Aysen Glacier Trail
A guided, 10 day supported hike.
Challenging - (includes glacier crossing)
Lodging in permanent camps
US$2700 pp (all inclusive)
November through May
Highlights
This is one of a few true adventure trips in Patagonia. The amazing
camp locations, glacier crossings, well equipped camp sites and the opportunity
to go hiking in Patagonia where so few people have been before
you is a unique experience
Day 1
Meet guides and the rest of the group in either Coyhaique or Balmaceda airport
(see Getting Here section), Transfer to Puerto Bertrand in van (5 hours),
along the breathtaking Southern Highway. Arrive in Puerto Bertrand (pop.
65), situated in a spectacular location at the headwaters of Chiles most
voluminous river, the Rio Baker. Welcome dinner with guide team, orientation
meeting, packing instructions and final instructions for the start of the
trek. Campo Baker.
Day 2
Final packing and preparation of luggage after breakfast and then a boat
trip across the emerald blue Lago Bertrand and Lago Plomo (1 hour). We
meet up with the horse team here to off load some of the luggage before
a 3 hour hike, traversing the flanks of the Cordon Soler above the river
and then down to camp. 200 meters ascent and 100 meters descent, 10 km.
Rock Garden camp (Nš 1).
Day 3
Continue towards the back of the Soler Valley, along an undulating
route on the south side of the valley. Pass by the Concordia of 3 major
glacial valleys and walk up into the old growth beech forest to the Palomar
ranch. 6 hour hike, 200 meters ascent and 150 meters descent, 18 km. Camping
at the Palomar Ranch (Nš 2).
Day 4
Climb up 200 meters to the northern margin of the Neff Glacier, cross the
6 kilometre wide glacier. Descend the south side of the glacier and climb
up to the mirrored lakes. 6 to 8 hours hiking, 300 meters ascent, 100 meters
descent, 10 - 12 km. total, 6 - 8 km on the glacier.
Day 5
This day can either 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. Alternatively the day sometimes has
to be used to allow for non ideal weather for the glacier crossing. Laguna
Espejo Camp (Nš 3).
Day 6
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. 5 hours hiking, 200m descent, 100 ascent, 8 km.
total. Cachet Camp Nš 4).
Day 7
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 Lago Colonia beyond. 300m ascent / descent, 10
km. total. Colonia Camp (Nš 5).
Day 8
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 Lago
Colonia. A boat ride across the lake below 50m + waterfalls to the south
shore is followed by a 40 minute walk to Camp at the Sol de Mayo Ranch.
250 meters descent, 6 kilometres, 2 hours walking, 30 minute boat ride.
Sol de Mayo Ranch camp(Nš 6).
Day 9
A horse assisted hike down the Colonia valley to the Rio Baker. Horses
carry all our gear and can carry people if requested. The hike passes
through other properties where we have the chance to meet up with the
local farmers and their families. at the traditional cableway raft we
cross the Baker river and meet up with 4x4 vehicles for the ride across
the Valle Grande into Cochrane and a well deserved celebratory dinner.
Day 10
The return journey takes about 6 hours along the Southern Highway either
to Balmaceda for return flights or to Coyhaique for a final night in Patagonia.
We can provide optional charter flights from Cochrane for anyone wishing
to over-fly the route you have hiked or visit Laguna San Rafael Glacier
on the coast.
US$2700 pp (all inclusive)
|
