2 day mountaineering in Mendoza
If you would like to live a customized experience in the Andes, this is the ideal trip for you. We know that each person has a different way of experiencing the mountain. That’s why we created this expedition in Cordón del Plata: we organize a 2-day plan that fits your preferences.
What does the experience consist of?
The 2-day customized mountaineering trip in Mendoza will allow you to get to know the Andes with different itinerary options. We will advise you to choose the ideal program according to your level of experience and preferred route. The diversity of possibilities is great, since Cordón del Plata is a very versatile area. What is certain is that you will get to experience the immensity of the mountain and its landscapes.
Whether you want to live one of your first mountain experiences, or challenge yourself at high altitude with a demanding ascent, there is an option for you. Of course, we also offer combined plans, which include both physical effort and relaxation.
We customize your itinerary according to:
- Difficulty: Your experience, level of training, and objectives are key variables to take into account. Would you like to challenge yourself, or take it easy? Have you done other ascents, or is this your first time in the mountains? We can go from ascending a 4,000 masl mountain to a low-difficulty trekking trip through ravines and valleys.
- Comforts: Our priority is that it is a pleasant experience for you. That is why you can choose to sleep in a tent or in a mountain hut. One thing is for certain: contact with nature will not be lacking.
- Route: ¿Do you want to visit a specific mountain? We can go there. It is also possible to choose more than one route, and combine them when planning the itinerary.
- Number of days: although we suggest a two-day trip, it can be longer if you prefer. As we already mentioned, the trip is totally personalized.
Who is this trip recommended for?
We recommend the 2-day mountaineering trip in Mendoza to those who want a trip that is tailored to their needs, so they can enjoy the comfort of a private group. It does not matter if it is your first mountain adventure, or if you already have experience. Being an activity with a tailor-made itinerary, it does not exclude anyone.
For this activity we offer:
- Overnight accommodation in a mountain hut where you will have amenities such as hot shower, wi-fi, and space for a quality rest. Although if you prefer to rough it, we can camp for the night.
- Tasty and nutritious meals, with homemade ingredients.
- Professional guides that will take you safely through the Cordón del Plata mountains, with its panoramic views, typical flora and fauna.
- Freedom to customize the itinerary and the included services.
- Assistance in choosing the route that best suits your objectives and level of experience.
Some of the routes we suggest according to the difficulty level:
Low physical demand
If this is one of your first experiences in the mountains and/or you are not in good physical condition, we recommend this itinerary to enjoy the beauty of the Andes with the least physical demand. You should bear in mind that, although they are low-difficulty trails, trekking in this area -because of the altitude- always implies a considerable effort.
- Day 1: Andresito and Arenales Mounts
Max. altitude: 11.000 ft. / 3.450 masl | Distance: 5 mi. / 5 km. | Elevation gain: 1476 ft. / 450 m. | Hike: 3 to 4 h.
We will start with an ascent to Mt Andresito and Mt Arenales. The hike will take between 3 and 4 hours (the duration will depend on our chosen pace). The panoramic views of Cordón del Plata and the Potrerillos Dam with mountains in the background will be the best reward.
- Day 2: High altitude camps
Max. altitude: 11.800 ft. / 3.600 masl| Distance: 3.7 mi. / 6 km. | Elevation gain: 2.132 ft. / 650 m. | Hike: 4 to 5 h.
We wake up in the mountains and start hiking to the high altitude camps of the Park (Veguitas, Veguitas superior and Piedra Grande). These are the camps that many mountaineers use as a base for ascents to other mountains over 4,000 meters above sea level. From this point, depending on how energetic you feel, we can go as far as Veguitas superior, or go as far as Piedra.
Intermediate physical demand:
In case you are in very good physical condition and wish to challenge yourself with a more physically demanding tour, we offer two options, which are detailed below (ordered from least to most difficult).
Option 1:
- Day 1: La Cadenita
Max. altitude: 11.975 ft. / 3.650 masl| Distance: 4 mi. / 6.5 km. | Elevation gain: 2.132 ft. / 650 m. | Hike: 5 to 6 h.
