Patagonia Glacier & Ice Cap Trek Located at the southern tip of mainland South America and shared by Chile and Argentina, the breath-taking territory of Patagonia is not only renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery, it is home to the UNESCO World Heritage area of the vast Nacional Los Glaciares in Argentina straddling the world s third largest icecap outside the Polar Regions. With the Patagonian Andes as its glacial backbone, Argentina is a land of extreme wilderness including some of the most jawdropping landscapes on the planet from pink granite towers, iridescent blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, sculpted glaciers, pristine forests to the varied wildlife including guanacos, condors, the critically endangered huemul deer and the elusive puma. Plus with reaching a maximum trekking height of 1,200 metres, you can be completely encompassed by the ice-capped mountains without the effects of altitude. This amazing region is a hiker s dream! DAY 1 - LONDON TO BUENOS AIRES & EL CALAFATE DAY 2 - ARRIVAL TO EL CALAFATE Following your arrival in El Calafate, you will be transferred to your accommodation. You will have the rest of the day to explore this rustic town named after the berry that, once eaten guarantees your return to Patagonia. Plus it s your opportunity to sample the fine Argentinian cuisine a steak lover s dream. A full expedition briefing will be given as well. DAY 3 - PERITO MORENO GLACIER Today will be a day to remember as you visit the breath taking Perito Moreno Glacier in the company of a local guide. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most famous geological sights in the world, and the stunning centre piece of the southern sector of the Southern Ice Cap measuring a whopping 30km in length, 5km in width and an impressive 60 metres in height. It calves into Lake Argentino and every so often it is possible to see huge lumps of ice break off and fall into the lake as icebergs. From here you will then be transfer to the town of El Chalten, a distance of 215 kilometres of which you will catch your first glance of the stunning Fitz Roy Mountain range. DAY 4 - LOS HUEMULES NATURE RESERVE Transfer to Los Humules private reserve. This reserve has been designed and managed by a team of naturalists and conservationists specialised in the protection of the critically endangered Patagonian Huemul deer which can only be found in this area. Today s trek will be in a Nothofagus forest. Very few people experience this enchanting forest, especially during the tail end of the busy tourist season so it will feel like you have the magic of the forest trees to yourself. You will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Fitz Roy Massif and follow Rio Diablo until reaching Luguna Diablo for more breath taking views toward Glacier Caglirro. On your decent you will see Laguna Azul the blue glacial lake. You will stay overnight in cabins at Ricanor campsite surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains and enjoy Argentinian steak for your evening meal (vegetarian meals can also be provided). Estimated time: 8 hours. Approx distance: 15 kms.
Day 5 - Laguna de Los Tres Today s trail will wind you through beech forests towards the Poincenot Base Camp with breath taking views of the Piedras Blancas Glacier and the Rio Blanco Valley. This valley bestows colourful scrublands and grey coloured trees which artistically display their roots on sheer sandbanks that are intercepted by rocky glacial flowing streams. Leaving the depths of the forest from Poincenot Camp, a steep trail will guide you to Laguna de los Tres, the most awe-inspiring lookout to Mount Fitz Roy. After this point only climbers can continue. You will have lunch to maximise your time at one of the most striking mountain sceneries in the world, the superb granite tower of Mount Fitz Roy. You may even be lucky to catch sight of condors gliding around the summits. We return to Poincenot Camp via the same trail where we camp below the jagged backdrop of the Fitz Roy Massif. Sleeping bags and roll mats are provided at this campsite. Estimated time: 8 hours. Approx distance: 12 kms. legendary spire Cerro Torre known as the impossible mountain. After taking in yet more staggering views, you will then retrace your steps for an hour to join the trail along the Rio Fitz Roy to reach your cabins in El Chalten. Before dinner you will have time to relax or enjoy the cafés of this wild west town. Plus you can restock with snacks ready for the next leg of the expedition. The evening will spent in one of Chalten s famous restaurants were we have the opportunity to sample more local cuisine. Overnight in El Chalten. Estimated time: 8 hours. Approx distance: 19 kms. DAY 7 - Laguna Torro The next two days of the trek are spent expedition style as you will carry your own kit to camp including spare shoes for a river crossing, your sleeping bag, sleeping-matt and personal items. You will be provided with two packed lunches, food bowl, coffee cup and spoon which you will also carry. Porters will take your tent and other food supplies. Starting from El Chaltén at 450 metres above sea leave, you will take the trail to Laguna Toro (Lake Toro) and Pliegue Tumbado. The well-marked path climbs through beautiful beech trees to the timberline (1000 metres) at the base of the Pliegue Tumbado Ridge; before going down. It has been known for the elusive Puma to be seen in this area. From here you will descend to the Tunel River Valley until the Toro Lake campsite, at 650 metres, where you will camp for two nights in this remote area. You will have a chance to see the southern side of Fitz Roy and Cerro Solo. Estimated