Ice to Ocean
14 days hiking and floating through Patagonia
Challenging (includes a glacier crossing)
Lodging in permanent and mobile camps
From US$ 3200 (all inclusive)
November through April
Highlights
On this 14-day expedition, we will traverse a stunning slice of the remote
and rugged Patagonia. This traverse starts hiking and exploring the Aysen
Glacier region for 6 days and finishes by raft as we float from the northern
Patagonian Ice-Field to the Ocean. With amazing camp locations, adventure
and style are key elements of this incredible route through spectacular
scenery. Traveling light through such remote wilderness is an adventure,
but finding well-equipped camp areas with tents, comfortable pads, a kitchen
and a glass of wine is a luxury that makes for a truly unique experience.
The physical geography and cultural elements of this journey make it a
unique and world-class exploration of a pristine landscape.
Day 1
Meet guides and the rest of the group in either Coyhaique
or Balmaceda airport. Transfer to Puerto Bertrand in a 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, final instructions and packing for the start of the trek.
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, maintaining
elevation along the 250 meter contour line. 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 kilometer wide glacier. Descend the south side of
the glacier and climb up to the mirrored lakes. 7 to 10 hours hiking,
300 meters ascent, 100 meters descent, 10 - 12 km. total, 6 - 8 km on
the glacier. Laguna Espejo Camp (Nš 3).
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 and the
challenging Talus slope. The Cachet camp is 100 meters above the lake
and facing the Colonia Glacier that carves off with unannounced regularity.
6 hours hiking, 200m descent, 100 ascent, 8 km. total. Cachet Camp N š
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 kilometers, 2 hours walking, 30 minute
boat ride. Sol de Mayo Ranch camp (Nš 6).
Day 9
We paddle raft down the Colonia river to the confluence
with the Rio Baker. We camp at the traditional cableway raft used to cross
the voluminous Rio Baker.
Day 10
We board oar rafts and float south, experiencing some
good class 3 rapids and viewing some amazing Patagonian sceneries. We
camp at the Salton Baker, an un-runable class 6 gorge.
Day 11
The morning is dedicated to exploring the gorge and the
exploratory tunnels cut by Lucas Bridge, an early explorer of the region
who opened up the Colonia valley for farming in the late nineteen thirties.
Horses will portage our raft around the waterfall. We relaunch the raft
below the powerful Salton Falls and paddle to Rio Ventisquiero for a camp.
Day 12
We continue the float toward the ocean as the river meanders
through increasingly verdant forests. We visit the Island of the dead,
a cemetery with a dark history dating back to the first explorations of
the area. Arriving in Caleta Tortel, a small fishing town built on stilts
we celebrate our arrival to the Pacific Ocean.
Day 13
Return journey from Tortel to Puerto Bertrand.
Day 14
Early morning drive to Balmaceda airport for the flight
out.
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