Yes, we are heading back to the Patagonian Icecap. In November 2011, a year earlier than planned, we shall be renewing our tussle with the magnificent but ferocious elements of the “Hielo Continental Sur” (Southern Continental Ice Sheet) in southern Patagonia.
Entering the Icecap
Due to the difficult nature of the expedition we keep the group small. Only 4 places remain. This is likely to be an extremely demanding trip! Our 2006 expedition was completed in glorious weather. Our 2010 trip was beset by high winds and precipitation. BUT….. with the right mental attitude you can be assured the experience of a lifetime! If we have spare days at the end of the circuit we shall make short trips into the heart of the Fitzroy and Cerro Torre mountains and glaciers.
Before deciding if this is right for you………..
Have a look at our Expedition Page
“The Climax is the Coming Back from a Dangerous Place” – a summary of the 2010 Expedition
Surviving Patagonia – a trip report from Kiersten Rowland
Dairy of the 2006 Expedition
More photo galleries from the 2006 expedition
Also, you need to watch this before deciding if you want to come along?
Traverse of the Icecap
The objective of the trip is to make a circuit of the Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Ranges, traversing the Patagonian Icecap.
On the Marconi Glacier
We are looking for clients to arrive in El Calafate on or before 20th November 2011
Day 1 – Arrival El Calefate airport. Transfer to Hotel Confin Patagonico in El Chalten (3hrs).
Day 2 – Day in El Chalten buying food and provisions. Hotel Confin.
Day 3 – Walk in to the campsite and refugio at Piedra del Fraile (Los Troncos). Level, sheltered and good, clean water available.
Day 4 – Move up to “La Playita” campsite by the side of Lago Electrico.
Day 5 – To the Paso Marconi via the Marconi Glacier. 7-9hrs glacier walking with only 1 section of badly crevassed ground.
Day 6/7 – Ascent of Gorra Blanca
Day 7 – Traverse southwards on the icecap to the Cirque de los Altares
Cerro Torre beyond Lago Torre
Day 8 – Southwards again coming off the ice below the Paso del Viento. Camp near to the Lago Ferrari.
Day 9 – Up to the Paso del Viento and down eastwards into the Tunel valley.
Day 10 – Walk out to El Chalten.
Days 11,12 & 13 – spare days in case of bad weather. 13th night at Hotel Confin, El Chalten
Day 14 – Bus to airport at El Calafate. Flights home
Hosteria Confin Patagonico – The hotel has 4 large comfortable bedrooms with great facilities, including en suite, piped music and WiFi. Breakfasts are supplied as well. See hotel website for more details.
Advice and Recommendations for Travellers to El Chalten, Patagonia
Useful website for mountain information, photos, access, weather and history at PATAclimb
Notes re Itinerary
(1) Extend your trip by adding on the Torres del Paine or trekking in the El Chalen area independently
(2) Alternatives – Fantastic glacier trekking should bad weather affect the ice cap traverse. Multi day trips ascending the glaciers beneath Cerro Torre or Fitzroy, using the Agostini and Poincenet campsites.
(3) It is essential people have the right quality kit, as it could very well end up saving your life. We can advise on suitability.