It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentinian Patagonia. No need to register, buy now! Patagonia, between ~40°S to 56°S, is the most southerly part of the South American continent. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field, located in the Southern Patagonic Andes within the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina, is the world's second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field. Possible contenders include Cerro Solo (2121m), Mojo Rojo (2170m), Cerro Electrico (2257m) and Cerro Vespignani (2146m). On certain days of the week, the ferry will also visit Glacier O'Higgins en route. From Punta Arenas, there's a regular public bus service to Puerto Natales which takes around 3 hours. Please subscribe to the channel / Por favor suscríbete al canal. In the same vein, the whole portion of SPIF located in the Republic of Argentina, is inserted into the Los Glaciares National Park with 450,000 hectares., Which is considered among the 25 mountain regions of exceptional importance for science and conservation, for what is defined as a World Heritage Site (World Heritage Site) according to IUCN. A strong tendency of front setback, adds a significant loss of ice surface for all the CHPS, estimated at nearly 500 km2 between 1945 and 1986 (Aniya, 1999). The 250 km 2 (97 sq mi) ice formation, 30 km (19 mi) in length, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. It is the bigger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation. The yellow stars represent field camps within the study area. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (Spanish: Hielo Continental or Campo de Hielo Sur), located at the Southern Patagonic Andes between Chile and Argentina, is the world's second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field located at the Southern Patagonic Andes between Argentina and Chile, is the world\'s second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field.It is the bigger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the Last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation. Think knee-high river crossings, walking along moraines and across glaciers, ascending 3,000 feet to high passes in 60+ mph gusts of wind, navigating unmarked trails and constant route-finding, and of course, dangling over rivers on the steel cables of Tyrolean trav… The Southern Patagonian Ice Field, located at the Southern Patagonic Andes between Argentina and Chile, is the largest non polar ice cap on earth, and the third glacier mass in size after Antarctica and Greenland. From El Calafate, there's a public bus service that runs three times a day to El Chalten and the journey takes 2.5 hours. No need to register, buy now! This expedition crosses the Northern Patagonian Icecap in 3 weeks, self-supported. glaciodinámicas and characteristics (speed, flow, calving, surges, etc.). It is hard to find a trekking experience that offers such visual intensity anywhere else in the world. When we finally reached the top of the Pass, the sight that lay before me will be etched in my memory forever - the South Patagonian Ice Cap in all it's splendour, stretching off into the distance, as far as the eye could see. The Ice Field Traverse is the perfect trip for those seeking to take their trekking to the next level and try some basic mountaineering. When visiting any part of the ice cap, you will need to bring your own technical layered clothing that keeps you warm but also allows sweat to wick away from your body. We traverse the ice cap on skis and snowshoes from east to west. The 250 km 2 (97 sq mi) ice formation, 30 km (19 mi) in length, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. Patagonian Glaciers Melting in a Hurry. THE LARGEST GLACIERS IN MIDDLE LATITUDES OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, + Navigation to the Great Glacier & Lake O'Higgins Crossing, El Chaltén - Villa O'Higgins crossing description - HUELLAS DE GLACIARES, El Chaltén - Villa O'Higgins crossing infography - HUELLAS DE GLACIARES, + Carretera Austral and The Great Glacier. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (Spanish: Hielo Continental or Campo de Hielo Sur), located at the Southern Patagonic Andes between Chile and Argentina, is the world's second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field. The ice hike on Grey Glacier is the more adventurous of the two as you approach the glacier on a zodiac boat and hike across a large nunatak, before reaching the glacier itself. Despite its binational character and status of protection, the CHPS is one of the least studied areas of the planet englaciadas. Find the perfect southern patagonia ice field stock photo. On the Chilean Pacific side, the glaciers reach the waters of deep, narrow fjords where there is nothing but ice, rock and tangled forest. 1997). On the southern fringes of the ice field, Cerro Zapata (1590m) in Torres del Paine National Park is a beautiful summit to add onto a trek, rewarding successful climbers with impressive views of the ice field itself, as well as Grey Glacier, Pingo Glacier, Tyndall Glacier and Cerro Paine Grande (3050m). Merino wool is perfect as a base layer, and lightweight down jackets offer a superb warmth-weight ratio. More than 60 outlet glaciers extend from it, the most famous of which is the mighty Perito Moreno glacier - one of the few glaciers still in advance. You will likely be hiking in crampons for extended periods. The South Patagonian Ice Field traverse is widely regarded as the pinnacle of all trekking routes in Patagonia. The best time to visit the Ice Cap is between November and March when the weather is less severe than the winter months. You will cross old moraine fields until reaching the toe of the glacier. Though just a fraction of their previous size, the modern icefields remain the largest expanse of ice in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. It is the bigger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation. There are several boat trips that explore the Southern Ice Field from various locations along its length. Highlight the hills south Murallón, Risopatrón, Cube and Daudet. On 1 August 1991 the governments of Chile and Argentina agreed on a borderline, but the agreement was never ratified by the Argentine parliament. November and December are the best months to complete an ice cap expedition. The Northern Patagonian Ice Field covers an area of 4,200 km2 and includes the famous San Rafael Glacier and Mount San Valentín. Marvel at Amalia, El Brujo, Bernal and Herman glaciers, just to name a few...…, A trek that visits some forgotten corners of Los Glaciares offering great viewpoints of the icecap, with challenging sections like the battering climb through the aptly named Viento (windy) Pass, the Huemul Pass ascent to a campsite high above the…. Nevertheless, the exploration of the ice flows, the various lagoons and the complimentary glass of whisky, chilled with glacial ice, all make for a unique experience. With an area of 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 square miles), the ice field is the largest temperate ice sheet in the Southern Hemisphere. You are now subscribed! The northern and southern lobes of the Patagonian icefield are what’s left of a much larger ice sheet that reached its maximum size about 18,000 years ago. Due to the great biodiversity of flora and fauna, as well as the limited existing human intervention on the banks of CHPS, this area has been classified as a protected area by the governments of Chile and Argentina. It has a length of 350 km between the fjords Calen (Canal Baker), and Last Hope (Union Canal) and a width that varies between 40 and 60 km. It has an average height of 4500ft. The South Patagonian Ice Field covers an area of 13,000 square km and stretches 350km in length. Thanks to its location, which will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable experiences: Navigate the fjords and channels, surrounded by mountains, lakes and glaciers that come off the Southern Patagonian Ice Field or visit the Torres del Paine National Park. The Northern Patagonian Ice Field covers an area of 4,200 km2 and includes the famous San Rafael Glacier and Mount San Valentín. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (Spanish: Hielo Continental or Campo de Hielo Sur), located at the Southern Patagonic Andes between Chile and Argentina, is the world's second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field. Experience pulling pulks, ski touring or snowshoeing will also stand you in good stead. It is the bigger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation. Day 3: Marconi Pass – Southern Patagonian Ice Field Entrance. Dense temperate rainforests cover the western coast, whereas the eastern plains are flat, vast, and arid. The South Patagonian Ice Field covers an area of 13,000 square km and stretches 350km in length. Puerto Natales is the last town before Torres del Paine National Park, and where the icebreaker cruise departs from. Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help. The ice hike on Viedma Glacier is sadly no longer possible due to glacial retreat, and the unstable conditions this has caused. In these months, snow bridges form over the crevasses making it a more direct route. And to date, no one has completed the 400 kilometer north-south traverse in an ‘unsupported’ and ‘unaided’ style. 54 days, 526 kilometers, mountains, glaciers, rivers and plenty of storms. The expedition involves man-hauling pulks across glaciated, crevassed terrain and climbing several peaks in one of the most remote places on earth. To the south are important Grey glacier, Tyndall and Balmaceda. