Backpacking in the Patagonian Andes III

Day 1 (Friday, December 6): Departure from Atlanta.

Day 2: Arrive at Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) International Airport in Buenos Aires. (Airport code: EZE.) Take shuttle bus to Aeroparque (AEP),  where our domestic flight to San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC). departs. Note: there are a few flights directly from EZE to BRC. Arrive in Bariloche around noon.  Meet with our local organizer. Pay for the event. Lodging in a Youth Hostel.

Day 3: Drive to trailhead at Colonia Suiza and ascend to Refugio Laguna Negra, also known as Refugio Italia or Refugio Manfredo Segre (1700m), where we will spend the night. Hiking time: about 6 hours. Elevation change: a little over 1000 meters.

Day 4: We ascend the slopes of Cerro Bayley Willis, then follow the course of Arroyo La Chata down to Laguna CAB, where we will camp. Porters and assistant guides will meet us there, bringing food, tents and cooking equipment. Hiking time: about 7 hours.

Day 5: We climb Cerro CAB (1935 m) and descend to Mallin de las Vueltas, where we camp. Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 6: We climb Cerro Cristal (1282 m) and descend to Laguna Cretton, where we camp. Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 7: We hike across Laguna Azul and Cerro Capitan ridges, which rise up to 2000 meters, and descend to Laguna Ilon, where we camp. Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.

Day 8. In the morning hike to a nearby panoramic point. In the afternoon descend to Pampa Linda and return to Bariloche by van or bus (a two hour trip). Lodging in a Youth Hostel.

Day 9: Return to Buenos Aires in the morning. Fly to Atlanta in the evening.

Day 10 (Sunday, December 15): Arrive in Atlanta.

NOTES:
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions.
The refugio is a fully staffed cabin with bunk beds and hard mattresses. If you prefer to prepare your own food, you can bring your supplies from Bariloche and use the shelter's wood burning stove for a small fee. The terrain is quite rugged, with a lot of scree and possibly plenty of snow. Crampons and other technical equipment will be provided if needed. 

For a detailed description of this trip have a look at:

http://www.gang-gang.net/nomad/andes/andes02a.htm

DISCLAIMER: The Trip Leaders for this event has (have) elected either to personally collect the funds that event participants are required to pay, or to require participants to pay funds directly to a third party. No funds will be paid to the Atlanta Outdoor Club for this event. Therefore, by registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: (1) the monies paid by registrants will not be monitored, managed, or otherwise accounted for by the Atlanta Outdoor Club; (2) that the Atlanta Outdoor Club bears no financial responsibility for this event; and (3) you waive any and all claims against the Atlanta Outdoor Club, and hold the Atlanta Outdoor Club harmless for the loss of any monies you paid for this event.

Payment Schedule:
1. A deposit of $500.00  must be received by the organizer by November 4.  After November 11 this deposit is  nonrefundable
2. You will pay for your trip (less your deposit) in Bariloche. Payment must be in cash in US dollars.

Registration Requirements.
To participate in this event you must be either an AOC trip leader or be recommended by an AOC trip leader. If you wish to participate in this event you must place yourself on the waiting list. Once I verify you satisfy the requirements, I will move you to the list of participants.

You may want to arrive in Buenos Aires a couple of days early and spend some time exploring this beautiful and sophisticated city. The organizer can arrange for lodging in a two star hotel in a nice section of town for about $45 a night per person for double occupancy and $85 a night per person for single occupancy. Transportation from EZE to the hotel and from the hotel to AEP will cost around $90. Credit cards may be used both for the hotel and for transportation.

- All prices quoted in this event description are in US dollars.

-All transportation to and from Bariloche to the trailheads and including transportation to and from Bariloche airport.

-Lodging in the shelter.

-Lodging in Bariloche in Youth Hostel.

-All meals and snacks while on the trails and in the shelter.

-Licensed guide, assistant guides and insurance (these are requirements of the park  authorities).

-Porters.

-Technical and cooking equipment as needed.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
-Airfare (Atlanta to Bariloche and return, changing planes in Buenos Aires).
-Shuttle bus between airports in Buenos Aires (around $15.00 each way).
-Beverages.
-Meals in transit to Bariloche.
-Meals while in Bariloche.

-US passport holders do not need a visa to enter Argentina, but must pay a "reciprocity fee" of around $160 to enter the country. This tax is valid for multiple entries.  You must pay this fee before departure from the US. Contact the trip leader for information.

Estimate the total cost of this trip, including airfare, lodging in hotels, event cost, etc, at around $4,000.