Trekking in Patagonia

Patagonia Trekking Program

I enjoyed our Patagonia trek immensely! It is difficult to say anything negative about the area we traveled because it was so clean & beautiful! Our guide was THE MAN! He is the zen master of the mountain! So much experience and knowledge of the region and trekking. All the guides made sure to inform us of the interesting histories and cultures along the treks. Whether it be medicinal plants or geological formation explanations. Alpine Ascents has it down!

Patagonia, the jewel of South America, lives on as one of the world’s most stunning regions. Located at the southern end of the continent, the region is shared by both Argentina and Chile. The area is sparsely populated only adding to its allure. The landscape is dominated by Granite peaks, spires and horns which form impressive mountain vistas and stunning scenery. This trip is a series of outstanding day hikes and a boat tour with excellent lodging each night.

Alpine Ascents Patagonia Trek starts with day hikes from El Chalten, a town known as Argentina’s trekking capital. Inside the beautiful Los Glaciares National Park, we will hike to several lookouts which offer spectacular views of the iconic Fitz Roy Massif and Cerro Torre. After visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous land marks in Patagonia, we will travel to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Here we will do a version of the worldwide known “W Trek” enjoying magnificent views of the Paine Horns and Towers.

Lodging

Along the trip, we will stay in fine lodges (no tents) including the EcoCamp, a pioneer in the domain of tourism and ecology in the Torres del Paine National Park. The high-quality, high-comfort domes provide cozy lodging while environmental stewardship is prioritized.

What is Unique

This journey takes you to both, Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia by visiting the most famous land marks of this beautiful and unique part of the world on day hikes: Los Glaciares National Park, Fitz Roy Massif, Cerro Torre, Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres Del Paine National Park.

Each night is spent in the fine accommodations in the area, there are no nights in tents so you can enjoy the comfort of a hot shower and a good bed to recover from hikes and prepare for the next day’s activities.

This Patagonia trekking program is led by Jose Luis Peralvo, an internationally certified mountain guide with years of experience guiding Alpine Ascents trips in South America and profound knowledge of the local culture and environment.

Difficulty

The level of difficulty of the Patagonia day hikes is easier in comparison to the Everest Base Camp Trek due to the much lower altitude. Because of the hikes’ length, trekkers should be in very good physical condition. In Argentinian Patagonia, the starting point for the hikes is 1,424 feet and the maximum altitude reached on one of the hikes is 5,046 feet (Top of the Pliegue Tumbado Hill). In Chilean Patagonia, the starting point is 650 feet and we will reach a maximum elevation of 2,788 feet during the Torres Del Paine day hike. The trails are in very good conditions with some stream crossings and short rocky sections.
Participants can enjoy the hikes carrying only day-packs.

 

Patagonia FAQ

Upon sign up we will forward our comprehensive confirmation package. This package will include all of the details for your trip.

What is the physical conditioning for this trek?

The level of difficulty of the Patagonia day hikes is easier in comparison to treks Everest Base Camp Trek due to the much lower altitude but because of their length, hikers should be in very good physical condition. In Argentinian Patagonia, the starting point for the hikes is 1,424 feet and the maximum altitude reached on one of the hikes is 3,986 feet (Laguna de los Tres). In Chilean Patagonia, the starting point is 650 feet and we will reach a maximum elevation of 2,788 feet during the Torres Del Paine day hike.

The trails are in very good conditions with some stream crossings and short rocky sections.

Participants can enjoy the hikes carrying only day-packs.

Who are the guides?

Our leader for this trip is famed guide Jose Luis Peralvo, an internationally certified mountain guide with years of experience guiding Alpine Ascents trips in South America and a profound knowledge of the local culture and environment.

Will I be sharing a tent or lodging with other trekkers?

Each night is spent in the fine accommodations in the area, there are no nights in tents so you can enjoy the comfort of a hot shower and a good bed to recover from hikes and prepare for the next day’s activities. Single accommodations are available for an additional fee.

What gear will I need?

Please review the gear list.

How does your gear rental system work?

