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You are here: Home1 / TREKKING2 / Patagonia’s Ice Field Trek

Patagonia’s Ice field trek

ARG-10 / 11-day trip Grade: T3-T4

Patagonia’s Ice Field Trek
OVERVIEW

Patagonia’s ice field, known as “Hielo Continental Patagonico” in Spanish, is the third biggest ice mass in the world. It is more than 400 km long and 100 km wide, located in the heart of the Patagonian region, which creates a natural border between Argentina and Chile. This unique place in South America provides one of the best experiences for people who like to trek in remote areas and get a taste for vast nature.

Patagonia’s ice field, known in Spanish as the Hielo Continental Patagónico, is the third largest ice mass in the world. Stretching over 400 km long and 100 km wide, it lies in the heart of the Patagonian region, forming a natural border between Argentina and Chile. This unique place in South America offers one of the best experiences for those who enjoy trekking in remote areas and immersing themselves in vast, pristine nature.

Our Patagonia Ice Field Trek begins on the lush eastern side of the Andes, ascending through valleys adorned with deep-blue lakes and towering rock faces before reaching the ice field itself, a stark yet breathtaking icecap. This is an experience comparable only to Antarctica or Greenland.

This trip is part of our adventure programs, where participants actively contribute to the journey: trekking with their own equipment, helping carry supplies such as food, assisting in setting up campsites, and melting snow for water. The reward for this effort is the chance to explore one of the wildest landscapes on earth, witnessing the Patagonian granite spires and wind-sculpted ice formations. For this expedition, we have a skilled team of guides experienced in this type of terrain, equipped with all necessary safety technology, including satellite communications and GPS.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!


Day 1Arrival in Patagonia
Day 2Perito Moreno’s glacier
Day 3Chalten and trek to Piedra del Fraile (517 m)
Day 4Laguna de los 14 (874 m)
Day 5Marconi Mountain Pass (1552 m)
Day 6Circo de los Altares (1316 m)
Day 7Laguna Ferrari-Refuge (908 m)
Day 8El Paso del Viento (1422 m)
Day 9Pliegue Tumbado pass (1043 m) – Chalten (404 m)
Day 10Reserve day in case of bad weather
Day 11El Calafate – Departure
ITINERARY
Day 1

Arrival in Patagonia
Nestled in Patagonia on the edge of Lake Argentino, El Calafate is the gateway to the breathtaking Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. A charming town with colorful streets, cozy cafés, and artisan shops, it offers access to outdoor adventures like glacier trekking, boat tours, and wildlife spotting, all framed by dramatic Andean landscapes.

Pick up at airport and transfer-in to hotel in El Calafate
Meals includes: None

Day 2

Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate – Visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier and Return

Today we will enjoy one of the most impressive sights of a moving glacier. Departing around 9 a.m., we will drive westward toward the Chilean border. After approximately two hours, we will reach Perito Moreno National Park.

There, we will board a catamaran and sail close to the glacier, witnessing the spectacular ice chunks breaking off and plunging into the cold waters that surround it. After the boat tour, we will visit the main viewing area, where we can enjoy a coffee and some snacks before embarking on a relaxing walk along the elevated walkways. These paths take us to several viewpoints, allowing us to fully appreciate the glacier and its grandeur.

In the afternoon, we will return to El Calafate.
Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3

Chalten and trek to Piedra del Fraile (517 m)
Early in the morning, we will transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital. After a short break, we will continue into Los Glaciares National Park, driving 17 km to the Electrico River Bridge (446 m), where our trek begins.

The trail ascends gently, leading us into the heart of the Andes. After 2.5 to 3 hours of hiking, we will reach La Piedra del Fraile, a well-known camping spot set in a stunning location.

Overnight in tents.
Ascent: 517 m / Highest Altitude: 537 m / Distance: 7,1 Km. / Activity duration: 2,5-3 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Day 4

Laguna de los 14 (874 m)
We will depart from La Piedra del Fraile, continuing along the famous Río Eléctrico, named for its striking electric-blue waters. Hiking along its southern bank, we will cross the Pollone River and set up our first campsite on the western shore of Laguna de los 14 (854 m). Here, we will enjoy our first view of the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.

Overnight in tents.
Ascent: 357 m / Highest Altitude: 874 m / Distance: 9,11 Km. / Activity duration: 4-5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Day 5

Marconi Mountain Pass (1552 m)
Get ready – this is one of the longest and most challenging days of the trek. We will depart early from our camp at Laguna de los 14, as the ascent is long and demanding. Over very varied terrain, we will climb approximately 700 meters in elevation.

First, we will follow the valley onto steep rocky slopes, where, depending on conditions, ropes may be needed for safety. Once atop the Marconi Pass, we will enjoy our first view of the ice field – a gateway into a completely different world!

We will then begin our descent toward the ice field, hiking across it until we find a suitable spot for our campsite. If weather conditions allow, we will camp directly on the ice field; otherwise, we will continue to Gorra Blanca Refuge and set up camp outside. By this point, we will have crossed the border into Chile, with our camp at 1609 meters near the peak of Cerro Gorra Blanca.

Overnight in tents.
Ascent: 735 m / Descend: 20 m / Highest Altitude: 1609 m / Distance: 9,5 Km. / Activity duration: 8-9 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Day 6

Circo de los Altares (1316 m)
Our first morning on the third-largest ice mass on the planet! We will begin the day by packing and organizing for the day’s activities. Today is a shorter and less demanding day, as we will already be walking on the glacier and there is almost no change in altitude between camps.

