0
A challenging circumnavigation of the towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre via the continental ice cap. Our self sufficient expedition will appeal to those looking for the ultimate Patagonian adventure with spectacular and rarely seen views of the dramatic granite spires of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The Patagonian Ice Field is one of the biggest fresh water reservoirs left in the world. This is probably one of the wildest trekking experiences that does not involve high altitudes and climbing.
Very few people have undertaken this traverse and it is very unlikely that we shall meet anyone else. Whilst not technical, this trip involves long trekking days carrying a full pack of 15‐20kg and using snow shoes or crampons at times dependent on the conditions. In the truest sense of exploratory trekking, this trip is weather dependent and the full circuit cannot be guaranteed. However we have included spare contingency days to give us the best opportunity to achieve our goal in case of poor weather. If we complete the circuit or not, one thing is guaranteed ‐ pure adventure in a remote wilderness.
Non-exclusive trips:
On selected departures, this trip is not exclusive to Rogue Adventures, and you will be joining a group of 2 – 8 adventurers from around the world.
Day 1 TRANSFER FROM EL CALAFATE TO EL CHALTEN
Day 2 IN EL CHALTEN AND PREPARE FOR EXPEDITION
Day 3 COMMENCE TREK TO BASE OF MARCONI GLACIER
Day 4 TREK ACROSS THE MARCONI PASS
Day 5 TRAVERSING THE CONTINENTAL ICE FIELD ON VIEDMA GLACIER
Day 6 COMPLETE ICE CAP TRAVERSE
Day 7 CONTINGENCY DAY
Day 8 PASO DEL VIENTO HUT – REST DAY
Day 9 CROSS HUEMUL PASS
Day 10 CONCLUDE TREK AND RETURN TO EL CHALTEN
Day 11 RETURN TO EL CALAFATE, WHERE TRIP CONCLUDES
11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
Specialized bilingual guide
Transport ‐ all group transport as detailed in the itinerary
Tours ‐ all guide fees and park entrance costs on all sections mentioned in the trip itineraries
Boat trip via Balmaceda Glacier to Torres del Paine
Group camping equipment – includes tents, sleeping mats, and cooking equipment (Sleeping bag is not provided)
1 Porter for every 2 clients on days 3 ‐ 7 to assist in carrying gear.
Group medical kit
Internal flights within Chile
Airport transfers
Porter charges are available at an additional cost if required for days 8‐9
If you would like to hire a porter to carry your backpack on day 8‐9 the cost is US$100 per day and is paid in Chile (This cost is subject to change without notice). This must be pre‐booked with Rogue Adventures
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry and drinks of any kind
Sleeping bag
Tips
International airfares and departure taxes
This is an expedition in the truest sense, where you are a member of the team. Your guide will be joined by assistant guides and they will handle the majority of the catering. But due to the wilderness factor, one has to be flexible and happy to assist when requested. You will be responsible for gathering water for drinking and meals, assisting with food preparation and expected to clean your own eating utensils, as well as erect and take down your tent. Food will be as varied as much as possible but bearing in mind that we have to be largely self sufficient, you should not expect much fresh food.
You are expected to be able to carry your personal gear and a share of the food and camping equipment (15‐20kg). The daily routine will be dependent on the weather. Most mornings we will rise by 6am and following breakfast, we plan to be on the trail around 7am, sometimes earlier. Lunch will be carried each day by individual group members and will be taken enroute. The sun sets late during summer in Patagonia, and the resulting long days allow us to make the best use of daylight on some long trekking days.
Argentina has a population of over 30 million and an area of 2,807,500 square kms. It is the second largest country in South America after Brazil. Its diverse geography ranges from tropical jungle in the north to the polar ice caps in the south. One needs to travel great distances between tourist regions in Argentina, and this factor makes this an expensive destination. The cost of living in Argentina is also the highest by far of any Latin American country, and is on a par with many European countries.
The capital, Buenos Aires ‐ is famed for its restaurants, shops and boulevards, and has a population of more than 10 million. There are many very good restaurants (including a few vegetarian restaurants ‐ which is surprising for a country of such devoted meat eaters!). All tend to have good food and good service including the smallest ones, but some are expensive so always check the menu before ordering. Wines are very good and come mainly from the Mendoza region. This Trip spends time in El Calafate, which lies on the edge of Lago Argentino.
Patagonia’s southern coastal position leaves it exposed to the intense winds that circle the Antarctic land mass. As such, the climate of Patagonia is unpredictable and it is necessary to be well prepared with good quality clothing. The summer season spanning November to March, experiences day time temperatures of between 8‐20 degrees Celsius and in the evenings the temperature can easily reach zero. By Andean standards, the Patagonian Mountains are low in altitude, but they capture virtually all the south‐west air borne moisture cladding their summits with snow, and leaving the leeward side, the Patagonian plains, in a severe rain shadow. This makes for some very interesting contrasts in the landscapes.
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‐free or allergen‐free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travelers with life‐threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‐administering these medications.
Accommodation ‐ on a twin share basis when staying in hotels. Refugio or camping accommodation in the national park where you may be required to share with 3 or more persons in bunk style accommodation.
During this expedition you are expected to carry all of your personal equipment plus a share
of the group equipment. You should be prepared to carry 15‐20kg for long distances in difficult conditions. Personal porters are available to carry part of your gear (maximum weight 15kg) for an additional cost.
Specialist gear required include comfortable leather mountaineering boots (such as Boreal Latok boots with full shank), good quality 75‐85 litre backpack with crampon attachment, a pair of skipoles, 4 season sleeping bag and insulated thermarest. (A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‐departure information provided on booking).
During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and whilst wherever possible, vehicles with seatbelts are provided, on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted.
A visa is exempt for passport holders from the following countries visiting Argentina for short term tourism purposes:
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy.
Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest you check with your travel agent or Rogue Adventures reservations consultant. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas.
Please note that this trip is not exclusive to Rogue Adventures clients and is operated by our partner in Argentina. Groups are pleasantly informal, usually comprising a majority of Australasians but also other nationalities. The groups are of maximum 8 participants.
