14-Day Patagonia Course Itinerary

Oct 7: Depart to Santiago, Chile.

Oct 8: Morning arrival in Santiago. Transfer to domestic Puerto Montt flight. Overnight at Hotel Marineros. Rest, repack gear and pack food after a late afternoon equipment check. Group welcome dinner and discussion of goals.

Oct 9: Transport to Osorno, hike and snow climb to high camp. Instruction in basic snow climbing skills, map and compass work. Knot tying session after camp is set.

Oct 10: Continue snow school in roped climbing, anchors, running belays and ice axe skills.

Oct 11: Early morning crampon session, then more anchors and full belayed climbing. Intro to basic team crevasse rescue.

Oct 12: Summit climb. Continued crevasse rescue.

Oct 13: Early morning descent to trail head and transport to Petrohué. Travel by boat across Lago Todos Los Santos, arrive Peulla. Overnight at Hotel Peulla. Late afternoon prussik practice.

Oct 14: Private bus to trail head. Trail hike to snow line, then snow climb to first camp. Map, compass work and route finding en route.

Oct 15: Complicated snow climbing and route finding. Climb Cerro Condor en route.

Oct 16: Final crevasse rescue and ice climbing practice.

Oct 17: Summit climb. This is a big day with three or four different routes to choose from with up to 5,000’ elevation gain and plenty of steep ground.

Oct 18: Finish descent. Private bus to return boat across Lago Todos Los Santos. Transport to Puerto Varas and overnight at Colonos del Sur.

Oct 19: In final preparation for our most challenging objective, we review and learn more ice climbing techniques.

Oct 20: Final climb, Cerro Tronador (3,491m /11,224’) on one of several challenging routes depending upon weather, route conditions, and group skill level. Our climb of Northern Patagonia’s highest mountain involves a rewarding 4,000’ climb on steep glaciated and snow-covered terrain above our High Camp. All climbers will participate in the full decision-making process regarding route choice, route finding, hazard evaluation, etc. These are important skills to cultivate to ensure a safe, long, climbing career!

Oct 21: Return to Puerto Montt and depart on evening international flight home.

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