Climbing Cerro Mercedario (6,701m): 18-day Expedition in San Juan, Argentina

Join EPGAMT certified guide Luciano for an unforgettable 18-day expedition in San Juan, Argentina that will take you to the summit of Cerro Mercedario.

Private

Andes

18 Days

Jan - Apr, Nov, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Spend 18 days climbing to the summit of El Mercedario in San Juan, Argentina.
Marvel at the amazing views of the Andes.
Spend your nights in various camps as you progress further up the peak.

Description

The fourth highest peak in South America, behind Aconcagua, the Ojos del Salado and Pissis, El Mercedario (6,701m) is an absolutely breathtaking peak. And, for 18 days, I would like to guide you to the summit of this great mountain.

Located in the Andes of Argentina, in San Juan, El Mercedario is positioned in the Ramada Mountain Range, where it is joined by six other, six thousand meter plus peaks.

There is great history behind the peak. There are curious signs of the presence of past Incan climbing expeditions, dating back more than 500 years, at several of the mountain’s present camps, some of which are are higher than 5,200 meters.

Our journey will begin in Mendoza. From there we will visit several spots as we make our way up El Mercedario. Those spots include El Molle, Guanaquitos, Caballitos Glacier, Pirca del Indio, The Tooth and much more. And, at night, we will be resting at several camps that get progressively higher as we make our way further up the peak.

Participants on this trip should be in good physical condition. You should also have some prior climbing experience.

Climbing a mountain as enormous and majestic as El Mercedario is an unforgettable experience. To participate on this great journey, a journey shared with ancient people who did it centuries earlier, all you have to do is send a request.

I also offer a 15-day expedition that will take you to the summit of Pissis.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Tents

Itinerary

Day 1: The city of Mendoza

Day 2: Mendoza

Day 3: Mendoza - El Molle

Day 4: El Molle - Guanaquitos

Day 5: Free Day

Day 6: Trekking Caballitos Glacier

Day 7: Guanaquitos - C1 Cuesta Blanca

Day 8: C1 Cuesta Blanca - C2 Pirca Del Indio

Day 9: C2 Pirca Del Indio

Day 10: Pirca Del Indio - C3 La Holada

Day 11: La Ollada - The Tooth

Day 12: The Tooth - The Tooth Summit

Day 13: Cb descent

Day 14 to 15: Extra Day

Day 16: Guanaquitos - Barreal

Day 17: Barreal - Mendoza

Day 18: Airport

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

Giuseppe

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