Join certified mountain guide Luciano Badino on a unique 18-day Mendoza mountaineering adventure to the top of Tupungato in the stunning Andes!
Private
Andes
18 Days
Jan - Apr, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
Would you like to climb Tupungato, one of the Andes most prominent peaks? Then join me on this thrilling 18-day mountaineering challenge to the top of this beautiful mountain in Mendoza.
At 6,570m, Tupungato is one of the highest peaks in the Andes, on the border between the Chilean Metropolitan Region and the province of Mendoza, in Argentina. Its name translates loosely to “viewpoint for the stars”, so you know you can expect some of the best stary skies you have seen. Climbing Tupungato is a unique mountaineering challenge, and though not technically difficult, it is physically demanding, whether you go up via the north, the west or the south routes.
On this adventure, we will set off from Mendoza city and enjoy a unique ascent as we climb Tupungato at a steady pace. We will make sure to acclimatize accordingly, and spend two extra days in the mountains in case there are any setbacks on the way. You will require a good fitness level to tackle the challenging climb, however, we will be there every step of the way to guide you and make sure you are comfortable. You can read a detailed itinerary of the program below.
So, are you ready to climb Tupungato and catch sight of the Andes from one of its most stunning vantage points? Then book your place now and start planning an unforgettable mountaineering adventure in Argentina.
Would you like to discover another one of the Andes top peaks? Then you can also join us on this 18-day adventure to the top of Cerro Walther Penk in Catamarca!
We will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to the hotel. You will enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in the city of Mendoza. (The food is not included)
Breakfast. Transfer to Tupungato to El Cóndor Refuge (4 hours by private transfer). Recognition of place, enlistment of teams. Accommodation. Dinner.
Breakfast. Loading the mules for the subsequent departure to the Real de los Bayos (7hs), entering the provincial park Volcano Tupungato by the Santa Clara River and Tres Quebradas. Camp setup. Dinner.
Acclimatization trek to the base of Cerro Azufre or foot of the Portezuelo and return to the Camp. (D, C)
Breakfast. Departure to the foot of Portezuelo, at 4000m. Depending on weather and on group conditions, we will cross the Portezuelo del Azufre at 4830m. to set up camp in the Alto Tupungato Valley. (D, L, C)
Breakfast. Crossing the Tupungato River very early and ascent to the BC (4hs). (DLC)
Acclimatization day.
Rest day.
Ascent to camp 1. (DLC)
Ascent to camp 2 Mula muerta (4hs).
Extra days added in case climate proves difficult.
Descent to the Alto Tupungato Valley. Camp. (DLD)
Arrival at El Condor Shelter. Transfer to the Hotel in Mendoza. Farewell dinner.
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.
Crampons
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Poles
Feet : 1 pair of comfortable trekking boots. 4 pairs of outer socks (thick wool or polypropylene). 3 pairs of indoor socks (fine silk or polypropylene). 2 pairs of cotton socks (for approach to base camp). Sandals to cross the rivers. Leggings. Legs: 2 synthetic thin pants (polypropylene or nylon), 1 polar pants (recommended long zippers), 1 Waterproof pants, such as Gore-Tex, with recommended side closures. 1 comfortable trekking pants. Shorts (optional). Upper part of the body: 2 shirts. Thermal Base Layer (polypropylene or capilene). 1 polar jersey (polaretec 100 or 200, or similar). 1 fleece jacket or similar. 1 coat jacket for -30 ° C / -22 ° F (below recommended). 1 Windbreaker jacket with hood (as Gore-Tex). 3 Cotton T-shirts or T-shirts. 2 Neck protection made of synthetic material (Buff or similar). Head: 1 hat or sun hat. 1 Cap (wool or fleece): 1 balaclava gaterneck. 1 pair of glasses with factor 4 protection (with UV filter and nose and side protection). 1 Ski goggles. Hands: 2 pairs of thermal indoor gloves (polypropylene or capilene). 1 pair of insulated gloves large fingers type ski . 1 pair of insulating gloves (wool, down or Polarguard). 1 more pair of gloves (like Gore-Tex, only if your mittens are not made of windproof material). 1 pair of warm covers. Personal Equipment: 1 Comfortable expedition backpack (70 liters / 4,250 cubic centimeters minimum). 1 35 or 45 liter backpack (for the approach to the base camp). 1 large extra strong canvas duffel bag (to be transported by mules to the base camp, at least 6,000 cubic centimeters. Large enough to fit all your equipment). Sleep: 1 Sleeping bag for -30 ° C / -22 ° F (below or Polarguard). 1 inflatable mat (Thermarest or similar). 1 Mat (only if you bring a Thermarest). Climbing Gear: 1 pair of plastic boots. NOTE: Cimbing or double plastic boots are the best option for high altitude. Koflach Arctic expedition, Vega Scarpa or Asolo AFS 8000 are good examples of plastic boots. There are excellent alternatives to a plastic boot, in which the outer boot is made of modern synthetic materials. Ask us about these new models such as La Sportiva Nuptse, the 2000 Basque ice or the Salomon Pro thermal. We must be sure that the boots are prepared for very low temperatures. 1 pair of crampons (12 points, not rigid recommended). 1 Pair of trekking poles (adjustable preferred). 1 climbing helmet. Others: 1 head lamp, with spare batteries and bulb. Lip balm and sunscreen (not less than 50 sun protection factor). Personal crockery (plate, cup, fork and spoon). 2 bottles of water (32 ml / 1 liter Nalgene recommended. Insulator Water bottle is required). 1 One-liter or half-liter stainless steel thermos (useful for high altitude camps and Summit Day). 2 hand warmers (summit day). 2 foot warmers (summit day). 1 Hydration system (such as CamelBak, for trekking approach to the base camp only, because at higher altitudes, they freeze) OPTIONAL: Personal care items (small towel and soap, baby wipes recommended). 2 hand warmers (summit day). Books, IPod, games. 1 Camera, memory cards and spare batteries. Earplugs (for windy nights). Pee bottle with wide mouth (32 ml / 1 liter Nalgene recommended). Swimsuit (for the hotel pool). Swiss type knife. Your favorite energy bars, money, storage belt. Contact lenses and replacement accessories.
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
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
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