13-day Expedition on Cerro Mercedario – San Juan, Argentina

Native Argentine AAGM certified mountain guide Tomás Ceppi leads this expedition to the summit of Aconcagua's lesser known neighbor.

Group

Andes

13 Days

Jan - Apr, Nov, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Reach the summit of Cerro Mercedario (6770m)
A group expedition with a personalized feel and 3:1 participant to guide ratio
All meals, accommodation and group camping equipment is included

Description

Cerro Mercedario has gained popularity in recent years. At 6770m, it is one of the top 10 tallest peaks in the Andes. Situated in La Ramada mountain range, Cerro Mercedario is located 100 kilometers north of Aconcagua.

Though not as high as neighboring Aconcagua (6960m), Cerro Mercedario has a charm all of its own. A lesser known peak, it is an ideal choice for mountaineers in search of a challenging alternative in the Central Andes. If you have already climbed Aconcagua, or prefer to stay away from the crowds, I highly recommend Mercedario.

On this expedition, we will ascend Cerro Mercedario via the normal route, or Ruta de los Incas. This route became known as “The Incas’ Route” after a group of mountaineers discovered Inca ruins near the summit in the 1970s. We will retrace the steps of this ancient civilization as we make our ascent.

Throughout the expedition, we will stay at huts, base camps and high altitude camps as we make our way toward the summit of Cerro Mercedario. We will be spending the night at the Laguna Blanca Hut, Guanaquitos Base Camp, Cuesta Blanca Camp, Pirca de Indios Camp and La Ollada Camp. You need only bring your personal camping equipment as I will provide you with a tent. All group camping equipment and meals are included as well.

This is your opportunity to summit one of the lesser known of the Andes’ greatest peaks. Don’t miss it! You’ll quickly realize why Cerro Mercedario is becoming a rival for Aconcagua within the mountaineering world.

Click on “Request to book” to get in touch with me and reserve your spot on this expedition. Spaces are limited.

I offer a number of expeditions in both Argentina and Chile. To learn more about my other expeditions, please click here.

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip

Price details

Tomás and/or the other guides will have a first aid kit and communication/GPS devices on hand at all times in case of emergency.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Barreal, San Juan (1600m)

We will meet in Barreal and spend the night in a local hotel or guest house. We will also do a final gear check in preparation for our upcoming expedition.

Accommodation and dinner are included.

Day 2: Transfer to the Laguna Blanca Hut (3150m)

After breakfast, we will depart for the Laguna Blanca Hut.

Day 3: Guanaquitos Base Camp (3650m)

Today, we will trek from the Laguna Blanca Hut up to the Guanaquitos Base Camp.

Day 4: Caballito Glacier (4300m)

After breakfast at the Guanaquitos Base Camp, we will trek up to the Caballito Glacier. At the end of the day, we will return to the base camp to spend the night.

Day 5: Cuesta Blanca Camp (4350m)

After breakfast at the Guanaquitos Base Camp, we will ascend to the high altitude Cuesta Blanca Camp.

Day 6: Pirca de Indios Camp (5100m)

Following breakfast at the Cuesta Blanca Camp, we will ascend to the Pirca de Indios Camp.

Day 7: Pirca de Indios Camp (5100m)

We will enjoy a day of rest at the Pirca de Indios Camp before continuing our ascent.

Day 8: La Ollada Camp (5600m)

In preparation for our summit on Cerro Mercedario, we will ascend from the Pirca de Indios Camp to La Ollada Camp.

Day 9: Cerro Mercedario Summit (6770m)

Weather permitting, we will summit Cerro Mercedario today. Afterwards, we will return to La Ollada Camp to spend the night.

Day 10 to 11: Extra Day(s)

I have scheduled in an extra 1-2 days in case we need to postpone our ascent on Cerro Mercedario due to inclement weather conditions.

Day 12: Laguna Blanca Hut

Once we have made our ascent on Cerro Mercedario, we will descend back down to the Laguna Blanca Hut.

Day 13: Barreales

On our final day, we will return to Barreal and enjoy a farewell dinner before parting ways.

Dinner and the final night of accommodation in Barreales are included.

About the guide

Tomás

Mountain Guide

Mountain Guide - EPGAMT - Argentina
I was born in Patagonia, Argentina and formed at an early age as a climber in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Currently I completed a large number of rock and ice climbing routes, backcountry skiing and ascents in many mountains around the world such as Mt. Lhotse (8.516 mts.), the 4th highest peak in the world, without using supplemental oxygen (May, 2012).
I'm a certified Mountain Guide from the EPGAMT and a member of the Argentinian Mountain Guides Association (AAGM) and work on Mt. Aconcagua, which I had repeatedly ascended, as well as in other peaks in the Central Andes, Patagonia, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and in The Himalayas in Nepal.
During the winter season, I practice backcountry skiing, mostly on the volcanoes in Patagonia, where I can offer you different adventures, according to your level (beginner, learner or advanced learner).
I feel very privileged to work as a mountain guide, to do the job that I love, and to be able to share it with people that have the same passion.
Join my expeditions and I will provide you a high standard of safety and personal attention!

Languages

English

Certificates

EPGAMT | AAGM

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