2330 - Ice Climbing to Cerro Gorra Blanca

DAY 1 - EL CHALTEN

From El Chalten to Piedra del Fraile and la Playita Camp

After we meet the guide at the hotel, a private transportation will pick us up to take us to the bridge of the Río Eléctrico (15 km northeast from El Chaltén), which is going to be the departure point of our expedition.

The first two hours of the trekking follow the Río Eléctrico upstream through a thick forest of Ñire and Lenga trees up to Piedra del Fraile Camp. Crossing the camp, we will enter into a vast glacier valley that will open in front of us to let us see the Cerros Treinta Aniversario, Marconi Norte and Marconi Sur.

From Piedra del Fraile we will walk along the southern edge of the Lago Eléctrico by its southern edge, and in less than two hours walking we will ford the Río Pollone. From here, we will be able to see the northeast face of the Monte Fitz Roy.

By walking one more hour we will arrive to the west margin of the Lago Eléctrico, where we will set up our tents in La Playita camp, where we will set up our tents and will rest.

Hiking time: 6:00 hrs
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 100 m (maximum elevation gain during the day)
Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp (sleeping tent in double occupancy)

DAY 2 - PASO MARCONI

La Playita Camp, Paso Marconi, Southern Ice FIeld Viewpoint

We will wake up with the first light of day to have breakfast, set down camp, and start the hiking day. We will ascend to Laguna de los 14, and we will skirt it by the west side to then get on the Marconi Glacier, up to Paso Marconi. From here we will have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges and the immense continental ice field.

We will set up the camp to spend an unforgettable night on the Southern Ice Field.

Hiking time: 8:00 hrs
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 850 m (maximum elevation gain during the day)
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp (sleeping tent in double occupancy)

DAY 3 - GORRA BLANCA SUMMIT

Cerro Gorra Blanca

Summit day to Cerro Gorra Blanca. During the entire ascent, we will have an unbeatable view of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, Pier Giorgio and Pollone to the east. Towards the west side, the vastness of the Southern Patagonian Ice with the Mariano Moreno range and Volcán Lautaro will impact us. Then we will return to the camp to spend the night.

Hiking time: 10:00 hrs
Distance: 14 km
Elevation gain:1,400 m (maximum elevation gain during the day)
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp (sleeping tent in double occupancy)

DAY 4 - RIO ELECTRICO

Southern Ice Field, Rio Electrico, El Chalten

We will descend from Glaciar Marconi towards the Río Eléctrico valley, appreciating in our path the unique contrast of passing from a world of ice to a green forest with remarkable biodiversity. Upon reaching the Río Eléctrico bridge, our vehicle will be waiting for us to return to El Chaltén. End of services.

Hiking time: 9:00 hrs
Distance: 19 km
Elevation gain: 0 m (maximum elevation gain during the day)
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Accommodation: Not included

Note:

The hiking times, distances, and elevation gains are tentative.

Remember that each person will have to carry their own personal equipment, box lunch, and water during all the program routes.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Mountaineering boots (Boreal Latok or Sportiva Nepal Top (we recommend from experience lighter weight and water-proof materials)
• One pair of good quality Gaiters (depending on the season of the year)
• Lightweight footwear or sandals (which also serve to ford rivers)
• Synthetic mountain stockings, comfortable and adjusted to the foot (3 pairs)
• Strong fleece pants, trekking or other synthetic material
• Waterproof trousers with side closures (we recommend 3-layer Gore-tex)
• Synthetic underwear (polypropylene): two shirts with long sleeves and two pair of leggings or thin inner pants
• Polar fleece jacket
• Duvet or synthetic jacket for warmth when not hiking
• Waterproof Shell jacket with hood (we recommend 3-layer Gore-tex)
• Polar fiber balaclava
• Polar fiber cap
• Glacier sun glasses with UV filter for high solar radiation, Category 4 or 5
• Ski goggles with UV filter
• One pair of thin gloves made of synthetic material
• One pair of polar gloves or mittens
• Cover mittens (We recommend Gore-tex), COMPULSORY
• A backpack of 75/85 liters capacity
• One pair of trekking or ski poles with snow baskets
• Sleeping bag rated -10 C, Duvet or synthetic
• Insulating sleeping pad length (we recommend Therm-a-rest brand)
• Plastic bottle (if possible, wide mouth, Nalgene type)
• One-liter thermos for every two people sharing a tent
• Headlamp (with replacement batteries)
• Multi-purpose penknife
• Mug, bowl, knife, spoon & fork
• Sunscreen cream (SPF 50)
• Lipstick with sunscreen (SPF 50)
• Personal first aid kit with personal medicines
• Wide adhesive tape for blisters
• Hygiene items reduced to the minimum necessary
• Waterproof bags to pack clothes and keep it dry
• Photographic equipment reduced to a minimum