Patagonia Trek

PATAGONIA TREK

A Spectacular Trek in the Patagonian Andes

CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTS FACT FILE

 Two South America countries in one challenge • Best Time to Go: Nov, Dec, March, April  Breath-taking scenery of the Patagonian Andes • Trek Days: 6 days (10 days in total)  Trek in Argentina’s oldest national park • Level: Challenging  Climb to the foot of Tronador volcano • Accommodation: Tourist class hotels  Discover one of the world’s last wilderness

T: 020 7619 0066 F: 020 7619 0077 E: [email protected] W: www.classictours.co.uk DETAILED ITINERARY

A spectacular 5 day trek across the Patagonian Andes from Argentina to Chile. Known as the Lake District, this region is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Encounter snow capped peaks, majestic volcanoes, vast glacial lakes, clear gurgling streams, lush rainforests and dramatic glaciers. Afterwards there is time to relax in Puerto Varas, on the shores of the third largest lake in South America before flying home. Join this unforgettable adventure whilst raising vital funds for Meningitis Now!

Day 1 – 05 February London – Buenos Aires Midday flight to Madrid, here we change planes and take an overnight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2 – 06 February Buenos Aires – Bariloche After landing in Buenos Aires, take an internal transfer flight to Bariloche in the Patagonian Andes. From there we transfer to a hotel close to Nahuel Huapi Lake within the oldest national park in Argentina. It’s a spectacular area of lakes and has rivers carved from ancient glaciers dominated by the high mountain chain of the Andes. We have the afternoon to do a bike fitting and a short warm up ride, in the evening after dinner we hear more about the challenge ahead!

Day 3 – 07 February Bariloche – Tramo El Tambo – Refugio San Martin approx. 18 km (5-7 hours) A stunning first day of trekking in Nahuel Huapi National Park, known for its raging rivers, snow-clad peaks and extensive forests. We start with a 30 minute transfer to Tramo El Tambo to join the trail. Much of the morning is spent hiking alongside a crystal-clear river with a spectacular mountain vista backdrop. After a couple of hours we cross a bridge and the trail heads into thicker vegetation away from the river. This afternoon the trail ascends towards our overnight accommodation in the heart of this great wilderness, we overnight in Refugio San Martin.

Day 4 – 08 February Refugio San Martin – Lake Mascardi approx. 20 km (8 hours) Today we follow a little-used trail and head deeper into Nahuel Huapi National Park. We trek through a pristine environment of sweeping valleys, soaring mountains and vast lakes . En-route we encounter several river crossings as well as the spectacular Los Témpanos Lagoon. Our destination is Lake Mascardi, a large body of emerald green water, caused by glacial sediments from the nearby Tronador volcano which we discover tomorrow.

Day 5- 09 February Lake Mascardi - Tronador Volcano – Pampa Linda approx. 14 km (3 hours) An exciting day as we climb to the foot of Mount Tronador where we enjoy an amazing view of the summit and its spectacular glaciers. This extinct volcano stands at 3545 metres and is the highest mountain in the Argentinian Lake District. It is surrounded by approximately 37 square miles of ice, snow and glaciers, an impressive sight! Mount Tronador (Thunderer) was named after the rumbling noise produced by avalanches and ice falling from its mountain peaks. Its summit marks the boundary between Chile and Argentina. We overnight at the Hosteria Pampa Linda at the base of Mount Tronador.

Day 6 - 10 February Pampa Linda – Refugio Agostino Rocca approx. 14km (6 hours) A memorable final day of trekking in Argentina. We set off from Pampa Linda along the El Paso de las Nubes (Pass of the Clouds) with its wonderful views of Frías Glacier. Much of today is through Valdivian forest - dense bamboo and beech trees. Our destination is Refugio Agostino Rocca, close to the Chilean border.

Day 7 - 11 February Refugio Agostino Rocca – Frias lake – Puerto Blast – Bariloche approx. 17 km (10 hours) Our final and longest day of trekking. We make an early start from the refugio and head up to Frias lake which is approximately 14km. Lake Frias offers a dreamlike landscape of crystal clear and green water surrounded by trees. From here we take a boat transfer, on arrival we trek for 1 hour (approx 3km) to Puerto Blast. We take an incredible sailing on Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Pañuelo (approx. 1.5 minutes) on arrival to transfer to Bariloche and enjoy this incredible destination.

Day 8- 12 February Bariloche Free time with optional tours in Bariloche and celebration dinner.

Day 9 – 13 February Bariloche - London Afternoon transfer (approx. 20 minutes) to the airport for our flight home.

Day 14 – 14 February London Evening arrival back into the UK with lifelong memories of a fantastic challenge in aid of Meningitis Now.