All rental gear will be mailed to the trekker prior to the climb. Trekkers are expected to clean all rental gear and those requesting rental gear must submit an expedition rental form online. Return it to us by mail following the expedition

Any further advice on gear and using your gear list?

While all items are required there may be times when some of the items on the gear list may not be used (such as warm weather or changing conditions). The gear lists are created by the guides to assist in having trekkers be prepared to enjoy the hikes in any conditions.

While it is impossible for us to list all brands for certain gear, we do offer a wide variety of equipment in our Gear Shop, that has been hand-picked by our staff of mountaineering experts. Please feel free to call our offices with any gear questions or substitutes.

How is drinking water treated?

Drinking water poses no problems in Patagonia. In fact water can be taken from pipes or streams. But if you prefer to drink bottled water, it can be found in stores anywhere. Food in the south of Chile and Argentina are prepared and served with high hygiene standards and eating vegetables is safe.

Are there any innoculation requirements?

Not at this time for US citizens. Citizens of Australia and Canada entering Argentina must pay a reciprocity fee online at either: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesibleingles/ or http://www.provinciapagos.com.ar/dnm/ and bring a printed copy of the Reciprocity Fee Proof of Payment to present at the Migration Offices.

All passports have to be valid for at least six months after entering Argentina and Chile.

What is the best air route to my destination?

Climbers fly in to El Calafate, Argentina and depart from Punta Arenas, Chile. Detailed flight information will be sent to you upon registration.

When should I book my flight? Do I need to use your Travel Agent?

Fares are generally less expensive when booked early. You may use our Travel Agent (Charles Mulvehill 1-800-727-2157) or book flights your self. Please note that flights booked on-line are often difficult to change. Please send us a copy of your flight schedule as early as possible as this allows us to book pick ups and hotels.

Where do I meet my guides?

Your guide or an Alpine Ascents representative will meet you at the airport. Look for a large Alpine Ascents sign.

What if I arrive early or depart late? Can you arrange extra night lodging? Is there a single room option for this expedition?

We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs (for hotels only).

Are there any entry or Visa requirements?

Not at this time for US citizens.

Is there any communication while we are on the mountain?

Regular updates are posted on our web site from our team while in the mountains.

Can I contact the others on the climb? How about the guide?

You can always call our offices and one of guides will contact you, generally about 1 month before your trip departure. 30 days prior to departure, we mail a list of other team members to you.

How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?

Please see information sheet in your confirmation email.

How much should I tip my guide and staff?

Guides are permitted to accept and greatly appreciate tips. Contact our office for specific guidelines for your trip.

How do I register for this expedition? What paperwork do I need to send in?

You may call our offices with a credit card or mail/fax an application with a check or credit card number. Or simply book on line.

When is the money due for this expedition? What kind of payment do you except?

We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, personal checks and Alpine Ascents gift certificates. To reserve a space the deposit is $700. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Unpaid balances can result in forfeiture of trip.

What is your cancellation policy? What is your refund policy?

Note: Alpine Ascents International highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions.

Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Alpine Ascents International must adhere to a stringent refund policy.

Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $200.00 non-refundable registration fee.
Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 120-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
50% refunds will be provided 90-120 days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
No refunds will be provided 89 days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90-120 day period, as stated above.
All balances are due 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
Participants whose balances are not received by the 120-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.

Note: Alpine Ascents reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.

What happens if I need to leave the expedition early?

If a trekker needs to leave early, arrangements can be made with the assistance our local support.

READING LIST

This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. These links will bounce to Amazon.com with reviews.

Death in the Andes
by Mario Vargas Llosa Penguin USA (paper)
In Patagonia
by Bruce Chatwin, Penguin USA (paper)
Labyrinths; Selected Stories and Other Writings
by Jorge Luis Borges, W W Norton & Co

As we expect from Alpine Ascents, the quality of the accommodations and guides was exceptional. Clearly Jose Luis is a very experienced expedition climbing guide. The local guides (Rodigo, Roberto, and Jonas) were all very knowledgeable about local fauna, flora and geology. They were great.

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