Mount Penitentes Ascent
Are you looking for adventure? Welcome to the world of the “fourthousanders”. We invite you to experience the Mount Penitentes Ascent: a challenge of unique beauty, at an altitude of 14,566 ft. / 4,440 meters above sea level.
It will be a 3-day expedition, with everything you can’t miss: acclimatization, enjoyment, camping, endurance and summit. We will take care of all the logistics: professional guides will accompany you step by step so that you can make the ascent safely. In addition, we will share with you stories and knowledge about mountaineering during the whole trip.
What does the Mount Penitentes ascent consist of?
We will take 3 days to climb this mountain located in the Central Range, in front of the Aconcagua Provincial Park.
With a first day to approach and acclimatize, we will enter through Quebrada de Vargas and ascend up to 10,825 ft. / 3,300 mt. On day 2 we will wake up very early to attempt the summit, where we will have incredible panoramic views of the whole area. And on day 3 we will break camp to say goodbye to the mountain (looking forward to returning soon!).
As in each of our trips, there will be delicious meals, which are always a good reward and motivation for the hard work.
Who is this experience recommended for Mount Penitentes Ascent?
We recommend the Mount Penitentes Ascent for those who wish to enter or go deeper into the world of high altitude mountaineering, and have a good physical condition.
Within the “fourthousanders”, there is a great diversity of options and levels of difficulty. We could consider Mount Penitentes an intermediate challenge: although it is not one of the most difficult summits, it does require having the ability to endure long days of trekking, at a good pace and crossing steep slopes with your equipment on your back.
About the place
Mount Penitentes is located just a little higher than the ski resort with which it shares its name, “Penitentes”. It is also close to Puente del Inca, and only 2.5 mi. / 4 km. away from the colossus of America: our Mount Aconcagua, 22,849 ft. / 6,962 meters above sea level.
The landscape in the region offers beautiful postcards of the Andes with its flora and fauna and panoramic views of breathtaking immensity.
An interesting fact? The hill gets its name from the appearance of its rock formations, which look very similar to religious monks. And at the same time, the snow formations there were similar to their characteristic white robes.
- Professional trekking guide
- Communication and first aid kit
- General equipment (tents, heaters)
- Transportation in/out Mendoza city.
- Staff trained in first aid
- Full board.
- Personal Insurance
- Mules for general equipment (for groups that meet the quota of 5 participants for going up, and 6 participants for going down, only from October to April).
Doesn’t include
- Personal equipment
- Any other service not mentioned
Optional:
- Mules for personal gear.
Day 1 – Trekking to Grajales hut. Let’s get started! How exciting.
We meet in Mendoza City to check that we have all the necessary equipment for the trip. We drive about 50 mi. / 80 km. to the Penitentes ski resort (at 8,660 ft. / 2,640 mt.), and begin our first ascent: 5 hours walking, we arrive at the Grajales hut to set up camp and spend the night there.
Max. altitude: 3,235 m. / 10,614 ft. Distance: 6.6 km / 4.1 mi.
Elevation gain: 1,952 ft. / 595 mt. Night in: mountain hut – Grajales.
Day 2 – Ascent to the summit. Toward the goal.
On day 2 we wake up very early and with a nutritious breakfast, we prepare for our goal: we will try to reach the summit of Mount Penitentes, at 14,566 ft. / 4.440 meters above sea level.
We will ascend gradually, because we will have a total of 10 hours of trekking (approx.) and a good elevation gain. The panoramic views of Aconcagua will amaze us.
Around noon we will reach the summit. We made it! After taking photos and celebrating, we descend to our camp for a reward dinner and rest.
Max. altitude: 4,440 m. / 14,566 ft. Distance: 8.7 km / 5.4 mi.
Elevation gain: 1,205 m. / 3,954 ft. Night in: mountain hut – Grajales.
*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 – Descent. Our last day of adventure.
After breakfast, we break camp and start our descent back down to Penitentes. There we say goodbye to the mountain: the vehicle that will take us back to Mendoza city will be waiting for us. After having accomplished a demanding journey, we greet each other and hope to meet again in the next challenge.
Max. altitude: 3,235 m. / 10,614 ft. Distance: 6.6 km / 4.1 mi.
Elevation loss: 1,952 ft. / 595 mt. Night in: your lodging.
What does the full board include?
Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and packed snacks on days 1 and 2, plus breakfast and packed snacks on day 3.
Menus will be defined according to the logistics of each day, but some meals that could be included are:
- Bacon Risotto.
- Meat sauce pasta.
- Pasta with mushrooms.
- 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.
How will we carry the loads?
Each person must carry his or her 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 18 kg on the first day.
What do I do if I don’t wish to carry my load?
You can hire a mule service, for this, it is necessary to let us know in advance.
How many people sleep in a tent?
We offer three-person tents, in order to facilitate logistics and the weight to be carried. But if you prefer a two-person tent, you can request it as an additional service.
As this is a demanding traverse, the entire load will be measured to optimize our efforts to the maximum.
Is it necessary to have experience in high altitudes?
It is not a requirement, but we recommend you do. It is essential, though, that you are in excellent physical condition: We will have to endure long days carrying weight and a significant elevation gain
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.
