WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING
“I would definitely recommend the OneSeed Fitz Roy Patagonia trip. We can’t state how much we appreciated Fabrizio as a guide and a companion for a few days - he really cares about the environment and has a positive attitude. ”
“Our guide Pablo was excellent. The sun came out on the last day and the mountains were gorgeous. ”
“Every detail was taken care of and the local guides treated us like family. Getting to know the guides and seeing the mountain lakes and glaciers were my favorite.”
Read More Reviews
WHAT TO BRING
You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below. We'll take care of everything else. A gear check will be completed before you depart for the trail. This list does not include additional clothing/items you may want for travel or for your time off the trail. Any luggage not needed on the trail can be left at the hotel in El Chaltén during your expedition. See current weather conditions for Los Glaciares National Park.
Packing System: This expedition does not include porters. Carry a daypack on day hikes and your personal overnight gear for Poincenot Camp on Days 5–6. A tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, and equipped dining tent are provided at camp.
Don't forget
We need you to have everything on the list below for our expedition to go smoothly, so there is no one item that is more important than another. Double-check your entire list and make sure to have/review these important items below.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Argentina.
Medical insurance card
Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need.
Required Vaccinations
It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad. Check the CDC's recommendations for Argentina here.
The List (check it twice)
Trekking Gear
Change of clothes for El Chaltén - to be kept in storage during expedition
Waterproof hiking boots
Backpack (40L for carrying your gear)
Down jacket
Fleece jacket or vest
Hiking pants
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Long underwear (top and bottom - no cotton!)
Synthetic or wool T-shirt (2)
Shorts (2)
Wool or synthetic hat
Light gloves
Nylon-wool blend socks (2-3)
Sandals for walking around camp in the evening
Water bottle
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Quick-dry towel
Personal toiletries and medicine
Small amount of toilet paper in ziplock bag
Ziplock baggies for toilet paper waste on the trail
Documents and Logistics
International flights booked and confirmed to El Calafate
Passport valid for 6 months after arrival date (*Passport and entry receipt must be carried at all times during expedition!)
Photocopy of passport
Medical insurance card
Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc.
Note: Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills
Other (optional)
Sleeping bag liner (sleeping bags and pads will be provided)
Reading material for the trail
Hotel reservations for extended time in Argentina (if applicable)
Guidebooks
Camera
Trekking poles
Bandana (for dust and wind)
Energy/protein bars (especially for vegetarians as non-meat sources of protein are scarce)
Hand sanitizer
Laundry soap
Zip-lock bags for waterproofing passport and other valuables
Inflatable camp pillow (a sleeping pad is provided during tent camping. A pillow is not)
CLIMATE OVERVIEW
While the weather in El Chaltén can be unpredictable, it is a semi-arid environment with light precipitation common. It is essential to be prepared because the weather can change instantly from sunny to stormy.
The warmer temperatures are recorded in the summer from November to March. Highs are typically in the 60s during the day and 40s at night. It is not uncommon to experience frost in the summer so always bring warm layers. In the winter, temperatures stay in the 40s during the day and drop to below freezing at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what time I arrive or depart?
- Airport transfers are included on Day 1 and Day 8. The Day 8 private transfer from El Chaltén is scheduled to reach El Calafate Airport by 1pm; please book a flight departing after 4pm. If you arrive early or stay after the expedition, arrange your own transfer or ask us about a trip extension.
Do I need a visa? And what about passport requirements?
- Visas are not required for US citizens for tourist visits less than 90 days. Please keep your passport with you at all times during your expedition.
- Visit the State Department website for Argentina entry/exit requirements.
- Your passport must be valid for six months after your country departure date. It should also have at least one blank page for any necessary stamps.
What happens if my trip is altered due to unforseen circumstances?
