Global Adventure - Backpack the Fitz Roy Massif and Huemul Circuit in Argentine Patagonia

Fly from the US via Buenos Aires or transfer by bus from the Torres del Paine Circuit to El Calafate, Argentina, arriving by 20 February 2015.  Day-tour to Perito Moreno glacier 21 Feb 2015.  Transfer to El Chalten, Argentina and trek through the Fitzroy Massif to Paso del Viento and back to Chalten 22-26 February 2015, returning to El Calafate for flights out on 27 February 2015 to return to the US or to Ushuaia, Argentina to join the Tierra del Fuego trek!

Download the detailed itinerary.

Itinerary Highlights:  This 8–day adventure explores the wonders of Los Glaciares National Park, which some believe park is even more dramatic than Torres de Paine. We start with a boat tour under the huge and growing Perito Moreno glacier. Then we’ll embark on a 5-day supported backpack under the dramatic pinnacles of Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre — some of the most challenging climbers’ peaks in the world — and on into the remote, seldom-visited backcountry of the park to Paso del Viento (Windy Pass), overlooking the South Patagonia Ice Sheet. Sunrises on the spires of Cerro Torre and Monte Fitz Roy over crystal lagoons are experiences you will never forget.

 Time of Year: We’ll be visiting in February–March, Patagonia’s high summer, when the likelihood of clear skies and warm temperatures are highest (though high winds and foul weather can arise even in mid summer).

Lodging:   The Los Glaciares-Fitzroy itinerary features comfortable hostels or basic hotels while in town, and guided, supported camping while on our trek (we carry our own overnight gear but our food is carried and prepared for us).   It may be possible to arrange porters for your overnight gear at an additional cost.

Food: Southern Patagonia has a food style all its own, rustic and very tasty with lots of meats, vegetables, hearty stews and local wine and beer.  While in Calafate and Chalten we will partake in the best authentic Patagonian food in a casual style.  While on the trail our food will be prepared for us and will consist of an ample variety of basic, filling foods including a hot breakfast and dinner and a box lunch.  Vegetarian diets can be accommodated upon request.

Leader’s Experience:  Cheryl Talbert has led many Mountaineers hikes and several Mountaineers and private backpacks, treks and cultural trips around the U.S. west and worldwide, including Patagonia in 2012. (cascadehiker@earthlink.net)

Participant Requirements:   Must be a current Mountaineers member with waiver on file. Participants must be in good cardiovascular condition, and be confident on rough trail carrying a backpack for extended periods. Must demonstrate a recent active schedule of backpacking, scrambling or hiking, plus a positive attitude and the ability to get along well with groups under demanding conditions.

Trip Price Detail:   $1500 including all lodging and ground transportation, included tours, park entry fees and nearly all meals are included, as are a portion of the leader’s expenses and a Mountaineers administrative fee. Not included are international airfare (around $1900), entry/departure tax of $160 into Argentina, a few lunches in town, snacks, drinks, optional tours, and personal items.

Registration Instructions: Please complete and email the application form to the leader at cascadehiker@earthlink.net.  After the leader’s approval, please call The Mountaineers at 206-521-6001 and given them a credit card number to pay a $500 deposit in order to hold your space on the roster for the segments that you want to join. Registration will close on August 1, 2014 or whenever the roster fills. A place on the roster can only be held with payment of the deposit. The balance of the trip payment is due by September 1.

Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee.