Route Synopsis
Six expedition members join two guides on a 35 day learning adventure in the Patagonian backcountry. We focus on developing expedition planning, mountain travel, and mountaineering skills while undertaking a 50-70 kilometre route at elevations up to 3000 meters.
Please remember that each Extremely Patagonia expedition is exploratory. We’ve probably never been to the place we’re going. While this affords us a much greater opportunity to discuss decision making processes with you guys, it also makes it quite difficult to provide a day by day itinerary. At the beginning of each trip we will give a full briefing about our planned route, alternatives, and what is possible. Remember, come with an open mind and a desire to work hard and learn, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.
Your trip begins with a group lunch in Coyahique, Chile, at the heart of northern Patagonia. After a briefing and gear check, we bump and shudder our way down the scenic Caraterra Austral to our basecamp, just south of Puerto Bertrand. Here is where the adventure begins. We will spend two and a half days in basecamp, discussing and rationing food for the expedition, beginning Emergency First Responder (medical) training, as well as going over basic skills such as pitching a tent (properly, so it doesn’t blow away in the sometimes gale force Patagonian winds), cooking gourmet meals on your camp stove (Ever baked a cake in the middle of nowhere?), and tying knots. Then we’re off to the mountains for the next 30 days. In the field we take a progressive approach, using both experiential and sit down classes. We begin with basic mountaineering skills such as learning to use a map and compass, abseiling, crampon and ice axe use, and rope handling. At the same time, you will learn about group dynamics and interpersonal skills as they relate to working together as a team in the mountains. Later in the expedition, your skills are further developed as you try ice climbing, learn crevasse rescue, ascending fixed lines, or self arrest. You’ll continue your Emergency First Responder training and become a certified Leave No Trace practicioner. During the second half of the expedition, we’ll have the opportunity to camp on snow covered glaciers and climb a few peaks.