Patagonia, Return to the Ice.
Dare to experience an expedition through landscapes of incomparable beauty. This is one of our most exclusive, remote, and adventurous journeys — the perfect choice for those seeking something truly different and extreme.
This vast white world, stretching across nearly 13,000 km², is the birthplace of most of Southern Patagonia’s glaciers.
In this frozen paradise, we’ll venture into the legendary “Circo de los Altares” (Circus of the Altars), where a sea of ice is surrounded by towering granite giants such as Cerro Torre, Egger, and Fitz Roy — one of the most awe-inspiring settings on Earth.
TYPE: Trekking and multi-adventure.
LOCATION: Patagonia Argentina
DURACIÓN: 9 days
DATE: January 10
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Challenging
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate
COST PER PERSON: 3900 USD
Included
- Certified UIAGM guide (1 per 4 people)
- 2 nights of hotel in El Chaltén
- Meals during the trekking.
- Tents (for 2 or 3 people)
- Cooking equipment
- Group technical equipment, GPS, VHF communication, and satellite communication.
- Individual technical equipment (helmet, snowshoes, harness, crampons, safety carabiners, trekking ice axes).
- Transfer to the Eléctrico River Bridge.
- Trekking guides for activities in El Chaltén.
Not Included
- Personal equipment
- Transfer from Calafate Airport to El Chaltén (there are buses from Calafate).
- Meals and dinners in El Chaltén.
- Porteador personal (Cargamos entre 20-25 kg todos los días), es posible contratar un porteador que cargue 15 kg por 1150 dólares.
- Tipping (minimum suggested amount of 250 USD).
- Evacuation insurance.
- Expenses incurred for leaving the expedition early.
PAYMENTS
Your spot is reserved with a deposit of 900 USD.
Send an email to 14peakslatam@gmail.com to receive your registration confirmation.
Payments are made via bank transfer (the exchange rate is calculated based on the selling rate of the US dollar at Banamex on the day of the transaction).
If you are outside of Mexico, we will provide the details for an international transfer or PayPal.
50% of the total amount is due 4 months before the trip.
The remaining 50% is paid in cash upon arrival in Argentina.
BANK DETAILS
Bank: BANAMEX
CLABE: 0021 8070 0806 3487 99
Account Holder: Cristel Vanessa Estol Garay
If you’re abroad, payment can be made via international transfer or PayPal (with a fee).
Equipment list:
Leather boots (like the Trango Evo by La Sportiva or Scarpa Phantom).
For walking with crampons on the glacier.
Trekking boots.
For hiking days in the forest or in El Chaltén.
Thick socks.
1 pair for sleeping.
First layer pants (2).
One for sleeping and the other for cold days.
Trekking pants (2).
They should be comfortable and lightweight.
Waterproof pants.
It’s preferable to choose a model with zippers on the sides so you don’t have to take off your boots when putting it on or taking it off.
Synthetic first layer (top) (2).
One sunshirt and one thermal.
Polar (1)
To wear underneath your down jacket.
Down jacket.
Warm enough for possible days with strong winds and -5°C temperatures.
Gore-Tex waterproof jacket.
Sun hat.
Warm hat.
Buff (2)
Sunglasses with UV filter, category 4.
We walk on glaciers, and the sun can be very strong. We recommend ones with side protection for the wind.
Goggles
Thin gloves.
Waterproof mountain gloves.
Warm and water-resistant.
Sleeping bag (-5°C comfort).
Thermarest sleeping pad.
These are the foldable ones that go beneath the inflatable sleeping pad.
Thermarest inflatable sleeping pad.
Choose a lightweight model.
75-liter backpack.
If you hire a porter, a 55-liter backpack would be sufficient. If you decide not to hire one, a 75-liter backpack is ideal.
Headlamp and spare batteries.
We recommend bringing a spare one.
Nalgene-type bottles, 1 liter (2).
You can also bring a Camelbak.
1 thermos, between 500 ml to 750 ml
The lightest one you can find, half a liter is enough.
Sunscreen.
UV lip balm.
Small first aid kit with personal medications.
Earplugs.
Blister kit.
Very important for long hikes like this.
Small Swiss knife
Harness.
Crampons.
Safety carabiners (2)
Helmet
Snowshoes (can be rented).
Snacks.
