Trekking Lago San Martin - Lago del Desierto - El Chaltén, Santa Cruz
Trekking Expedition through a unique Patagonia region
4.8 (147)
Duration:7 days + tripStarting from:El Calafate, Santa CruzRegion:PatagoniaDistance:60KM
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Start time: 8amEnding time: 10am
Meeting Point: El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Duration: 7 days + tripCupos:
8 spots
Proposal
A Trip to Remember
The Estancia El Condor is located in the southeast extreme of Lake San Martin, an emerald color rarely seen. The mentioned lake is called O'Higgins on the Chilean side. Our proposal invites you to walk along the shore of the lake, from Argentina, to cross to Chile to the Candelario Mancilla post, a place guarded by Carabineros (Chilean Police). From there we´ ll continue through the Chilean forests until crossing again to Argentina in the Lago del Desierto area, where we finish, after crossing the lake. And from there, we go to El Chalten, "The Trekking Capital". It does not present technical or physical difficulties.
Modality and difficulty
Shoulder backpack Expedition. 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. Overnight stays are in wild areas (without toilets), in a tent and / or stalls.
Itinerary
Day 1 ESTANCIA EL CONDOR. From El Calafate, we traveled by vehicle along Route 40 to Lake San Martin, Estancia El Cóndor. Lunch. Short walks through the area and the lake. Dinner and overnight in the Estancia.
Day 2 We start our first section of the route, along the trails that leave the ranch to the west. We skirt the lake again and again and walk through a typical forest of the region on an open road. We arrive at La Nana post in the afternoon, where we will spend the night. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Continued along the coastal path and increasingly closed, we reached the Martinez de Rozas refuge in ruins at noon. Lunch. From there we enter the great valley of the Río Martinez de Rozas. We will cross the river a couple of times to our next camp, close to the old Altamirano Post. Camp, campfire. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 We raise camp again and we´ll go, always through the same valley, towards the sources of the riverbed. We´ll cross the river several times and pass through increasingly complex terrain, such as mallines, forests and closed trails. Finally we will look for a new camp near the old Torito Minero post. Camp, campfire, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Lago del Desierto: We continue our ascending path towards Paso La Unión, already outside the vegetation limit. Crossing the pass, perhaps with snow, we will descend to a new valley to reach the Lago del Desierto and then skirt it until its southern head. Last camp on the mountain.
Day 6 El Chalten: After breakfast, everyone will have the option of going up and down to the Huemul glacier, for our last excursion. Finally we set up camp and a vehicle will take us to El Chalten. Overnight in hostel. End of our services.
Day 7 Return home or continue with new adventures ...
Included Services
All tour guided
Entrance to the Estancia El Condor
permanent coordination + guides
Support horses and mules for the general team Equipment during the first three days
1 night accommodation in Estancia El Condor in refuge or trailers
Tents: overnight stays in wild camps and / or shelters
1 night accommodation at a hostel in El Chalten
All meals, from lunch on Day 1 to dinner on Day 7
General camping logistics (pots, heaters, VHF, security elements, orientation).
Previous advice.
Services NOT included
Plane Tickets
Local transfers (El Calafate / Estancia El Condor / El Chalten / El Calafate)
Note
Interesting extra options:
Stay one or two more days in El Chalten to make circuits on foot: Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre. Excursion on board the Viedma Glacier, etc.
Menu
Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, mate cocido, coffee, coffee with milk, homemade bread with regional sweets.
Marching lunches: stop for lunch, in which we will have a variety menu of sandwich (chicken, milanesa, peceto), pies and cold cuts with fruits or regional dessert sweets.
Dinner: with grilled vegetables and grilled vegetables, Pasta with sauce and cheese, Rice Stew, Grilled Goat with roasted vegetables, Lentil Stew.
For dessert, fresh or natural fruits.
Please remember to complete the medical/food form to let us know if you need any special diet
Where to sleep
Nights are 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.
Are there toilets?
No. There are no chemical toilets or toilets. Everything is done in nature, delimiting sectors. And you have to maintain the hygiene of the place, taking 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. There may be the possibility of rain storms, 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?
No, each one has to carry their own backpack with all their equipment; and part of the general food.
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.
Who's a good fit for Southern Transpatagonic Trekking - San Martin Lake to Del Desierto Lake, El Chalten?
Southern Transpatagonic Trekking - San Martin Lake to Del Desierto Lake, El Chalten is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde El Calafate, Santa Cruz , in the region Patagonia, Argentina.
It lasts 7 days + trip. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.
