San Valentin Expedition with Soren Kruse Ledet
San Valentin Expedition with Soren Kruse Ledet
15 Days
Visiting: Patagonia, Chile
Tour Overview
World Expeditions are excited to announce an expedition to Mount San Valentin (4058m) - the highest peak in Patagonia. The location of San Valentin in the middle of the impressive Northern Patagonian Ice Field makes it a tremendous climb in one of the world's most remote and spectacular alpine environments. San Valentin is a serious expedition, with the likelihood of extreme weather, heavy loads to be carried and sled pulling required to access high camp. This expedition is for the highly motivated mountaineer, experienced with cold weather conditions, looking to make a summit attempt on this highly sought after mountain in a truly special alpine wilderness.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Balmaceda To Terra Luna (1300M)
On arrival at the Balmaceda airport, you will be met by our local representative who will share the journey with you. We have a long drive ahead of us, down the Austal road to Puerto Guadal, so it is important you arrive no later than 12:00*. The drive will take us by Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysen region. If time allows, we will make a stop at the La Capilla de Marmol (the marble chapel) which is a magnificent marble cave, sculpted over eons by wind and water, set on the emerald green to turquoise blue waters of the General Carrera Lake. The lake is shared by Argentina and Chile, the fourth largest and largest in each respectively. We will spend the night at a charming lodge, which has a spectacular view of the lake and partake our first Patagonian dinner together as a group.*Note: Due to flight schedules it may be necessary for an additional night pre tour in Balmaceda/Coyhaique and we can help you book these additional arrangements.Overnight Terra Luna lodge.
Day 2 : Terra Luna (1300M)
Full day of preparation and expedition briefing at our lodge on the shores of Lake General Carrera. The lodge with its northwest orientation, more than 400m of beach and an extraordinary view of the lake and surrounding mountains, is the perfect base for our preparations. Overnight Terra Luna lodge.
Day 3 : Terra Luna To Italian Camp (1600M)
While the group makes its way to Lake Leones peninsula via jet boat & zodiac, a helicopter transports loads to Campo Italiano, and then a short ride on the helicopter to Campo Italiano. We set the camp with a fantastic panorama on the East side of the Northern icecap mountain range. Overnight camping
Day 4 : Italian Camp To Raton Camp (1900M)
Cross the icecap using snow shoes to reach Raton camp. We first have to climb 200m on a snow slope with crevasses to get to the pass that leads to the icefield. Once in this spectacular alpine environment we descend 200m and begin a long traverse (11kms) to reach a rocky ridge with an extraordinary view on the ice cap. A long day of about 8 hours on the ice cap, sharing the work of pulling a sled and carrying your full pack, before establishing camp for the evening, which generally takes about 2 hours, depending on the conditions. Overnight camping
Day 5 : Raton Camp To Terrace Camp (2400M)
Climb to Terrace Camp. A steady climb of about 500m to a pass between Mount Tobler and Fiero with extraordinary views of the Northern Patagonian Icefield with Mount San Valentin in the background. We camp just below the pass in front of the mountain. Again, crossing the Ice Cap involves pulling a sled and using snow shoes and this will take some time getting used to for those unfamiliar with the process. We will assist you in rigging your sled and demonstrating the various techniques for using snow shoes on glaciated terrain. Overnight camping
Day 6 : Terrace Camp To High Camp (3150M)
Long traverse of about 9km on a steady incline to set our camp at the base of San Valentin. We are now above 3000m, so pulling a sled and carrying a heavy pack will feel more exhausting at this altitude. But we have arrived at the base of San Valentin, and from here will launch our bid for the summit. Overnight camping
Day 7 - 10 : Climb San Valentin (4058M) Plus Contingency Days
This is the most serious part of the expedition. Summit day involves a long traverse on an exposed ridge, steep at parts up to 45 degrees, with high winds common. After 2-3hrs on the ridge we finally reach the summit plateau which leads slowly to the summit mushroom that we have to climb to reach the summit. We then need to recount our steps back to high camp, a long and exhausting day of 12+hrs of continuous climbing. 3 contingency days set aside in the case of poor weather. Sleds and snow shoes are not used on summit day, but rather traditional climbing gear. Overnight camping
Day 11 : High Camp To Raton Camp (1900M)
Return to Raton Camp via the same route we took earlier in the expedition. Overnight camping
Day 12 : Raton Camp To Italian Camp (1600M)
Return to Italian Camp via the same route we took earlier in the expedition.Overnight camping
Day 13 : Italian Camp To Terra Luna
Helicopter flight to Peninsula to get down to Terra Luna (with zodiac and jet boat or cars), while equipment is sent directly to the lodge by helicopter.Overnight camping
Day 14 : Terra Luna
Rest and reorganisation day. Depending on the conditions, we may use this day earlier in the trip as a contingency/weather day. If we are in Terra Luna, you may like to spend some well earned time in the sauna and spa at the lodge. Overnight Terra Luna lodge.
Day 15 : Terra Luna To Balmaceda
After a hearty breakfast, we will journey by road to Balmaceda, stopping for lunch on the way. We recommend an afternoon flight given Terra Luna Lodge is located 290 km south of Balmaceda Airport (approx. 4-5 hours). Depending on flight schedules it may be necessary for an additional night post tour in Balmaceda/Coyhaique and we can help you book these additional arrangements. Our trip concludes on arrival to Balmaceda.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights lodge -
14 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 14 dinners
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World Expeditions mountaineering guide and local leader
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Helicopter on and off the icecap
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Comfortable lodge (twin sharing) at Terra Luna
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All internal ground transport
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Airport transfers
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All national park and site entry fees
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Group medical kit
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Two person (twin sharing) tents and group camping equipment
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All food and cooking equipment while on the mountain (prepared by individual group members)
What You Carry
You will need to carry all your personal gear and you should expect your pack to weigh about 30kg. You also need to share in the work of pulling a sled that weighs about 50kg throughout the day. Throughout the expedition you will be required to establish camps, and this may take place in inclement weather. Your mountaineering pack needs to be a minimum 90 litre capacity.
Grading
These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Members should be very fit and prepared for the hard work that an expedition of this type involves. The better your preparation, the more you will enjoy the experience and the more you will contribute to the success of the team. Unlike most other expeditions where you gradually build up intensity and work load this trip is challenging from the outset, so excellent fitness is imperative. Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance, with experience and suitability reviewed by our operations department and your mountaineering guide.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.