Trekking in El Chalten - Refugio Cagliero - Piedra del Fraile - Río Eléctrico

Itinerary:

Day 0:  We recommend being in El Chalten the day before the program starts.  

Day 1: Meeting in El Chalten.

Talk about the adventure ahead and gear check. Mandatory check of the personal equipment to bring on the trek.

• Overnight in El Chalten, not included.

Day 2: El Chalten - Refugio Cagliero (Laguna Diablo):

• Vehicle transfer to Estancia Los Huemules. First trekking stretch, uphill, to Refugio Cagliero, next to Laguna Diablo. 
• Approx. duration: : 3 hours approx
• Lodging at a mountain refuge, rooms with bathroom. 
• Max altitude: 800 m.a.s.l.

Day 3: Refugio Cagliero - Laguna de los 14: 

• Second day of trekking. Long day. We skirt the lagoon, climb up to Laguna de los Témpanos. Gorra Blanca Sur Glacier and descent to Laguna de los 14. 
• Overnight at a new refuge or in tents.
• Approx. duration: 9 hours
• Max altitude: 1430 m.a.s.l.
• Final altitude: 830 m.a.s.l.

Day 4: Laguna de los 14 - Piedra del Fraile:

• Third day of trekking. Crossing the Río Eléctrico zip line. Descent through the valley of the same name to Refugio Piedra del Fraile.
• Overnight at the refuge.
• Approx. duration: 6 hours
• Final altitude: 540 m.a.s.l.

Day 5: Piedra del Fraile-El Chalten:

• Final day of trekking and descent to El Chalten. Trekking to the road and transfer to town. Longer option: passing through Poincenot + Laguna de los 3.  
• End of the route. 

Medium-difficulty trekking. You need to carry your own backpack. 

• Transfers:
  • Round-trip transfer to and from El Chalten.
• Professionals:
  • Certified mountain guides.
• Camping - Lodging:
  • 3 nights of accommodation: Refugio Cagliero, Refugio de los 14, Refugio Piedra del Fraile (possible tent).
• Mountain Cuisine:
  • 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners + trail snacks.
• Safety:
  • General first-aid kit.
  • Guide with international WFR certification.
  • Handheld radio and satellite communication.
• Adventurer assistance:
  • Detailed guidance before the activity
  • Informational meetings.
  • Validation of required gear to make sure you’re prepared
  • 24/7 support on departure day

• Drinks 
• Porter services 
• Any service not specified in this program.
• Tips.
• Accommodation and meals in El Chalten before and after the program.
• Travel to El Chaltén. 

Meals prepared at Refugio Cagliero

Set meals (not à la carte) for the rest of the trek

• Trail lunches (cold meals): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, snack platters, salads, appetizers, etc.
• Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo colorado stew, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with assorted sauces or stew, grilled meat (chivito), chow fan, chicken with rice casserole....
• Breakfasts and afternoon snacks: tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, crackers, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

It’s important to fill out the personal/medical form to note if anyone has any dietary restrictions.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

• Trekking backpack (60 to 80 liters) + rain cover (or a large garbage bag to cover it)
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Trekking poles

CLOTHING

• 1 pair of trekking boots (in good condition). Preferably high-cut (we’ll cross sections with snow)
• 1 second pair of footwear (can be sneakers, sandals or crocs)
• Underwear
• Several pairs of trekking socks (at least 4 pairs)
• 3 t-shirts and/or shirts (synthetic dry-fit type for hiking, and cotton for off-activity time)
• Trekking pants (no cotton or jeans)
• Spare/backup pants
• Shorts or swim trunks
• 2 warm layers (fleece pullover, wool or soft shell-windstopper)
• Warm jacket or down vest (optional)
• Fleece or similar gloves
• Warm hat (fleece preferably, or wool)
• Sun cap (with flaps)
• Fleece neck gaiter or scarf (for the neck)
• Third-layer jacket (waterproof and, if possible, breathable windbreaker, Ultrex/Gore-Tex type or similar)

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Passport, ID card.
• Medical/health insurance.
• Completed medical and personal form, authorization.

MISCELLANEOUS

• HEAD lamp with batteries (spare batteries).
• Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

• Mountain sunglasses with good protection.
• Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
• Sunscreen, lip balm
• Soap, shampoo (travel-size, to share) and a small towel.
• Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.

COOKING

• Personal tableware: plate, cup and cutlery.
• Water containers, 2 liters minimum (can be a plastic bottle)
• Camelback, Nalgene or similar

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (depending on space and weight)

• Camera.
• SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
• Mate, bombilla (straw) and yerba.
• Steel thermos.
• Binoculars, monocular. Photo or video equipment.
• Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.
• Pocketknife

Technically no, the terrain is off-trail, with scrambling, a zip line and steep sections.

In refuges with mattresses (bring a sleeping bag), with bedding provided at one of them.