17 November
London to Buenos Aires
Overnight flight from London (flight details TBC) to Argentina.
18 November
Buenos Aires to Bariloche
Met on arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport where we are then transferred to the Domestic Airport for our onward flight. On arrival into Bariloche 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.
19 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).
20 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.
21 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.
22 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.
23 November
Transfer to Esquel overland. Overnight in Esquel.
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 155 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 or Bariloche. Lunch not included.
25 November
Bariloche or Esquel 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.
26 November
Arrive London.
