A 7-DAY ADVENTURE CHALLENGING YOU TO REACH THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE CORDÓN DEL PLATA
ASCENT OF CERRO EL PLATA 5968 MASL
PRICE
890 USD
SEASON
October to May
DURATION
7 days
DIFFICULTY
Hight
If you’re passionate about mountain adventures, this expedition is the challenge you’ve been looking for.
Over the course of 7 days, you’ll ascend through the Cordillera Frontal following a gradual acclimatization plan, facing steep elevation gains, changing weather conditions, and rocky terrain that will test your endurance and strength.
Throughout the journey, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of snowy peaks, vertical rock walls, and glaciers that frame every step of the adventure.
The ascent of Cerro El Plata — the highest point of the Cordón del Plata range — offers a demanding yet rewarding route and is considered the perfect training if you dream of summiting Aconcagua.
The name “El Plata” (The Silver) comes from the permanent snow crown adorning its summit, and the awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll experience along the way will make every moment unforgettable.
HIGHLIGHTS
Reach the summit of Cerro El Plata in a thrilling and demanding 7-day expedition.
Enjoy a gradual acclimatization at camps such as Las Veguitas, Piedra Grande, Salto de Agua, and La Hoyada.
If you already have high-altitude experience and your next goal is Aconcagua, this ascent is the perfect training step.
WHY DESTINO MONTAÑA
At Destino Montaña, we believe that the best adventures are born from a passion for sharing.
As professional guides with over 10 years of experience in the Andes, we know every detail of these mountains — and now we want to share their magic with you.
Our training, commitment, and love for the mountains guarantee a safe, organized, and deeply personal experience.
Beyond trails and landscapes, what truly sets us apart is the human connection we build on every journey: trust, motivation, and a true spirit of adventure.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
This expedition is ideal if you have excellent physical fitness and prior high-altitude experience.
We consider it the perfect preparation before attempting Cerro Aconcagua, as it combines significant elevation gain, demanding days, challenging weather conditions, and long scree fields.
Previous experience in summiting peaks over 5000 meters is essential, as summit day is very demanding and you’ll spend more than 7 hours above 5000 meters.
Day 1. Toward Las Veguitas
We meet early in the morning in the City of Mendoza to get to know each other and check all our gear. We drive to the Vallecitos mountain refuges area and hike up to the Las Veguitas high camp, where we will spend the night.
Maximum altitude: 3250 masl | Distance: 2.5 km | Elevation gain: 250 m
Day 2. To Piedra Grande
We continue gaining altitude. After waking up in the mountains, we move to our second camp, Piedra Grande.
Maximum altitude: 3550 masl | Distance: 2 km | Elevation gain: 300 m
Day 3. Salto de Agua
We keep ascending to the third high camp, Salto de Agua, where we’ll rest after a long hiking day.
Maximum altitude: 4300 masl | Distance: 5 km | Elevation gain: 750 m
Day 4. Rest Day
A day of rest to recover energy. Combining physically demanding days with rest days at the same altitude is the key for proper acclimatization.
Maximum altitude: 4300 masl | Distance: 0 km | Elevation gain: 0 m
Day 5. The step before the summit
We move closer to our goal. We hike to the last high camp, La Hoyada, to prepare for summit day.
Maximum altitude: 4600 masl | Distance: 3 km | Elevation gain: 300 m
Day 6. Summit attempt
Summit day has arrived. We leave camp at 2:00 a.m. for a long and demanding day. The breathtaking landscapes encourage us to keep moving. After approximately 10 hours of hiking, we reach the summit! After a well-deserved rest at the top, we return to La Hoyada camp.
Maximum altitude: 5968 masl | Distance: 10 km | Elevation gain: 1370 m
Important: Weather or physical conditions might prevent reaching the summit. Our professional guides will assess each situation to prioritize the safety of all participants.
Day 7. Return
Our expedition comes to an end. After breakfast, we pack up camp and start descending back to the Vallecitos refuges area, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to the City of Mendoza.
Maximum altitude: 4600 masl | Distance: 12.5 km | Elevation gain: -1600 m
- November 2025: from the 23rd to the 29th.
- January 2026: from the 4th to the 10th.
- March 2026: from the 1st to the 7th.