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. The 250 km2 (97 sq mi) ice formation, and 30 km (19 mi) in length, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. Perhaps most striking, however, are the high, Patagonian Andes, which rise steeply (up to around 4000 m asl) above deeply carved glacial fjords and valleys, and are home to the Patagonian Ic… just a few keywords from our Southern Patagonian Ice Cap crossing in 2003. Southern Patagonian Ice Field (South America) Mon, 10/08/2018 - 17:20. Southern Patagonian Icefield / Campo de hielo Patagónico sur. The South Patagonian Ice Field remains one of the least-explored mountain areas in the world, and for good reason; it is a brutal and unforgiving environment which attracts only the hardiest of adventurers. Working from the bottom up, each area is around 600 kilometres (373 miles) in length and has its own special attributes and geographical characteristics. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. If you're in good shape, keen to don ice-axe, crampons and snowshoes and aching to get deep into the Patagonian Wilderness, then this is the one for you. It is the larger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation. On guided expeditions, all technical equipment such as four-season tents, ice axes, crampons, ropes and snowshoes will be provided. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (SPIF) has an area of 13,000 km2, extending from the Jorge Montt glacier on the north and the Torres del Paine in the south, with more than 80% owned by Chile and the rest to Argentina. The main airports closest to the Southern Ice Field are in El Calafate on the Argentinian side, and Punta Arenas on the Chilean side. This grand panorama of the Southern Patagonia Icefield is the largest temperate ice sheet in the Southern Hemisphere. Climatic conditions on the ice field generate some of the strongest and coldest winds in all of Patagonia, influencing weather patterns along the length of the Andes. A mass of ice plateau character of an average height of 1,350 meters, which is interrupted by numerous peaks and mountain range with elevations up to 3600 m, which generated 48 main glacier basins, from which emerge the major languages of ice. The ice hikes at Perito Moreno and Grey Glacier are suitable for complete beginners and those who haven't worn crampons before. On the Argentine side, where the weather is less violent, there are estancias almost within viewing distance of the glaciers, which descend into the great lakes of Buenos Aires, Argentino and Viedma. The hike towards the Ice Cap was the most exciting; the sense of anticipation was palpable amongst the group. The four-day cruise from Puerto Natales in the south covers 380 miles through the fjords, visits up to 15 glaciers and includes a combination of disembarkations onto the moraines, zodiac trips and an icebreaker excursion into the Calvo Fjord. The expedition can be extended via Viedma Glacier in the south, or to include a summit attempt of Gorra Blanca (White Mountain) in the north. The best time to visit the Ice Cap is between November and March when the weather is less severe than the winter months. You'll familiarise yourself with crampons, crevasse navigation and simple roping techniques. Activity type: Trekking: Activity level: Moderate: Availability: 23 Mar 2019 - 30 Mar 2019 Duration: 8 Day(s) / Tour with fixed start dates: Price: from $1850 / … With an area of 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 square miles), the ice field is the largest temperate ice sheet in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the larger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation. Privacy policy. More than 60 outlet glaciers extend from it, the most famous of which is the mighty Perito Moreno glacier - one of the few glaciers still in advance. In these months, snow bridges form over the crevasses making it a more direct route.During January and February, the snow begins to melt and the bridges slowly disappear exposing more crevasses. It's also possible to approach the Southern Ice Field from the north through Aysen. Between 48 ° 20 ‘and 51 ° 30′ south latitude, the Cordillera de los Andes is almost completely covered by a blanket of snow-capped called Southern Patagonian Ice Field (SPIF), the largest of the South after the Antarctic , with an area of 13,000 km ². The northern and southern lobes of the Patagonian icefield are what’s left of a much larger ice sheet that reached its maximum size about 18,000 years ago. Find the perfect southern patagonia ice field stock photo. The landscape is dominated by a central desolate icy tundra, becoming more mountainous around its perimeter, where glaciers have carved away the landmass. We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you. 0. But rapid change is ongoing. An iceberg broken off from a melting glacier floats in Lake Argentino, which holds runoff water