Nevado San Francisco (6016m), 8-day tour with acclimatization in Catamarca
Come with Ezequiel, EPGAMT- certified guide, and reach the top of Nevado San Francisco, in Catamarca. Enjoy an awesome 8-day mountaineering expedition in Argentina!
Group
Andes
8 Days
Mar, Apr, Oct - Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Climb the Nevado San Francisco, an impressive over-6000m volcano.
- Discover a gorgeous landscape in northwestern Argentina.
- Spend 9 days exploring the Andes with an expert guide.
Description
Nevado San Francisco is an extinct stratovolcano standing on the border between Argentina and Chile. This 8-day trip is your opportunity to reach its summit under expert guidance!
Part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, Nevado San Francisco (6016m) is in Catamarca, a province of northwestern Argentina. First climbed in 1913, nowadays in considered one of the most accessible over-6,000m peaks in the world.
For this 8-day expedition, we will meet in Fiambala, a city known for its thermal waters and its important archaeological value. After some acclimatization treks in Pastos Largos (3300m) and Cerro Coquena (4035m), we will reach the top of Nevado San Francisco!
From the summit of this impressive volcano, we will enjoy panoramic views of Laguna Verde and neighboring peaks such as El Fraile, Incahuasi, El Muerto, Walter Penk, Solo and Tres Cruces.
We will explore a terrain with a great variety of fauna (camelids, guanacos, vicuña, llamas, foxes, eagles, condors and flamingos, among other species) and a rich flora dominated by carob trees and medicinal herbs.
Keep in mind that this expedition does not require previous mountaineering experience. However, you should have a good fitness level!
So, are you up for an unforgettable 8-day mountaineering trip in Argentina? Then contact me! Let’s get to the summit of Nevado San Francisco, in Catamarca!
I also offer an 8-day expedition in Cerro Vallecitos, near Mendoza. Check it out here.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Mountain guide expenses
- Tents
- Clean drinkable water
- Hot shower
Price details
- On the first and second nights, we use a mountain hotel. For the rest of the nights, we use tents.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fiambalá - Chaschuil
12:00 Meeting in Fiambalá. Equipment check and expedition briefing. Free afternon.
Day 2: Chaschuil - Pastos Largos
Transfer to Pastos Largos (3300m). Acclimatization trek.
Day 3: Cerro Coquena
Ascent to Cerro Coquena (4035m). 6/7hour trek.
Day 4 to 8: Acclimatization days. Final ascent to Nevado San Francisco.
Day 9: End of the adventure
Details
More info
Please bring appropriated clothing and footwear, backpack, sunscreen, water, snacks and personal documentation. / Children under 14 are not allowed.
EXTENDED PROGRAM: 12 days (30/11/2019 to 11/12/2019), includes ascent to Vn Incahuasi (6638 mts), 1900 USD per person.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You need to be trained; it is a very demanding mountain, both physically and mentally. It is not suitable for children.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
Always be trained and prepared for this kind of challenge. I always recommend cardio training three times a week and weight training three times a week.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
You have to bring your own personal technical equipment (crampons, helmet, ice axe). There are no places to rent.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
NO
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
I take care of this, from the first day to the last day of the expedition.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
During the acclimatization, we will do several mountains. In case of bad weather, we will have backup days.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
It is always recommended to travel with insurance, but nothing in particular.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
There is one guide for every three clients, and after the fourth client, another guide is added. There is also the possibility of hiring an assistant for the summit day (this service is not included in this program).
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time is in November to April. But since the middle of December, January, and the first half on February, there are many thunderstorms.
Can I join a group?
Of course, there are published dates. I'll be waiting for you!
Where will we meet to start the San Francisco expedition?
I will pick you up at the La Rioja airport and from there we will go to the town of Fiambala, approximately 5 hours. We will do the paperwork at the police and continue the trip for 2 more hours to the Cortaderas hotel.
Which is the acclimatization plan for the expedition?
Acclimatization is the key to a successful expedition to San Francisco, and we will dedicate several days to a gradual and proper acclimatization plan. We will meet in Fiambalá and then transfer to Cortaderas at 3300m. From there, we will do ascents to nearby peaks of 4000 and 5000 meters, and have a free day to recover as well. The next step in terms of altitude is San Francisco, at 6000 meters.
What's NOT included in the price?
NOT Included in the price:
- Transport to Fiambalá (starting point of the trip)
- Accommodation in Fiambalá or Catamarca before or after the expedition
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sleeping bag and personal equipment
- Porters for personal equipment
- Any expenses generated by the abandonment of the expedition
- Rescue and evacuation expenses
- Expenses generated by the loss of luggage
- Everything that is not detailed in the program
About the guide
Ezequiel
5.0
(22)
Trekking Guide
My name is Ezequiel David Di Fabio, I am a professional Mountain guide, National Physical Education teacher, lifeguard and ski instructor.
For nine years I have been carrying out different experiences in nature with groups of varied ages in order to promote activity.
Motivated by this goal is that I work with explore and share where I propose mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing outings in Argentina.
Throughout these years I have traveled from Salta to Tierra del Fuego, carrying out different group expeditions in our country, as well as developing myself professionally in other countries such as Peru.
Languages
English | Spanish
Certificates
EPGAMT
What people are saying about this trip
Wilfried
The region is one of the most spectacular I've been hiking, with stunning views and the feeling to be changing planet every other day. Ezequiel is a very professional guide, all very well prepared, highly knowledgeable of the region, and with a serious program of acclimatation. On top of that a great cook (that changes from the average experience 😀), plus, I should have started with that: a fantastic individual. If 6 stars existed, for this trip I wouldn't hesitate.
Isabella
An excellent guide and person. He gave us the best experiences and provided us with support and security at all times.
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