Trekking along the Continental Ice - El Chaltén, Santa Cruz | Argentina Extrema

Trekking - Continental Ice - El Chaltén, Santa Cruz

The third largest ice extension in the world after Antarctica and Greenland.

Start Date: 2025-Dec-22
End Date: 2025-Dec-28
Meeting Point: El Chalten
Duration: 8 days + trip
Availability: 3 spots
US$ 3750
US$ 3000 20% OFF
Special price booking until 08 de August!

Proposal

An adventure to the white field

Almost on the limit of Los Glaciares National Park, north sector. We´ll walk along 90km of forests trails and roped up on a large glacier; We´ll cross to Chile to spend the night in Gorra Blanca refuge. A great adventure that does not require technical knowledge (the guides will take care of the corresponding classes and care). You are going to trek with crampons and/or snowshoes, bypassing Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, its a relly beautiful hike.

Modality and difficulty: There are permanent slopes, between forests and high passes. You have to carry your own backpack with personal equipment and a bag of group food. Semi-technical terrain, with ice and rope movement. Overnights are in wild areas (without toilets), in tents and mountain shelters.

Minimum group of 4 people. Consult.

Day 1: Meeting in El Chalten.

Talk about the adventure to be done and equipment check. Check of the mandatory personal equipment to carry on the journey.

Overnight in El Chalten, not included.

Day 2: Electric River Valley

Transfer to Puente sobre Río Eléctrico, 15 km north-west of El Chaltén and starting point of our first day of trekking to the Marconi Glacier base.
The first two hours of walking follow the Río Eléctrico upstream through a Ñires and Lengas lush forest to Piedra del Fraile refuge; Then we´ll border the Electric Lake on its southern margin and less than two hours away we´ll have to ford the Pollone River from where we´ll be able to observe the NW wall of Mt. Fitz Roy. Finally La Playita is reached, where we´ll set up our camp. All guides and participants will bring everything necessary for the camp.

Distance to cover: 12 km. (10 hs. Of march).

Day 3: Marconi Glacier - Marconi Pass - Gorra Blanca Refuge

We´ll wake up with the first light of day to start the daily routine of our expedition, have breakfast, undo camp, pack backpacks and start the hiking day.
Very long day to try to cross the pass, enter the ice.

We arrive at Gorra Blanca Refuge, in the middle of the ice field. Rest, dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Refuge - Gorra Blanca Summit - Refuge

Early in the morning and if weather alouds it, we begin the ascent to Cerro Gorra Blanca (optional). It will take us approximately 10 to 12 hours to go up and down, crossing sectors with possible cracks and large snowy slopes. Return in the afternoon to the refuge. Rest and spend the night.  (12 hs. Of march).

Day 5: Gorra Blanca Refuge - Circo de los Altares

We will wake up with the first light of day and start the journey through the continental ice to Circo de los Altares, at Cerro Torre base. Exposure to possible winds. Overnight in the ice field. (9hs. Of march).

Day 6: Circo de los Altares - Esquíes Lagoon - Paso del Viento refuge

Path to leave the ice thru Paso del Viento and then access one of the upper lagoons. New camp next to a precarious refuge. (10hs. Of march).

Day 7: Paso del Viento Shelter - El Chalten

Very long and final section to El Chalten, passing by Laguna Toro. We arrive in the afternoon-night to  Chalten town. Overnight in hostel. End of the expedition. (12-14 hs. Of march).

Day 8: Extra day . 

One more day in case of bad weather

Note:  In case of bad weather, the guide will decide to shorten or lengthen the days

Included Services

  • Annual physical and technical preparation in Buenos Aires and by remote monitoring.
  • 50% discount on specific technical preparation trips (2-day rock climbing course: CLICK, winter mountaineering and ice climbing course in Ushuaia: CLICK)
  • High Mountain Guide enabled by APN
  • Guide assistants according to the number of passengers.
  • Satellite phone for emergencies
  • Radio communication with El Chaltén.
  • Kitchen equipment and dishes for the whole group.
  • Mountain safety equipment (ropes, harnesses, carabiners, maps, compass, etc.).
  • Snow rackets
  • Transfer to the Bridge over the Río Eléctrico (15 km from El Chaltén)
  • 1 porting of general equipment to Paso Marconi
  • Accommodation in camp from day 2 to day 7
  • All meals in the mountains (breakfasts, energy, snachs, lunches, meriendsa, dinners)
  • Prior advice

 

Services NOT included

  • Crampons, and necessary personal technical equipment. Ask for rent.
  • Any service not specified in this program.
  • Tips.
  • Accommodation in El Chalten the days before and after.
  • Trip to El Chaltén

Note

Passengers must carry 15 to 20 kilos per person.

technical training is required in the use of crampons or snowshoes. Previous experience in trekking and camping is required. The equipment/gear will be minimum and the food will be tailored to the program kind.
Participants must be self-sufficient in setting up the camp and preparing their meals, before departure guides will instruct them in these activities.
Itinerary begins and ends in El Chaltén.
This is a General Itinerary and it can be modified. External factors or weather conditions can change daily plans, which will be at the discretion of the Guide.

