Patagonia Ascent

Cerro Madsen

  • Cerro Madsen

Between the Piedras Blancas Glacier and the Río Eléctrico valley lies this striking red mountain. Its name comes from the strong Patagonian winds that, when hitting the valley slopes, create a sound similar to thunder during an electrical storm.

This mountain features a glacier in its upper section, which we ascend to reach the summit. From the top, you will enjoy magnificent views of the ice field, with Cerro Fitz Roy rising impressively in front of us as a reward for the effort.

  • Recommended season: October to March
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Pax: 1 to 2 persons

Included Services

  • Certified UIAGM mountain guide
  • Expedition meals
  • Tent
  • Cooking equipment
  • Group technical gear
  • GPS
  • VHF and satellite communication
  • Personal technical gear (helmet, snowshoes, harness, crampons, carabiners, ice axes)
Not Included Services
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • High mountain boots
  • Backpack
  • High mountain clothing
  • Meals outside expedition days
  • Hotel
  • Rescue insurance is not included. Participants must have their own coverage (see Terms & Conditions).
Attention: National Park entry fees are not included in this program. You can purchase your tickets at APN – National Park Website.
PROGRAM

The day before the expedition there is a brief meeting with the guide to check equipment and finalize details.

Day 1

From El Chaltén we follow the trail toward Laguna de los Tres. After approximately 2.5 hours on an easy and well-marked path, gaining about 300 meters of elevation, we reach Poincenot Camp where we spend the night.

Day 2

Early in the morning we continue for one more hour toward Laguna de los Tres. From there we begin the ascent of Cerro Madsen, located to our right.

After crossing rock, snow, and mixed terrain for approximately 3 hours, we reach the summit. We return to camp and then descend back to El Chaltén.

  • Elevation gain: 1100 m
  • Duration: 8 – 10 hours
DIFFICULTY

Physical difficulty: Alpine terrain, which may include steep scree slopes, use of the “short rope” technique, rock climbing, moraines, glaciers, snow, etc. Elevation gain of 1,000 m or more.

Technical skills: Glacier experience is required: technical use of crampons and an ice axe.

  • Our reviews
Note: You can check our Difficulty Levels, General Information and Terms & Conditions for more details before booking.