Patagonia Ice Field

The day before the expedition we will have a short meeting with the guide to finalize details and check equipment.

Day 1: Río Eléctrico Valley

Transfer to the bridge over Río Eléctrico, 15 km northwest of El Chaltén, starting point of the trek to Marconi Glacier base.

The first two hours follow a marked trail through Ñire and Lenga forest along Río Eléctrico. At Piedra del Fraile campsite we leave vegetation and enter a glacial valley with views of Marconi Pass.

From this point onward we are exposed to wind and the terrain becomes more unstable. We follow the southern shore of Lake Eléctrico. From Pollone River it is one more hour to La Playita, where we set camp.

• Distance: 12 km (6 hours)
• Elevation gain: 50 m

Day 2: Marconi Glacier – Laguna de los 14

We begin early with breakfast, packing and starting the trek. Depending on conditions, we ascend via Marconi Pass or Laguna de los 14.

We cross Marconi River using a zip line. According to glacier conditions we use crampons and ropes to overcome crevasses and steep ice slopes.

This is one of the most technical and demanding days due to terrain variability: rock, ice and snow. Strong winds from the ice field and Pacific Ocean add an additional physical and mental challenge.

Camp II is set at Marconi Pass (1600 m), with views of Fitz Roy, Pier Giorgio and Gorra Blanca.

• Distance: 10 km (7–9 hours)
• Elevation gain: 800 m ascent

Day 3: Marconi Pass – Circo de los Altares

We cross Marconi Pass. After one hour, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field opens with views of Lautaro Volcano, Mariano Moreno Range, Paso de los Cuatro Glaciares and Glaciar Chico.

Terrain becomes easier but strong northwest winds can make the day challenging. We travel roped across the glacier and head south toward Circo de los Altares, at the base of Cerro Torre’s west face.

Snowshoes may be used if needed.

• Distance: 12 km (6–7 hours)
• Elevation gain: 50 m ascent / 100 m descent

Day 4: Circo de los Altares – Laguna Esquíes

We head toward Laguna Esquíes on the lateral moraine of Viedma Glacier, our exit point from the ice field.

We walk about 3 hours on ice before reaching moraine terrain that gradually becomes more stable.

• Distance: 14 km (8 hours)
• Elevation gain: 250 m descent / 250 m ascent

Day 5: Laguna Esquíes – Toro Camp

We enter Río Túnel Valley toward El Chaltén. The main challenge is ascending Paso del Viento and then descending to Toro Camp, where we rest in a Lenga forest.

• Elevation gain: 300 m ascent
• Elevation loss: 700 m descent

Day 6: Toro Camp – El Chaltén

Final stage following Río Túnel Valley back to El Chaltén.

• Distance: 15 km
• Elevation gain: 300 m ascent
• Elevation loss: 500 m descent

Day 7: Extra Day

Used as a contingency day for bad weather or rest if needed.