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TREKKING THREE JEWELS OF AYSEN 15 or 22 DAY TOUR
1. - THE ITINERARYS
The following itinerary is the entire “Three Jewels of Aysen” program.
- It may start on Day 1 and finish on Day 14 with a return drive to Coyhaique the next day to take connecting flights, with a total of 15 days.
- It may start on Day 6, driving straight down from Balmaceda airport to Puerto Bertrand and finishing on Day 28, with a total of 22 days.
2. – ITINERARY
B = Breakfast BL = Box Lunch L = Lunch D = Dinner
DAY 01: BALMACEDA - COYHAIQUE
Your journey will start at Balmaceda airport, where you will be met by your guide and drive to Coyhaique. Here you will have time to rest and relax and get your first glimpse of culture at a local guesthouse.
/ L / D /
DAY 02: COYHAIQUE – LAS HORQUETAS - CERRO CASTILLO
Rising up early morning, our day will begin with an essential session on packing and prepping equipment and protocols of safety with your guides. This will be followed by a two hours drive to Las Horquetas at the base of the Cerro Castillo Mountain. After lunch, we shoulder our backpacks and start our hike towards this native Telhuelches sacred mountain. Winding on through open Lenga forest we will reach the Lima valley which opens up views of spectacular craggy towers and glaciers. We set up camp.
Distances: 4-5 hours walking.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 03: LIMA VALLEY – PASO PEÑON
We hike up the valley, crossing dense native forest and numerous waterfalls towards El Paso Pénon, and set up camp close to spectacular icefalls and melt water cascades.
Distances: 5 hours trek.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 04: EL BOSQUE VALLEY – LAGUNA CERRO CASTILLO
After hiking up and down El Bosque valley, we find our way upstream and reach the stunning Laguna Cerro Castillo, a deep glacial basin lying directly under the imposing Cerro Castillo. You periodically see surrounding hanging glaciers dropping ice blocks into the lake.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 05: VALLEY PARADA – VILLA CERRO CASTILLO
A morning climb on the rocks or ice will open up some spectacular Andean views before descending through the valley Parada to Villa Cerro Castillo where a comfortable guesthouse and a traditional Patagonian dinner will be waiting.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 06: CARRETERA AUSTRAL – LAKE GENERAL CARRERA – MARBLE CHAPELS
We drive south on the famous gravel road of the Carretera Austral to Puerto Tranquilo, a small town on the shores of Lake General Carrera. We visit de Marble Chapels, a mushroom shaped island riddled by caves and tunnels then carry on to Puerto Bertrand and the start of our Glacier Trail.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 07: LAKE BERTRAND – LAKE PLOMO – ROCK GARDEN CAMP
Our second adventure in the wild will take us on a boat trip across the emerald blue Lake Bertrand and Lake Plomo (1 hour). We hike 3 hours traversing the flanks of the Cordon Soler above the river to the Rock Garden camp where we settle for the night.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 08: SOLER VALLEY – GLACIAL VALLEYS – PALOMAR RANCH
We continue our route to remoteness, hiking towards the back of the Soler Valley, maintaining elevation along the 250 meter contour line. We pass by the Concordia of 3 major glacial valleys and walk up into the old growth beech forest to the Palomar ranch.
Lodging at Palomar Ranch Camp
Distances: 6 hours walking. 18 km Camp at the Palomar Ranch
/ B / L / D /
DAY 09: NEFF GLACIER – LAGUNA ESPEJO CAMP
We climb up 200 meters to the northern margin of the Neff Glacier, cross the 6 kilometre wide glacier, equipped with crampons and all the necessary technical equipment. We then descend the south side of the glacier and climb up to the mirrored lakes and set up camp by Laguna Espejo.
Distances: 6 to 8 hours hiking, 10 km. total, 6 km. on the glacier.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 10: SPARE DAY – MIRADOR SUMMIT
Here we have a spare “contingency” day that sometimes has to be used to allow for non ideal weather for the glacier crossing. It can alternately be spent exploring the area and climbing to the Mirador summit for expansive views of the 3 glaciers which fill the valleys in this corner of the northern ice cap.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 11: BUENA CUEVA VALLEY – LAKE CACHET – COLONIA GLACIER
Hike down the Buena Cueva Valley among old growth beech forests, Cypress filled wetlands, and huge boulders. Lunch with three major glaciers in view. Continue along the shore of Lake Cachet. The Cachet camp is 100 meters above the lake and facing the Colonia Glacier that carves off with unannounced regularity.
