World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogPatagonia for everyone: 5 unmissable experienceshttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2460/patagonia-everyone-7-unmissable-experiencesAdventure Travel,Trekking/Walking,Wildlife,Destinations,South America,Patagonia,ActivitiesWed, 13 Oct 2021 13:09:00 GMT<p><strong>Whether you’re after a remote wildlife experience or a gentle foray, we've selected our most popular adventures in Patagonia to help you narrow down which trip is for you. </strong></p> <p>The trekking season in Patagonia is in full swing between November and March; a great time to discover this pristine and beautiful part of South America, when mild conditions prevail, and forests are in bloom with fresh growth and flowers.</p> <p>The region of Patagonia extends across both Chile and Argentina into the southernmost reaches of South America, where you can walk, trek or sail through majestic fjords, World Heritage listed wilderness areas and dynamic glacial parks while spotting wildlife along the way.</p> <p>Ready to enter a nature lover’s paradise? Here are our top picks for all types of travellers.</p> <h2>Comfortable day walks: Patagonia Adventure</h2> <p><em>Duration: 11 days</em><br /> <em>Grading: Introductory to moderate</em></p> <p>The ideal introduction to the spectacular parks of Patagonia, without the need to commit to long walking days. Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous 3,130m/10,269ft spires of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy.</p> <p>Continue across the border to Chile, take a cruise from Puerto Natales via the Balmaceda Glacier into the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, where visitors can explore on foot the vast pampas and forests, home to herds of native South American Guanacos. <a href="https://www.worldexpeditions.com/Chile/Adventure-Touring/Patagonia-Adventure" rel="noopener" target="_blank">> View Patagonia Adventure trip details</a></p> <p><img alt="The magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier | <i>Cherilia Poluan</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="830772" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/Perito-Merino-Glacier_-El-Calafate_-Patagonia-Argentina-830772-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/Perito-Merino-Glacier_-El-Calafate_-Patagonia-Argentina-830772-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h2>The classic: Paine & Fitz Roy Trek</h2> <p><em>Duration: 15 days</em><br /> <em>Grading: Moderate</em></p> <p>Towering mountains, secluded lakes and stunning glaciers set amongst beech forests and rolling grasslands: this spectacular scenery sets the perfect background for a trekking adventure into Patagonia’s most famous national parks, Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine.</p> <p>Spend two weeks on a fully supported trek getting up close and personal with the granite peaks that have inspired mountaineers throughout the world. Complete the famous W Trek, stay in comfortable iconic lodges, cruise up the stunning fjords to impressive glaciers, and spot a mighty condor soaring overhead.<br /> <a href="https://www.worldexpeditions.com/Chile/Trekking-Hiking/Paine-Fitz-Roy-Trek" rel="noopener" target="_blank">> View Paine & Fitz Roy trip details</a></p> <p><img alt="The dramatic spires of Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia | <i>Marie Claude</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="830771" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/Torres-Del-Paine-830771-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/Torres-Del-Paine-830771-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h2>Self-guided: Torres del Paine</h2> <p><em>Duration: 8 days</em><br /> <em>Grading: Moderate</em></p> <p>Prefer exploring at your own pace? Our self-guided trek through the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park via the classic ‘W’ route gives you maximum flexibility with a full pack. This renowned trek passes dramatic volcanic peaks and hanging glaciers across the Cordillera del Paine like a giant W.</p> <p>Take in the three main valleys – the famous Towers, the French Valley and the Grey Glacier – from spectacular viewpoints on foot and by boat. The park is open year-round, however, popular seasons are during October through to April. <a href="https://www.worldexpeditions.com/Chile/Trekking-with-a-Full-Pack/Torres-del-Paine-W-Trek-Self-Guided" rel="noopener" target="_blank">> View Self-guided Torres del Paine W Trek trip details</a></p> <p><img alt="Verdant landscapes in French Valley, Patagonia | <i>Kyle Super</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="830773" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/French-Valley_-Torres-Del-Paine_-Chile-830773-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/French-Valley_-Torres-Del-Paine_-Chile-830773-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h2>Into the wild: Traverse Patagonia, north to south</h2> <p><em>Duration: 15 days</em><br /> <em>Grading: Moderate</em></p> <p>Capturing the atmosphere of Bruce Chatwin’s travel classic <em>In Patagonia</em>, this trip travels from Coyhaique in the north to Puerto Natales in the south, mostly on foot and at times by boat.</p> <p>Not only you will encounter some of the most captivating and untouched national parks in the region, but you will also be among the first to discover the recently opened pass between the shores of Lago O’Higgins (Chile) and Laguna del Desierto (Argentina), which offers a unique insight to a side of Patagonia rarely seen by other trekkers. Traverse untouched national parks, from the southern ice cap to the towers of Paine, as well as experience the iconic W Trek. <a href="https://www.worldexpeditions.com/Chile/Trekking-Hiking/Great-Patagonian-Traverse" rel="noopener" target="_blank">> View Great Patagonia Traverse trip details</a></p> <p><img alt="A picturesque lagune between Chile & Argentina | <i>Azimut</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="830774" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/lago-del-desierto-830774-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/lago-del-desierto-830774-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h2>Off the beaten track: Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse</h2> <p><em>Duration: 11 days</em><br /> <em>Grading: Entry Level Mountaineering / Exploratory Trek</em></p> <p>If you're looking for a remote and challenging trip that doesn't involve any high altitudes or climbing, that adventure ticks all the boxes: a spectacular wilderness trip in Patagonia including a traverse of the continental ice cap & camping on the ice field.