Per the Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver Agreement, if your expedition must be altered at any point, you are responsible for any additional costs.Canceled flights and transportation strikes happen. We do our best to ensure that your experience is unaltered by handling the situation efficiently and smoothly. For complete terms and conditions, see here. We recommend reviewing optional trip cancellation and interruption insurance to cover expenses in these instances. Some instances that have come up are:
- A twisted ankle one week before a trip
- Power outages in the Atlanta airport leaving travelers stranded
- Burst appendix!
- Earthquakes or floods cutting a trip short
DO I NEED ANY IMMUNIZATIONS OR MEDICINE?
Talk to your physician and follow recommended CDC guidelines found here.
WILL WE NEED TO FILTER WATER?
Carry a refillable water bottle and follow your guide’s advice about refill points and any water treatment needed along the trail.
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I EXPECT TO EAT ON THE TRAIL?
- Breakfast is included on Days 2–8, boxed lunches on Days 2, 4 and 5, and dinners on Days 3, 5 and 6. A reception snack is included at Poincenot Camp. Other meals are on your own.
- Food on the trail is rich in carbohydrates and protein since you'll be burning calories like a champ. Breakfast may include items such as oatmeal, toast, jam/cheese, tea, and coffee. Lunch is usually a sandwich (with a vegetarian option), fruit, snack bar, and some chocolate. Dinners may include red or white meat / a vegetarian option, pasta, potatoes, rice, veggies, soup, and dessert.
- OneSeed is able to accommodate most allergies and dietary preferences. If you didn't include this information on your registration form, please email info@oneseedexpeditions.com. We recommend any vegan travelers bring extra protein bars.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE ON THE TRAIL?
- The seven nights include two hotel nights in El Calafate, four hotel nights in El Chaltén, and one night in tents at Poincenot Camp. Hotel stays are based on double occupancy. The camp includes a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, and equipped dining tent.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
- Please refer to our Terms & Conditions here: www.oneseedexpeditions.com/terms-of-service
DO I NEED TO TIP MY GUIDE?
Tips are always appreciated. Averages below are based on per person recommendations. https://www.oneseedexpeditions.com/blog/tipping
DOES SOMEONE CARRY MY PACK?
- You carry your own personal gear. Most hikes use a daypack; pack what you need for the overnight at Poincenot on Days 5–6. The camp includes a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, and equipped dining tent. Porters are not included.
CAN I LEAVE SOME OF MY LUGGAGE IN THE HOTEL DURING THE TREK?
- Luggage not needed for the overnight trek can be left at your hotel in El Chaltén, where you stay before and after Poincenot Camp.
HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR MY TREK?
- Prepare for approximately 25–27 miles of trekking over the trip, excluding short glacier and packrafting walks. The Laguna Torre hike is about 10.9 miles (17.6 km), taking 5–7 hours. Day 5 is approximately 7.5–8.7 miles (12–14 km), including the steep climb to Laguna de los Tres; the return via Laguna Capri on Day 6 is about 5 miles (8 km), taking around 3 hours. Build stamina on training hikes and break in your boots before traveling. Distances and times are estimates and conditions can change.
WHAT IS THE ELEVATION? IS ALTITUDE A CONCERN?
- The highest elevation you will reach on your trek is 3,986 ft (1,215 m). Trekking at high elevation is generally not a concern below 10,000 ft.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
- Weather in Patagonia is always unpredictable which is why we recommend a slightly more comprehensive packing list. A sunny warm day can turn on a dime and end in rain or snow. It never hurts to prep for both!
- Visit the terrain section above to see average temperatures and weather forecasts for Los Glaciares National Park.
How many people will be on my expedition?
- This is a private expedition for your party. Pricing is based on group size, and an assistant hiking guide joins groups of eight or more on Days 3–6.
ANY OTHER TIPS?
- We always ask that you stay safe on the trail by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and communicating openly with your guide about any issues that arise. Be sure to take care of your belongings, be respectful of your travel companions, practice your Spanish with people you meet along the way, and respect the natural landscape that you're exploring.
