Patagonia In Winter
10 days of winter adventure travel in Patagonia
Moderate to challenging
Lodging in hotels and in mobile camp US$ 2050 (all inclusive)
July – August
Highlights
Winters in Patagonia are for the adventurous
and open minded. The rewards for a “seize the day” attitude are some of
the most remote, windless and beautiful winter conditions imaginable with
barely another soul in sight. This trip is designed to offer a variety of
terrain, some stunning locations and all the support needed to get out there
and enjoy the snow, ice and scenery by being as active as you want to be
on skis or snowshoes.
Day1
Arrive Balmaceda airport, meet with your guide and transfer to Coyhaique,
the region’s capital town , lodging in the hotel El Reloj.
Day 2
Warm up with a snow shoe hike through ancient beech forest to the Cinchao
summit (1300 mt) overlooking Coyhaique. Alternately ski at El Fraile ski
centre where you can make your own tracks!
Day 3
Drive to the Portezuelo Cerro Castillo pass for guaranteed snow and spectacular
winter conditions for hiking, climbing or skiing around the majestic Medieval
looking Mountain. Look out for Huemul deer and Puma footprints. Afternoon
drive to Villa Cerro Castillo small village nestled at the foot of the
impressive craggy mountain range. Lodging and dinner at local guesthouse.
Day 4
Drive along the Southern highway to Puerto Bertrand’s small village (pop
65), situated in a spectacular location at the headwaters of Chile’s most
voluminous river, the Rio Baker. The drive takes us through spectacular
mountain scenery, magnificent lakes, villages and farmlands. Lodging at
Green Baker lodge.
Day 5
Horse ride alongside gaucho guides to the Pato Raro Aserradero, riding
through thick native forest to reach the snow line and peek at the majestic
Northern Ice cap. Set up camp in the evergreen Beech forest.
Day 6
A Snow shoe hike to the summit of Linderos Magallanes, 1760m (1200m of
ascent), through a mix of forest, open hillside and fresh snow. Finish
the day in Puerto Bertrand with a Patagonian lamb barbeque (asado).
Day 7
Drive to Puerto Tranquilo, on the shores of Lago Genereal Carera, South
America’s second largest lake. Boat trip out to the Capillas de Marmol,
a mushroom shaped island undercut with caves and tunnels. Lodging at the
hostel El Puesto.
Day 8
Drive up the Exploradores valley to the end of the road. The trip up on
this road is through a beautiful mix of verdant forest with dramatic mountain
scenery all around and above. After hiking over the moraines we can hike
out onto the ice of the Exploradores glacier. Initially the hiking is
through loess covered ice but soon cleans up onto clean dry glacier. About
5 to 6 hours of hiking.
Day 9
Return drive along the Southern highway to Coyhaique, an afternoon wander
in town, a visit to the local brewery and lodging at the hotel El Reloj.
Day 10
Transfer to Balmaceda airport and onto connecting flight.
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