Patagonia Treks Dossier 2001-02

For dates and prices please return to the Patagonia Treks front page

On this trekking expedition we visit two different mountain areas in Patagonia, the Torres del Paine national park in Chile and the Los Glaciares national park in Argentina. These national parks are world famous for the quality of the scenery and the quantity of the wildlife they contain. Because they are so far away they remain relatively unspoilt. We'll visit the Los Glaciares park first, doing one or two day walks then a short trek around the north side of the famous Mt. Fitzroy with overnight camps. Then we’ll have a rest day in Calafate with an optional trip to see some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world before travelling to Chile and the Torres del Paine national park. The highlight of the expedition will be the famous circuit trek of the Paine massif which is seven days of wilderness backpacking through magnificent forest and mountain scenery.

In both the Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks there is wildlife in abundance, much of it easily seen; parrakeets, guanacos, armadillos, rheas, flamingoes and condors.

This expedition is suitable for any regular walkers or trekkers with a liking for superb scenery who don't mind occasional bad weather. There are only eight places on this expedition so please book early to avoid disappointment.

The Torres del Paine national park in southern Chile contains some of South Americas most spectacular mountain scenery. There are two main mountain groups; the Torres (towers) and the Cuernos (horns) both of which are visible from the parks tracks and trails when the clouds lift. These mountains are low for the Andes, only 3000m or so, but they don't lack grandeur as they rise virtually from sea level and are unbelievably steep granite spires. Behind them lies the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap from which glaciers descend to the parks cloudy turquoise lakes. If this description sounds a bit over the top, just wait till you see the real thing!

In the park we will do the famous circuit trek, which takes us right round the back of the Torres. We'll do this clockwise, starting out from the park HQ, passing Lago Grey and Glaciar Grey then up through the forest and over the highest pass (1300m). From here there are magnificent views up the length of Glaciar Grey to the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap. Leaving the pass we have a long walk down to the shores of Lago Dickson. We return to the start via Lago Paine and the Rio Paine South. The trek normally takes about six days. We've allowed plenty time in our schedule so that we can do the trek at an easy pace. If we get ahead of schedule we will use the extra time for additional walks to some of the superb viewpoints off the main trail.

The Torres del Paine

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Just as impressive scenically as the Torres del Paine park in Chile is the Los Glaciares park over the border in Argentina. We will visit this park first as the walking is generally easier than in the Torres del Paine and will provide a good warm up for us all. There are spectacular mountains rising above the immense Lago Viedma, including FitzRoy 3376m and Cerro Torre 3128m; the latter is such a steep and difficult granite needle that it was not climbed until 1974. Glaciers are also a prominent feature of the park. The Perito Moreno glacier, one of the most accessible, is 5km wide and nearly 100m high where it flows into Lago Argentino and is continuously spawning massive icebergs. Again there is plenty of wildlife to keep our eyes open for as we walk, including rheas, guanacos, maras, armadillos and numerous bird species.

Our programme in the Los Glaciares National Park will include several short walks and treks; including a day walk to Laguna Torres at the foot of Cerro Torre and a trek of four days around the east and north sides of FitzRoy to the Piedra del Freile campsite at the foot of the spectacular north face.

Fitzroy at sunrise, Los Glaciares national park

Rio Gallegos is a major port and communication centre in southern Patagonia. We will fly here after changing planes in Buenos Aires. Like many cities in the new world it looks a bit like it was built yesterday and designed to last only until tomorrow, but being so far from home there's always something interesting to see.

El Calafate near the Los Glaciares National Park is a small town and tourist centre set on the shores of Lago Argentino. We'll have a day to rest here between our trips to the Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine parks. There are several optional sightseeing trips that can be made from here for those who wish to remain active, including a boat trip on Lago Argentino to see the glaciers spawning icebergs.

We may have time to spend sightseeing in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, at the start and/or the end of the expedition. (Depending on flight schedules). Despite being one of the largest cities in South America central Buenos Aires is a pleasant place to stroll around in with many wide avenues, pavement cafes and quiet parks. There are the usual assortment of churches, palaces and museums to be found in any capital city. It's a warm and humid place in the November to February summer season.

