Ascent to Cerro El Plata, Mendoza

Cerro El Plata is the highest mountain of the Plata Mountain Range, close from Mendoza city. This mountaineering program in the Andes is ideal for those who want to climb a high altitude peak, with not much technical difficulties.

El Plata range, located in Vallecitos, a small ski resort 80 km away from Mendoza city, is often known to be a ‘school’ for mountaineers in Argentina, for those who want to introduce themselves to high altitude climbing. There are plenty of refuges and huts from where to start the expeditions. You have several peaks that go from 3000 to 6000 meters, and El Plata is the highest summit. Due to its proximity, easy access and good facilities, many people go to Vallecitos to do the acclimatization before approaching Aconcagua.

Cerro El Plata can be seen from some places in Mendoza city, and from the towns to the east of the city and in Uco valley. It’s ascent requires a very good physical preparation and previous mountaineering experience, although technical skills are not mandatory.

Join me in this intense adventure, I’ll help and advice in everything regarding clothing, equipment needed, preparation, etc. We’ll enjoy this beautiful high altitude area, and maybe even spot red foxes, Andean condors and guanacos!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Starting from Mendoza city, transfer to Vallecitos. Accommodation at refuge (2800 m). Acclimatization day around the refuge, and if the group is feeling well we can even try the ascent of a nearby peak, in the range between 3000 and 3500 meters.

Day 2: Early start from refuge to Veguitas, Piedra Grande camp (3500 m).

Day 3: Early start from Piedra Grande to El Salto camp (4200 m).

Day 4: Acclimatization day, and trek to La Hoyada (4600 m).

Day 5: Early start from El Salto to La Hoyada camp (4600 m).

Day 6: Summit day! La Hoyada – Summit (5985 m) – La Hoyada.

Day 7: Descent from La Hoyada to refuge (2800 m), and transfer back to Mendoza city.

Join me in this ascent in Mendoza, to know how it feels mountaineering at 6000 meters, and discover a beautiful mountain in the Central Andes!

Extra details

Level required

Very demanding physically
No technical difficulties

Not included

– Meals in Mendoza and during transfer days
– Personal equipment and clothes

– Expenses originated by rescues, evacuation or leaving early the expedition

– Personal porters

– Everything else not detailed as included

Included in the price

– Transfer Mendoza – Vallecitos in-out
– All meals during the expedition
– EPGAMT certified mountain guides
– Mules
– Group first aid kit
– Common group equipment (cooking equipment)
– Personal accident insurance
– VHF-UHF radio
– High altitude tent