time: 7 hours. Approx distance: 19 kms. Day 6 - Laguna Torre Madre Hija Trail This morning make sure you set your alarm early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise against the Fitz Roy Massif. Weather permitting, it will probably be the most incredible sunrise you will ever experience as the mountains glow orange when the sun s early morning rays hit their sheer granite towers. Day 8 - Laguna Torre Paso del Viento It is almost impossible to describe your trekking experience for this day as it is an extraordinary expedition day jam-packed with adventure! Starting with a glacial river crossing, all-encompassing snowcapped mountain scenery, the rare opportunity of trekking along the Tunel Glacier, then the pinnacle of your uphill trek being the expansive view of the third largest icefield in the world followed by your return river crossing via a Tyrolean rope. After breakfast you will start trekking along the trail following the Madre (mother) and Hija (daughter) Lakes. There will be plenty of photo opportunities this morning of both the mountains and crystal lakes. The trail descends steeply down a number of switchbacks until you reach the Torre Lake Trail which follows the fast flowing Glacial Fitz Roy River. The Torre Lake is one hour from this point. At Laguna Torre the trail leads to a lookout with grandstand views across the glacial moraine towards Cerro Solo, the Adela s Range, Glacier Torre and the
To start today s great adventure you will set off from camp and cross the flowing Tunel River in order to approach the Tunel Glacier. Depending on the conditions you will either wade through the river or take the Tyrolean rope further upstream. It is highly recommended to bring trainers and trekking poles for the river crossing. After this you will pass through loose rocks, moraines and beautifully exposed bedrock before reaching the Tunel Glacier. With conditions permitting, you will trek across the Glacier with great views of the Tunel and Quervain glaciers and Mount Fitz Roy. You will begin a steep ascent of Paso Del Viento or Windy Pass to a height of 1,500 metres. Once at the Paso the immense beauty of the Continental Ice Field will be in full sight, the third largest icefield in the world of which not many people have been fortunate to witness. From here you will descend to Lake Toro and re-cross the Tunel River via a Tyrolean rope and return to camp. Estimated time: 10-12 hours. Approx distance: 15 kms. DAY 10 - EL CHALTEN TO EL CALAFATE Transfer from El Chalten back to El Calafate for your return flight to Buenos Aires in the afternoon. On arrival in Buenos Aires you have the option of adding an additional night or two Buenos Aires or transferring to the international airport for your return flight home. Overnight Hotel in Buenos Aires is not included and can be booked as an excursion. DAY 9 - LAGUNA TORRO EL CHALTEN From the campsite at Lake Toro you will head back downstream and retrace your steps from day 7 via Pliegue Tumbado. Undulating trekking takes you back through burnt forests, marsh areas and lush beech forests arriving at the park ranger station where the expedition comes to its end. Return to the comforts of El Chaltén. Estimated time: 7 hours. Approx distance: 19 kms.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP Airport transfer in Buenos Aires 1 night hostel accommodation in El Calfate 3 night s camping during expedition 4 night cabin accommodation in El Chalten Qualified Mountain Leader (Groups 10+) Qualified Argentinian Trekking Guide/s with first aid training Local support crew and porters National Park Fees Expedition transfers to starting points Satellite telephone and VHF radio back up All meals whilst trekking NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP Flights to and from Argentina (approx. 700-1000.00) Meal in Buenos Aires 2 Evening Meals 2 Lunches Perito Moreno Glacier boat cruise Additional excursions outside the itinerary Personal spending money Tipping (optional) WEATHER & SAFETY Since Argentina is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the reverse of those which we experience in Europe. Trips to Patagonia are organised between October and April to take advantage of the longer, warmer days. During these months the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires reach a maximum of 35ºC, in Calafate around 22ºC and in the extreme south around 19ºC. These are maximum figures, and the average can be taken as being somewhat lower. Night time temperatures in Patagonia and the south will certainly be very much colder than this, and in some cases it can reach freezing levels. Patagonia is well renowned to be extremely windy and it can rain at any time of year. The Leader reserves the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it. This may be for a variety of reasons climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. HEALTH All our guides are first aid trained and carry fully equipped medical kits for serious medical emergencies. There are no compulsory vaccinations for Argentina but we recommend you consult your GP before departure. A good level of fitness is required for this trip. ALTITUDE This trek does not involve any significant ascent to altitude and we would not expect any altitude issues with this trip. LANGUAGE The official language of Argentina is Spanish. Your attempts to speak the local language will be greatly appreciated. Please find below some common words which you may find helpful to learn prior to your trek: Hello Hola How are you - Cómo estás Good bye Adiós Good morning Buenos días Good night - Buenas noches Please - Por favor Thank you Gracias How much - Cuánto cuesta What is the time - Qué hora es Toilet Baño Camp - Acampar Beer - Cerveza Wine Vino Steak Filete Fish - Pescado Trout Trucha Chicken - Pollo Vegetarian - Vegetariano ACCOMMODATION In Buenos Aires you will stay in standard 3* hotels and in Calafate and El Chalten you will stay in hostel and cabin style accommodation, usually with private bathrooms. When trekking in the Fitzroy region you will stay in fixed campsites which are located in remote and wild areas. There is a dinning tent and all the necessary camping equipment is provided. Please note that there are no showers for these days and no conventional WC. There is also no mobile phone service. An essential part of this adventure is participation in camp chores including erecting tents and packing up. It s all part of the adventure and if everyone puts in some effort the trip will run smoothly. PASSPORT & VISA All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their relevant embassies. Adventurous Ewe is not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. No visa required for holders of British passport for travel into Argentina. INSURANCE It is a condition of this trip that you are insured against medical and personal accident. Adventurous Ewe require documentary evidence of your insurance prior to departure. We also recommend that you enrol with Global Rescue prior to embarking on your trip (optional). Global Rescue is the world's premier provider of medical & security advisory and evacuation services. www.globalrescue.com/adventurousewe
BACK-GROUND READING In Patagonia Bruce Chatwin The Last Cowboys at the end of the World Nick Reding Motorcycle Diaries Che Guevara Natural Patagonia - Marcelo D. Beccaceci. A bilingual guide to flora and fauna in the region, with great illustrations. HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP The easiest way to book your trip is online via the Adventurous Ewe website at www.adventurousewe.co.uk. You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of 140 at the time of booking. It is possible to reserve a place on this challenge by email to info@adventurousewe.co.uk, however you will need to pay your deposit of 140 to confirm your place on this trek together with completing a booking form. The full balance is required to be paid no less than 4 weeks prior to departure. TOTAL COST DEPOSIT: 250.00 PER PERSON FINAL BALANCE: Trekking Experience To complete the Patagonia Trek comfortably, it is preferable that you have previous experience of long walks in varied and irregular terrain carrying a 35 litre day-pack. The walking is not dangerous or technically difficult, but you must be a confident walker with a good level of fitness in order to manage the sections of ascent and long duration of the trek, combined with carrying your backpack every day. During parts of the expedition you will be required to carry additional items due to the remoteness of the trek. This will include items for two nights of remote camping and trekking on days 7 to 9 including your sleeping bag, sleeping matt, packed lunches & snacks, drinking water, wet weather gear, additional warm layers and personal items. Due to the unpredictability of the climate in southern Patagonia, you will need to be prepared for walking in all conditions, as the weather can change extremely rapidly, making clothing and footwear choices important. During the trek you will be required to carry your own day bag, plus spare warm clothing and wet weather kit. It is essential that you carrying a head torch and spare batteries each day of the trek. We recommend a 35 litre sized day-pack as a minimum. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 07747 346 588. This is genuinely a once in a lifetime trek experiencing some of the most impressive mountainous landscapes and glacial formations the world has to offer. Testimonials Highly recommended - superb unspoilt scenery and lovely trails. It was beautiful - however the glaciers are disappearing quicker every year. Nick, Patagonia Trek 2016 A few shots from an amazing trip to Patagonia. These images cannot really convey the scale and beauty of this place - definitely worth a visit. What a lovely bunch of people to trek with too and great job by James Young at Adventurous Ewe for the fantastic itinerary and leadership. Katrina, Patagonia Trek 2016 The regions we visit on the trip are very remote and you should be prepared to spend time in areas where facilities and services are limited. Roads are mostly unpaved and although well-maintained they can be bumpy and dusty. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Patagonia Glacier & Ice Cap Trek Q&A s How big is the group? The minimum size group is 6 and a maximum is 16 per expedition leader. What s the luggage allowance? Two items of luggage are required for this trip; one large duffle type bag or back pack of approximately 60-80 litres in size (no wheels), which will contain all your trekking kit and casual clothes. This kit bag should weigh no more than 10kgs which is the weight allowance of the internal flight in Argentina. Please note, this kit bag will remain in the hostel in El Chalten. For the second bag we recommend a day pack of approximately 35-45 litres to carry all your personal belongings such as water proofs and snacks and sleeping bag on trekking days. During parts of the expedition you will be required to carry additional items due to the remoteness of the trek. This will include items for two nights of remote camping and trekking on days 7 to 9 including your sleeping bag, sleeping matt, packed lunches & snacks, drinking water, wet weather gear, additional warm layers and personal items. This day pack should weigh no more than 5kgs which is the weight allowance of the internal flight in Argentina. What will the accommodation be like? You will spend 1 night in Buenos Aires in a 3* standard hotel in twin rooms with en-suite facilities. During the trek you will stay in a mixture of hostels and tents. When in El Chalten and El Calafate we will be staying in hostels and camping. Please note, the camping element will be wild camping in a remote location. You will be share two-person tents on a twin basis. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please let us know in advance. Will my valuables be safe? While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don t need it, don t bring it. This includes jewellery. Valuables such as your passport and money should be kept on you at all times. Who will be leading the group? We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain expedition leaders. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout the world. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment including a satellite phone and mountain first aid kits at all times. We will also have a local team of experienced guides with full back up from the El Chalten office. How fit do I need to be? This is a demanding trek particularly on the days that you are required to carry additional kit, so training and a good level of walking fitness is definitely required. The ideal training for this challenge is walking in the hills to get your legs and feet used to the rugged terrain. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle but if this is not the case then you should begin training 4-6 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Step training advice is given below. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be walking in after the first month of training to get them worn in. Start with 3 x 30minute steady walks weekly, increasing each month by 15 minutes. Walk up and down stairs, at a steady pace, until you feel comfortably out of breath. Repeat daily and increase the number of repetitions. (After the second month, you should wear a small lightly packed day pack). There is no substitute for walking in the outdoors so try to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the expedition, the more you will get out of it and have the capacity to enjoy the aweinspiring landscape.
What type of footwear should I be wearing? The choice of walking footwear is incredibly important and should not be decided on price alone. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough so it is vital that you use a pair of strong boots with good ankle support which are water-proof. Approach shoes and trekking trainers are not recommended however you will need a pair of trainers for the river crossing. Suitable trekking socks are also very important and it is worth investing in some good pairs of socks to help prevent blisters. Wearing your boots and socks during training, both on and off the hills, will help you decide which sock-wear best suits your feet ie. liner socks with your trekking socks or your trekking socks of a particular thickness and wicking capability. What happens if I become ill, can t keep up with the group or there is an emergency? The expedition leader is first aid trained for remote mountain treks and will also have a mobile phone and satellite phone that work at all times during the trek. In the case of an emergency, they will be in contact with the El Chalten office. The trek is not a race and there can be a difference in people s walking abilities and pace plus budding photographers will also wish to take the time to snap that perfect image. All these variations are catered for though in the case of poor weather conditions, the group must abide by the expedition leaders judgement and decisions. Prior to departure, you should visit your own doctor and dentist for a check-up. Your doctor will have access to the most up to date information on the required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. In general, no special immunizations or medications are necessary for travel in Argentina. A good online resource is the National Health Travellers website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. How many breaks will be taken during the trek and for how long? The timing of breaks is quite liberal and dependant on the terrain. There will be scheduled breaks of 10 minutes for approximately every hour in order to maintain a healthy and steady pace. The exact times and places of your breaks will very much depend on the weather and the well-being of your group. What food and drink is provided? All food is purchased locally to support the local producers and with the emphasis on fresh produce and easilyprepared meals where possible. During the trek a typical breakfast will consist of tea/ coffee, toast, fruit, porridge or cereal. Lunch will be mainly packed lunches which may include an empanada (a traditional Argentinian savoury pastry) and dinner will be steak and salad or vegetables (vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be catered for). We try to provide varied meals which are simple but wholesome given the limited facilities on the mountain. During trekking days we recommend you bring your own favourite snacks such as chocolate, energy bars, fruit gums etc. General wellbeing The expedition leader will always keep the group together for maximum safety and set a sensible pace to help everyone complete this trek. Please find below a few tips to remember while trekking: Hydration is important so please ensure you drink plenty of water. The natural glacial water is fantastic Eat plenty to keep your energy levels high Sunburn can be a major issue in the mountain environment, apply