Distances: 5 hours hiking, 8 km.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 12: COLONIA GLACIER – LAKE COLONIA
The day begins amongst glacial kettles and drumlins with constant views of icebergs and the 50 meter ice wall of the glacier. The trail continues into the old growth beech forest above a 200 meter deep canyon with a booming river. The night is spent overlooking the 4 km wide terminus of the Colonia Glacier with Lake Colonia beyond. Distances: 10 km.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 13: LAKE COLONIA – SOL DE MAYO CAMP
After hiking down to the moss covered beach between glacier and lake the trail follows tracks of the Huemul deer to the northern shore of Lake Colonia. We enjoy a boat ride across the lake below 50m + waterfalls to the south shore, followed by a 40 minute walk to Camp at the Sol de Mayo Ranch.
Distances: 6 kilometre, 2 hours walking, 30 minute boat ride.
Lodging at Sol de Mayo Bunk house and camp.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 14: COLONIA VALLEY – BAKER RIVER - COCHRANE
We hike down the Colonia valley to the Rio Baker. The hike passes through other properties where we have the chance to meet up with the local farmers and their families. We meet up with vehicles at the traditional cableway raft which is the only means of crossing the huge Baker river for the families living on the west bank and drive to Cochrane. We settle in a comfortable guest house for the night.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 15: VILLA O’HIGGINS – NORTHERN ICE FIELD – CARRETERA AUSTRAL
We drive further south to the Frontier town of Villa O’Higgins, gateway to the Southern Ice field. The drive brings you from dry pampas like land to thick temperate rainforests with amazing views of Northern Ice Field. We reach the end of the famous Carretera Austral.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 16: LAKE O’HIGGINS – GLACIER O’HIGGINS – SOUTHERN ICE FIELD – LAGUNA LARGA
We board a small ferry and cross Lake O’Higgins, passing by the 3 km Glacier O’Higgins which breaks down from the Southern Ice field into the lake. We disembark at Candelario Mancilla where an immigration post checks us out of Chile. We’ll do a further short hike to the Laguna Larga before set camp for the night.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 17: ARGENTINA - FITZ ROY – LAGUNA DEL DESIERTO -
We trek over a low but incredible path with views over to Fitz Roy and across the Andes to the Laguna Del Desierto, check in to Argentina and cross the Laguna by boat. A van awaits us to drive us to the Hostal El Pilar, nestled at the foot of Fitz Roy. We celebrate the start of our next adventure with a good Argentinean meal.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 18: MARICONI GLACIER – ELECTRICO LAKE – POLLONE RIVER
We leave the hostel and trek towards the Marconi glacier. We follow the Electrico Lake, cross the “cold” Pollone River and pitch our tents at the South lake shore.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 19: MARCONI GLACIER
We start a slow climb over polished stone ground to the moraine then onto the Marconi glacier. After negotiating a crevassed area we reach the frozen plains by the Marconi pass and set camp, protecting our camping area with a wall of snow.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 20: MARCONI GLACIER – ICE CAP SOUTH – VIEDMA GLACIER – CIRCUS OF THE ALTARS
We ascend the Marconi pass through a corridor of snow and reach the breathtaking stretch of Ice. Ice cap South is one of the biggest glacial stretches on earth (in exception of the polar zones). We head due south longing the Marconi range, walking on snow with snow shoes, descending gently towards the immense Viedma Glacier which we lunge to the breathtaking Circus of the Altars, formed by the western face of Mount Torre and its flanking needles. Watching the sunset against the granite walls will be an unforgettable experience.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 21: MAIN TOWERS – VIEDMA GLACIER – PASO EL VIENTO
Last day on ice, passing by a succession of towers: Standhart, Torre, Adela Norte, Doblado… faces that few people have had the opportunity to see. We will be experiencing some crevasses and will have to practice rope-on mountaineering whilst descending the Viedma glacier to reach the Paso Del Viento and set camp for the last night on the Southern Ice Field.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 22: RIVER TUNNEL – LAKE TORO
The longest day of the journey, 10 hours hike, descending glaciers and valleys longing the River Tunnel to the Lake Toro
/ B / L / D /
DAY 23: EL CHALTEN
A hike through wetlands, native forests and up to a peak view point to descend to El Chalten. 7 hours walk.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 24: REST DAY AT EL CHALTEN
Day of rest in El Chalten. It is a spare “contingency” day which might have had to be used on the ice due to bad weather and poor visibility.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 25: EL CHALTEN – ARGENTINEAN PAMPAS
We leave El Chalten and drive through the famous Argentinean Pampas to a local Estancia where we share some Argentinean hospitality and culture.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 26: COYHAIQUE – PERITO MORENO – LOS ANTIGUOS
Return drive to Coyhaique, passing through Perito Moreno and Los Antiguos.
