There has been a great response to the Velindre Patagonia trek and the event is now full!
The trek is 2 years away, and circumstances change, so a Reserve list for people who are still interested in joining the trek has been set up.
If you would like to be added to the Reserve list please email overseas@velindrefundraising.com
2025 will see the 160th anniversary celebrations of Welsh pioneers who left Wales for Patagonia in 1865, establishing a Welsh colony which has flourished to this day, with the Welsh language been spoken in ever increasing numbers.
On 24th November 1865 Craig Goch was climbed to the point from where “Cwm Hyfryd”, or “Beautiful Valley” was seen by our Welsh ancestors and members of the Rifleros expedition.
Despite its recent economic woes, Argentina’s stunning natural wonders from the highest mountain in South America, Aconcagua at 6959m, to its subtropical north and its spectacular southern tip, where Patagonia holds glacier-dotted mountains and lakes, to its delicious famous beef, its elegant capital city and a passionate culture full of Tango and Football! There really is no other country in South America currently tempting more adventurous travellers to its heart.
This breath-taking trekking challenge takes us down into enchanted Patagonia, a wild and isolated terrain, which covers roughly a third of Argentina. Here, you will find some of the hemisphere’s highest peaks, forests of strange primeval forests and several of the world’s most noteworthy glaciers, not to mention the beautiful birdlife and flora.
We have the privilege of joining in the 160th celebrations of the Welsh Settlers discovering Patagonia, with a climb up to Craig Goch, to the point from where Cmw Hyfryd was seen by members of the Rifleros, as the 30 horsemen were called. They were guided by John Daniel Evans during their expedition. By 1888, the first colonisers arrived to settle on the banks of the Río Percy. On this climb, we join today’s Rifleros, many of whom are descendants of the original riders.
22 November
London to Buenos Aires
Overnight flight from London (flight details TBC) to Argentina.
23 November
Buenos Aires to Esquel
Met on arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport where we are then transferred to the Domestic Airport for our onward flight. On arrival into Esquel we are met by our guides, and then transferred to our accommodation. This evening will have a trek briefing and hear more about this amazing challenge.
24 November
Craig Goch climb
(Approx. 5hrs)
Trek up to Craig Goch, the point from where Cmw Hyfryd was seen by members of the Rifleros expedition 160 years ago today. We will join today’s Rifleros, many of whom are descendants of the original riders, in their lunch of lamb and chat with them about the history of their Society. They, and many others, will ride up to Craig Goch. Overnight in Esquel. Lunch not included.
25 November
Transfer to Bariloche overland. Overnight in Bariloche.
26 November
El Tambo to Jakob Hut
(6-7hrs trekking)
After a hearty breakfast we have a short transfer where we begin this once in a lifetime trek! Today we will hike through the Nahuel Huapi National Park to Refugio Jakob. We follow the stream at the beginning of today before crossing over it. The valley floor is stunning, the views are amazing with the mountains rising above you. The initial trail going up to Jakob will follow the valley floor. It becomes quite flat with a few undulations before arriving at Jakob Hut, which is the most basic accommodation we stay at (but the most fun).
27 November
Jakob Hut to Casalata Valley
(9-12hrs trekking)
After we depart Jakob Hut we have one of the longest and toughest days on this challenge. We make our way to the Casalata Valley. The trail passes through mountain ridges, impressive valleys, rocky terrain, Andean forest with amazing views on the Andes.
*Once we reach the valley floor, we have a short 45-minute transfer to the Pampa Linda (77 miles from Bariloche) area of the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi for the next part of this trekking adventure, where we enjoy the most amazing views of Mount Tronador.
*If the group is over 30 people we will stay at the Hotel Tronador and transfer tomorrow morning.
28 November
Pampa Linda to Roca Hut
(6-8hrs trekking)
We follow a track from Pampa Linda for approx. 1hr before following an ancient road to meet the Rio Alerce. The route takes a gradual uphill crossing small streams, grassy alpine meadows to reach Paso de las Nubes. Here you get some incredible viewpoints, before descending through glacially formed valleys, having amazing views of the Glacier Frias, an amazing icefall. From here we have an undulation to the Roca Hut, our destination for the night.
29 November
Refugio Roca to Lago Frias
(5-7hrs trekking)
We pick up the trail from the hut and go further into the valley. We follow a well-maintained path, with glimpses through the trees of the snow-capped mountains of the region, before we reach the Lago Frias, we pass a memorial to members of the Argentine Gendarmeria who died here in a plane crash in 1952. We reach a small jetty where we board a boat for a trip along Nahuel Huapi Lake to connect with our vehicles to take us to Bariloche. We have a chance to celebrate our achievements in Argentinean style, maybe with a ‘Tango’ or two.
30 November
Bariloche to Buenos Aires
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival we are transferred to the International Airport for the onward flight to London.
01 December
Arrive London.