- Professional mountain guide
- First aid kit
- General equipment (tents, stoves, cooking pots)
- Transportation from/to the City of Mendoza
- Full board (meals included)
- Staff trained in first aid
- Personal accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal gear
- Other services not mentioned
- Optional: mule or porter service for personal and/or general gear
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ALTURA MÁXIMA
5968 msnm -
DISTANCIA TOTAL
30 km -
DESNIVEL
3000 m -
EXIGENCIA FÍSICA
Alta -
EXIGENCIA TÉCNICA
Ninguna -
DURACIÓN
7 días -
GRUPO
Máximo de 6 personas
Prepare every detail carefully to ensure your comfort and safety on the mountain.
↓ DOWNLOAD OUR GEAR GUIDE
IMPORTANT
LIMITED SPOTS FOR A LIMITLESS EXPERIENCE
Don’t miss the chance to cross the Andes like the great explorers.
Book now and start writing your own story among the mountains!
Our small groups ensure a personalized and safe experience, with one professional guide for every three participants, offering close attention, support, and a better chance of reaching the summit.
Spots are limited due to access regulations and the demanding mountain logistics.
Places fill up quickly! Book in advance and secure your place in this unique high-altitude adventure.
OUR ACCLIMATIZATION PLAN TO REACH THE SUMMIT
Our program ensures a progressive and gradual ascent through the camps, increasing the chances of reaching the summit for every expedition member.
- 1st Camp: Las Veguitas (3200 masl)
- 2nd Camp: Piedra Grande (3550 masl)
- 3rd Camp: El Salto (4300 masl)
- 4th Full rest day
- 5th Camp: La Hoyada (4650 masl)
We follow a key rule for proper acclimatization: sleeping no more than 500 meters higher than the previous night (except at El Salto, where this is not possible).
This process is essential for the summit attempt, as the summit day demands long hours of effort and exposure to higher altitudes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does full board include?
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Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon snacks, dinners, and trekking snacks for all 7 days.
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Menus are planned based on the logistics of each day, but some of the meals you might enjoy include:
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Risotto with bacon
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Pasta with meat sauce
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Pasta with mushrooms
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Sandwiches with homemade bread, cold cuts, tomato, and avocado
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Rice with sautéed vegetables
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Barbecue (asado)
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Cheese and cold cut platters
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Fajitas
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Fresh fruits, dried fruits, cereal bars, oat cookies, etc.
Important: If you are vegetarian or have any dietary preferences/restrictions, please let us know when booking.
What if I don’t have all the required gear?
We can recommend trusted gear rental shops and guide you through choosing the right equipment for this expedition.
How many guides will there be?
There will be 1 professional guide for every 3 or 4 participants.
This ensures a personalized service and guarantees the necessary care for everyone in the group.
Although there may be 1 guide for every 4 participants during the initial days of the expedition, we guarantee a 1:3 guide-to-client ratio on summit day to maximize safety and support.
How will we transport the loads to the high camps?<br />
We will carry the loads ourselves as we move up to each high camp.
This movement with weight is a key part of acclimatization, helping our bodies adjust to the altitude.
What if I don’t want to carry my personal load?
You can hire an additional porter or mule service to transport your gear, but you must request this in advance.
How many people share a tent?<br />
We use triple tents to optimize logistics and reduce weight.
If you prefer a double tent, you can request it as an additional service.
Is prior experience required?
Yes, previous high-altitude experience and excellent physical fitness are required.
For the El Plata ascent in open groups, we require that participants have completed at least one ascent to a 5000-meter peak or higher.
This ensures familiarity with acclimatization processes and the demands of high-altitude expeditions.
What happens if I feel unwell and can’t continue to the summit?
If you experience altitude symptoms or extreme exhaustion, a guide will accompany you back to camp where you will wait safely.
If you decide to descend to the city, transportation and any additional logistics will be at your own expense.
It’s important to note that we never leave any participant alone on the mountain.
What is the weather like during this expedition?
Weather in the Andes is cold and unpredictable, even during the summer.
Temperatures can vary from -10°C to 15°C in a single day.
Snow is likely at higher elevations, so it’s essential to bring appropriate warm and protective gear.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes.
The itinerary is an ideal and approximate plan but is subject to change due to weather, health conditions, or other factors.
Our professional guides may adjust the schedule at any time if needed to increase the chances of reaching the summit or to ensure the group’s safety.
How can I arrange a personalized itinerary for another date?
We can customize the expedition to suit your schedule and acclimatization needs.
Just let us know your desired dates and conditions, and we’ll prepare a tailored program for you.