from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest ice field in the world. In the province of Ultima Esperanza is the city of Puerto Natales. Along the way, you will explore varied landscapes including the white horizons of the ice field itself, gigantic glacial moraines, mesmerising ice formations, dense lenga forests, turquoise lagoons and towering granite rock faces. The most accessible mountaineering on the Southern Ice Field is also found straight out of El Chalten. Ice hikes on Glacier Grey, Cagliero and Perito Moreno are more varied and interesting as a result.Whilst it is less windy in March and April, there is very little snow cover and the ice cap becomes far more treacherous and challenging to cross. Hiking distance: 50 miles Elevation gain: 3000 ft Group Size: 2 to 10. A new study finds that ice fields in southern South America are rapidly losing volume even at the highest elevations The Patagonian Ice Cap is the world's 3rd largest mass of ice after Antarctica and Greenland, split into the Northern and Southern Ice Fields. The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the south west of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. You need a good pair of stiff-soled trekking boots with full ankle support. It is essential that there's a safe weather window for the expedition to be a success, and even then you will likely be exposed to savage winds, so mental fortitude is definitely a pre-requisite. For those looking to climb far beyond onto the ice field itself, Lauturo Volcano (3380m) and Monte Mariano Moreno (3393m) - Patagonia's third and fourth highest summits - can be attempted as part of a fully-supported Swoop expedition. The recent variations of glaciers in the CHPS, is a clear response to the climatic changes observed in the southern part of the continent, characterized by an increase in temperature (Rosemblüth et al. To the north is Mount Steffen, Cerro O’Higgins and Lautaro Volcano. The immense ice cap of southern Patagonia remains one of the least explored mountain areas in the world. They excel Cord mountain massif Torre and Fitz Roy. The Patagonian ice cap is the largest non polar ice on earth, and the third glacier mass in size after Antartica and Greenland. The Patagonian Icefields are the largest glaciers in middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest icefields in the world outside the polar regions. In 1959, the Chilean government declared a southern portion of the CHPS englaciado and their surroundings, such as the Torres del Paine National Park, which has an approximate area of 181,000 ha. You will be carefully guided and shown to areas of the glacier that are stable and not difficult to walk across. The Southern Patagonia Ice Field extends from parallels 48° 15′ S to 51° 30′ S for approximately 350 kilometres (220 mi), and has an area of 12,363 km 2 (4,773 sq mi), of which roughly 9,700 km 2 (3,700 sq mi) fall within Chile and 2,500 km 2 (970 sq mi) within Argentina.. We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details. A chance to test yourself in one of the most difficult environments, with some of the most demanding summits, on Earth, trekking for 6 days across the windblown Southern Patagonian Ice Cap. Scientific significance and data collection: The acceleration of glaciers on the Southern Patagonian Icefield (SPI) can be driven in two distinct ways: from the top-down, or the bottom-up (Figure 2a-e). If you're travelling through Aysen, then the Northern Ice Field is certainly more practical to visit. The Southern Patagonian Inland Ice Field 2003. There is relatively new ice hike on Cagliero Glacier in the Los Huemules Reserve, north of El Chalten, which involves a Via Ferrata (protected climbing route) approach. Journey: 7/8 hours, 10 km. and has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From there, it's a one-day approach to the Marconi Pass, which is the main access point to the ice field. You can fly direct from Santiago to Punta Arenas (approximately 3.5 hours) or from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (approximately 3 hours, 15 minutes). 1998), Trinidad (in one of our expeditions in 1999, we find that was destroying forests in the bottom of the fjord Exmouth), and especially the Pio XI glacier, which had a rate of advance of 206 m a-1 between 1945 -1995 (Rivera et al. 1997) and the decrease in rainfall observed at several stations ( Rosemblüth et al. