PATAGONIA SUPREMA

This new and unique itinerary, unavailable elsewhere, is a true adventure to the end of the earth, to Patagonia at the very southern tip of Argentina. Few areas of the world can compare to this region for remoteness, mountain grandeur, and pristine wilderness beauty. Here are found hundreds of turquoise lakes with massive glaciers creeping into their waters, towering granite spires that seem to defy gravity, snow-capped peaks, and the imposing Patagonian Ice Cap. Unusual wildlife species such as guanacos, vicuñas, and Andean condors, the world's largest flying bird, can frequently be spotted in this rugged land.

In order to avoid multiple all-day drives, we are keeping this itinerary exclusively on the Argentinian side of the border. This will enable us to maximize the amount of time we are actually walking in the wilderness, and to minimize the hours spent in hot, dusty vehicles. For those who feel they want to do a challenging trek in Patagonia and still see Paine in Chile, we can arrange an extension at the end of this trip.

We fly via Buenos Aires to El Calafate, and drive that afternoon to Estancia La Maipú, completing our only long drive on the first day. La Maipú is where the road ends and the adventure begins. After a day hike up to the Condor's nest - from where we'll actually get to look down at condors riding the thermals, we head south along the foot of the Andes toward El Chalten. This is pristine Patagonian wilderness at its best, occasionally taking us above tree line, and along valleys where guanacos and wild horses are often seen. As we cross our final pass (5,610'), we're treated to one of the most incredible views in Patagonia: Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Lago Viedma, and part of the Ice Cap all spread out before us. Our three-day crossing is fully horse supported, meaning we carry only daypacks as on all our other hikes here.

From Chalten we'll have another three-day adventure, again spending two nights in a tent. Our camp both nights is at Base Camp d'Agostini, on the glacier near the foot of Cerro Torre. On the middle day we'll explore further up the glacier and perhaps get to the very foot of Cerro Torre. While this mountain is dramatic viewed from any angle and distance, looking straight up at vertical granite may be the most indelible image you'll bring home with you from this trip.

Our big adventures behind us, we travel around Lago Viedma to Estancia Helsingfors, a newly refurbished ranch at the end of the road and the edge of civilization. From here we hike up to Laguna Azul in the jagged mountains above the estancia, and follow the Milodon River back home. Our final stop is Estancia Nibepo Aike, from where we embark on the final chapter in this escapade, a non-technical ascent of Cerro Cristal for one of the most stunning views in all of Patagonia: Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine, and the Ice Cap all are visible, assuming cooperation from the notorious Patagonian weather gods. After a final sumptuous asado, in which a lamb is roasted whole over open coals, we drive back to Rio Gallegos to catch our flight to Buenos Aires and home.
Grade: Moderate

DEPARTURES
2008 -- March 8 to 23; December 6 to 21
2009 -- March 7 to 22

Land Cost:
$3,800 (11-15 members)
$4,100 (7-10 members)
$4,450 (4-6 members)
Single Supplement: $600

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