Aysen Glacier Trail: Patagonia Trek

Continue through the Soler Valley, descending to the valley floor and walking through the glacial concordance you saw from above. This is a full day of trekking (approx. 7 hours), at the end of which you arrive to the old growth beech forest of the Palomar Ranch, a non-functioning ranch where you will make camp for the night.

About 7 hours of hiking; 650 feet ascent and 650 feet descent; about 11 miles.

Set out for your most strenuous day of the trek. Cross through old growth forest, then climb up to the northern margin of the Nef Glacier. With crampons, cross the 4 mile-wide glacier. Descending the southern side of the glacier, climb up to the mirrored lakes and camp in a protected forest overlooking the Nef Glacier.

About 10-11 hours of hiking; 1,312 feet ascent, 330 feet descent; about 8.7 miles total with 4 miles on the glacier.

Take the day to explore the area around Lago Espejo or climb to the Mirador summit for expansive views of the 3 glaciers that fill the valleys in this corner of the northern ice cap. Alternatively, this day can be used to cross the Nef Glacier if you encountered non-ideal weather the day before.

Hike down the Buena Cueva Valley among old growth beech forest, Cypress-filled wetlands, and huge boulders, stopping for lunch next to a granite-encased waterfall with two major glaciers in view. Continue along the shores of Cachet Dos Lake and the challenging Talus Slope. Your camp tonight has a full view of one of the most dynamic glacial settings on the Aysen Glacier Trail.

About 7 hours of hiking; 985 feet descent, 330 feet ascent; about 6 miles.

Begin your day among glacial kettles and drumlins with continual views of icebergs and the 50-meter ice wall of the Colonia glacier. Follow the trail into the old growth beech forest on the edge of a 650 foot-deep canyon with a roaring river below. Your camp tonight overlooks the 2 mile-wide terminus of the Colonia Glacier.

About 6 hours of hiking; 1,312 feet ascent, 1,312 feet descent; about 6 miles.

Hike down to the moss-covered beach, then follow the trail to the northern shore of Lago Colonia. After a 45-minute boat ride across the lake, during which you will have spectacular views of glacial waterfalls, hike for about an hour to the Sol de Mayo Ranch, a working ranch steeped in Gaucho culture. Here you will partake in a traditional Patagonian barbecue.

About 3 hours of hiking; 820 feet descent; about 4 miles.

Take a horse-assisted hike down the Colonia valley to the Rio Baker. Horses will carry all of your gear, lightening the load for your last long hike out the spectacular Colonia Valley. (Note: If you prefer to ride this day, you will need to reserve a horse when you book the trek.)

Follow the Colonia River, passing through several ranches. For those wishing to continue down the Rio Baker by raft, this is the meeting point. Otherwise, you will use a traditional cableway raft to cross the Rio Baker, then meet up with 4×4 vehicles for the 1.5-hour drive through the Valle Grande to the provincial capital, Cochrane. Sometimes the road through Valle Grande can be flooded; if this is the case, you will use a motorboat (3 hours) to reach Cochrane, for a short stop in the municipal capital before driving the last hour to Puerto Bertrand.

For those wishing to continue the trip down the Rio Baker, there is the option of adding a 3-night rafting excursion that follows the Baker all the way out to the Pacific Ocean, camping along the way until you get to Caleta Tortel, where the river empties into the sea. (If interested in this option, please inquire.)

About 7 hours total of travel; 985 feet ascent, 1,043 feet descent; about 15 miles.

Head to Balmaceda airport early this morning to catch your flight to Santiago, where you can connect with your international flight home or to your next destination.