Climb Cerro El Plata (5,960m) in the Andes from Vallecitos in a week, near Mendoza

Follow EPGAMT certified mountain guide Luciano on this week-long program in Mendoza and get to the top of the Cerro El Plata, in the Andes.

Private

Andes

7 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Get to the top of a fantastic peak in the Andes.
Spend a week exploring the mountains.
Contemplate incredible views from the summit.

Description

Located entirely in the province of Mendoza, Cordón del Plata is a mountain range that belongs to the Cordillera Frontal of the Argentinean Andes. The highest mountain in this range is Cerro El Plata. Come and discover this great mountain in this program!

At 80 kilometers from the city of Mendoza, Cerro del Plata has an altitude of 5,960 meters and is a very popular mountaineering spot in the area, especially as acclimatization prior to Aconcagua.

Below you can find a detailed description of each day’s activities.

Although this is ascent is not too demanding, keep in mind that we might face some steep areas and that it may require the use of specialized equipment in some sections. Therefore, it is important to have a good level of fitness and prior mountaineering experience.

So, would you like to take part in this climb to Cerro El Plata? Contact me by sending your request now. You won’t regret your choice!

Also, you can check out this ascent that I lead to Mount Pissis.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Mules and horses

Price details

Communication devices included. Not included: personal equipment, personal insurance, porters and any other item not listed as included.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mendoza

Arrival at Mendoza, accommodation and preparation of equipment (we will rent anything that we may need). Dinner in a typical barbeque in Mendoza (dinner and accommodation not included).

Day 2: Vallecitos - Piedra Grande

After breakfast, we will drive for 2 hours to the Cordón del Plata. We will organize the backpacks that we will use on the following days and that will be carried by the mules. From Vallecitos (2,900 meters), we will reach our first camp, Piedra Grande (3,700 meters). Dinner and rest.

Day 3: Piedra Grande - Salto de Agua

Ascent to Salto de Agua, our second camp, at 4,200 meters of altitude (5 hours).

Day 4: Salto de Agua - La Hoyada - Salto de Agua

Acclimatization day to La Hoyada (4,600 meters). We will enjoy a nice hike taking pictures and return to the camp to rest and prepare for the big day.

Day 5: Summit day

Breakfast at 2 am and departure at 3.30 am. The ascent will take us around 8-12 hours. We will climb with a regular rhythm and make stops to rest and hydrate. Around 1 and 3 pm, we will reach the summit and then return to the camp.

Day 6: Extra day

Day 7: Departure

On our last day, we will descend from the camp and head to Mendoza. Farewell dinner and end of the program.

Equipment you will need to bring

Crampons

Ice axe

Water bottle

Backpack

Poles

Sunglasses

Goggles

Boots, waterproof pants, jacket, cap, gloves, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sunscreen, headlamp.

About the guide

Luciano

5.0

(4)

Mountain Guide

EPGAMT Mountain Guide from Mendoza, Argentina.

I always enjoyed the mountains, and started with mountaineering activities since a young age, so it was natural for me to become a mountain guide. I’ve been working for more than 15 seasons in Aconcagua, first as porter, then as Mountain Guide assistant, and now as Mountain Guide.

I climbed a lot of peaks all along the Andes mountain range, in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru, including Aconcagua (6.962 mt – 27 ascents, through different routes like the North and the Polish glacier-), Co Plata (6.000 mt), Ojos del Salado (6.780 mt), Mount Pissis (6.850 m), C° LLullaillaco (6.723 m), C° Incahuasi (6.450 m), Vn Sajama (6.550 m), Vn Bonete Chico (6 750 m), Co Junción (5000 m), Toclaraju ( 6036m), Pisco (5750m), and the three summits of Tres Cruces 6.780m. I recently did my first expedition in the Himalayas, where I reached the summit of Mt Lhotse (8.516 mt).

I usually enjoy organizing expeditions to wild, off-the-beaten-track destinations, that need a complex logistic that you won’t find easily elsewhere.

I am fluent in Spanish, English and Italian.

Languages

Italian | English

Request more information

What people are saying about Luciano

Francis

both guides..Luciano and Mauricio were first class and so was this fantastic region. I be looking for an encore in the future. Francis Lawrence

Frank

Luciano was excellent. His local knowledge showed as he was able modify the itinerary of the trip as circumstances - such as weather - changed in order to ensure the expedition was a success. He is a deeply experienced mountaineer with sound judgement prepared to provide advice whilst ensuring you have fun. I would highly recommend his services.

Sergio

Personally, was more impressed with the road trip towards the mountain than the mountain itself, but it was definitely worth going. The lunar landscape in this remote area is absolutely awesome. The guide was well prepared, very friendly, and even a surprisingly good cook. The location is as far as you are likely to get from civilisation. The weather was also unusually good. But the mountain is tough and frustrating sliding down every step in the loose gravel and sand. Not everyone's cup of tea