The Patagonian Southern Ice Field is the third-largest ice mass in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland.
It is a vast plateau, perpetually covered in snow, located at an average altitude of 1,500 masl. It is traversed by the Andes Mountains from north to south and shared by both Chile and Argentina.
This expedition is an 80 km trek around Mounts Fitz Roy and Torre, involving walking mostly with crampons and snowshoes, and offers a truly unique experience.
Without a doubt, it is one of the most exciting treks in the world, both physically and mentally demanding.
Your journey begins with a transfer to the starting point of the expedition – the Eléctrico River Bridge, located 17 km from El Chaltén. From here, you’ll trek for around 2 hours through a dense lenga forest until you reach the Piedra del Fraile refuge.
After a brief rest, you’ll continue along the ancient glacial valley of the Eléctrico River before crossing the Pollone River.
Over the next 3 hours, you’ll navigate a variety of rocky terrains before arriving at La Playita, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
• Distance: 12 km
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Elevation change: 50 m
This is one of the most crucial days of the expedition, as reaching the ice field depends heavily on favourable weather conditions.
You’ll cross a zip line and climb rocky walls to reach Laguna de los 14. From there, you’ll gently ascend De los 14 glacier, the gateway to the Patagonian Continental Ice Field.
While crossing the glacier, you’ll use crampons, and depending on the weather, ropes and additional equipment may be required to ensure safety.
You’ll set up camp on the glacier itself, where the ice flattens out. From here, you’ll enjoy incredible views of mounts Fitz Roy, Pier Giorgio and Gorra Blanca. If conditions allow, you may continue to Gorra Blanca Mountain Refuge, located in Chile.
• Distance: 12 km
• Walking time: 8–10 hours
• Elevation change: 800 m
You’ll make your way to the “Circo de Los Altares,” where you’ll be rewarded with a close-up view of the western face of the legendary Mount Torre and its surrounding peaks.
This is considered one of the most stunning views in Los Glaciares National Park.
• Distance: 10 km
• Walking time: 5–6 hrs
• Elevation change: 100 m
Your trek continues south across the ice, using crampons or snowshoes, passing Laguna de Los Esquíes before heading east to either Laguna Ferrari or Refugio Paso del Viento to set up camp for the night.
The second half of the day takes you across rocky terrain along the lateral moraine of the Viedma Glacier.
• Distance: 20 km
• Walking time: 8–10 hrs
• Elevation change: 500 m
Today’s trek takes you up to Paso del Viento and then down through the Túnel River Valley towards Laguna Toro.
The trail is rocky and crosses several moraines as well as part of the Túnel Glacier. You’ll also cross the Túnel river using a zip line.
• Distance: 8 km
• Walking time: 6–8 hrs
• Elevation change: 500 m
The final stretch of the expedition takes you from Laguna Toro back to El Chaltén. The trail is mostly flat, leading through open fields and tranquil lenga forests.
• Distance: 15 km
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Elevation change: 250 m
