Join Velindre Patrons and trek leaders Shane Williams and Sean Holley as we trek with Rifleros over the same ground as our ancestors 160 years to the exact day, and celebrate the unique culture, history and heritage of the Welsh connection with Patagonia.
2025 will see the 160th anniversary celebrations of Welsh pioneers who left Wales for Patagonia in 1865, establishing a Welsh colony which has flourished to this day, with the Welsh language been spoken in ever increasing numbers.
On 24th November 1885 Craig Goch was climbed to the point from where “Cwm Hyfryd”, or “Beautiful Valley” was seen by our Welsh ancestors and members of the Rifleros expedition.
140 years to the exact day our Velindre trek will celebrate the unique culture, history and heritage of the Welsh connection with our friends in South America, walking with Rifleros over the same ground as our ancestors.
A ceremony will be held on top of Craig Goch on 24 November as together with members of the Rifleros the Argentinian flag is lowered and replaced by the Welsh flag; both anthems will then be sung.
Our trek then continues for another 5-days through stunning Patagonian countryside.
Day 1 – 17 November
London to Buenos Aires
Overnight flight from London (flight details TBC) to Argentina.
Day 2 – 18 November
Buenos Aires to Bariloche
Met on arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport where we are then transferred to the Domestic Airport for our onward flight. On arrival into Bariloche (Chocolate capital of South America) we are met by our guides, and then transferred to our accommodation. This evening we have a trek briefing and hear more about our amazing challenge.
Day 3 – 19 November
El Tambo to Jakob Hut (6-7hrs trekking)
After a hearty breakfast we have a short transfer where we begin this once in a lifetime trek! Today we will hike through the Nahuel Huapi National Park to Refugio Jakob. We follow the stream at the beginning of today before crossing over it.
The valley floor is stunning, the views are amazing with the mountains rising above us. The initial trail going up to Jakob will follow the valley floor. It becomes quite flat with a few undulations before arriving at Jakob Hut, which is the most basic accommodation we stay at (but the most fun)!
Day 4 – 20 November
Jakob Hut to Casalata Valley (9-12hrs trekking)
After we depart Jakob Hut, we have one of the longest and toughest days on this challenge. We make our way to the Casalata Valley. The trail passes through mountain ridges, impressive valleys, rocky terrain, Andean forest with amazing views on the Andes. Once we reach the valley floor, we continue around the beautiful lake for approx. 1hr to the Hotel Tronador.
Day 5 – 21 November
Pampa Linda to Roca Hut (6-8hrs trekking)
We have a short 45-minute transfer to the Pampa Linda, the area of the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi for the next part of this trekking adventure, where we enjoy the most amazing views of Mount Tronador. We follow a track from Pampa Linda for approx. 1hr before following an ancient road to meet the Rio Alerce. The route takes a gradual uphill crossing small streams, grassy alpine meadows to reach Paso de las Nubes. We get some incredible viewpoints, before descending through glacially formed valleys, having views of the Glacier Frias, an amazing icefall. It’s then undulating to the Roca Hut, our destination for the night.
Day 6 – 22 November
Refugio Roca to Lago Frias (5-7hrs trekking)
We pick up the trail from the hut and go further into the valley. We follow a well-maintained path, with glimpses through the trees of the snow-capped mountains of the region, before we reach the Lago Frias, we pass a memorial to members of the Argentine Gendarmeria who died here in a plane crash in 1952. We reach a small jetty where we board a boat for a magical trip along Nahuel Huapi lake to connect with our vehicles to take us to Bariloche. We have a chance to celebrate our achievements in Argentinean style, maybe with a ‘Tango’ or two.
Day 7 – 23 November
Transfer to Esquel overland. Overnight in Esquel.
Day 8 – 24 November
Craig Goch climb (Approx. 5hrs)
We meet our fellow trekkers from Week Two and trek up to Craig Goch, the point from where Cwm Hyfryd was seen by members of the Rifleros expedition 140 years ago today. We will join today’s Rifleros, many of whom are descendants of the original riders, in their lunch of lamb and chat with them about the history of their Society. They, and many others, will ride up to Craig Goch. Overnight in Esquel or Bariloche. Lunch not included.
Day 9 – 25 November
Bariloche or Esquel to Buenos Aires
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival we are transferred to the International Airport for the onward flight to London.
Day 10 – 26 November
Arrive London.
NB: Itinerary & dates subject to change depending on flight schedules.
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If you would like to speak to a member of our experienced Fundraising Team before registering, please email Andrew.morris5@wales.nhs.uk or overseas@velindrefundraising.com or call 07837 620291 or 029 2031 6211.