sun screen to your face, lips and any other exposed skin such as the back of your hands Trekking poles are a great way to support the knees and provide stability, especially during the river crossing Be a team player. Support your fellow team-mates and look out for them as well Honesty, if you feeling unwell at any point please let someone know, we want to make sure everyone remains fit and healthy whilst trekking. Typical trekking day You will start the day around 6.30am, with breakfast and a short briefing on the day ahead, fill your water bottles and collect your packed lunches prior to starting the days trek. Everyone can trek at their own pace within reason and there will plenty of short breaks. Lunch is normally 1/2 hour break and you will be trekking between 8-10 hours per day. On the days that you camp, you will have hot drinks and time to relax before our evening meal and settling down for an early night in your tent. We recommend that you organise your kit and re-pack your day pack the night before your following day of trekking to help ensure everyone leave on time the following morning. The region you trek through is very remote so please be prepared to spend time in areas where facilities and services are extremely limited. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group. Culture The comforts of home are a rarity on this challenge. English is not commonly spoken in Argentina and the food will be quite different to home, so please be prepared for this. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence as well.
Not included in the cost of the expedition? The following items are not included in your expedition and will be at your own expense: activities or meals not mentioned in the itinerary, flights, personal spending money, snacks, and any drinks you may want over and above what is provided. What shall I do about spending money? We recommend you bring around $US150 for drinks, snacks and local staff tips. ATM s and money exchanges can be found in the airports at Buenos Aires, El Calafate and El Chalten. We recommend that you take out the local currency (Argentinian peso s) from these ATM s as most shops, bars and restaurants will only accept this currency, particularly in El Calafate and El Chalten. Please note, it is known for the ATM s in El Chalten to run out of cash, so it is advisable to withdrawal peso s from the ATM s in Buenos Aires. Tipping Tipping is not really expected in Argentina, however if feel the local guide and crew deserve a tip you are welcome to organise this yourself or within your group. The group may also wish to invite the local crew to your final meal in El Calafate and pay for their dinner which we are sure the crew would appreciate. Weather conditions You can expect daytime temperatures anywhere from 30 to 20 degrees centigrade, dropping to just above freezing during the evenings. At the highest points on your hike, you can also expect to encounter cold and windy conditions. At any time of the year in Patagonia there is a chance of poor weather, with rain and high winds. But, equally, there is also the chance to encounter good days which are clear and sunny during the time of your trek. In short, you need to be prepared for all weather conditions rain, strong winds and bright sunshine. Security Argentina is one of the safest countries for travellers in South America and serious crimes are rare. But as with all places where tourists and crowds gather petty theft can be a problem. In the same way that health risks can be avoided with a few sensible precautions, so can security risks, so please adhere to the following recommendations: Baggage does occasionally go missing, so if travelling with a partner try to split your belongings between bags so one person doesn't risk losing everything. Also make maximum use of hand baggage allowances on airlines (5kg for the Argentinian internal flight) and pack important items such as cameras, essential medicines, toiletries and one set of trekking clothes, in your hand baggage. Plus wear your trekking boots on the plane. Ensure your main kit bag has a luggage label securely attached detailing your name and hostel address in El Chalten just in case your baggage does not make your connecting flight Do not bring expensive jewellery or watches. Snatchings of both may happen in crowded areas, more so in larger cities such as Buenos Aires Do not carry all your money in one place. Have some small amounts hidden for emergencies. Your money and passport are best carried in a zippered pocked inside your jacket or inner clothing layers. Hand bags, external pouches and bum bags are easy targets for thieves Make photocopies of all your important documents, including passports, and keep copies of emergency contact numbers in more than one place. Do lock hotel doors and windows when not in the room, and lock doors even when you are in the room Try to conceal your camera in a day pack or shoulder bag rather than having it hanging around your neck Sandwich or freezer type plastic bags provide good protection against damp and sweat for passports, money and documents. What do you do to protect the environment? All Adventurous Ewe treks operate in a small group style which means you ll stay under the radar, travel the local way and eat the local. You ll have the unsurpassed knowledge of your local leader, taking you out of the guidebooks and into a world of incredible landscapes and wildlife you re waiting to discover. You can also play your part by ensuring all rubbish is disposed of responsibly and you leave no trace during your trekking challenge. Adventurous Ewe follow the local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect.