Don't carry too much extra weight; we will provide it there. You can bring energy gels or gummies.
Trekking poles
With the lower screw for walking on snow.
Additional equipment required:
FAQ
To undertake the Ice Loop, you don’t need high-altitude experience, but you do need to be in VERY good physical condition. There are days with very long hikes and steep inclines, so we could consider it more demanding than a regular trek. It’s for people accustomed to adventure, willing to face extreme climates and sleep in tents for several days, with a flexible mindset to adapt to the environment as well as any itinerary changes that may arise during expeditions of this nature.
Despite lacking high altitude and the challenge of acclimatization, the Ice Traverse is demanding due to its varied terrain and unpredictable weather. Patagonia is an extremely windy place, and the fact that it’s so remote and that you sleep in a tent adds extra points to the challenge.
Between November and the end of February.
You need to book a flight to El Calafate Airport in Argentina. The meeting point for this expedition is El Chaltén, which you reach by taking a transfer from El Calafate Airport — it’s about a 3-hour drive. We recommend booking your transfer in advance to make sure it matches your flight schedule, since if your flight arrives after 5 p.m., you’ll have to spend the night in El Calafate (the last transfer leaves at 5 p.m.). One of the companies you can check out is Lengas.
On this expedition, you’ll share a tent with one or two other people (2- or 3-person tents). Unlike some of our other trips, like Kilimanjaro, the Ice Traverse is an alpine-style expedition, where saving weight is key in every situation. That’s why the tents are usually smaller and lighter — think Black Diamond style. If you’re looking for adventure and epic landscapes, this is the expedition for you.
We hike between 7 and 8 hours a day.
We carefully select all our guides. For this experience, we always work with certified professionals. Expeditions with fewer than 8 people are led by our local staff, while groups larger than 8 also include a Spanish-speaking team leader, like Vanessa Estol or someone similar, who travels from our home countries.
No. On this expedition, we’re completely off the grid for a full week. There are devices like the Garmin InReach that let you send messages without needing internet.
Because of weight limitations, we bring dehydrated meals in pouches that you just add hot water to. We also carry cheese and salami or serrano ham for a quick bite when we reach camp. Each person also gets some snacks like chocolate, alfajores, etc., for the hike. You’re welcome to bring your own favorite snacks to supplement along the way.
There are no refunds for cancellations, or if we’re unable to reach the goals due to weather or reasons beyond our control. If you need to cancel, you can transfer your spot to someone else who has the physical fitness required to complete the expedition.
It’s a place with very extreme weather, and we can get hit by strong wind gusts.
When the weather’s good, it’s not cold during the day.
If the weather turns really bad, the route might change — entering the ice field could become impossible. In that case, the guides would come up with a plan B. That said, it’s unlikely, because we’ve built in several buffer days in the itinerary.
Included
- Certified UIAGM guide (1 per 4 people)
- 2 nights of hotel in El Chaltén
- Meals during the trekking.
- Tents (for 2 or 3 people)
- Cooking equipment
- Group technical equipment, GPS, VHF communication, and satellite communication.
- Individual technical equipment (helmet, snowshoes, harness, crampons, safety carabiners, trekking ice axes).
- Transfer to the Eléctrico River Bridge.
- Trekking guides for activities in El Chaltén.
Not Included
- Personal equipment
- Transfer from Calafate Airport to El Chaltén (there are buses from Calafate).
- Meals and dinners in El Chaltén.
- Porteador personal (Cargamos entre 20-25 kg todos los días), es posible contratar un porteador que cargue 15 kg por 1150 dólares.
- Tipping (minimum suggested amount of 250 USD).
- Evacuation insurance.
- Expenses incurred for leaving the expedition early.
PAYMENTS
Your spot is reserved with a deposit of 900 USD.
Send an email to 14peakslatam@gmail.com to receive your registration confirmation.
Payments are made via bank transfer (the exchange rate is calculated based on the selling rate of the US dollar at Banamex on the day of the transaction).
If you are outside of Mexico, we will provide the details for an international transfer or PayPal.
50% of the total amount is due 4 months before the trip.
The remaining 50% is paid in cash upon arrival in Argentina.
BANK DETAILS
Bank: BANAMEX
CLABE: 0021 8070 0806 3487 99
Account Holder: Cristel Vanessa Estol Garay
If you’re abroad, payment can be made via international transfer or PayPal (with a fee).