/ B / L / D /
DAY 27: BALMACEDA AIRPORT
Drive you to Balmaceda airport for connecting flights to Santiago.
/ B /
info@ecotours.cl
3. - INTRODUCTION
First and foremost thanks for your interest in this trip. The purpose of this pack is to give you as much information as you should need in order to plan your expedition on the Three Jewels of Aysén.
Where are the Cerro Castillo trek, the Aysén Glacier trail and the Fitz Roy expedition?
Patagonia is a vaguely defined, non – political area shared by Argentina and Chile which has its northern “frontier” somewhere between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique in Chile and a little further north in Argentina. To the south the Magallanes region, with a much longer history of human development was populated primarily by indigenous groups and later by Europeans, since the mid 1800`s Punta Arenas has been the regions principal city, port and centre of the prosperous sheep farming, gold and, more recently, tourism and gas production.
Road travel between Punta Arenas and Coyhaique, in Aysén is still a 2 day drive, most of it through Argentina.
4.-PROGRAM INCLUDES
• Meet up with guide at Balmaceda airport
• All ground transport
• Lodging in local guesthouse on days as indicated
• All your meals from dinner on the first day en route to Breakfast on your last day prior to travelling to Balmaceda airport.
• Boat trip across lakes
• Entry permits to both private land and National parks
• 3 person tents based on double occupancy
• Full use of camp dinning areas, kitchen and bathrooms on the Aysén glacier trail (hot showers at Sol de Mayo!).
• Use of crampons for glacier crossing
• Full guided service from beginning to end with bi-lingual and local guides
• Basic personal accident insurance coverage
• Full logistical back up and emergency resources
5.-NOT INCLUDED
• Air travel or costs related to lost luggage, delays or re-routing of flights.
• Activities or meals not specified in the itinerary
• Gratuities for guides and porters
• Alcoholic beverages.
Essentially you do not need to purchase anything between arriving and leaving except for some personal souvenir shopping.
6.-FIXED DEPARTURE DATES
Please contact us and we will send the departure dates of this tour.
Fixed date / Open group departures are expeditions set aside for individuals or small groups of friends who want to join other people they do not know prior to the expedition
7. – AYSEN, CHILEAN PATAGONIA.
There are several theories as to the origins of the name Aysén. The most popular is that early explorers and cartographers working from ships, often commanded by British naval officers, would refer to the many tidewater glaciers or “Ice Ends” in a mix of English and Spanish which eventually became Aysén.
The Aysén region is the most recently developed and least populated area of Patagonia. Surface area is 42.519 square miles with a population density of approximately 1.2 people per square mile, 48% of the land is protected and (un-protected) lakes, glaciers, native forest and uninhabited islands account for a further 20%. Aysén is still a frontier!
Aysén is bound to the West by the Pacific and includes a multitude of un-inhabited islands in the Chonos and Katalalixar archipelagos. The border with Argentina is to the East of most of the mountains in Patagonia and the transition from verdant forest to mountains and on to the grassy plains of the pampas creates a rich biodiversity. The two continental ice fields are the worlds 3rd largest reserve of water. Remarkably, you can drink direct from rivers, streams and lakes with no water treatment being necessary. Clean, free flowing rivers and natural lakes are probably the regions biggest asset.
