2-week Mercedario Ascent via the Normal Route, Andes

Join a professional certified guide to the summit of the stunning Cerro Mercedario in San Juan province, in Argentina. At 6,720 m (22,050 ft), Mercedario is the highest of the Cordillera de la Ramada range in the Andes, and a favorite to prepare for Aconcagua away from the crowds!

Group

Andes

14 Days

Jan, Feb

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Enjoy climbing one of the highest mountains in the Andes.
Join a 2-week Mercedario ascent and discover the amazing Cordillera de la Ramada
Discover ancient indigenous ruins and awe.inspiring landscapes on the way.
Catch sight of Aconcagua, and train to climb it next season!

Description

Would you like to discover one of the highest mountains in the Andes? Then join us on this 2-week Cerro Mercedario expedition and climb the 8th highest mountain of the range. On the way, discover indigenous landmarks and catch sight of the amazing Aconcagua.

At 6,720 m (22,050 ft), Cerro Mercedario is the 8th highest mountain in the Andes. It is located in San Juan Province, in Argentina, and it is the highest mountain of the Cordillera de la Ramada subrange. This stunning peak is a favorite among mountaineers aspiring to climb Aconcagua. It is not only a great peak to train in, but it also offers amazing views of Aconcagua, just as Aconcagua offers amazing views of Mercedario. This means you never lose sight of you goal, and all while enjoying the awe-inspiring landscapes and views of this lesser-known mountain in the region that is just begging to be discovered.

On this 2-week program, we will set off from Mendoza and drive to Barreal in the San Juan Province. From there, we will set off to Laguna Blanca, the starting point of our adventure. Over the course of the following days, we will explore the stunning Mercedario and enjoy the starry night skies from our comfortable and fully equipped campsites in the evening. You can find a detailed itinerary below.

Keep in mind that this is not a highly technical ascent, therefore, you don’t need a lot of experience for it. However, you do need a good fitness level as it is physically demanding. Furthermore, there will be one guide every three people, so you will receive very personalized guidance.

So, are you ready for an unforgettable Andes mountaineering adventure? Then join us to the top of Mercedario this year, and if you like what you see, you can join us, later on, to climb Aconcagua too!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Porters
Luggage transfer
Tents
Snacks

Price details

PRICE INCLUDES: Professional high altitude mountain guide (1 every 3 participants),
Transport INOUT Mendoza - Barreal in a private vehicle for the whole group,
Transport IN OUT Barreal - Laguna Blanca (starting point of the trek) in a private 4X4 vehicle for the whole group.
(01) night of accommodation in Barreal in a shared bedroom (includes dinner and breakfast).
Equipment checks and assistance with equipment rentals.
Bedroom tents (on a double/triple basis)
Guides will have radios to communicate via satellite phones and InReach or Spot search devices.
Medical equipment, first aid kit, emergency oxygen. All food is included on the approach, Base Camp, and high camps. Group porter service. Standby vehicles in Laguna Blanca for evacuations.
NOT INCLUDED: Persona equipment, rescue and evacuation expenses, any other expenses that may arise from abandoning the expedition (extra nights, transport, food, flights, porter services, etc.), extra hotel fees in case return date is advanced or extra days for bad weather are not used, medical and travel insurance, any other service that is not specified as included above.
An additional 2% will be charged to payments made via bank transfers.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mendoza - Barreal (1630m)

We will meet in our offices in Mendoza at 9 am and after an equipment check, we will drive to Barreal (4hs) in San Juan province, where we will spend the night.

Day 2: Laguna Blanca (3150m)

After breakfast, we will drive to Laguna Blanca from where our trail begins. We will have lunch and enjoy some short hikes. We will spend the night in tents.

Day 3: Campamento Guanaquito (3650m)

We will trek for 2/3 hours before reaching our campsite.

Day 4: Campo Base Cuesta Blanca (4385m)

After 4 hours of easy trekking by the river, we will reach the base camp with full amenities including showers and internet.

Day 5: Cuesta Blanca Acclimatization day

Day 6: Pirca de Indios (5200m)/Cuesta Blanca

We will take our luggage to camp 1 – Pirca de Indios, over the course of 6 hours.

Day 7: Cuesta Blanca rest day

Day 8: Pirca de Indios (5200m)

After breakfast we will set off on a 4 hour trek to camp 1. On the way we will admire ice formations and ancient indigenous sites.

Day 9: Camp 2- La Ollada (5800m)

A strenuous day with a deep incline awaits, and at the top, a virgin, a cross, and awe-inspiring views.

Day 10: Mercedario summit

8 hours of ascent will take us by the “El Diente” camp, La Ollada glacier, and finally to the Mercedario summit. After, we will return to Camp 2 to celebrate.

Day 11 to 12: Extra reserve days

Day 13: Return to Laguna Blanca

Day 14: Descent to Barreal/ Return to Mendoza

Details

More info

Minimum 3 people.

Meeting point

Our offices in Mendoza.

Equipment you will need to bring

Crampons

Ice axe

Backpack

Poles

Please request the detailed and full equipment list, as well as recommendations to make sure you are adequately prepared for the climb.

About the guide

Inka

4.7

(27)

Guide Agency

Mendoza based company specialized in expeditions and trekkings to Mt. Aconcagua. All the trips are run by the best certified and professional guides, with unrivalled logistics and infrastructure.

Languages

English

Request more information

What people are saying about Inka

I changed my plan several times, and Inka was always ready for my changes. They helped me with everything I asked for.

Spectacular! Very attentive both at the office and in Confluencia. An unforgettable experience, top-level trekking, first-class service, and amazing landscapes. An experience worth repeating. Due to the season, we only made it to Plaza Francia, but we're definitely coming back for more.

Inka, people with big, wonderful hearts! Thank you so much for helping me make my dreams come true. Without your help, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, which are my passion. A three-day trek to Plaza Francia is an unforgettable experience. Wonderful people, wonderful company, with angelic patience, perfect organization, and delicious food. Inka is perfect. I'm already dreaming of new expeditions!!!

Guy

Je n'ai pas pu faire le trek, car nous n'avons pas pu rester au delà du premier jour. J'attends le remboursement du trek et du permis comme l'a promis inka.