What physical fitness level is required for Southern Transpatagonic Trekking - San Martin Lake to Del Desierto Lake, El Chalten?
Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta. • The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day • The physical demand • The technical level of the terrain and required equipment • The degree of mental strength required • The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:
What equipment do I need to take part in the Southern Transpatagonic Trekking - San Martin Lake to Del Desierto Lake, El Chalten?
En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo. Chequealo ahora! ->
What's included in Southern Transpatagonic Trekking - San Martin Lake to Del Desierto Lake, El Chalten?
All tour guided
Entrance to the Estancia El Condor
permanent coordination + guides
Support horses and mules for the general team Equipment during the first three days
1 night accommodation in Estancia El Condor in refuge or trailers
Tents: overnight stays in wild camps and / or shelters
1 night accommodation at a hostel in El Chalten
All meals, from lunch on Day 1 to dinner on Day 7
General camping logistics (pots, heaters, VHF, security elements, orientation).
Previous advice.
What happens if the trip is suspended due to bad weather or other force majeure?
At AEX, the safety of our travelers and guides comes first. Activities are only suspended or modified when weather, political or geographic conditions put the expedition at risk. The decision rests exclusively with the guide team and technical direction, based on official reports (National Weather Service, National Parks or local authorities).
If the trip is suspended, do I lose what I paid?
No. The amount paid becomes a Credit in your favor (Weather Voucher) valid for 18 months from the suspended date: up to 6 months to choose a new date plus 12 months to take part. You can use it for the same expedition or any of our other destinations and experiences, and if you cannot use it within that period you can transfer it to someone else.
Difficulty Graduation System
Click on each indicator to see details
60%
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
20%
Psycho (P)
Psychological Strength
Clic para detalles
0%
Height (A)
Height Exposure
Clic para detalles
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)
This point refers to the weight we have to carry in our backpacks. Treks or journeys where we use pack animals allow us to carry less weight on our backs.
20%Up to 5 Kilos: Short excursion walks / Trekking Talampaya
40%Up to 8/10 Kilos: Round-trip trekking / Vallecitos 3 and 4-day programs
60%Up to 12/15 kilos: Crossing trekking with porting / Crossing of the Andes Paso Portillo
80%More than 15/18 kilos: Cross-country trekkings with little or no portage / Trekkings in Patagonia
100%More than 25 Kilos: With a lot of equipment on top and little or no porting / Continental Ice
Physical demand (F)
Physical (F)
We define physical demand as the fatigue we may experience both aerobically and in the muscles, legs, and joints.
20%half a day or less with little unevenness.
40%more sustained slopes and longer days in the activity. 2-3 days / more than 6 hours per day.
60%Long ascents and descents with a longer duration. Ascents to more than 4000 meters in the central mountain range.
80%Important work of legs in resistance. Very long days. Very long day ascents.
100%Maximum demand. Aerobic work and constant effort on legs. Continental Ice, Aconcagua.
Technical Aspect (T)
Technical (T)
The technical difficulty is mainly based on the terrain and the required skill level.
20%flat land
40%Trails with moderate ascents and descents. General trekking expeditions.
60%Steeper slopes and trails. Possible use of crampons.
80%Mixed terrain, with snow or ice. Alvear, Lanin, Tronador.
100%Highly technical terrain. Glacier travel and climbing in sections.
Psychological Strength (P)
Psycho (P)
Psychological factor that represents conviction, confidence, self-control and willpower.
20%We will not be much affected.
40%This is a normal level of attention.
60%We require more motivation, enthusiasm and concentration.
80%The activity will require us to be very connected and convinced.
100%Maximum control and emotional-psychological performance.
Height Exposure (A)
Altitude (A)
Factor that the height above sea level influences us depending on the activity.
0%+ sea level.
20%Up to 2000 masl.
40%+ 2000 masl.
60%+ 4000 masl.
80%+ 5000 masl.
100%+ 6000 masl.
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
Ideal for beginners
This adventure is perfect for those starting in outdoor activities.
from Lake San Martin to Lago del Desierto + El Chalten, Santa Cruz
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4.8
147 Google reviews
MC
Maxi Cuska
Espectacular todo! el recorrido Calilegua-Tilcara, los paisajes, la atención y dedicación de los guiás. Lean y Gusti una masa!! comimos excelente, mucha magia de Gustavo en la cocina y los lugareños que nos recibieron de primera. El grupo que toco también toda la onda!! La pasamos genial en todo momento, el hospedaje de ultima noche un lujo. Recomiendo fuerte!!
LD
Luciana Durante
Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.
GA
Guillermina Augustu
Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..
Do you have doubts?
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