Patagonia Glacier & Ice-Cap Trek KIT LIST CLOTHING Below are the items which are essential to pack for this expedition. Please note, the climate in Patagonia is ever changing on a daily basis so please ensure you are well prepared for all weather conditions including the heat, the cold, the wet and very windy conditions. Failure to have suitable clothing may seriously jeopardise your health and safety during this challenge. BASE LAYER 2 pairs preferably a synthetic or merino wool wicking layer with a long sleeved top and long-johns. One of these pairs can be used for sleeping while camping out. FLEECE JACKET OR WIND STOPPER - A full zip version is easier to put on and has better ventilation than a pull over style. INSULATED DOWN OR PRIMALOFT JACKET WITH HOOD needs to fit over all insulation layers and should not be heavy or bulky. A must for the evenings and early morning. This should also fit into your day bag for use during the day should it be required. This can also double-up as a pillow at night. TROUSERS 2 pairs of fleece or synthetic / nylon or polyester trekking trousers. Zip off trousers may be handy for the river crossing as the water levels may exceed knee height. Avoid cotton trousers as they absorb & hold moisture easily and thereby have a cooling effect. WATERPROOFS - Breathable waterproof jacket that has a good hood. Waterproof trousers can be of lighter weight than the top it is recommended that they have a long/full length zip so you can put them on whilst still wearing boots. HEADWEAR - Warm woolly hat plus a cap/sunhat. GLOVES - A pair of thin liners you can keep on the whole time if you need to. On top of this a pair of Wind Stopper gloves. Alternatively gloves that have a removable fleece liner. Mitts are also good. Work on the layering principal rather than one thick pair. SOCKS minimum of 3 pairs of wool or synthetic trekking socks over the liner socks. Please ensure you trial your sock-wear prior to departure to ensure your sock choice is suitable for your feet. FOOTWEAR Trekking boots with sufficient ankle support for rocky terrain. Boots should be Gore-Tex/leather type to maximise their waterproof quality. Avoid tight fitting boots and ensure your boots are well worn in prior to departure. A pair of approach/trail shoes or sandals to wear in the evenings and for the river crossing. FULL LENGTH GAITERS which should be worn over the boot and not to tight, not light weight trekking gaiters is possible. (optional) SUNGLASSES 100% UV, IR high optical lenses for mountain use, must have side covers or wrap around style. BUFF- Used to shade your neck and cover your mouth from dust. FLIP-FLOPS / PLASTIC SHOWER SHOES Flip-flops / plastic shower shoes (optional) GENERAL EQUIPMENT KIT BAG Must be a soft bag. This bag will remain in the cabin in El Chalten during your trekking days.