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. The two main ice hikes on the Southern Ice Field are at Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine National Park. Most expeditions involve spending 2-3 nights on the ice field, with 3-4 days of approach via the northern and southern valleys. In contrast, the ice hike on Perito Moreno is a little more commercial and you'll be part of a larger group. The Southern Patagonia Ice Field extends from parallels 48° 15′ S to 51° 30′ S for approximately 350 kilometres (220 mi), and has an area of 12,363 km 2 (4,773 sq mi), of which roughly 9,700 km 2 (3,700 sq mi) fall within Chile and 2,500 km 2 (970 sq mi) within Argentina.. The mileage is not necessarily long—about 40 miles over the course of four days—but it is involved. This Southern Patagonian Ice Field section of the border is the last remaining border issue between Chile and Argentina. The boat trips from Punta Bandera near El Calafate are exploratory day trips that take you either up to the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers or deep into the waterways and inlets close to the Perito Moreno Glacier. SOUTHERN PATAGONIAN ICE FIELD EXPEDITION. Of the 48 major watersheds in the Pacific glaciers include Pio XI glacier, Amalia, Europe, Bernard and Jorge Montt. Given El Chalten's proximity to the ice field, it makes for the perfect base to launch an expedition. Technically you don't need any mountaineering experience, however, some familiarity using ice axes and crampons would be very beneficial. Background imagery was collected from Landsat 8 on 17 July 2018 and 8 October 2018. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Nevertheless, specific responses of glaciers to climate change are not linear, but depend on the topography of the glacial basins (hypsometry, slopes, valleys geometry, thickness of ice, moraine material on the surface of ice, etc.). Southern Patagonian Ice Fields Sailing through the Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier The Southern Ice Field is a large expanse of ice with 49 glaciers, among which we find the O’Higgins and Pio XI Glaciers in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, and the Tyndall, Grey, and Montt Glaciers, which you can observe in the Torres del Paine National Park. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field located at the Southern Patagonic Andes between Argentina and Chile, is the world\'s second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field.It is the bigger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the Last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation. This ice field … In Chilean territory, the rest of CHPS was declared a national park in 1969, becoming Bernardo O’Higgins Park, the largest nature reserve in Chile with 3,525,901 ha. The landscape of this region is one of contrasts. Glacial melt creates countless streams and rivers characterised by their milky blue colour, which is caused by glacial sediment suspended in the water. The Southern Ice Cap can be explored on ice hikes and via boat by anyone with a basic level of fitness, however, full Ice Cap Expeditions are not for everyone. To celebrate having reached this far, we share a toast of whiskey, poured over 1,000-year-old ice plucked straight from the waters through which we cruise. With 250 km2 ice formation, and 30 km in length, the Perito Moreno is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes mountain range. 1997). Of the 48 CHPS main glacier basins, most have made a deep recession in recent years, with rates of decline that even exceed 100 m a-1 between 1945-1986 for glaciers O’Higgins, Amalia, Upsala and Lucia (Aniya et al. Expert guides from a local mountaineering operator provide…, Witness the extraordinary spectacles of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field by getting up close to around 15 glaciers on the only cruise to take this route. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (SPIF) has an area of 13,000 km2, extending from the Jorge Montt glacier on the north and the Torres del Paine in the south, with more than 80% owned by Chile and the rest to Argentina. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field (SPIF) has an area of 13,000 km2, extending from the Jorge Montt glacier on the north and the Torres del Paine in the south, with more than 80% owned by Chile and the rest to Argentina. But rapid change is ongoing. Together with the above, it is estimated a significant volume loss due to changes in thickness, thinning with variable rates, with up to 14 m a-1 between 1991 and 1993 for Upsala (Naruse et al. The northern and southern lobes of the Patagonian icefield are what’s left of a much larger ice sheet that reached its maximum size about 18,000 years ago. This is more suited to those who have done an ice hike in the past. Answer 1 of 2: I will be in the El Chalten-El Calafate area, and I was wondering if there is a relatively short trek (1 or 2 days, as I don't have too much time) in which it's possible to see the Patagonian Southern Ice Field… Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations. Due to the great biodiversity of flora and fauna, as well as the limited existing human intervention on the banks of CHPS, this area has been classified as a protected area by the governments of Chile and Argentina. This ice