<br /> <br /> Trek in Los Glaciares National Park, which circumnavigates the Towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, for jaw-dropping views rarely seen from this side. The 1:3 ratio of guides to participants and added contingency days means an excellent opportunity to complete the full circuit. Be part of one of the wildest trekking experiences few have undertaken. <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Argentina/Mountaineering/Fitz-Roy-Circuit-Ice-Cap-Traverse">> View Fitz Roy Circuit & Ice Cap Traverse trip details</a></p> <p><img alt="Backcountry trekking around Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre | <i>Sue Badyari</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="830775" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/Los-Glaciares-National-Park-Patagonia-830775-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/South-America/Patagonia/Los-Glaciares-National-Park-Patagonia-830775-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h2>Feeling inspired?</h2> <p><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Argentinian-Regions/Patagonia" rel="noopener" target="_blank">View our full range of Patagonia trips</a> and use our advanced search finder to tailor your preferences on activities, dates, price and more.</p> <p><em>Which areas of Patagonia do you want to explore? Let us know in the comments below.</em></p> 2460The 3 golden rules of mountaineeringhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2456/3-mountaineering-rulesActivities,Mountaineering,CommunityWed, 21 Feb 2018 23:27:00 GMT<p>You’ve probably seen the circulating meme outlining the three rubrics of mountaineering: never underestimate a climb because it is always further, taller and harder than it looks. These maxims will ring true on any <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Mountaineering" rel="noopener" target="_blank">mountaineering expedition</a> especially when emotions run high during a summit attempt.</p> <p>We sat down with Australian high-altitude mountaineer, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2355/on-the-couch-with-mountaineer-soren-kruse-ledet" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Soren Kruse Ledet</a>, who shared his tips on how climbers can best approach mountain peaks and ways to cope in overwhelming situations.</p> <h2>Rule 1: It’s always further than it looks</h2> <p>Audacious treks on remote trails can place you under variable weather conditions for up to eight to 12 hours a day; and depending on the region and grade of the trip, some expeditions will involve travelling on snow and ice. So, it can be particularly challenging when also carrying up to 12-15 kilograms of gear.</p> <p>Adverse weather conditions when trekking, hiking and camping in remote areas is to be expected, so your level of fitness and comfort is important during the feat of expeditions. However, Soren says that being realistic about your capabilities and your goals is much more critical.</p> <p>“So much of what you do isn’t just physical, it’s psychological as well,” he explains. “You don’t want to necessarily talk about the summit from day one. For a leader, what’s important is that everyone acclimatises right, then you slowly, gradually build it up, otherwise, it becomes too difficult and too psychologically daunting.”</p> <div class="mceTemp"> </div> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Ascending_Aconcagua-original-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Ascending_Aconcagua-original-###width###px.jpg" width="902" /></p> <h4>What’s the best approach?</h4> <p>Travellers should fortify climbs and try not to get ahead of themselves emotionally. While reaching the summit calls for celebrations – with a pic or two doing the famed Hillary pose, it’s important to remember that you are only halfway through your expedition. The true celebration is when you’ve finally made it back down because that’s when you are safe.</p> <p>“On a lot of the climbs, and probably more so on the introductory mountaineering trips, team members tend to forget a little bit about all the pain and suffering; all the hardship they get in the first place, and the fact that they must get down safely from the summit,” says Soren.</p> <p>Staying focused is key as most injuries and accidents happen on the descent. “People are tired, people let their guard down, and ultimately, a summit doesn’t matter if you end up falling and injuring yourself … so you want to make sure everyone gets back down and that’s when you celebrate and look back.”</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><strong>RELATED: <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/beginner-climbs-learn-mountaineering" rel="noopener" target="_blank">5 beginner climbs to get you into mountaineering</a></strong></p> <h2>Rule 2: It’s always taller than it looks</h2> <p>Reflecting on a trip he took to Tibet back in 2005, Soren remembers one traveller’s reaction in particular. He was en route to Cho Oyu with a group of fairly experienced climbers and once they hopped out of the truck he noticed the blood drain from one person’s face, floored by the enormity of the peak.</p> <p>“I knew then and there that he psyched himself out of it,” recalls Soren. “I thought to myself, he'll probably never really go high on the mountain because psychologically he was beaten already.”</p> <h4>What’s the best approach?</h4> <p>Regardless of whether it’s Everest or Mera Peak, dividing the mountain into sections can make the expedition feel more manageable.</p> <p>“Say you get to Base Camp, that’s one summit; then you get to High Camp, that’s another one; and then hopefully you get to the actual summit, but take it one day at a time,” advises Soren.