Tailor Made Argentina: The Ice Fields of Patagonia
- Expedition Type [ Tailor Made ]
- Difficulty [ Strenuous ]
- Activities [ Hiking, Winter Camping ]
- Duration [ 8 Days ]
Expedition Timeline
Venture into the heart of the Argentine Patagonia's ice caps and traverse some of the world's most surreal landscapes by crampons. Begin in El Chalten, the jumping off point for intrepid trekkers who hike up the increasingly icy terrain. Scale the frozen crags and bleached-white panoramas of Marconi Pass, Viedma Glacier and Paso de los Cinco Glaciers, one of a select few adventurers to explore this forbidding terrain.
- Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, you are met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, set off for a walking tour of the lovely Retiro neighborhood and prepare for your Patagonian adventure with your expedition guide.
Sofitel Buenos Aires- Day 2
Buenos Aires/El Calafate/El Chalten
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to southern Patagonia, a vast region that stretches across the lower region of the South American continent, through Chile and Argentina. Patagonia is home to some of the most unspoiled and breathtaking Andes scenery, a panoply of rugged montane landscapes that give way to ice-blue glaciers. Upon arriving in El Calafate, drive north to El Chalten, marveling at views of Mounts Fitz Roy and Torre along the way. Meet your guides, who brief you on your itinerary and safety. Overnight in an exclusive eco-villa close to the action, so you can start your trek from right outside your door.
Los Huemules [ D ]- Day 3
El Chalten/La Playita Camp
Begin your hike today by making your way along the Rio Electrico Valley. Trek for about two hours before reaching Piedra del Fraile, a campsite at the edge of a forest, and three more to reach La Playita, a camp at the foot of the Marconi Glacier. Along the way, pass stunning landscapes of snow-covered Andean peaks and deep-blue lakes as you make your way deeper into the Patagonian ice caps.
La Playita Camp [ B L D ]- Day 4
La Playita Camp/Paso Marconi/Gorra Blanca Refuge
Early this morning, depart base camp and begin a six- to 10-hour trek to Paso Marconi, a scenic mountain pass located 5,000 feet above seal level. This is an essential experience of your adventure — with good weather, you reach the pass with plenty of time to enjoy excellent views of Fitz Roy, Piergiorgio and Gorra Blanca peaks, among others. Once over the pass, with the wind at your back, the descent is easier.
Gorra Blanca Refuge [ B L D ]- Day 5
Gorra Blanca Refuge/Viedma Glacier/Paso de los Cinco Glaciares/Gorra Blanca Refuge
Depart camp this morning to explore the otherworldly southern Patagonian ice field: the Viedma Glacier and Paso de los Cinco Glaciares. Don crampons to trek through this impressive landscape, continuing on to Cirque de los Altares, Mount Torre and Lautaro Volcano. Hike to the majestic Mount Mariano Moreno, where you can take in the peaceful silence and mind-bending whiteness of the Patagonian ice fields.
Gorra Blanca Refuge [ B L D ]- Day 6
Gorra Blanca Refuge/La Playita/Rio Electrico/El Chalten
This morning, bid farewell to the snow-dusted peaks and icy crags and start heading back to La Playita, Piedra del Fraile and Rio Electrico on an eight-hour trek down the valley. Tonight, reward yourself with a gourmet farewell dinner of traditional lamb barbecue and an overnight in your luxury eco-lodge.
Los Huemules [ B L D ]- Day 7
El Chalten/El Calafate/Buenos Aires
Spend the day discovering tiny El Chalten, a rustic mountain village. Later, transfer to El Calafate and fly back to Buenos Aires, where the rest of your day is at leisure to continue exploring Argentina’s capital.
Sofitel Buenos Aires [ B ]- Day 8
Depart Buenos Aires
After a day at leisure, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
[ B ]
Departure Dates & Pricing
Various Departure Dates can be arranged. Please tell us your preferred travel dates on the reservation form.