field is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. Southern Patagonian Ice Fields Sailing through the Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier The Southern Ice Field is a large expanse of ice with 49 glaciers, among which we find the O’Higgins and Pio XI Glaciers in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, and the Tyndall, Grey, and Montt Glaciers, which you can observe in the Torres del Paine National Park. The weather can be extremely harsh, so you need to be prepared for extreme conditions. This grand panorama of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field was photographed by a crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on a rare clear day in the southern Andes Mountains. November and December are the best months to complete an ice cap expedition. This area of Patagonia doesn't have the same efficient public transport infrastructure as southern Patagonia, but if you're happy travelling on a flexible schedule, then it can be done. You can also extend the trip to summit Gorra Blanca (2920m) along the way, which is non-technical, but you'll feel the sense of satisfaction that comes with bagging a proper peak. ISS-47 Southern Patagonian Ice Field.jpg 3,280 × 4,928; 1.95 MB ISS030-E-091253 lrg.jpg 1,440 × 960; 429 KB Jorge Montt from Landsat, 2016.jpg 720 × 720; 270 KB Though just a fraction of their previous size, the modern icefields remain the largest expanse of ice in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. Balmaceda airport is the main entry point for the region (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes when flying direct from Santiago) and it's roughly a 14-hour drive to Villa O'Higgins (the fishing village closest to El Chalten). You'll receive your first email packed full of travel ideas and inspiration soon. Most of them on the western side manage to reach sea level, and reach the eastern slope large Patagonian lakes. SPIF few glaciers have presented stability in their foreheads and even three have advanced the glacier Perito Moreno (Rott et al. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field, located in the Southern Patagonic Andes within the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina, is the world's second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field. Though just a fraction of their previous size, the modern icefields remain the largest expanse of ice in the southern … The goal of this expedition is to traverse an eastern portion of the southern Patagonia Ice Cap then ascend Cerro Marconi Sur and Gorra Blanca in the process. The highlight of the Huemul Circuit is the unparalleled view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the second-largest non-polar ice mass in the world. The world-famous mountains of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre are really only considered by the most talented climbers, but there are numerous peaks in the same area which can be summited by those with less experience. If you're considering boat trips or cruises in the fjords, ice flow will have diminished as most of the dismantled ice from the glaciers will have melted. This grand panorama of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field was photographed by a crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on a rare clear day in the southern Andes Mountains. In this O’Higgins glaciers are recognized, Chico, Viedma, Upsala and Moreno, among the most important. Patagonia can be divided into three distinct latitudinal regions - the Araucanía and Lakes District, central Patagonia and southern Patagonia. The Huemul Circuit is not for everyone – in fact, there’s a reason why rangers don’t mention the trek unless you specifically ask them about it. Stretching over 217mi (350km) along much of the southern stretch of Chile and Argentina, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is the world's second-largest outside the polar regions. The ferry crossing from Villa O'Higgins to Candelario Mancilla north of El Chalten is a popular way to cross the border from Chile into Argentina, or vice versa. 1995). The Northern Patagonian Ice Field covers an area of 4,200 km2 and includes the famous San Rafael Glacier and Mount San Valentín. The groups are smaller and the guides will vary the route depending on your appetite for adventure - you may well fix up an anchor point and hang off into a crevasse, or practice your ice climbing on an ice wall. a.s.l., covering valleys between the mountain chains, whose tops rise above the frozen plains. 1997). Southern Patagonian Ice Field (South America) Mon, 10/08/2018 - 17:20. Receive monthly Patagonian travel inspiration and ideas. You will need to be mentally resilient, an experienced trekker with camping experience, and accustomed to carrying a loaded pack. At first light the group breaks camp and sets out towards the Marconi Glacier.