Estancia Cristina to Helsingfors 5-day Trek

Today I bring you a very special proposal. A hike across an exclusive and private area in Los Glaciares National Park. A trek from the Estancia Cristina to Helsingfors, in the Argentinean Patagonia.

I have made some arrangements in order to obtain a special permission. Therefore, the trip I am proposing now is suitable for small groups of hikers. Not only because this is a restricted area but it is essential to preserve its wild environment.

Please find here below the itinerary of this “Estancia Cristina to Helsingfors Trek”

ITINERARY

Day 0

We will meet in El Calafate, where I give you a briefing about the program. Besides that, I must check your equipment carefully.

Day 1

A transfer will take us to Punta Bandera and the Estancia Cristina in the Northwest side of the Argentino Lake. Then, we will start the hike along the valley of Catalina River. After crossing the Anita Lake, we are finally in the North of the river valley.
Estimated walking time about 7-8 hours. Night in “Río Norte 1” Campsite.

Day 2

Early in the morning we continue towards the North river valley among a lengas and moraine trail. Once we reach the second lake, an open meadow will appear in front of us and there is “Río Norte 2”. Total walking time: 8 hours.

Day 3

Today we will continue our way up to the “Paso Norte” (at 1.100 meters of height). After some pictures in front of such a scenery we will start hiking downhill to the “Bosque Quemado” valley. During this day we will cross through rocky terrains and bushes. The walking time is about 8 hours. We will set up our camp at the “Puesto”, a beautiful spot by the Viedma Lake.

Day 4

After breakfast we will walk in direction to the Southern margin of the Viedma Lake. We’ll have to cross small streams and more bushes. Finally, we will get to the “Laguna de la Pesca”, where we will spend the last night in tents. Total walking time for today: 4-5 hours.

Day 5

Leaving the “Laguna de la Pesca” behind we continue through some old tracks again. Walking downhill we will find the Estancia Helsingfors, our ending point. Then, it’s time to return to El Calafate or El Chaltén by a private transfer.

As you can see, it will be a very exciting trekking among unique and uncrowded Patagonian lands. Please, feel free to contact me and ask me all the questions you have. I am here waiting for you and your big decision of coming with me!