8. - WHAT IS THE CERRO CASTILLO HIKE?
Towering over the Rio Ibañez and the Carretera Austral, Cerro Castillo is the most prominent peak of the compact Cordillera Castillo. The mountain’s Spanish name comes from its many striking basalt Turrets and craggy ridges, giving it a strong resemblance to a fortified medieval castle. As a landmark of the Aisén region, this striking peak regularly attracts international climbers. The scenery along the trek is spectacular and varied, introducing some of the finest country in the central Patagonian Andes. The route follows gently forested upper valleys that lead up into the raw alpine landscape. Hanging glaciers cling precariously to the craggy mountainside creating spectacular waterfalls ending in emerald bleu highland lakes.
You will be carrying your tents and sleeping equipment, food and cooking gear.
8a. - GRADE OF DIFFILCULTY
Although the trek follows a largely unmarked route, reasonable fit walkers should experience few real difficulties.
You will have to cross exposed terrain above the vegetation line, may encounter a lot of snow and will need to cross glacier-fed streams in several places.
9. - WHAT IS THE CERRO CASTILLO HIKE?
The Aysén Glacier Trail is a hiking route between Lake Plomo and the confluence of the Baker and Colonia rivers in Aysén, Chilean Patagonia. The trail comprises six sites that are in the process of being developed, the eventual aim being to have a refuge or hut in each location making it the regions first “Hut to Hut” trail. There are currently six 3 person tents in each site, a cooking / dining shelter and a bathroom. There are also full sized “Paco Pads” at each site for all clients.
The trail is enclosed by water. On day 2 of the itinerary you cross Lake Bertrand and Lake Plomo in a motor boat. Lake Colonia is similarly crossed on day 8 of the itinerary.
These natural boundaries and the exclusive rights that Patagonia Adventure Expeditions has to the commercial operation of the route through both private land and the Laguna San Rafael National Park mean that your wilderness experience is guaranteed. The Laguna San Rafael National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere reserve.
9a. - GRADE OF DIFFILCULTY
The hiking is over rough trail and includes all types of terrain. As all sites are equipped you need only carry a spare set of clothing and a sleeping bag. Backpack weight should not exceed 15 kilos.
The following descriptions are of the most difficult stretches as experienced by previous clients.
i. The Rock Step in the Soler valley on day 3.
A few awkward steps are required to cross a rocky bluff over the river. The sensation of exposure rather than actual risk of slipping make the step memorable. The step is equipped with a hand rail and rustic ladder.
ii. The Neff Glacier.
Rather than the ice itself which, with crampons on is simple and straightforward, it is the moraines that are considered challenging. The mix of gravel, sand and rock on top of the ice means that care and caution are required. As the route changes your guide will slowly lead a route and may even backtrack to secure the safest and most comfortable line. This is a long day, often between 8 and 10 hours although distance is only 12 km. It is also a day to marvel at the frozen world of glaciers.
iii. The Lake Cachet Talus slope.
This slope of rocks and boulders can be intimidating as it slopes into the lake. Most of it is on an angle with little risk of slipping but there are two stretches of 20 to 50 m where your guide will lend a hand or rig a hand line to help confidence. The route we use has been stabilised by use and work but there are lose blocks and scree.
There is little continuous ascent or descent of more than an hour at a time on the trail so it is easy on the knees and lungs.
Typically the challenge of the trek is not in the grades of difficulty but in the continuous effort needed to finish the trail in the days required. One must be prepared to rise early every day and hike an average of 6 hours.
10. - WHAT IS THE FITZ ROY EXPEDITION?
The national park Los Glaciares was created in 1937 to preserve the natural wonders of this section of the South Patagonian Andes and declared “•Mankind Natural Heritage” by UNESCO in 1981 due to its incredible landscapes.
The area of the park is 6000 square km wide and holds one of the mountaineers’ most precious jewels.
Here we’ll trek to find some of the best views of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, two of the most distinctive and challenging mountaineering peaks in the world. We’ll discover sceneries that few people have had the opportunity to see. We will walk on the worlds second biggest ice field, where the horizon fades away in the immense whiteness.