After several hours of hiking, we will reach one of the most iconic spots in the mountaineering world: El Circo de los Altares, on the east face of Cerro Torre, Standard, and Eger—some of the most sought-after climbs in Patagonia. This remarkable place is worth every step and may well be the highlight of the entire trip.

Overnight in tents.
Descend: 293 m / Highest Altitude: 1609 m / Distance: 14,9 Km. / Activity duration: 5-6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Day 7

Laguna Ferrari-Refuge (908 m)
We will depart from our campsite and head south across the ice field for approximately 4 to 5 hours. Afterwards, we will return to the mountain range, ascending a rocky section to reach Lake Ferrari, located below Paso del Viento (908 m), our “exit” back to the eastern side of the Andes. From our campsite, we will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the ice field and, with a bit of luck, a stunning view of the mountains on the Chilean side.

Overnight in tents.
Descend to the Ice cap edge: 230 m / Ascent to pass: 85 m / Descend to camp: 263 m / Highest Altitude: 1316 m / Distance: 19,1 Km. / Activity duration: 7-8 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Day 8

El Paso del Viento (1422 m)
Today we will ascend to the famous mountain pass El Paso del Viento (Pass of the Wind) at 1422 meters, a place known for its exposure to high-speed winds and also for offering one of the best viewpoints over the ice field. Once on the pass, we will take time to enjoy this incredible site, taking one last look over the vast ice and the striking granite spires that make this area famous worldwide.

On the other side, we will descend the valley along a trail that is not very well marked. During our descent, we will pass a small glacier just below Cerro Grande, on our way to our camp on the shores of Toro Lake (648 meters). Just before reaching the campsite, there is a zip line crossing over the Río Toro, an unforgettable experience.

Overnight in tents.
Ascent: 514 m / Descend: 774 m / Highest Altitude: 1422 m / Distance: 11,4 Km. / Activity duration: 7-8 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Day 9

Pliegue Tumbado pass (1043 m) – Chalten (404 m)
We will continue descending, following the Tunel River for several hours until we make a final ascent to the Pliegue Tumbado Pass (1043 m), from where we will follow the trails back to El Chaltén. Along the way, we will notice the change in vegetation as the grasslands, flowers, and signs of life gradually return with the decreasing altitude. Back in El Chaltén, we will enjoy the comfort of a cozy hostel and a well-deserved meal.

Descend to River Toro: 48 m / Ascent Pliegue Tumbado Pass: 443 m / Descend to Chalten: 639 m / Highest Altitude: 1043 m / Distance: 19,1 Km. / Activity duration: 5-6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Additional meals provided only if the reserve day is used during the trek: Dinner

Day 10

Reserve day in case of bad weather
All services are included on the mountain, but back in the towns/cities no lodging or meals are included – these are on the member’s own account.
Note: There are plenty of activities to do, if the reserve days are not used. Please ask you guide for assistance.

Included meals: Breakfast

Additional meals provided only if the reserve day is used during the trek: Picnic

Day 11

El Calafate – Departure
Morning transfer-out to El Calafate city or Airport – End of services.
Included meals: Breakfast

PRICING
ARG-10 – To request prices, please click on the BOOK TRIP bottom on the right sidebar and fill the information.


INCLUDED

  • Program in shared international group
  • Local English speaking professional UIAGM mountain guide
  • Assistant guide from 4 PAX
  • Tour to Perito Moreno plus entrance fee
  • Private transportation throughout the entire program
  • 2 nights in shared double rooms in El Calafate
  • 2 nights in shared double rooms in El Chalten
  • Quality mountain tents – 2 PAX per tent – from day 3 to 10
  • Group common campsite equipment
  • Porters for tents and kitchen equipment
  • Satellite phone for communications and rescue
  • GPS navigation systems
  • Complete mountain First Aid kit
  • Meals as specified in the day to day itinerary

NOT INCLUDED

  • Domestic and international flights
  • Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park (Approx. 250 USD per person)
  • Personal mountain/camping equipment
  • Lodging and meals for the reserve days, if back in towns/cities
  • Extra activities
  • Insurances
  • Tips
  • Everything not mentioned in the “Included” list
HOTEL LIST

EL CALAFATE: Hotel Kosten Aiken or similar

EL CHALTEN: Patagonia Travelers’ Hostel or similar

MAP

Overview:


Patagonia´s ice field trek:

GALLERY
Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy from Pliegue Tumbado pass (photo: Hugo Nasif)
Team gearing up for the ascent to Paso Marconi (photo: Hugo Nasif)
Ascending to Paso Marconi (photo: Pablo Reguera)
The Andes and the ice field (photo: Hugo Nasif)
Hiker on the ice field (photo: Pablo Reguera)
Campsite on the ice field (photo: Hugo Nasif)
The team taking a break (photo: Pablo Reguera)
El Circo de los Altares with the Cerro Torre's west face on the ice field (photo: Hugo Nasif)
View down to the Viedma glacier from Paso del Viento' hut (photo: Hugo Nasif)
Descending from Paso del Viento to Paso del Viento's hut (photo: Pablo Reguera)
Rio Tunel's zip line crossing (photo: Hugo Nasif)
Green meadows on the Eastern side of the Andes returning from the ice field trek (photo: Hugo Nasif)
Tags: Trekking, Perito Moreno Glacier, Paso del Viento, Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, Hielo Continental, Calafate, Chalten, Ice Field, Patagonia, T4, T3, Argentina

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WHEN TO TRAVEL

Best period: first week of Dec. to mid-February
Changeable: mid-Nov. 15 to first week of Dec. & mid-February to mid-March
Not recommended: mid-March to mid-Nov. (no commercial expeditions run during this period.)

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