Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive in El Calafate.
In the early morning you will be met by your guide and transfer across the Patagonian Steppe to the little mountain village El Chaltén. We’ll have an equipment check and briefing of the upcoming adventure and a welcome dinner in the evening. We leave time for last minute adjustments.
Day 2. Hike to Marconi Glacier.
Depart from El Chaltén and transfer to Rio Eléctrico. From here we will hike to our camp situated just below the Marconi Glacier. The terrain becomes alpine and we have to pay special attention on slippery moraine.
Day 3. Marconi Pass to Mount Gorra Blanca.
We will hike the ascent of the Marconi Pass where we’ll start to trek on the ice and then towards the Sotto Garcia Refuge situated at the very base of Mount Gorra Blanca. We need reasonably good weather today to be able to reach the pass. If weather permits, we will be presented with fantastic views of the mountains Fitz Roy, Pier Giorgio and Gorra Blanca.
Day 4. Circo de los Altares (The Altar Cirque).
As we trek on the ice towards Circo de Los Altares (The Altar Cirque) it will be a relatively short day so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the most impressive views of the Los Glaciers National Park. This might be one of the most isolated and powerful places on earth.
Day 5. Sotto Garcia Refuge.
Today we trek back towards Sotto Garcia Refuge. The day starts out rather light, however on the ice field new challenges occur while we leave the “Altar” behind. We can appreciate incredible views to the north of the Mariano Moreno range and the Volcano Lautaro situated in the very heart of the ice field.
Day 6. Marconi Mountain Pass to Electric Valley.
We descend carefully through the Marconi Mountain Pass. The environment changes as we enter the high alpine area, our first step back toward civilization. Contemplate on the incredible journey to one of the most isolated places while we hike to the Rio Eléctrico Valley.
Day 7. Additional day in case of bad weather.
The weather in the northern part of Los Glaciers National Park is unstable due to its unpredictable nature. It may cause unexpected and/or multiple changes in the original itinerary while underway, which is why we have incorporated a certain amount of flexibility in our itinerary; We have included an extra day to allow our chance for a successful expedition. Any decision on itinerary changes will be made by your mountain guide.
Day 8. Back to El Chaltén.
We hike back through the Rio Eléctrico Valley to El Chaltén. Farewell dinner at a restaurant.
Day 9. Goodbye Chaltén.
You can depart in the morning from El Chaltén. Transfer to El Calafate can be included upon request.