RUCKSACK - 35-45 litre rucksack should be sufficient for you to carry your own spare clothing, water, camera, and all your personal kit including your lunch, snacks and water. Some days you will also need to carry your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Preferably your rucksack should have with waist belt to help distribute the weight and a whistle for safety provisions. DRY-BAGS we recommend packing your kit inside dry bags to ensure your kit remains dry in the case of wet weather. A wet-weather cover can also be used over your rucksack but this must be securely fastened to your bag especially during high winds. SLEEPING BAG - A good 3-4 season sleeping bag as the nights can be cold especially in the remote camps. You can expect temperatures of between 15 to -2 degrees celcius at night. If you wish to help keep the inside of your sleeping bag clean, bring a sleeping bag liner to sleep in plus it will add a little more warmth. SLEEPING MATT For the remote campsites. You will be required to carry this, so a light-weight version would be ideal. WATER BOTTLE - We suggest a 2 litre capacity. Platypus / CamelBack plus a 1 litre wide mouth bottle which will make it easier to collect water from the glacial rivers. You may wish to bring water purification tablets, but on the whole, the fast flowing glacial water does not require purification. HEAD TORCH & SPARE BATTERIES essential to carry at all times during the trek and around camp. TREKKING POLES Helpful for balance, carrying a heavy bag or have knee problems. Plus poles will help you with the river crossing. CAMERA We recommend small digital cameras however the scenery is spectacular so if you use a SLR style camera and you are happy to carry this, then Patagonia is a photographer s dream location. GO-PRO If you have a Go-Pro or similar, again this is a film-makers dream location, so feel free to bring this along as well. MISCELLANEOUS KIT SUN SCREEN AND LIP BLOCK SPF40 as a minimum. TOILETRIES - Including wet-wipes & hand gel. Hand gel must be used diligently at all times to help avoid any sickness being shared within the group. NAPPY SACS - For waste and rubbish. We pride ourselves in leaving no trace while travelling, so please ensure you carry all your rubbish with you including toilet tissues and dispose of it appropriately where rubbish bins are provided. Lightweight towel PERSONAL FIRST AID - Please bring any personal medication plus paracetamol, brufen and ensure you pack this in your carry-on luggage on the plane. Also bring some plasters/compeed etc for your feet to help prevent blisters, anti-diarrhoea tablets, antiseptic cream/ointment/wipes, rehydration salts (ie. dioralyte), anti-histamines, throat lozenges, cough sweets and water purification tablets. Contact lenses / glasses - contact lens wearers should consider bringing glasses, as the dry air and dust plus the difficulty with cleaning, can cause problems with using contact lenses. ADMIN PIECES PASSPORT & VISA at the time of producing this document, UK nationals did not require a visa to enter Argentina. For all other nationalities, please check with your respective Embassy with regards to visa requirements and applications. INSURANCE CERTIFICATE / POLICY & EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS PHOTO COPIES OF ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS CASH US Dollars and Argentinian Peso s. You can withdraw peso s from ATM s at Buenos Aires Airport, El Calafate Airport and in the town of El Chalten (though quite often the ATM s run out of cash in this town). BAGGAGE AND WEIGHT As a guide for the trek, your total baggage (day-pack + main kit bag) should weigh around 15kg inclusive. If it is less than 12kg you probably haven't got enough warm clothes. If it's more you ve possibly got too much, which usually manifests itself in the form of too much toiletries, books, "medical" supplies, unnecessary snacks. The weight allowance for the internal flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate is 15kg inclusive of both bags. You are only allowed two bags for this flight your daysack as hand luggage (5kg) and your main kit bag in the hold (10kg). We highly recommend wearing
your trekking boots and hiking clothing on the plane just in case your main kit bag is delayed in reaching El Calafate. Day packs should be between 35 litres 45 litres to carry your clothing including water-proof jacket & trousers, water bottle / camelback provisions, packed lunch, snacks, personal medical kit, camera kit, head-torch & batteries, sunglasses, warm woolly hat and sun cap, gloves and then your sleeping bag and sleeping mat during the expedition days. There will be very limited time to do laundry on the whole trip. Bring one or two complete sets of clean casual clothes which can be stored at the cabin in El Chalten while on the trek and used on the last day in Buenos Aires and the flight home. NICE TO HAVE Book to read, there will be lots of free time on the trek, so it's handy to have a book or playing cards Ear plugs for the cabins and whilst camping Binoculars if you enjoy such things as bird watching or viewing the glaciers at close range Favourite snacks, both sweet and savoury Something to flavour your drinking water ie. Robinson s squash (mini 66ml size), Zero tablets etc. KIT HIRE AND PURCHASING If you don t wish to go to the expense of buying new kit, especially a suitable sleeping bag, we recommend Expedition Kit Hire www.expeditionkithire.co.uk for all your kit hire requirements. Make sure you mention that you re trekking with Adventurous Ewe to gain a discount. If you re happy to purchase kit, Adventurous Ewe have a 15% discount code for the Cotswolds Outdoor Shop. There are stores located throughout the UK plus this code may be used online at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/. 15% Discount Voucher with Cotswold Outdoor For more information or to book, please contact Adventurous Ewe w. adventurousewe.co.uk e. info@adventurousewe.co.uk t. 01492 588069