Trekking crossing the Andes by Patagonia

Proposal

An adventure on foot crossing the Andes in Patagonia - Crossing starting in Argentina and ending in Chile

One piece of The Andes, at the foot of Tronador Mount in Nahuel Huapi National park, gives us a stunning landscape and many special sensations. And Pampa Linda, an oasis designed by the hand of nature. From there we will start hiking in order to reach to the Chilean police post at the end of the first day.

After that, we start a long descent among the valleys of Chile, crossing forests and thermal places, until we reach the town of Ralun. The natural spectacle and the experience tend to be stored in the memory sector of “the unforgettable”.

Itinerary

Note: it is recommended to be the day before in San Carlos de Bariloche. You can consult us about hostel accommodation, where the group is staying.

Day 1: Bariloche - Base of Tronador Mount

Transfer from Bariloche to Pampa Linda. Gendarmerie immigration formalities. First trekking stage, full day, to Chilean police post at the foot of Tronador Mount. We will hike up across the valley of Cauquenes River. Night in police post.

Walking Hours: 7hs
Kilometres: 18 kms

Day 2: Valleys of Chile

We start a gradual descent towards the valleys of Chile. First, we’ll see the White River born from the Tronador Mount namesake glacier. After many hours of descent through the thick forest, we will get to our campsite. If we have time we can enjoy the amazing natural hot springs.

Walking Hours: 8hs
Kilometres: 15 kms

Day 3: White Valley - The Esperanza

We’ll keep hiking down by the White Valley to the union of The Esperanza, where there is a local people’s house and more hot springs. A new enjoyment and a new camp set up. Free time in the afternoon to rest.

Walking Hours:4hs
Kilometres: 8 kms

Day 4: Esperanza River - Vuriloche River

A dense forest and some river crossing from Esperanza River to Vuriloche River, always in permanent drop. We head southeast entering to the fields and valleys of Chilean Patagonia. New campsite next to a village. A longer day than the day before.

Walking Hours: 10hs
Kilometres: 20 kms

Day 5: Laguna Cayuthué

We leave the camp early in the morning and cross the rising from Quitacalzones River. We walk by the side of a lake and continue with the long descent until we arrive at Laguna Cayuthué and the green lands around. View of Puntiagudo Volcano, beaches and beautiful sights.

Walking Hours: 8hs
Kilometres: 18 kms

Day 6: Ralún

We leave Laguna Cayuthué to Ralún. After a short ascent, we’ll reach a magnificent ocean view with Fjord Reloncaví. Finally, after 3 or 4 hours we arrive at the town of Ralún, the end of our great expedition among The Andes. From there we have a charter to Puerto Varas where we spent the night to close the trip, next to the beautiful and great Llanquihue Lake

Walking Hours: 4hs
Kilometres: 10 kms

Day 7: Puerto Varas

Breakfast and end of our services. Note: to return to San Carlos de Bariloche, consult us about Bus Tickets. The trip usually takes about 4 and a half hours and arrive at 4 pm. approximately to the San Carlos de Bariloche bus station.

Included Services

Transfer from San Carlos de Bariloche to Pampa Linda.
Transfer from Ralún to Puerto Varas.
All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7
Professional guides and enabled by APN.
General Gearand logistics (kitchen and camping).
tents for 2/3 or 4 people. According to availability.
Night accommodation in a hostel in Puerto Varas on the last night. Room to share.
Permanent assistance.
First aid kit and gear.
Emergencies Communication equipment: VHF, Satellite Telephone.
Team porting (horses day 1)
Personal accident insurance on Argentine´s territory

Services NOT included

Last day dinner in Puerto Varas.
Ticket to the Nahuel Huapi National Park (approx 8 usd)
Transfer from Puerto Varas (Chile) back to Bariloche or another place in Argentina.
Classic International travel assistance (Mandatory).

Meals: Milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold sandwiches, snacks, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinners: Vegetable stews with bacon or chorizo ;chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various , barbacue (goat), Chaw Fan, chicken with rice among other meals
Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit.
It is necessary to complete the personal / medical file to clarify if someone does not eat some type of food.

Where to sleep

Overnight is spent in mountain campsite in igloo tents, comfortable and for 2/3 or 4 people. Last Night we includ a Hostel to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be trained?

For any mountain activity you need to have a previous physical preparation, or be physically active. In this case we suggest Aerobic training (going for a run two to three times a week, cycling or swimming) and doing a good leg workout (gym, crossfit, AEX training, etc.)

Do I need previous experience?

We recommend walking at least once before this trekking with a backpack, although no previous experience is required. Having slept in a tent also helps as a experience for this trekking.

Where do we spend the night?

Overnight is spent in mountain campsite in igloo tents, comfortable and for 2/3 or 4 people. Last Night we includ a Hostel to share.

Do I have to carry a tent?

The tents are included in the service. If you want to bring yours, ask us.

Is there a bathroom?

No. There are no regular or chemical toilets. Everything is done in nature, delimiting sectors. And you have to maintain the hygiene of the place, bringing the papers back.

What is the weather like ?

Although the time of the year is optimal for this crossing, in mountain and/ or wild areas temperatures tend to fall at night, hence the importance of personal equipment. Non of what we detail in the equipment list can be missing.

Are there any breaks to rest?

Stops are given with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity.

There are breaks for lunch, snack, and rest.

How old do I have to be to do this activity?

From 16 years old onwards. We also recommend you to contact us before registering or registering a minor just to make sure that his/her experience is the suitable for this trek.

How much does the backpack weigh?

In a woman backpack, from 13 to 15 kilos, in a man from 15 to 20 kilos.

Is there any carrying service?

We have a mule carrying the general equipment, such as kitchen elements, food, tents, and security elements; only in Argentine Territory, the first day of the journey, after that each one must carry their own stuff and some of the general equipment.

What do we eat?

Meals: Milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold sandwiches, snacks, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinners: Vegetable stews with bacon or chorizo ;chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various , barbacue (goat), Chaw Fan, chicken with rice among other meals
Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit.
It is necessary to complete the personal / medical file to clarify if someone does not eat some type of food.

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

80%

Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles

60%

Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles

40%

Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles

40%

Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles

20%

Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles

How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level

Recommended for intermediate level

Previous experience and good physical condition required.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

Backpack for trekking (65 to 80 liters)
Warm sleeping bag (0 degrees comfort)
Insulated sleeping pad (10 to 15mm) ***
trekking poles **
Waterproof plastic bags to keep all the clothes inside the backpack
Plastic Poncho/raincoat
Backpack rain cover or large plastic bag

CLOTHES

trekking socks (multple pairs)
Underwear
1 pair of trekking boots (in good conditions)
1 second pair of footwear to cross rivers
Long trekking pants (NO JEAN)
1 pair of leggings
2 Dry fit synthetic short sleeve t-shirts
1 Long sleeve shirt
Fleece and duvet jacket
1 waterproof / breathable jacket (parka,ultrex,goretex)
1 sun hat (with flaps)
1 handkerchief to cover your neck from the sun (multifunction scarves type Buff)
Warm gloves
Warm hat