Ascent Mount Plata 19,580 ft.
Experience an expedition that is as demanding as it is rewarding. If you are passionate about mountains and are motivated by physical challenges, we can guide you in your next adventure: the Ascent Mount Plata.
The difficulty of this expedition goes beyond the altitude. In addition to its almost 20,000 ft / 6,000 meters, the distance between the base camp and its summit makes it a goal that requires a lot of training. Are you up for it? We accompany you to take one step further in the world of mountaineering.
How will we do it?
It will be an 7-day expedition, in which we will ascend progressively for a good acclimatization. We will advance up this mountain located in the Front Range, passing by Las Veguitas, Piedra Grande, Salto de Agua, El Salto, La Hoyada, and finally we will reach the summit, our milestone.
We will take care of all logistics: We will have delicious and healthy meals to fuel up, as well as moments of rest and contact with nature. We will share stories and tips on mountaineering, so that you can take more from this experience than just the success of reaching the summit.
Who is this experience recommended Ascent Mount Plata?
We recommend the Ascent to Mount Plata for people with excellent physical condition and experience in high altitude.
We can consider this expedition as a previous step to the Ascent to Mount Aconcagua, because we will experience a demanding journey that combines great slopes, snowy surfaces, climatic changes and rocky terrain.
About Mount Plata
It is no less than the highest mountain in the Plata Mountain Range, a mountain range that lies between the Main Range and the old pre-mountain range.
It is one of the giants of the area, which can be seen from Mendoza city and stands out among the other mountains.
Mount Plata, at almost 20,000 ft / 6,000 masl, is ideal for those who wish to train in high altitude mountaineering: it offers high altitude, steepness, ice and important vertical walls.
For many, it serves as acclimatization training prior to Aconcagua. It allows us to test our physical condition and thus prepare ourselves for this ambitious project.
One more fact? The first ascent to this mountain dates back to January 21, 1925. It was accomplished by the Austrian Hans Stepanek. The second was also made by Stepanek, but this time together with Francisco Peters on January 25 of the same year.
- Professional trekking guide
- Communication and first aid kit
- General equipment (tents, heaters)
- Transportation in/out Mendoza city.
- Full board
- First aid trained staff
- Mules for general equipment (for groups that meet the quota of 4 participants and depending on the weather conditions).
- Insurance
Doesn’t include
- Personal equipment
- Any other service not mentioned
Optional
- Mules or porters for personal gear.
Itinerary. What you will experience day by day:
The organization of the activities during the 7 days of the expedition is designed to accompany our acclimatization times. This way we make the Ascent to Mount Plata an enjoyable experience, and ensure the best chances of reaching the summit.
All meals are provided on all days (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and on-the-go snacks).
Day 1. Toward “Las Veguitas”
The long-awaited first day has arrived. We will meet early in Mendoza city, to get to know each other and check all our equipment. Once everything is ready, we’ll set off to the Vallecitos refuges area. From there we walk to the high altitude camp “Las Veguitas”, where we will spend the night.
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. Toward “Piedra Grande”
We are gaining altitude. On day 2 we’ll wake up for the first time in the mountain, and we’ll move to our second camp: “Piedra Grande”, at 3,550 m. / 11,647 ft. It will be approximately 2 hours of walking.
Max. altitude: 3,550 m. / 11,647 ft. Distance: 2 km / 1.25 mi.
Elevation gain: 300 m. / 985 ft. Night in: Piedra Grande.
Day 3. “Salto de Agua”
We’ll move up to the third high altitude camp: “Salto de Agua”, at 4,300 m. / 14,108 ft. We will spend the night there after a long day of trekking.
Max. altitude: 4,300 m. / 14,108 ft. Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi.
Elevation gain: 750 m. / 2,460 ft. Night in: Salto de Agua.
Day 4. Rest and recovery
This day we are taking it easy. As we know, the perfect complement for a good acclimatization is to combine moments of intense physical demand and steepness with moments for resting and staying at the same altitude. Day 4 will serve to replenish our energy, nourish and hydrate.
Max. altitude: 4,300 m. / 14,108 ft. Night in: Salto de Agua.
Day 5. The step prior to the summit
We are getting closer to our goal. This day we will move to our fourth and last high altitude camp: “La Hoyada”, at 4,600 m. / 10,660 ft. We will have to get ready for the long and important day ahead.
Max. altitude: 4,600 m. / 10,660 ft. Distance: 3 km / 1.86 mi.
Elevation gain: 300 m. / 985 ft. Night in: La Hoyada.
Day 6. Summit attempt
The milestone day has arrived. We will try the ascent of the great Mount Plata. We’ll leave very early in the morning (2 a.m.), and get ready for a demanding day. On the way the landscape will leave us speechless: the immensity, the flora, fauna and glaciers will inspire us to continue. And after 10 hours (approx.) of hiking and 1,370 m. / 4,495 ft. of elevation gain, we’ll make it! With great excitement we’ll celebrate and take photos of the summit, and then we’ ll return to “La Hoyada”
Max. altitude: 5,968 m. / 19,580 ft. Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi.
Elevation gain: 1,370 m. / 4,495 ft. Night in: La Hoyada
*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 7. Return
We have reached the end of the expedition. After breakfast, we break camp and start the descent to the Vallecitos refuges, where the vehicles that will take us back to Mendoza city are waiting for us. There we say goodbye with all the fatigue and satisfaction that the experience leaves us with. Until our next adventure!
Max. altitude: 4,600 m. / 10,660 ft. Distance: 12.5 km / 7.7 mi.
Elevation loss: 1,600 m. / 5,250 ft. Night in: your lodging.
What does the full board include?
Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and packed snacks on the 7 days.
The menus will be defined according to the logistics of the activity planned, but some of the dishes that could be included are:
- Bacon risotto.
- Meat sauce pasta.
- Mushroom pasta.
- Sandwich with homemade bread, cold cuts, tomato and avocado.
- Rice with sautéed vegetables.
- Barbecue.
- Charcuterie plates.
- Fajitas.
- Fresh fruit, nuts, cereal bars, oatmeal cookies, etc.
Important: in case you are vegetarian, or have any food preference/restriction, we will adapt the menu without any problem. Just let us know upon booking.
What do I do if I don’t have all the equipment I need?
We can recommend equipment rental houses, and accompany you in the process of choosing the most appropriate gear for the activity.
How will we carry the loads to the base camp?
We will ” porter ” the loads ourselves to the high altitude camps. This will help us to acclimatize: movement with loads is key to get our body used to the altitude.
What do I do if I don’t want to carry loads to the high altitude camps?
In that case you can hire additional “porterage” service. But we will need you to let us know in advance.
How many people sleep in a tent?
We offer 3-person tents, in order to facilitate the logistics and the weight to carry. But if you prefer a 2-person tent, you will have to request it as an additional service.
Do I need to have experience?
Yes, it is necessary to have experience in high altitude and also to be in very good physical condition.
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.
