There has been a great response to our Patagonia trek and the event is now full, with the trip filling in less than 2 months. We are really pleased to have been able to arrange a second week of the trek, taking place from 17 – 26 November 2025.
Join us and trek leader Rhod Gilbert 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 1865 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.
160 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: 22 November
London to Buenos Aires
Overnight flight from London to Argentina.
Day 2: 23 November
Buenos Aires to Esquel
Met on arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport where we are then transferred to the Domestic Airport for our onward flight. On arrival into Esquel we are met by our guides, and then transferred to our accommodation. This evening we will have a trek briefing and hear more about this amazing challenge. Lunch not included.
Day 3: 24 November
Craig Goch climb (approx. 5hrs)
Trek up to Craig Goch, the point from where Cmw Hyfryd was seen by members of the Rifleros expedition 160 years ago today. We will join today’s Rifleros, many of whom are descendants of the original riders, and chat with them about the history of their Society. They, and many others, will ride up to Craig Goch. Overnight in Esquel.
Day 4: 25 November
Esquel to Frey Hut (4-5hrs trekking)
After a hearty breakfast we have an early 5hr transfer to Cerro Catedral where we begin this once in a lifetime trek! Today we will hike for approximately four to five hours through the Nahuel Huapi National Park to Refugio Frey. The first part of the trail traverses along the mountain and there are excellent views of the large Lake Gutierrez and the surrounding mountains. Then, we reach the Van Titter Valley and hike through a lush forest along a beautiful stream until the last climb up to Frey Hut and Laguna Toncek.
Day 5: 26 November
Frey Hut to Jakob Hut (6-7hrs trekking)
We leave from Frey Hut early in the morning, and hike up the rocky flanks of Cerro Catedral all the way to the ridge. Views of Volcanos Osorno (2652m), Tronador (3354m), and Lanin (3776m). From here we hike down to the bottom of the Rucaco Valley, and then climb Cerro Brecha Negra Mountain (1900 metres) to enjoy the view from the second summit of the day. After experiencing some of the most stunning views of the area, we hike down the mountain to Jakob Hut, where we spend the night.
Day 6: 27 November
Jakob Hut to Casalata Valley (9-12hrs trekking)
After we depart Jakob Hut we have one of the longest 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 have a short 45-minute transfer to the Pampa Linda (77 miles from Bariloche) area of the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi for the next part of this trekking adventure.
Day 7: 28 November
Pampa Linda to Roca Hut (5-7hrs trekking)
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 stream, grassy alpine meadows to reach Paso de las Nubes. Here you get some incredible viewpoints, before descending through glacially formed valleys, having amazing views of the Glacier Frias, an amazing icefall. From here we have an undulations to the Roca Hut, our destination for the night.
Day 8: 29 November
Roca Hut to Lago Frias (4-5hrs 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 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 9: 30 November
Bariloche to Buenos Aires
This morning we depart Bariloche on a flight to Buenos Aires to connect with the overnight flight back to London.
Day 10: 1 December
Arrive London
NB: Itinerary & dates subject to change depending on flight schedules.
View our Itinerary and FAQs:
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.