Where do you sleep

Overnights takes place in mountain camps in igloo type tents, comfortable and for 2/3 or 4 people and in a mountain refuge.

Faq

Is it a difficult ascent?

It has physical difficulty and some technique, mainly related to the walk on glaciers, although these techniques will be explained by the guides.

Do I need to be trained?

For any mountain activity you need to have a previous physical preparation, or be physically active.

Do I need to have previous experience?

It is important to have some previous experience in different trekkings. We recommend having a good physical condition, and be advissed that the modality is trekking, where you walk during the day with a backpack, and spend the night in a wild camp.

Where do we spend the night?

Overnight takes place in mountain camps in igloo type tents, comfortable and for 2/3 or 4 people and in a mountain refuge.

Should I bring a tent?

Tents are included in the service.

What is the climate or temperature?

Even though the time of year is summer, in mountain ranges and / or rugged areas, temperatures usually drop at night.

Are rest stops made?

yes, frequency and graduation of Stops are according to intensity.

There are stops for lunch, snack, and rest.

From what age can I do this activity?

From 18 years of age.

How much does the backpack weigh?

In a woman a range of 15 to 18 kilos, in a man of 18 to 25 kilos.

Is there a porters service?

We have a basic porting service for some of the equipment to a high camp, but then the total equipment must be carried. It is an expedition where everyone carries plenty in their backpacks.

What do we eat?

In all our expeditions we provide the service of meals IN FULL PENSION PLAN.

It is necessary to complete the personal / medical file to clarify if someone does not eat any type of food.

Sistema de Graduación de Dificultad

Haz clic en cada indicador para ver detalles

100%
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles
100%
Physical (F)
Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles
80%
Technical (T)
Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles
60%
Psycho (P)
Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles
20%
Adventures (A)
Adventures (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles
¿Cómo interpretar estos valores?

Cada aspecto se evalúa del 20% al 100%, donde:

  • 20-40%: Nivel básico o principiante
  • 60%: Nivel intermedio
  • 80-100%: Nivel avanzado o experto
Solo para aventureros experimentados

Esta aventura requiere experiencia avanzada y excelente condición física.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

  • Backpack for trekking (65 to 85 liters)
  • Warm sleeping bag (-10 comfort degrees, eg 700gms of feather or synthetic good).
  • Insulated sleeping pad (10 to 15mm).
  • Trekking poles

FOOTWEAR

  • High mountain boots (synthetic or plastic double boots)
  • Trekking shoes

HANDS

  • Thin gloves made of polypropylene or similar (not cotton)
  • Fleece gloves (with fingers)
  • Waterproof and breathable gloves

CLOTHES

  • Underwear
  • Pairs of synthetic thin socks (not cotton)
  • Thick mountain socks
  • Cotton or wool socks ( wool is for sleeping)
  • Long sleeves Synthetic shirts
  • Pants or leggings made of polypropylene or similar (not cotton). To wear as warm indoor pants
  • Long trekking pants (NO JEAN)
  • 2 Sweatshirt (Fleece 100 or Fleece 200)
  • Feather duvet jacket
  • Fleece cap
  • Sun hat
  • Buff neck
  • Waterproof jacket - parka (gore tex or similar)
  • Pants cover (gore tex or similar)
  • Mountain gaiters

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

  • Piolet
  • Snowshoe
  • Crampons
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Pear shaped carabiner (HMS)
  • Belay/Rappel device
  • Daisy chain and locking Carabiner

PERSONAL ELEMENTS

  • Passport, ID card, ID.
  • Medical insurance
  • Medical and personal information completed, authorization.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • FRONTAL flashlight with batteries (with spare batteries)
  • Sturdy plastic bags for storing clothes.
  • Personal dishes: Plate, glass / mug, cutlery

HEALTH & HYGIENE

  • Sun glasses with UV protection Category 4
  • Spare lenses (can be goggles, highly recommended)
  • Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant recipe)
  • Sunscreen, Lip balm
  • Soap, shampoo (small) and small towel.
  • Toilet paper. Baby wipes.

WATER

  • Containers to drink water, for at least 3 liters (plastic bottles, Camelbak, Nalgene, similar)
  • Small thermos

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (check space and weight)

  • SILVER TAPE for blisters and repairs
  • Mini - sewing kit
  • Binoculars. Camera or video equipment
  • Book, travel diary, pencil, pen

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag Disponible
Trekking sleeping bag
Trekking sleeping bag Disponible
Trekking sleeping bag
Pair of Trekking Poles Disponible
Pair of Trekking Poles
Pair of Trekking Poles Disponible
Pair of Trekking Poles
Pair of Trekking Poles Disponible
Pair of Trekking Poles
Pair of Trekking Poles Disponible
Pair of Trekking Poles
Pair of Trekking Poles Disponible
Pair of Trekking Poles
Mittens Disponible
Rental mittens

Tenes dudas?

If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hear from you!

Trekking - Continental Ice - El Chaltén, Santa Cruz

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