The two parks are about the best places in South America to see several unusual animal species including the ñandu or rhea, the guanaco and the condor. The rhea is very like the ostrich in lifestyle and physical form. There are two species in South America; it is the smaller of the two that can easily be seen in the area. The guanaco is one of the two wild relatives of the llama. At the turn of the century they were almost made extinct through hunting and grazing pressure, but nowadays they are abundant in the Torres del Paine park. The condor is well known as the world's largest flying bird, with a wingspan of up to three metres. This is the most reliable place in the Andes to see them. We will also see many species of smaller bird in the park, including species of geese, duck, swan, ibis, flamingo, parakeets and cormorant.

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This expedition is suitable for anyone with some hillwalking or trekking experience, but could be joined by fit and adventurous people with no previous experience. Previous experience of wilderness camping is an advantage but is not essential.

Good hillwalking fitness is essential to make the most of this expedition and some recent experience of backpacking is also essential as we will have to carry our own rucksacks with full camping equipment (weighing 17-20kg) on the longer walks.

A magnificent view of the Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande across  Lago Nordenskjold.

On this type of expedition there are inevitably a few hardships. You must be able to carry your own rucksack, including camping kit, on the walks. In Patagonia, even in the summer, it can be cold and we will definitely have a few rainy days. Expedition members must be able to help as part of a team when it comes to pitching tents, cooking and carrying communal gear.

If you want a holiday with endless hot sunny days we're afraid southern Patagonia is not the best place to go! However it does get its fair share of good weather between periods of rain and strong winds. If you can put up with summer weather in Britain you'll certainly survive Patagonia. Rainfall and temperatures are basically similar to those at home during summer, although perhaps more like south-east England than Scotland.

FLIGHTS

Flights from London to Rio Gallegos via Buenos Aires cost about £700. We normally arrange these for you through our travel agents Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), who have very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and many customers find this very convenient as we then all fly out to South America together. If you wish to make your own arrangements to fit in with our expedition schedule you are welcome to do so.

In Rio Gallegos, Puerto Natales and Calafate we use small, family run hotels with private bathroom. While in the national parks we will be staying in tents most of the time, on a mixture of organised and wild camping grounds, though we may occasionally make use of huts. Modern lightweight tents and stoves are provided by us. Customers normally help out from time to time with establishing camps and preparing meals.

Glacier Grey in the Torres del Paine Park

Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you need a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Citizens of other countries may need visas - you must tell us if you won’t be using a British passport.

All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask. Please bring a photocopy of your insurance certificate with you on the holiday.

Mountain Hazards : There are very slight risks from bad weather, and the usual mountain hazards.

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Argentina and Chile are well developed countries and the standard of health and hygiene particularly in Patagonia, is generally as good as at home. You'd be unlucky to get an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid and polio are recommended. The countries are very safe and relaxing to travel in; theft and muggings are as unlikely as they are in most of Britain. Everyone who visits this part of South America is overwhelmed by how much like a part of Europe the countries are; excepting of course the superb scenery and the wildlife.

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As usual we will arrange a social day a few months before departure when group members can get together and also meet their leader. For our trekking expeditions these days are usually held in the Lake District. We make no charge for these days but you'll need to pay all your own costs - food, travel and accommodation. Please let us know at the time of booking if you will be interested in this meeting.

Cerro Torre, 3108m at sunrise. One of the most difficult peaks in the world to climb.

Our treks and expeditions fall somewhere between the large, rigidly organised expeditions of the larger companies and the frustrations, hassles and uncertainties of independent travel in an unfamiliar country. Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The trek will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult and involve you when planning the details of the expedition. We publish an outline itinerary so that we have something to fall back on if none of us can agree!

Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.

At the time of printing the leader for this trek had not been chosen. Please phone for further details nearer departure if you need to know.

All of our treks and expeditions are led by a suitably qualified and/or experienced British leader.

The minimum number of customers we need to run this holiday is four. The maximum size of the group will be eight customers plus leader.

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