It was a superb expedition, in a place of stunning beauty, though I guess our timing was not ideal. March proved to be a little late; the Rio Colorado actually froze over at night, and the winds above high camp were relentless. But then again, like this, we had the Cordon de la Ramada to ourselves :-)
Just like you, we climbed the Paso Ancho using the guanacos trails. A little scary at times, but doable.
As for the approach, we crossed the Rio Colorado 7 times on the way in, and 5 times on the way out. This drawing, by our excellent guide Gabriel Fava, has all the crossings marked.
I had read of Gabi on SP, here and here, and can only recommend him.
If I could, I would return to the Andes tomorrow! But I just returned from the Rwenzori Mountains, so I'm afraid it will have to wait :-(
The Paso Ancho route is a very unpredictable option I think. When wet or when the melt off is heavy it's a death trap as there are so much loose rocks just waiting to fall. When dry I guess it's a steep, but easy walk.
Some days before we went there we heard massive amounts of stuff coming down there.
In my opinion the Guanacos trails before the normal/recommended route is the safer alternative. The normal route's gorge is too narrow and can be really dangerous during the wrong conditions.
I also wish I could go back to Los Andes tomorrow!
Stuck with some boring work at the moment, but as soon as I'm done I'm off to Kunlun or Los Andes.
Corax - Feb 26, 2013 6:36 am - Voted 10/10
Good!Very good photo info!
Tijs - Feb 27, 2013 5:07 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Good!Thanks Corax.
It was a superb expedition, in a place of stunning beauty, though I guess our timing was not ideal. March proved to be a little late; the Rio Colorado actually froze over at night, and the winds above high camp were relentless. But then again, like this, we had the Cordon de la Ramada to ourselves :-)
Just like you, we climbed the Paso Ancho using the guanacos trails. A little scary at times, but doable.
As for the approach, we crossed the Rio Colorado 7 times on the way in, and 5 times on the way out. This drawing, by our excellent guide Gabriel Fava, has all the crossings marked.
I had read of Gabi on SP, here and here, and can only recommend him.
If I could, I would return to the Andes tomorrow! But I just returned from the Rwenzori Mountains, so I'm afraid it will have to wait :-(
Corax - Mar 17, 2013 7:34 am - Voted 10/10
Re: Good!The Paso Ancho route is a very unpredictable option I think. When wet or when the melt off is heavy it's a death trap as there are so much loose rocks just waiting to fall. When dry I guess it's a steep, but easy walk.
Some days before we went there we heard massive amounts of stuff coming down there.
In my opinion the Guanacos trails before the normal/recommended route is the safer alternative. The normal route's gorge is too narrow and can be really dangerous during the wrong conditions.
I also wish I could go back to Los Andes tomorrow!
Stuck with some boring work at the moment, but as soon as I'm done I'm off to Kunlun or Los Andes.