After picking you up at your lodging we’ll head for Cordón del Plata, where we’ll start the challenge. It consists of a trek through a series of “chained” mountains. The proximity between them will allow us to reach three summits in the same day: Andresito, Arenales and Lomas Blancas.
One of the greatest difficulties of this route is the final part, which has steep slopes and a lot of loose rocks. That is why it is necessary to be in very good physical condition to do it.
- Day 2: High altitude camps
Max. altitude: 14.107 ft. / 4.300 masl| Distance: 8.7 mi. / 14 km. | Elevation gain: 4.429 ft. / 1.350 m. | Hike: 8 to 9 h.
On the second day we will hike to Salto de Agua, one of the most used high altitude camps as a base to climb high mountain peaks such as El Plata and Vallecitos. With a trek of approximately 8 hours and 14 km, we will reach 4,300 meters above sea level. This day will be physically demanding, although the trail is well marked and -except for some steep sections-, it is easy to handle.
Option 2:
- Day 1: High altitude camps (Piedra Grande)
Max. altitude: 11.800 ft. / 3600 masl| Distance: 4 mi. / 7 km. | Elevation gain: 2.132 ft. / 650 masl| Hike: 4 to 5 h.
We will start by trekking through the high altitude camps used by many mountaineers to access demanding summits over 4,000 masl. We will pass through Veguitas and Veguitas superior to reach Piedra Grande, at 3,600 meters above sea level. This first day will be of medium difficulty, since day 2 will demand a great effort.
- Day 2: “Cadenita larga”
Max. altitude: 12.361 ft. / 3850 masl| Distance: 5.9 mi. / 9.5 km. | Elevation gain: 3.116 ft. / 950 m. | Hike: 8 to 9 h.
This day we propose a much more demanding challenge than the previous ones. We will reach the summit of three chained hills, starting with Lomas Blancas, and then moving on to Estudiantes, Cáucaso, and finally reaching Mount Iluso, at 3850 meters above sea level. The return will be through Morenas Coloradas.
The activity will last approximately 8 hours, with steep paths, slopes and descents, as well as areas where we will need to climb with the help of our hands. Therefore, for this tour it is important that you have excellent physical condition and mountain experience. It is a medium/high difficulty trail.
High physical demand:
Mount Adolfo Calle Ascent
We propose an ascent to a 4,000 masl mountain in only two days. This is a highly demanding challenge, so you need experience and excellent physical condition.
- Day 1
Max. altitude: 11.318 ft. / 3450 masl. Distance: 2.17 mi. / 3.5 km. Elevation gain: 1.476 ft. / 450 m. Hike: 3 h.
The first day we will go on a short distance trek, for no more than 3 hours to Veguitas Superior, our campsite. The main difficulty will be that we will be carrying all the equipment: your backpack can weigh up to 15 kg (33lb). This challenge will help us in the acclimatization process.
- Day 2
Max. altitude: 13.943 ft. / 4250 masl. Distance: 6.21 mi. / 10 km. Elevation gain: 31.1 ft. / 9.50 m. Hike: 15 h.
We will prepare for a long and demanding day: we will wake up early in the morning and start an 8-hour trek to the summit of Adolfo Calle. The scenery and panoramic views will be the best reward. After reaching the summit, we will return to break camp and finally descend to the area where the vehicle that will take us back to Mendoza will be waiting for us. It will be a total of about 15 hours of hiking. Approximate time of arrival in Mendoza city 9:00 pm.
Acclimatization plans prior to high-altitude ascents:
As professional guides, we know that training at altitude is a process that must be done progressively. We accompany and advise you to achieve your goals.
Contact us to plan your next adventure!
- Professional trekking guide.
- Communication and first aid kit.
- Transportation.
- First aid trained staff.
- General equipment (tents, heaters)
- Full board.
- Lodging in shelters
- Personal accident insurance.
Doesn’t include
- Personal equipment
- Any other service not mentioned
Important: This is the basic 2-day itinerary we propose. However, we can modify it according to your preference. Please contact us!
