trekking los baguales

A 3-day walking program along the margin of the southern arm of Lake Argentino, along the slopes of the Cristales and Baguales range, reaching Lake Frías to approach the Dickson, Grande and Gorra glaciers. A combination of walks and navigations to go much further.

PROGRAM

Day 1: Puchorro Post and Tres de Abril Lagoon

In the morning transfer from El Calafate (regular service – departure from El Calafate 8:30) to Estancia Nibepo Aike. The guide will receive you at the ranch and give an explanatory talk about the program. After some mates, the walk begins toward the Puppy Post, following the Crystals cordon. As height is gained, the lakes, Brazo Rico and Sur, Lago Roca, Cerro Frías, become increasingly better delineated, as if they were a model. After lunch, we look for the most appropriate path to cross the Cachorro River, and begin the descent towards the lower fields until we reach the river bed. Bordering the lagoon, at the end of the day you reach the Laguna Post where you will spend the two nights. Notros and calafates appear, reaching an unusual size here.

Night at La Laguna Tres de Abril Post.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Route: 18 km – gradient +250 -250

Day 2: Balcony of the Glaciers/ Erratic Stone.

Departure after breakfast towards the south to the Balcón de los Glaciares. The path runs parallel to the southern arm of Lake Argentino. Shortly before reaching the head of the Lake, you will ascend to an even higher viewpoint. From there you will have a panoramic view of the South Arm, Laguna Corazón and Lake Frías, with images of the hidden glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson in the background. Once on the beach at the head of the South Arm, you cross a large grassland. An erratic rock more than 20 meters high will be the next target. It is shocking to be in front of such an immense rock, marked by the force of the glaciers between advances and retreats. The path begins to border the lower Frías River, where we will find the vestiges of the area’s livestock past, a suspension bridge more than 100 years old, destroyed by the great flood of Lake Argentino in 1937. The path enters a dense forest. arriving to discover the Corazón Lagoon, with crystal-clear waters where the deep blue contrasts with the green reflection of the forest. The water is so crystal clear that it is possible to watch trout swimming among the rocks. Lunch break (picnic). In the afternoon we return to the Laguna 3 de Abril Post, where the ready fire from the wood stove will await you and between mate and mate, dinner will be prepared, while you listen to adventure stories.

Night at Tres de Abril Lagoon Post

Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner.

Route: 10 km – gradient + 300/ -300

Day 3: Hidden glaciers – Return navigation

In the morning walk of around one km to reach a sandy beach where you board a boat that arrives from the ranch. Short navigation to the other shore and beginning of the walk. After a slight climb into the forest you reach a natural viewpoint of Lake Frías, which is named after the glacier that used to cover this entire area. We descend to the shore of the lake to board a semi-rigid boat and sail to the other shore where the second walk of about 7 km begins until we reach the Grande, Cubo and Dickson or Frías glaciers, which release their ice into a lagoon. A unique, spacious and exclusive landscape. In front of this amphitheater of glaciers that were originally all part of a large glacier, the Frías, time to admire it, photograph it and have lunch. In the afternoon the path is retraced, but the views are different. By boat you arrive at the ranch just in time for a comforting tea and time to enjoy rural life: demonstration of shearing, gaucho skill, ending the day with a good roast lamb. After dinner regular transfer to El Calafate. (regular service – departure from Nibepo Aike 10:15 PM)

Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner

Route: 17 km – gradient + 100 / -100

Scheduled departures ✓ December 22, 2020 ✓ January 26, 2021 ✓ February 23, 2021

The rate includes:

• Bilingual Spanish/English guide.
• All meals and accommodation at Sitio de la Laguna Tres de Abril.
• Taxes
• Regular in/out transfer from/to El Calafate. Preset times: 8:30 AM // 10:15 PM.
• Transportation of the minimum necessary luggage to the position.
• Sleeping bag
• Excursion: Glaciar Sur Adventure operated by Glaciar Sur.

The Rate does not include:

• Nights at the Hostería de la Estancia.
• Transfers outside of schedules
  stipulated.
• Alcoholic drinks at dinner on the last night at the barbecue area.

What to bring

• Small backpack.
• Bag for personal effects that you don’t want to carry.
• Sleeping bag (-5 C).
• Flashlight.
• Waterproof/warm jacket suitable for mountain climate (cold and rain).
• Cover pants.
• Warm or fleece sweater.
• Trekking boots (provide another pair of shoes or sandals in case of river crossing).
• Thermal shirts.
• Gloves / Hat / Scarf.
• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses