Global Adventure - Backpack Across Patagonia's Tierra del Fuego

Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina on Feb 27 from El Calafate if joining from the Los Glaciares-Fitz Roy Backpack/Trek Adventure, or direct from Buenos Aires if this is the start of your trip.  Dayhike and tour the sights around Ushuaia on Feb 28-May 1.  Depart May 2 to backpack across the crest of the Sierra Valdivieso, returning to Ushuaia May 5.  Fly back to the U.S. via Buenos Aires on May 6.

Download a detailed itinerary, including all three linked Patagonia adventures.  Scroll to the bottom for the Tierra del Fuego portion.

Itinerary Highlights:   Our exploration of the best of far–south Patagonia continues with a 7–day itinerary beginning and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, the "City at the End of the World." We’ll start with two days of self–guided day’hiking to high glaciers and peaks just above the town, with panoramic views across the Beagle Channel and peaks to the south, or optional guided nature tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park or boat a Magellanic Penguin rookery (extra cost). Then, on day three, we’ll meet our guides for a spectacular 4–day, 50 km backpack — the Sierra Valdivieso traverse. This challenging, wild route crosses high passes, past glaciers and glacier–scoured hanging valleys and innumerable lakes over the crest of the remote Fuegian Andes, the Beagle Channel sparkling far below. After a night and hearty meals at a remote cabin on a lake, we’ll return to Ushuaia by boat along the Channel.

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:  In Ushuaia we'll stay in basic 3-star hotels (twin-share basis).  On our Sierra Valdivieso trek we’ll provide and carry our own gear and food, camping 2 nights and staying in a remote lakeside cabin on one night. 

Food:  Included breakfasts and dinners of delicious local Patagonian specialties at hotels in town.  Backpacking food is available at a number of shopping outlets in Ushuaia.

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, confident on rough trail carrying a backpack for extended periods, and prepared to embrace some close quarters, discomfort and bad weather with good humor. Must demonstrate recent experience with strenuous backpacking, scrambling or hiking, plus a positive attitude and the ability to get along well with groups under demanding conditions.

Trip Price Detail: $1500 per person (double occupancy), assuming at least 8 participants on the guided trek.  The price includes all lodging, dinners and breakfasts in town, plus park entry fees.  The price also covers the cost of our trekking guide but does not include your trekking food for the 4-day trek and we will supply and carry our own gear.  The price does not include lunches and drinks while in town; optional excursions; insurance; and personal items.

Registration Instructions: Please download and complete the application form and email it to the leader (if you are also applying for the Torres del Paine or Fitzroy Adventures, only one application is required). After the leader’s approval, please call The Mountaineers at 206-521-6001 to pay the $500 deposit in order to hold your space on the roster. Registration will close on April 15, 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 Sept 1. 

Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel for any reason, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee.