Day 1: RESERVE LOS HUEMULES - VIVAC CAGLIERO
The day begins at 08:00 am with the pick up by your hotel, located in the central area of El Chalten, we leave the town 16 km to go to the Los Huemules Reserve from where we will find the trek start point.
Our first objective will be to reach the Laguna del Diablo, we will walk for a quiet and little traveled path within the private reserve, as we move forward and we are immersed in the fascinating lenga forest and we will find small open spaces from where we will get unparalleled views of the north wall of Mount Fitz Roy.
After an hour and half of hike we will arrive at the Laguna del Diablo (770 masl), we will advance slowly bordering the green waters of the lagoon through an irregular terrain until reach the beginning of the Via Ferrata; at this point we will pause briefly to receive the necessary equipment and instructions that will allow us to explore the rock autonomously and safely. "Vias ferratas" are both vertical and horizontal rocky sections that have previously been prepared with artificial steps and steel cables.
Once on the rock we begin to gain height and adrenaline, the journey through the Via Ferrata is challenging and entertaining, in its trail of almost two hours we will be able to enjoy a great mountainous landscape before reaching the Glacier.
At the end of the Vía, we will find the viewpoint that allows us to appreciate the Cagliero Sur Glacier located at 950 meters above sea level and that descends between the Neumayer, Cagliero and Loma del Diablo hills. From the viewpoint a short 20-minute walk took us in front of the Glacier and the “Viva Cagliero”, a small base armed with domes where we will take a break for lunch and equip ourselves with crampons to start the walk on the glacier.
We will explore the glacier with an intense walk of 3 hours approximately, we will enjoy its majestic colors and reflections and if the weather permits we can do an ice climbing initiation
At the end of the walk on the glacier, we go back to Vivac Cagliero, the night gives us the unique opportunity to rest next to the Glacier in geodesic domes equipped with beds. We will close the day with a delicious hot dinner and a unique moment of contemplation in this unexplored corner of Los Glaciares National Park.
Day 2: VIVAC CAGLIERO - LAGUNA CÓNDOR REFUGE
After an energetic breakfast and accompanied by our guide and the necessary equipment, we will return to the Cagliero Glacier to practice ice trekking until noon.
We will have lunch at the "Vivac" and say goodbye to the Glacier starting the path back along the Via Ferrata towards the Laguna Cóndor Refuge, on the way down we will cross the “Tibetan Bridge”, a recognized suspension bridge that will allow us to cross the Laguna del Diablo and will take us to the last hike stretch of the day to the refuge.
After 15 km of trekking, we will arrive at the Refuge around 6:00 pm to enjoy a well-deserved relaxation. The refuge is located on the west bank of the Las Vueltas river, surrounded by a rugged and intimate landscape, ideal for enjoying a hot bath in the open air Hot Tub with a view of the face north of Cerro Fitz Roy. The day ends with a delicious 3-step dinner in the refuge dining room.
* If you chose the option of 1 single night accommodation, after crossing the "Tibetan Bridge" you will take the path to Los Huemules Reserve, in company of expert guides, where a the vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to El Chalten, the services end with the drop off at your hotel around 6:00 p.m.
Day 3 : LAGUNA CÓNDOR REFUGE - EL CHALTÉN
Our third and last day is designed for recreation and relaxation, after breakfast we suggest you explore the surroundings of the Refugio Laguna Cóndor property. You can explore the self-guided trails on foot or by bike, or you can simply spend an afternoon on the Hot Tub to relax and take in the surrounding landscape.
After lunch we will close our adventure returning to El Chalten. The drop off is in the central area of the town or at the bus terminal at approximately 6pm.