Equipment list:
Leather boots (like the Trango Evo by La Sportiva or Scarpa Phantom).
For walking with crampons on the glacier.
Trekking boots.
For hiking days in the forest or in El Chaltén.
Thick socks.
1 pair for sleeping.
First layer pants (2).
One for sleeping and the other for cold days.
Trekking pants (2).
They should be comfortable and lightweight.
Waterproof pants.
It’s preferable to choose a model with zippers on the sides so you don’t have to take off your boots when putting it on or taking it off.
Synthetic first layer (top) (2).
One sunshirt and one thermal.
Polar (1)
To wear underneath your down jacket.
Down jacket.
Warm enough for possible days with strong winds and -5°C temperatures.
Gore-Tex waterproof jacket.
Sun hat.
Warm hat.
Buff (2)
Sunglasses with UV filter, category 4.
We walk on glaciers, and the sun can be very strong. We recommend ones with side protection for the wind.
Goggles
Thin gloves.
Waterproof mountain gloves.
Warm and water-resistant.
Sleeping bag (-5°C comfort).
Thermarest sleeping pad.
These are the foldable ones that go beneath the inflatable sleeping pad.
Thermarest inflatable sleeping pad.
Choose a lightweight model.
75-liter backpack.
If you hire a porter, a 55-liter backpack would be sufficient. If you decide not to hire one, a 75-liter backpack is ideal.
Headlamp and spare batteries.
We recommend bringing a spare one.
Nalgene-type bottles, 1 liter (2).
You can also bring a Camelbak.
1 thermos, between 500 ml to 750 ml
The lightest one you can find, half a liter is enough.
Sunscreen.
UV lip balm.
Small first aid kit with personal medications.
Earplugs.
Blister kit.
Very important for long hikes like this.
Small Swiss knife
Harness.
Crampons.
Safety carabiners (2)
Helmet
Snowshoes (can be rented).
Snacks.
Don't carry too much extra weight; we will provide it there. You can bring energy gels or gummies.
Trekking poles
With the lower screw for walking on snow.
Additional equipment required:
FAQ
To undertake the Ice Loop, you don’t need high-altitude experience, but you do need to be in VERY good physical condition. There are days with very long hikes and steep inclines, so we could consider it more demanding than a regular trek. It’s for people accustomed to adventure, willing to face extreme climates and sleep in tents for several days, with a flexible mindset to adapt to the environment as well as any itinerary changes that may arise during expeditions of this nature.
Despite lacking high altitude and the challenge of acclimatization, the Ice Traverse is demanding due to its varied terrain and unpredictable weather. Patagonia is an extremely windy place, and the fact that it’s so remote and that you sleep in a tent adds extra points to the challenge.
Between November and the end of February.
You need to book a flight to El Calafate Airport in Argentina. The meeting point for this expedition is El Chaltén, which you reach by taking a transfer from El Calafate Airport — it’s about a 3-hour drive. We recommend booking your transfer in advance to make sure it matches your flight schedule, since if your flight arrives after 5 p.m., you’ll have to spend the night in El Calafate (the last transfer leaves at 5 p.m.). One of the companies you can check out is Lengas.
On this expedition, you’ll share a tent with one or two other people (2- or 3-person tents). Unlike some of our other trips, like Kilimanjaro, the Ice Traverse is an alpine-style expedition, where saving weight is key in every situation. That’s why the tents are usually smaller and lighter — think Black Diamond style. If you’re looking for adventure and epic landscapes, this is the expedition for you.
We hike between 7 and 8 hours a day.
We carefully select all our guides. For this experience, we always work with certified professionals. Expeditions with fewer than 8 people are led by our local staff, while groups larger than 8 also include a Spanish-speaking team leader, like Vanessa Estol or someone similar, who travels from our home countries.
No. On this expedition, we’re completely off the grid for a full week. There are devices like the Garmin InReach that let you send messages without needing internet.
Because of weight limitations, we bring dehydrated meals in pouches that you just add hot water to. We also carry cheese and salami or serrano ham for a quick bite when we reach camp. Each person also gets some snacks like chocolate, alfajores, etc., for the hike. You’re welcome to bring your own favorite snacks to supplement along the way.
There are no refunds for cancellations, or if we’re unable to reach the goals due to weather or reasons beyond our control. If you need to cancel, you can transfer your spot to someone else who has the physical fitness required to complete the expedition.
