Day 1 – Transfer Mendoza – Vallecitos Night in a mountain refuge and short acclimatization trekking.
Day 2 – Trekking from the refuge to Veguitas superior where we will camp. The hike will take us approximately 2:30 hours to reach the camping site. Due to the presence of natural meadows and streams we will be able to observe a great number of bird species.
Day 3 – Trekking to El Salto camp (4200 m) and overnight. In this camp we will be able to observe high altitude mountains such as Vallecitos and Cerro Rincón, both over 5000m. If we are lucky we will be able to see condors and guanacos.
Day 4 – Rest day at El Salto camp.
Day 5 – Summit day at Cerro Vallecitos and descent to El Salto camp. The ascent will take us between 6 and 7 hours to reach the summit. From there we will be able to see the Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America, the Tupungato volcano (6500m), the Cordón del Peine and other high altitude mountains.
Day 6 – Descent from El Salto camp and transportation to Mendoza city.
Day 7 – Extra day in case of bad weather.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT FOR THE EXPEDITION
- – Sunglasses (UV 400 or cat 3 or 4)
- – Cap with visor
- – Sunscreen and lip balm factor 40 or higher
- – Buff
- – Polar or wool warm cap
- – Synthetic long-sleeved T-shirt, type 1 leather
- – Polar fleece coat
- – Thin down jacket
- – Waterproof jacket with hood (GORE TEX membrane or similar)
- – Warm gloves
- – Down mittens
- – Synthetic inner pants type 1 skin
- – Trekking pants
- – Thick socks
- – Trekking boots (if they are waterproof better)
- – Double boots
- – Trekking poles
- – Headlamp with spare batteries
- – Thermarest type insulating mattress
- – Sleeping bag of – 20o C
- – 1 liter thermos
- – 2 1L water containers
- – Mountain backpack 70 – 80 L
- – Personal first aid kit (including personal medication)
- – Elements of hygiene
- – Mountain guide, 1 guide for every 2 clients.
- – Transportation from Mendoza vallecitos (2900 m).
- – Satellite communication.
- – Food and drinks during all the days of trekking.
- – Horseman (driver of horses and loads).
- – Transport of personal equipment (up to 15 kg. per person).
- – Expedition first aid kit.
- – VHF radio.
- – 1 night in a mountain refuge.
- – Additional day to visit wineries in the Mendoza region (consult costs).
- – Personal expenses such as telephone calls, tips, laundry, etc.
- – Any costs incurred for leaving the program early.
- – Rescue, medical or air evacuation expenses.
- – Flights from the place of origin
- – Personal equipment
- – Personal use of satellite communication
- – Refund in case of abandonment
- – Excess weight costs for loads over 15 kg.
- – Lunches and dinners in Mendoza
- – Reimbursement in case of loss of equipment due to theft, phenomena, weather or damaged equipment.
