Beautiful views of Cerro Torre peak in Patagonia | Sue Badyari
Beautiful views of Cerro Torre peak in Patagonia  | Sue Badyari
Overlooking the Cerro Torre on the Fitz Roy Circuit, Patagonia, Argentina  | Alan Beech
Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park  | Sue Badyari
Beautiful views of Fitz Roy from the trail to Laguna de los Tres  | Sue Badyari
Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park  | Sue Badyari

Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse

Pure adventure in remote wilderness while circumnavigating the Towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre

10 Days from

$4190 USD

Trip Code: FZC
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Duration

  • 10 Days

Activities

  • 7 day trek

Accommodation

  • 3 nights lodge
  • 6 nights camping

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

8 / 10

Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks

Trip highlights

  • Take the path less travelled on this challenging trek in Los Glaciares National Park
  • Enjoy unsurpassed views of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy
  • Undertake this very remote wilderness traverse of the Continental Ice Cap
  • One contingency days in case of bad weather
  • 1:3 ratio of expert mountain guides to participants

Overview

A challenging circumnavigation of the towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre via the continental ice cap. Our self sufficient expedition will appeal to those looking for the ultimate Patagonian adventure with spectacular and rarely seen views of the dramatic granite spires of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The Patagonian Ice Field is one of the biggest fresh water reservoirs left in the world. This is probably one of the wildest trekking experiences that does not involve high altitudes and climbing. Very few people have undertaken this traverse and it is very unlikely that we shall meet anyone else. Whilst not technical, this trip involves long trekking days carrying a full pack of 15-20kg and using snow shoes or crampons at times dependent on the conditions. In the truest sense of exploratory trekking, this trip is weather dependent and the full circuit cannot be guaranteed. However we have included a spare contingency day to give us the best opportunity to achieve our goal in case of poor weather. If we complete the circuit or not, one thing is guaranteed - pure adventure in a remote wilderness.

Itinerary

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This morning you will be picked up from your hotel in El Calafate around 7.30am for your transfer to El Chalten. We will take the public tourist bus across the Patagonian Pampa to this small mountain village situated at 450m above sea level. On the way to El Chalten you will have magnificent views of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy in the distance if weather allows. El Chalten means ‘smoking mountains’ and is the main entry point into Los Glaciares National Park. It is the base camp for numerous climbing expeditions to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre as well as expeditions to the Patagonian Ice Field. Overnight: Patagonia Hostel or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning after breakfast you will meet your guide. Our guide will explain the adventures that await us in the days ahead. The rest of the day will be preparation for the trek and detailed instructions on how to use the camping and technical gear will be given and trained. Overnight: Patagonia Hostel or similar

Meals: B

This morning we transfer to the “Rio Electrico” bridge, 15 km northwest from El Chalten, and the starting point for our first day’s trekking towards the base of the Marconi Glacier. The first two hours of the walk follow a well marked footpath along the river and a fording of the river on foot. We will then enter an area of moraine and rocky terrain; there will be a river crossing of "Pollone River”; sometimes the river is up to your knees and we will use the spare running shoes to wade through the river. After this we will continue to the end of Eléctrico Lake, in order to cross the Eléctrico River by a Zip-Line. The last two hours will be going up the Valley towards “Laguna de los 14”; our first camp of the expedition. Overnight: Laguna de los 14 Distance: 15km (400m ascent)

Meals: B,L,D

We ascend onto the Marconi Glacier and undertake a glacier trek up to the Marconi Pass (1550m above sea level). Weather allowing, there are excellent view of Fitz Roy, Piergiorgio and Gorra Blanca, among other peaks. This trek will require the use of crampons and depending on the glacier's conditions, we'll use climbing ropes and harnesses. Today will be truly out of this world and into a remote wilderness of stunning mountain scenery and impressive views of the ice field and the granite towers that make Los Glaciares world famous. Overnight: Camp on the ice field or Refugio Garcia Soto. Distance: 10km (800m ascent)

Meals: B,L,D

Continue trekking on the ice field southbound to the "Circo de los Altares" at the foot of the mythic west face of Cerro Torre. The narrow granite pinnacle of Cerro Torre is unmistakable in this glacial wonderland. For many decades Cerro Torre was considered impossible to climb due to its extreme vertical faces in an extreme environment, but eventually it was first climbed in the 70's by an Italian team, and many mountaineers consider this one of the greatest feats in mountaineering history. As we pitch camp under the mile high vertical spire we truly realise how extraordinary this mountain range is. Overnight: Camp on the ice field at Circo de los Altares. Distance: 12km (50-100m descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Another tough but rewarding trek on the ice field from Circo de los Altares to Los Esquies Lagoon. Today, weather permitting we should get great views of the Mariano Moreno range, Cerro Luca and Southern Ice Cap. We exit the ice field across the lateral moraine of the Viedma Glacier to our camp. Our camp will depend on the weather conditions. Overnight: Either “Laguna Ferrari” or “Paso del Viento” hut. Distance: 14km (250m ascent/250m descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Embark on the Laguna Trek over 'Paso del Viento' (1500m), descending through Tunnel Valley to reach Laguna Toro. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of the Mariano Moreno Range and Viedma Glacier. The terrain is rocky, with scree slopes, and includes a short section across Glacier Tunnel. At Laguna Toro, there's a river crossing, which can be traversed using a cable zip-line or by foot at the bottom of the valley. Overnight: Camp at Laguna Toro. Distance: 15km (600m elevation gain)

Meals: B,L,D

Today has been set aside as a contingency day in case of bad weather. If it is not used, the group will spend an extra day at one of the beautiful campsites.

Meals: B,L,D

Trek back to El Chaltén through a forest of 'lengas' and over the 'Pliegue Tumbado'. From here we will walk back to El Chalten where our comfortable lodge is awaiting us. Tonight we celebrate the end of the expedition with a last group dinner! Overnight: Patagonia Hostel or similar Distance: 18 km (400m ascent)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we will take the public tourist bus back to El Calafate where your trip arrangements conclude. We do not recommend leaving El Calafate until after 4pm, just in case there are any delays.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches (includes box lunches) and 7 dinners
  • Expert UIAGM/AAGM certified mountain guide
  • Assistant guides (number dependent upon group size) from days 3 to 10
  • Lodge accommodation in El Chalten
  • Group camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags and mats)
  • Group mountain equipment (ropes, harnesses, carabiners, maps, compass, crampons and technical equipment)
  • Internal transportation
  • Group medical kit
  • GPS and radio communication with base in El Chalten

Not included

  • International flights, airport taxes and airport transfers
  • Internal flights and taxes
  • All personal expenses
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance and visas
  • Sleeping bag, sleeping mat and personal gear
  • Mountaineering boots, note these can be hired locally if needed, ask us for details.
  • Porterage (possible to add this for an additional cost)

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