Explore the gauchos’ route to the Nef Glacier

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Undiscovered Patagonia

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Trail stats

Distance: 51.07 mi
Elevation gain: 2,349 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 2,316 ft
Max elevation: 1,952 ft
TrailRank: 36
Min elevation: 614 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 161
Uploaded: July 3, 2014
Recorded: July 2014

2 Claps

near Puerto Bertrand, Aisén (Chile)

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Itinerary description

Come face to face with the Nef Glacier, part of the Northern Patagonia Ice Fields, during this three-day trip that combines navegation, hiking, horse trekking and camping at an old gaucho outpost, complete with a traditional rustic shelter.

Waypoints

Puerto Bertrand

The town of Puerto Bertrand is home for a little more than a hundred people. Some are Patagones and the rest are relative newcomers who, quite rightly, have fallen in love with this small and secluded place. What attracts them? In part it’s the peace that comes from living among the native forests and crystal-clear waters of Lake Bertrand, but above all, it’s the pride that comes from living so close to the Baker River, with its unique turquoise waters, powerful flows, and excellent fly-fishing. The location of the village makes it a great starting point for excursions and expeditions into the interior valleys and glaciers that descend from the Northern Patagonia Ice Fields. Whether you prefer hiking, horse treks, adventures on the ice, or kayak expeditions, Bertrand is your place to start. There are several local artisans who offer traditional crafts, especially hand-woven textiles, and if you're here during the third week of March, you can be part of a lively festival that attracts people from across the region to celebrate the anniversary of the pueblo; dancing the “chámame”, a Patagonian classic, and other popular dances like the ranchera and the cumbia. During the celebration, the town sponsors one of the oldest and most important fishing tournaments of the region, attracting fly-fishing fanatics from all over the world. Living in Bertrand and exploring the sector’s forests, rivers, and lakes, provides local guides with the knowledge and expertise they need to share this amazing place with visitors, and a special sensitivity for their natural environment that is contagious. With luck, you will have the opportunity to have local guides leading your excursions; and if you do, listen attentively and absorb their wisdom; perhaps your experience in Patagonia will turn out to be much more than a simple trip. Reservations: This route requires planning and advance coordination and preparation of the horses so you should make your reservation at least 15 days prior to travel. Operators include: o Hector Soto – Waterfront s/n, Puerto Bertrand; (09) 87432622; hectorbertrand@yahoo.es. o Aquilino Olivares - Tres Marías Ranch, Puerto Bertrand; Reserve through the Casa del Turismo Rura (House of Rural Tourism), located in the Tourist Information Kiosk in the corner of Coyhaique’s Plaza of Arms; (067) 2524929; www.casaturismorural.cl.

Bertrand Lake

This explorer’s route to the Nef glacier begins with an hour and a half boat trip across the Bertrand and Plomo lakes. Bertrand Lake is fed by the waters of Chile's largest lake, the General, and returns the favor by giving life to the Baker River, the most powerful river of the country. At the meeting of these two giants of Aysén, there is a small, quiet town, almost completely protected from the stormy winds that descend from the Northern Patagonia Ice Fields. Puerto Bertrand’s charm and location have produced a small, close-knit collection of great cabañas, fishing lodges, restaurants and outfitters, who provide excellent opportunities for all kinds of excursions and expeditions in the sector.

Plomo Lake

This explorer’s route to the Nef glacier begins with an hour and a half boat trip across the Bertrand and Plomo lakes.

Valle Soler

You’ll disembark at the entrance of the Soler Valley and walk a few meters to a pioneer-era farm where horses and gauchos will be waiting to ride through some of the most amazing landscapes of Patagonia, on the way to the Northern Patagonia Ice Fields.

The Familia Sierra Gómez House

Nef Glacier

Ready to put things in perspective? In spite of the fact that the Nef glacier is a giant, it only represents 4% of the total mass of the Northern Patagonia Ice Fields, which are an incredible 4200 km2. And if that’s not enough to impress you, consider this: the mass of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field totals four times that of its northern neighbor, 16,800 km²! Amazing, huh? Enjoy your time on the ice and a light lunch, before your return to the Palomar Camp for a hearty dinner and a good night’s sleep. On day three you’ll retrace your trail back to the Sierra family farm on the shores of Plomo Lake where you’ll have the opportunity to rest and share a few mates before meeting the boat for the return journey to Puerto Bertrand.

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