DESCRIPTION:
This intense and unforgettable expedition to the Southern Patagonian Continental Ice Field will allow you to admire the contrast between desolated yellow steppe, deep green Nothofagus forest and the white horizon of the Ice continental cap. The route below is a full circuit around Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massif which offers impressive views of the North and West sides of these spires. Walking and camping on the ice will reward us with a close look of the majestic Cirque of the Altars, the paradise on Earth for alpine climbers.

DIFFICULTY
This expedition requires no prior technical experience with crampons or ropes. Nevertheless, good predisposition to physical effort is needed in order to fully enjoy this adventure. Trekkers will have to carry their personal gear or hire porters and walk on different types of terrain, ice, steep slopes, moraines and flat ground as well.

Location: Continental Ice Cap, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre Massif, Patagonia, Argentina.
Length: 10 days
Guide/climber ratio: 3:1
Prerequisites: Excellent Physical Condition

DATES:
On Request: Contact us
Price: Contact us

SERVICES:

INCLUDED SERVICES
•High Mountain professional Guides (UIAGM-IFMGA, AAGM, EPGAME).
•All private overland transportation mentioned in the itinerary
•welcome diner (does not include drinks)
•Two nights Hotel in El Chalten.
•Mountain tents.
•All meals during the traverse.
•Cooking sets
•High mountain tents (The North Face)
•Porters for group Equipment to Paso Marconi.
•Communication equipment.
•CD with pictures of the traverse.

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES
•Drinks or any other personal costs.
•Meals on the cities.
•Expenses for giving up the expedition.
•Medical or travel insurance. Fee in case of an emergency rescue.
•Any other expenses not specified in the list of included services.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival to El Calafate and road trip to El Chaltén.
Nasqa Expeditions will meet you at the airport from where our private transport will drive us 200 kilometers to El Chaltén, a small town of 300 people in winter. The route crosses wide estancias on the Patagonian steppe and surrounds Argentino and Viedma lakes. We will check in at the hotel and with a welcome diner we will review the plan for the up coming traverse.

Day 2: Transfer from El Chaltén to Rio Electrco Bridge and trek to Eléctrico Lake.
Trekking day through the forest viewing huge cliffs and crossing streams to get to a small beach (Rio Eléctrico Lake) where we will camp and spend the night. Approx. 5 hrs walking.

Day 3: Eléctrico Lake to Marconi Pass.
As we will be getting on top of the Marconi Glacier it is essential to have good weather. This might be the hardest day and we will use ropes and climbing techniques. Expect magnificent views of the expanse Continental Ice-cap. There is plenty space to camp on the ice! Approx. 6 to 8 hrs.

Day 4: Trek to Circo de los Altares.
We will use snow shoes to walk on the immense Ice Cap. There are incredible views in this section, the Cirque is formed by several of the most famous peaks in the climbing world, such as Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and Egger. Approx. 5 to 6 hrs.
If we have good weather, the next day we can make a round trek to the base of Cerro Torre, without backpacks, approx. 5 to 6 hrs in total. In this case, we will be using one of the extra days.

Day 5: Trek to Laguna de los Esquies.
We still walk on top of the ice cap, enjoying the nice view and gradually descending to find a blue lagoon where we will set up the camp. Approx. 5 hrs.

Day 6: Trek to laguna Toro.
While crossing Paso del viento (Wind Pass) walking on top of moraines we will be
leaving the Ice-cap and entering the Tunel valley. We will camp once again, in the forest. Approx. 6 hrs.

Day 7: Trek back to El Chaltén
The trek starts from a green valley and as we get closer to El Chalten, the landscape becomes more arid and finally concedes us a panoramic view of the town and the steppe. Approx. 6 to 7 hrs. We will enjoy a nice diner at the hotel.

Day 8 and 9: Extra days in case of bad weather.
We count these days of the expedition as extras days in case of poor weather or other circumstances that disrupt the normal schedule

Day 10: Transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate airport
Your Nasqa Expeditions guide will bring you by private transportation to the airport.

EQUIPMENTS:

TRAVERSE GEAR:
Comfortable backpack of 75 liters or more
Headlamp if possible, light and small (Tikka type)
Sleeping bag at least -10ºC (synthetic preferred)
Bivy sac (optional)
Ridge Rest or Thermarest sleeping pad- full length and repair kit
Pocketknife, plate, cup, spoon, fork
Water bottles (two 1-liter or one 2-liter bottle)
Thermos (1-liter)
Sunscreen SPF 30-40
Lip balm SPF 20-40 (2 sticks)
Personal care items
Personal first aid kit
Earplugs (optional)

CLOTHIG
**Cotton blends are not acceptable

Lightweight long underwear tops and bottoms (2 pairs)
Expedition weight long underwear top and bottom (1 pair)
Fleece Jackets midweight
Insulated synthetic jacket
Waterproof & breathable jacket (Gore-Tex or soft-shell)
Waterproof & breathable pants (Gore-Tex or soft-shell)
Fleece pants

HEAD
Sun cap or hat and bandana to protect the neck and head
Wool or fleece hat
Balaclava (midweight to heavyweight)
Sunglasses with UV filter (styles with nose and side protection preferred)
Ski goggles
**If you wear contact lenses or glasses, we recommend packing an extra pair

HANDS
Synthetic gloves ( fleece or polypropylene)
Fleece gloves or mittens (1 pair)
Gore-Tex overmitts

FEET
Liner socks (2-3 pairs of smooth wool, nylon or polypropylene)
Thick socks (2 pairs)
Light hiking boots or trekking shoes
Double/Plastic boots (Koflach type)
Gaiters (large enough to fit over double/plastic boots)

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT
Climbing Harness
2 locking carabiners
Climbing helmet
Snow shoes
Light mountaineering axe
Crampons
Trekking poles (telescopic)

TRAVELING
Duffel bag (large and durable enough to hold your equipment during mule transport)
Travel clothes
Happy sacs to keep the gear dry inside the backpack