We will slowly get accustomed to the ice field with a manageable and pleasant snowshoe trek. In spite of strong winds, we can enjoy a day of travel that brings us to the foot of Cerro Torre and its west face, known as Cirque of the Altars. We will set up camp here.
Distance: 11 km.
Elevation: -250 m.
Duration: 6 hours.
Day 5: Paso del Viento
We will move south in search of a moraine field, avoiding crevasses and furthering our glacier knowledge. Passing lagoons as we travel, our fascinating trek leads us to Paso del Viento Refuge.
Distance: 16 km.
Elevation: -150 m.
Duration: 8 hours.
Day 6: Tunel River Valley
Today we climb up to Viento Pass, reaching 1,500 meters. This will begin our departure from the ice field, and we will have ample opportunity to take in the outstanding panoramas of the surrounding majestic peaks.
Descending into the Tunel River Valley, our trek includes a thrilling zip line across the river and more glacier travel. We will end the day at the Toro Lagoon campsite.
Distance: 11 km.
Elevation: +350 m. / -850 m.
Duration: 7 hours.
Day 7: Return to El Chalten
Our path across the Pliegue Tumbado Hill passes the Huemul Massif and Lake Viedma. Winding through meadows and forests, we will enjoy a scenic lunch with amazing views of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy we have by now gotten used to.
As the day winds down, we will begin our return trip home.
Distance: 16 km.
Elevation: +450 m. / -600 m.
Duration: 6 hours.
Day 8: Extra Days for Inclement Weather
This time is reserved for poor weather conditions, and will be used as necessary to ensure a successful program.
Details
More info
There is a minimum number of two (2) participants to guarantee a program departure.
All participants are responsible for carrying their own sleeping bag and mat, as well as necessary equipment and food.
Participants should bring the following items with them: 65 to 70 liter backpack, sleep bag, leggings, trekking boots, trekking poles, sunglasses, front torch with new batteries, one liter water bottle, sun screen, lip balm, personal hygiene kit, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, windbreaker jacket, trekking pants, change of underwear, three pairs of trekking socks, 2 pairs of gloves, and a hat for the sun.
Meeting point
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Diego
4.9
(10)
Mountain Guide
I graduated in Buenos Aires as Universitary proffesional in tourism and as a Mountain Guide in Mendoza province. I started working in adventure activities, horseback riding and mountain ascents. Then i moved to Patagonia that was my dream place for living and thanks to this profession it became in my place for working and personal development.
After several years of experience working in these mountains and numerous trips around the world looking for adventures and experience, I managed to unite both professions in an objective, so Serac Expeditions arose. In the last 15 years working with Serac, I have organized trips for thousands of people and personally guided hundreds of them in diverse and remote places in Patagonia, Chile, Peru and Bolivia.
Today my passion is not only guiding but also organizing special and personalized trips for people who enjoy exploring in nature and at the same time push their limits. My ideal is to provide a safe trip, spend a good time togheter with my clients and be flexible to provide a great experience and memories. To do this I work with a group of guides that share my ideals and way of working.
Languages
English
Certificates
AAGM
What people are saying about this trip
Joshua
My husband and I had a great experience with Serac - we did the El Chalten Mountain Escape trek and it was fantastic. Our guide (Christian) was very knowledgeable and kind; food was excellent and they even had wine portered to our campsites each night. All in all, highly recommended!
Joshua
I first saw the opportunity to trek the South Patagonia Icefield when I was in El Chalten 3 years ago. I finally took the plunge this year and signed up with Serac Expeditions for their late-February departure - best decision ever! The Expedition itself is incredible! Only about 100 people/year undertake it so you get to see a part of Patagonia that few others have experienced. And of course the scenery is amazing. I won't lie - the expedition is challenging (especially for a relatively small female), but if you go in with reasonable fitness and the right mental attitude, it is totally doable and absolutely worth it. It also helps when you have decent weather :) Serac Expeditions are wonderful! They are very responsive and helpful throughout the whole process of arranging the trek, provide excellent equipment, and work with incredible guides (million thanks Juan and Rafa - you guys are awesome!). They also include some special surprises along the way, but you'll have to sign up yourself or read my blog posts to find out what ;) 100% recommend Serac Expeditions and this trek. I am now wanting to return to do the Marconi - Estancia Cristina expedition with them, but this time at the start of the season (November) to experience the Icefield with snowshoes rather than crampons.
Rachel
Super professionals, great choice! When looking for options for trekking in Patagonia, Serac was the company that responded in the shortest time. They asked for our preferences and skills and they put together a plan for us. We adapt the program to our preferences and they always guided us and recommended what seemed best to us. Super thoughtful throughout the whole planning. We spent 1 day in the Perito Moreno glacier and 4 days hiking guided by Martin (great experience with him, very good guide, at all times he knew how to adapt the plan to the climatic conditions and our fitness) Everything from the pick up to the airport, the hostels, the camping, the food to the guided one by the mountain have been exceptional !!!! Thanks to all the team, Diego, Sergio and Mariano for being so aware of us!
Kevin
A Great Experience Thanks to Serac I had an incredible memory of El Chalten and the expedition. The organization, assistance and development of the trip was impecable. I appreciate their fexibility and guidance. I will not hesitate to hire Serac again on my next trip to Patagonia Argentina!
Madison
Continental Ice Expedition I made the Continental Ice expedition with them. Aside from the absolutely amazing landscapes, everything was organized to perfection. The guides, in addition to very professional, are charming and made me spend very good times. I Completely recommended them! Wishing to do something with them again!
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