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Alps_at_sunrise-medium-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Alps_at_sunrise-medium-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p>Also, when entering high altitudes is it common for people to experience mild symptoms of AMS or <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/blog/altitude-sickness-with-dr-jim-duff" rel="noopener" target="_blank">altitude sickness</a>, such as a loss of appetite, mild headaches, and disruptive sleep. All World Expedition mountaineering itineraries are created so travellers are given enough time to acclimatise.</p> <p>As an entry-level trip, <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Mountaineering/Mera-Peak-Expedition?utm_source=3%20mountaineering%20rules&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Mera_Peak" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mera Peak</a>, for instance, provides several acclimatisation days building up to the crown. The 23-day trip gives hikers nearly two weeks of gradual ascents on the mountain before they attempt the summit. It is when your symptoms worsen that you should communicate to your leader how you are feeling during the expedition.</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><strong>READ MORE: <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/activities/mountaineering/the-importance-of-hydration-at-altitude-with-dr-ross/?utm_source=3%20mountaineering%20rules&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Hydration_altitude" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Importance of Hydration at Altitude</span></a></strong></p> <h2>Rule 3: It’s always harder than it looks</h2> <p>One can train and prepare themselves as much as possible for a mountaineering trip, but preparedness comes with experience. How one behaves in foreign and hazardous environments can be a defining moment when attempting a summit.</p> <p>“Most people do really well, and nine times out of ten the weather is ‘brochure weather’. In other words, conditions are generally favourable,” says Soren, “But it's hard to prepare for bad weather, it has to be experienced.”</p> <h4>What’s the best approach?</h4> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Aspiring_Jan_2014_Stefan_Sporli_9-medium-768x1024-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Aspiring_Jan_2014_Stefan_Sporli_9-medium-768x1024-###width###px.jpg" width="300" /></p> <p>Being practical about what you can achieve and attending introductory climb courses can make all the difference. Mountaineering programs at World Expeditions offer beginner skill-based courses, which give newcomers a solid foundation to learn basic mountaineering skills and alpine techniques from experienced experts.</p> <p>The hands-on training trip takes the classroom outside where you are given the opportunity to undertake some exciting ice climbs on frozen waterfalls.</p> <p><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=mountaineering+course" target="_blank">Our programs</a> develop students’ skills in safe ice and rock climbing, abseiling, rope work, ice axe and crampon techniques, crevasse rescue and navigation.</p> <p>There are even opportunities to take on a summit after you complete a course, such as the <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/France/Mountaineering/Alpine-Introduction-Course-and-Gran-Paradiso-Climb?utm_source=3%20mountaineering%20rules&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Alpine_Intro_Course" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Alpine Introduction Course and Gran Paradiso Climb</a>, where you put your skills to the test by attempting a climb of Gran Paradiso (4061m), Italy’s highest peak.</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><strong>READ MORE: <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/community/traveller/travel-review-climbing-mont-blanc/?utm_source=3%20mountaineering%20rules&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Mont_blanc" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></a><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/conquering-peak-lenin"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">S</span></a><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/conquering-peak-lenin">ummit Success on Peak Lenin</a></strong></p> <p>For all our mountaineering trips, World Expeditions offer an extensive gear list to follow and before commencing a climb, a safety exercise is practised ensuring travellers are prepped and safe.</p> <p>“People react to stress and pressure in many ways and when you're on a mountaineering trip you are often out of your depth, you are certainly out of your comfort zone. Some people deal with that quite well and some people not so well … and the ones not coping need a lot of support and help, which we offer,” says Soren.</p> <p>Not for the faint-hearted, travellers who embark on mountaineering trips plan to push their boundaries, but it is crucial not just to prepare yourselves physically but also mentally.</p> <p>“It’s about being realistic – plan for the worst and hope for the best.”</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Baruntse_Khumbu_Eastern_Nepal-medium-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Baruntse_Khumbu_Eastern_Nepal-medium-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE EXPERT</strong><br /> <em>Soren Kruse Ledet has been leading World Expeditions mountaineering trips for nearly 20 years and has completed over 50 expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Central Asia, and Patagonia – to name a few. He has summited many Himalayan peaks as well as completed a six-month traverse of Nepal.</em></p> <p><strong>Thinking of taking your hikes a step up? <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?pageSize=15&categories=mountaineering&utm_source=3%20mountaineering%20rules&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Mountaineering" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Browse our most popular mountaineering expeditions</span></a>.</strong></p> 2456