It’s a place with very extreme weather, and we can get hit by strong wind gusts.
When the weather’s good, it’s not cold during the day.
If the weather turns really bad, the route might change — entering the ice field could become impossible. In that case, the guides would come up with a plan B. That said, it’s unlikely, because we’ve built in several buffer days in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 - January 10
Arrival in El Chaltén
Arrival in El Chaltén, the trekking capital of Argentina. You’ll meet the team and settle into the hotel.
If the weather looks favorable, we’ll begin the Southern Patagonian Ice Field expedition tomorrow.
Today we’ll do an equipment check and have a group briefing to review logistics and final details before the adventure begins.
Day 2 - January 11
Start of the Expedition
Transfer to the bridge over the Eléctrico River, the starting point of our first day of trekking toward the base of the Marconi Glacier. The trail winds through lenga forests and along glacial valleys, offering the first breathtaking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Technical details:
Distance: 12 km (approximately 6 hours of hiking)
Elevation gain: 700 m
Campsite: La Playita
Day 3 - January 12
Marconi Glacier Ascent
One of the longest and most technical days of the expedition — a true adventure through the heart of Patagonia. The climb is demanding but rewards us with breathtaking views of the Marconi Glacier and the vast expanse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Technical details:
Distance: 19 km (7–9 hours of hiking)
Elevation gain: 1500 m ascent
Campsite: Paso Marconi
Day 4 - January 13
Paso Marconi - Circo de los Altares.
After just an hour of hiking, the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field unfolds before us, revealing a surreal panorama: the still-active Lautaro Volcano, the towering Mariano Moreno Range — almost as tall and even larger than Fitz Roy — the Four Glaciers Pass, and the majestic Chico Glacier to the southwest.
Although the terrain becomes slightly easier, exposure to the powerful northwest winds can make this a demanding day. Snowshoes may be used if conditions require.
Technical details:
Distance: 12 km (6–7 hours of hiking)
Elevation gain: +50 m / -100 m
Campsite: Circo de los Altares
Day 5 - January 14
Circo de los Altares –Laguna esquíes.
In the morning, we’ll begin our journey toward Laguna de los Esquíes, located on the lateral moraine of the Viedma Glacier — the point where we officially exit the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The day starts with about three hours crossing the glacier, followed by moraine terrain that gradually becomes more stable as we approach camp.
Technical details:
Distance: 14 km (approximately 8 hours of hiking)
Elevation change: –250 m descent / +250 m ascent at the end of the day
Day 6 - January 15
Paso del Viento
Today, we begin our traverse through the Tunnel River Valley, a stunning route that will gradually lead us back toward El Chaltén. The first challenge of the day is the ascent to Paso del Viento, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Viedma Glacier and the surrounding peaks. We’ll then descend toward our campsite, nestled in a peaceful lenga forest.
Technical details:
Distance: 14 km (6–7 hours of hiking)
Elevation gain: 500 m ascent / 600 m descent
Campsite: Laguna Toro
Day 7 - January 16
Return to El Chaltén
It’s the final challenge of our journey as we make our way through the beautiful Tunnel River Valley, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia. Step by step, we leave the ice and wind behind and descend toward El Chaltén, completing one of the most extraordinary treks in the world.
Technical details:
Distance: 15 km (approximately 6 hours of hiking)
Elevation gain: 300 m
Elevation loss: 500 m
Day 8 - January 17
Contingency or Rest Day
If this day isn’t needed during the Ice Field Expedition due to weather or logistics, it will serve as a well-deserved rest day in El Chaltén — the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the town’s cozy cafés, or explore some of the nearby short trails with views of Fitz Roy.
Day 9 - January 18
Return to Country of Origin
After breakfast, we’ll take our transfer to the airport for the return flight to your country of origin.
The adventure may come to an end, but the memories of Patagonia — its wind, ice, and silence — will stay with you forever.
Contact Us
We look forward to sharing a unique experience with you!
LOCATION: Mexico City
PHONE: +52 55 2755 9402
MAIL: 14peakslatam@gmail.com
Contáctanos
¡Te esperamos para vivir juntos una experiencia única!
LOCATION: Mexico City
PHONE: +52 5527559402
MAIL: 14peakslatam@gmail.com
