Trekking the Patagonia Icefields Trek

Ever dreamed of witnessing the breathtaking views of South America for yourself? From the buzzing

cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires to the colourful village of El Chalten with its hippie values. Taking part in the Patagonia Icefields Trek gives you the chance to see these extraordinary views for yourself, along with exploring the world class trails which feature throughout Patagonia and Argentina.

Undertaking the Adventurous Ewe Patagonia Icefields Trek, gives you the tremendous opportunity of witnessing Argentina’s and Patagonia’s’ natural beauty from above. Completing this trek will give you the chance to experience the stunning region like you have never seen it before.

The trek will last 12 days featuring stops at El Calafate, Laguna de Los Tres and Paso Del Viento as you hike through one of the world’s finest mountain ranges, the renowned Fitz Roy Range.

The Fitz Roy Range was originally known as Chaltén, meaning the Smoking Mountain. This name arose from the unusual phenomenon which causes the peak to be constantly surrounded by clouds, but was christened Fitz Roy in 1877, in memory of a sailor that explored the range during the Charles Darwin Expedition. The Fitz Roy Range straddles the southern icecap, the largest icecap outside the earth’s polar region, leading it to become one of the most sort after pilgrimages due to its unique circumstances.

Day 1 & 2: London – Buenos Aires – El Calafate

Flights will be boarded from London to Buenos Aires, with a second flight across the vast Patagonian wasteland to El Calafate viewing the deep blue waters of Lago Argentino from above. Weather permitting, this descent allows for breathtaking views of peaks of the Andes in the distance. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the surroundings of El Calafate from the traditional pine souvenir shops, authentic restaurants and chocolate shops. The night will be spent in a local hostel for a good night’s rest for the trek ahead.

Day 3: Perito Moreno Glacier

Your first full day in South America will be spent visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier together with a private guide. You will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to trek across the glacier and explore this remarkable world of ice, watching ice blocks detach off the glacier, hearing the thundering roar they produce and turning into floating icebergs. The evening will be spent in the comfort of a nearby overnight Chalten Cabin to rest up for the trek ahead.

Day 4: Los Huemules Private Reserve

Following an early morning transfer from Perito Moreno to the Los Huemules private reserve, the trek of the day will take place with views of the Fitz Roy Range in a Nothofagus Forest, a forest of tremendous Beeches which have staked their claim on the territory amidst fierce winds and a tough climate. The evening will be spent at the nearby Ricanor campsite.

Day 5: Laguna de Los Tres

The trek will continue through further beech forests leading toward the Poincenot base camp featuring spectacular views of the Piedras Blancas Glacier and the Rio Blanco Valley, where you may be lucky enough to see an Andean Condor gliding around the surrounding summits. The evening will be spent in close proximity with the natural environment as you camp till morning.  

Day 6: Laguna Torre – Madre Hija Trail

Budding photographers will love the photo opportunity of the Fitz Roy Range and its surrounding crystal clear lakes. The trail from Laguna Torre will lead across further glacial ranges and the ‘impossible mountain’ Cerro Torre known for its long pointed shapes and its difficult technical climbs. The evening will be spent resting up in an overnight El Chalten cabin.

Day 7: Paso Del Viento

Today’s trail leads through impressive beech forests before leading toward the Tunel River and onto Toro Lake. Today you’ll get the opportunity to view Fitz Roy from its southern side and the Cerro Solo peak, before spending the night camping on the Toro Lake campsite.

Day 8: Laguna Torre – Paso del Viento

Start the day climbing the Paso Del Viento (Windy Pass) where you’ll get to look out at the phenomenal sight of the Southern Conventional Ice Field, the third largest frozen water source in the world, completing the descent back down to Lake Toro for another night of camping.

Day 9: Laguna Torre – El Chalten

A rocky hike up Pliegue Tumbado through burnt forests and marshes towards luscious beech forests is how the expedition will come to an end, spending another evening in the comforts of an El Chalten cabin.

Day 10: El Chalten

This day acts as a provision for poor weather which may be experienced during the trek. If weather permits and the day is not needed, then it will be spent in El Chalten where you can relax sampling the areas world renowned chocolate or taking up the unique sceneries to go mountain biking, horse riding or bouldering. Another night will be spent staying in an El Chalten cabin.

Day 11: El Chalten – El Calafate

A transfer will be provided to El Calafate, where a flight will be taken to Buenos Aries in the afternoon. The flight arrives early evening, where you are given the opportunity to explore the metropolitan city, worlds away from the idyllic scenes of the Fitz Roy Range and El Chalten. 

Day 12: Buenos Aries – London

A final goodbye to Argentina, the day can be spent discovering Buenos Aries, the Paris of South America. A vibrant, confident city, known for its European atmosphere, with plenty of things to see and do before the flight back home. Explore the elegant architect of the Plaza de Mayo or take part in an authentic tango class where you will learn from the very best.

Interested in taking the trip of a lifetime? Mixing the natural beauty of the Patagonian ice glaciers with the hustle and bustle of the vivacious, colourful Buenos Aries. For more information on the Patagonia Glacier & Ice Trek and to confirm your place contact info@adventurousewe.co.uk.