Ascent to Adolfo Calle and Stepanek
Are you looking to get started in high mountain mountaineering? We invite you to this double ascent: you will reach the summit of the Adolfo Calle and Stepanek mountains in a 3-day expedition.
It is an ideal proposal to experience the world of four-thousanders: we will take care of all the logistics, and we will guide you in a professional way so that you can enjoy it safely.
We guarantee you will have a complete experience: good acclimatization, rich and nutritious food, as well as personalized attention during the whole ascent.
What does the ascent to Adolfo Calle and Stepanek consist of?
It will be a 3-day expedition to climb Mt. Adolfo Calle (14,040 ft. / 4,280 masl), and Mt. Stepanek (13,580 ft / 4,140 masl). The proximity between the two allows us to reach both summits on the same day. The mounts are located in the Cordón del Plata, an ideal place to train medium and high mountain.
The first day we will leave Mendoza city early in the morning, to reach Vallecitos, and walk to the “Veguitas” camp. Day 2 will be our milestone: we will start the ascent to Adolfo Calle, and then try Stepanek.
Once the challenge is over, we will rest until day 3, when we will return to Mendoza after having had a great experience.
Who is this experience recommended for?
We recommend the ascent to Adolfo Calle and Stepanek for those who have experience in mountaineering, and are looking to enter or gain training in 13,120 ft / 4,000 masl mountains.
It is a good expedition to start approaching the ” four- thousanders” because it is less demanding than other mountains of similar height, such as Penitentes.
It is important that you have enough training to endure long trekking days with elevation gain. Although the objective of the traverse is to reach the summit of both peaks, we will start with Adolfo Calle and, if your physical condition and acclimatization allow it, we will advance to Stepanek. If not, we will be able to return to camp with one objective accomplished and another pending for a future expedition.
About the place
Adolfo Calle and Stepanek mounts are located within the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park, about 80 km. from Mendoza City. This is an area with more than 175,000 protected hectares, within the Front Mountain Range, elevated over the Central Andes.
Its large presence of glaciers and water resources, the diversity of native flora and fauna, in addition to archaeological and paleontological sites, make it a point of interest for mountaineers from all over the world. The area is home to great peaks from 9842 ft. / 3,000 to almost 19,685 ft. / 6,000 meters.
In addition to these two classic hills, there we find the source of important watercourses such as the Mulas, El Salto, Vallecitos and Río Blanco streams. The star of the Cordón del Plata is perhaps its highest peak: Mount Plata, with 19,580 ft. / 5,968 masl.
- Professional trekking guide.
- Communication and first aid kit.
- General equipment (tents, heaters, pots).
- Transportation in/out from Mendoza city.
- First aid trained staff.
- Full board.
- Insurance.
Not included
- Personal equipment.
- General gears transportation
- Any other service not mentioned
Optional
- Mules / Porters
Day 1 – Trekking to Veguitas camp.
We meet in Mendoza to begin the adventure. At 8:30 a.m. we travel by vehicle to the Vallecitos area, where we will start trekking towards Veguitas camp. It will be a short stretch of no more than 3 hours of walking, but we will be carrying all the equipment: your backpack can weigh up to 15 kg. This will help us to acclimatize.
Max. altitude: 3,250 m. / 10,660 ft. Distance: 2.5 km / 1.55 mi.
Elevation gain: 250 m. / 820 ft. Night in: Veguitas camp.
Day 2 – Summit attempt.
Let’s face the challenge. On the second day, we wake up early to start our first milestone: the ascent to Mt. Adolfo Calle. After its summit, if we are in good condition, we head to Cerro Stepanek -the second objective-. And finally, after 8 to 9 hours of total activity, we return to camp for a good rest and celebration.
Max. altitude: 4,280 m. / 14,040 ft. Distance: 4.6 km / 2.85 mi.
Elevation gain: 1,030 m. / 3,380 ft. Night in: Veguitas camp.
*It is always possible that weather or physical conditions may not allow us to reach the summit. Our guides will evaluate each situation to preserve the safety of the participants.
Day 3 – Return.
We say goodbye to the altitude. After a good breakfast we break camp to start the descent. Taking with us very good pictures and a new mountaineering experience, we said goodbye in Mendoza around 3 pm.
Max. altitude: 3,250 m. / 10,660 ft. Distance: 2.5 km / 1.55 mi.
Elevation loss: 250 m. / 820 ft. Night in: your lodging.
What does the full board include?
Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and walking snacks on days 1 and 2, plus breakfast and walking snacks on day 3.
The menus will be defined according to the logistics of each day, but some meals that could be included are:
- Risotto with bacon.
- Noodles with meat sauce.
- Pasta with mushrooms.
- Sandwich with homemade bread, cold cuts, tomato and avocado.
- Rice with sautéed vegetables.
- Barbecue.
- Appetizers.
- Fajitas.
- Fresh fruit, nuts, cereal bars, oatmeal cookies, etc.
Important: in case you are a vegetarian, or have any food preference/restriction, we will adapt the menu without any problem. Just let us know upon booking.
How will we carry the loads?
Each person must carry their own personal equipment, as well as other shared items that will be distributed evenly among the group. You should be prepared for your backpack to weigh up to 15 kg (33lb) on the first day.
How many people sleep in a tent?
We provide 3-person tents, in order to facilitate logistics and weight to be carried. But if you prefer a 2-person tent, you will have to request it as an additional service.
As this is a demanding trip, the entire load will be measured in order to optimize our efforts as much as possible.
Is it necessary to have experience in high altitude?
It is not a requirement, but we recommend it. It is essential that you are in excellent physical condition, though: We will have to endure long days carrying weight and elevation changes.
How do I book and pay?
To book, you will have to make an advance payment of 10% of the total cost of the activity, by bank transfer to the U.S.A. or Western Union. You will pay the remaining amount the day before the beginning of the expedition.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes, the itinerary is an ideal and approximate plan. However, it will be subject to climatic and human contingencies. Therefore, with the aim of improving the chances of reaching the summit, or to ensure the safety of the group, our professional guides may make decisions that change the planned itinerary. This can happen at any time and without prior notice.