10a. - GRADE OF DIFFILCULTY
Walking on Ice is in itself not difficult, however bad weather conditions can make it slightly tougher. You will need to carry all the gear, food, fuel and tents, heavy backpacks is the biggest part of the challenge
11. – TRIP GRADING
The adventure is graded “Challenging”. It is suitable for people who are regular hill-walkers or trekkers and have experience of walking for a sustained number of days. You may need to improve your fitness prior to the trip to cope with up to eight hours challenging walking each day both in the valleys and over high mountain passes.
The climate as much as the terrain dictates the difficulty in Patagonia.
Here, more than anywhere else in the world, you should travel expecting to find “four seasons in one day”
12. - LODGING
In Coyhaique, Cerro Castillo, Puerto Bertrand, Cochrane, Tortel, Villa O’Higgins and El Chalten you will be staying at local guesthouses, based on double occupancy.
The accommodation is simple, but good!
Whilst camping on the AGT you will be staying in a three man tent with big “paco pad” mattresses. On the Cerro Castillo and the Fitz Roy trek, you will be staying in 2 or 3 man tents with thermarest mats.
13. - FOOD
All food on camping sites is prepared by the guide team who are experienced and creative backcountry cooks. Lunches are pick-nick style taken on track.
14. - GUIDES
Each group will have a lead guide – someone with years of experience who is bi-lingual, able to solve problems, adapt programs to your needs and well practiced in the art of group management and attending to the details which make the difference between a hiking trip and a truly memorable experience.
Lead guides are supported by a second guide and porters according to the number of group members. Typically there is 1 guide to every 5 clients.
15. - CLIMATES
The Patagonian Summer is very unpredictable. It brings a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. The vast, unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence makes the weather hard to predict.
It is possible to experience sunshine and blue skies one day and wind and rain the next. Expect summer temperature to vary between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius with chilly winds around glacier and lakes.
However, just like the weather, our trips sometimes change despite our best intentions and efforts so please treat all of the information as good advice but remember that despite all the gear, preparation and guiding the most valuable resource you have is an open mind and a sense of humour. We do not want to take all the adventure out of “adventure tourism”, we need a few unknowns to keep us on our toes and like you, we get our greatest pleasure from the unexpected moments shared with special groups of adventurous soles looking for a unique wilderness experience.
16. - WHAT TO BRING AND ADVICE ON GEAR
This equipment list is intended to be used as a guide and not in any way the last word on gear or packing. We suggest you use this as a general list to cover the wide variety of climatic realities you could encounter here in Patagonia. The central concept behind our equipment list is to have many layers that allow you to regulate your temperature throughout the day and with the changes it will typically bring. We do ask you to label your clothing, wear it before coming on the trip, and know how to use it as this will raise you comfort level.
Please contact us for an extended list on things to bring!
On the two and three Jewels, as a minimum you essentially need one complete set of hiking clothing during the days and a change of warm comfortable clothing for the evenings. Another complete change of clothing is suggested for travelling and down time. A bag of clean or travel clothes can be safely left with us and will meet you at relevant points. (Cerro Castillo, Cochrane, El Chalten)
We recommend that you hand carry all your important documents, medicines, camera, film, boots, and other irreplaceable items. All other clothing and personal equipment should be packed into backpacks. Make sure that the bag is packed solidly with no loose items.
We will provide all camping equipment including tents, mats and kitchen ware. We will provide completely waterproof dry bags for packing your personal equipment when horse journeys with river crossings are necessary.
We can arrange for extra luggage to be left safely in our offices or hotels whilst you are participating in the wilderness section of your program.
17. - ENVIROMENTAL IMPACTS
We fully understand that you are not really coming to Patagonia to see us! Much more important is the place, the forests, mountains, rivers and glaciers. Our Nº 1 priority after your safety has always been, and will continue to be the care of and the reduction of our impact on the environment. The Aysén Glacier Trail is monitored by ourselves, the National Parks authority and the National Environmental Commission to assure that we are not only abiding by the rules and the conditions of the concessions we hold but fulfilling our goal of surpassing them by creating a model system which is non-intrusive, low impact and environmentally sustainable.
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