- Day 1:
On the first day we will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your accommodation in Mendoza, to go to the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park area. From there, we will start our first mountain trek. On the way we will be amazed by the panoramic views of the whole area, with its snow-capped peaks and the typical landscape of the Andes.
At night, we will enjoy a homemade dinner and a well-deserved rest in the lodging you have chosen for your adventure ( hut or tent).
- Day 2:
On the second day, we will wake up in the mountains and after a nutritious breakfast we will get ready to hike to our objective. We will get to know part of the Andean flora and fauna, and we will take some great postcard-like images with us. As in all our tours, there will be delicious meals and valuable information about mountaineering that our guides will share with you.
Then, around 4/5 p.m., we will say goodbye to the mountain and get ready for the return trip. The vehicle that will take us back to Mendoza city will be waiting for us. Around 6/7 p.m. we will arrive, to conclude our adventure. The times are approximate, as they will depend on the route you have chosen.
The trekking route we will take each day will depend on your objectives and the level of difficulty you are looking for. We will advise you to choose your ideal experience.
How is difficulty rated?
The “low” and “medium” difficulty levels are defined in relation to the options offered by the area. The low difficulty option is suitable for beginners, and we will adapt the itinerary according to your needs. However, you should keep in mind -especially if you have never been to the mountains- that Mendoza’s altitude implies an important aerobic demand in all the routes.
Which route should I choose?
This will depend on your current training and experience in the mountains. You can choose any of the routes we suggest, or add others.
If you train regularly but have never been at altitude in the mountains, we recommend choosing the low-difficulty option, as a first experience to get to know yourself.
If you are in very good physical condition, but have no experience, we recommend option 1 of intermediate difficulty. In order to be able to do option 2, bare in mind that day 2 of this option requires previous mountain experience.
If you are not in good physical condition, it is important that you contact us for advice.
How are the groups formed?
As this is a personalized experience, the groups are closed. That is why we ask for a minimum of two people to do the activity. You will share the experience only with your group.
What is the lodging like?
You can choose to stay in a hut or in a tent. In either case, the hut/tent will be included in the service. Although the mountain hut has all the comforts, it is rustic and both the bathrooms and the rooms will be shared. In case of sleeping in a tent, we will camp in a 100% wild place, so there will be no bathrooms or other facilities. In both cases you should bring your sleeping bag, and if you will sleep in a tent, you should also bring an insulating mat.
At what altitude do we sleep and start trekking?
All our trekking activities will begin at 2,950 meters above sea level, in the area of the huts, where we will also sleep. We will get there by vehicle, and since we will leave it parked next to us, you will be able to bring extra clothes for your comfort in the hut without having to carry them at any time.
How do I book the activity?
First of all, you must contact us by Whatsapp, so we can properly advise you on the itineraries.
Once the itineraries and dates are defined, we will provide you with the conditions to book your activity.
Can I do this activity if I have no experience in mountain activities?
Yes, the less physically demanding itineraries are designed for inexperienced people. But it is important that you have a minimum level of physical fitness, since all the activities take place above 3,000 meters above sea level. The altitude generates a considerably higher aerobic demand than in mountains in other areas.
Is it possible to do it in winter?
To do this activity between June and September, you should always take into account the conditions of the mountain. Each year is different in terms of snowfall and temperatures. Therefore, if you want to do it in winter you will need to be flexible, so that the plan can be adapted to the mountain conditions. If it is your first experience, we do not recommend going at that time of the year.
What is the best time of the year for these tours?
The best time to do this activity without exposing yourself to extreme weather conditions is between November and April. Of these months, November and April are the coldest, while December, January, February and March have the highest temperatures. In any case, you should keep in mind that it is always rather cold in the Andes.
Can I climb a 4,000 masl mountain in 2 days?
Yes, we can arrange to go on a highly physically demanding route and attempt the summit of a mountain at 4,000 meters above sea level, such as Stepanek or Adolfo Calle. This requires you to be in excellent physical condition. The days are long, and we recommend sleeping in a tent to get as close as possible to the summit of the mountain. You should also take into account that the cost will change, since we will have to spend more time each day than in the other itineraries.
