YOUR PASSION FOR THE MOUNTAINS LEADS YOU TO DISCOVER NEW PATHS: PUSH YOUR LIMITS IN A UNIQUE CLIMB SURROUNDED BY THE IMMENSITY OF THE ANDES
ASCENT OF CERRO VALLECITOS 5465 masl
PRECIE
780 USD
SEASON
October to May
DURATION
6 days
DIFFICULTY
Hight
Take the next step and conquer one of the classic summits of Argentine mountaineering!
During the ascent of Cerro Vallecitos, the Frontal Andes will amaze you with stunning panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes. We will move progressively to ensure proper acclimatization, discovering iconic spots like Las Veguitas, Piedra Grande, and Salto de Agua. The summit rewards climbers with a spectacular view of its east face, featuring rock walls and ice and snow couloirs. Additionally, you’ll share this journey with a group and professional guides who will turn this destination into a lifetime memory.
HIGHLIGHTS
Climb one of the highest secondary peaks of the Cordón del Plata, on a 6-day adventure through stunning Andean landscapes.
The perfect challenge to step up from four-thousanders to five-thousanders and gain experience before tackling bigger peaks like Cerro Plata or Volcán Maipo.
Discover the breathtaking panoramic views that connect key points across the Cordón del Plata..
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.
We accompany you every step of the way: from personalized advice to help you choose the right expedition, to sharing stories, local knowledge, and mountaineering tips throughout the trip.
Your safety and comfort are our priority: we work with top-quality mountain equipment, trusted logistics, and reliable local providers (such as muleteers, transportation, and camp staff).
Enjoy the journey without worries: every day we prepare fresh, delicious meals adapted to all diets (meat, vegetarian, vegan, etc.), so you can enjoy the Andes with energy and pleasure.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
This expedition is ideal for those with excellent physical conditioning and previous high-altitude experience (at least two ascents over 4000 meters).
It is the perfect challenge to transition from four-thousanders to five-thousanders and serves as great preparation for more technical and demanding mountains, as this ascent does not involve technical climbing.
Day 1. To Las Veguitas
We meet early in the morning in the city of Mendoza to get to know each other and check all our equipment. We depart towards the Vallecitos refuge area and hike to the high camp Las Veguitas, where we will spend the night.
Max. 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 high camp, Piedra Grande.
Max. altitude: 3550 masl | Distance: 2 km | Elevation gain: 300 m
Day 3. To El Salto
We keep ascending to the third high camp, El Salto, where we will rest after a long hiking day.
Max. altitude: 4300 masl | Distance: 5 km | Elevation gain: 750 m
Day 4. Rest day
A full day to recover energy. Combining physically demanding days with rest days at the same altitude is key for a good acclimatization process.
Max. altitude: 4300 masl | Distance: 0 km | Elevation gain: 0 m
Day 5. Summit attempt
The big day has arrived. We will attempt the ascent to Cerro Vallecitos. We start the day at 3 a.m. for a challenging journey. Along the way, we will enjoy panoramic views, Andean flora, and fauna. After approximately 10 hours of trekking, we reach the summit! After a well-deserved rest at the top, we descend back to El Salto.
Max. altitude: 5465 masl | Distance: 10 km | Elevation gain: 1165 m
Please note: It is possible that weather conditions or participants’ physical condition may prevent reaching the summit. Our professional guides will evaluate each situation to prioritize the safety of all participants.
Day 6. Return
Our expedition comes to an end. After breakfast, we take down the camp and descend back to the Vallecitos refuge area, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to the city of Mendoza.
Max. altitude: 4300 masl | Distance: 9.5 km | Elevation loss: -1300 m
- December 2025: from 06 to 11.
- January 2026: from 04 to 09.
- March 2026: from 01 to 06.
-
Professional mountain guide
-
First aid kit
-
General expedition equipment (tents, stoves, cooking utensils)
-
Transportation from/to Mendoza City
-
Full board
-
Staff trained in first aid
-
Personal accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
-
Personal gear
-
Other services not mentioned
-
Optional: mules or porter service for personal and/or group equipment
-
ALTURA MÁXIMA
5465 msnm -
DISTANCIA TOTAL
24 km -
DESNIVEL
2465 m -
EXIGENCIA FÍSICA
Alta -
EXIGENCIA TÉCNICA
Ninguna -
DURACIÓN
6 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 summit success rate for every member of the expedition.
- 1st Camp – Las Veguitas: 3200 masl
- 2nd Camp – Piedra Grande: 3550 masl
- 3rd Camp – El Salto: 4300 masl
- 4th Day – Full rest day
We follow a key rule for proper acclimatization: sleeping no more than 500 meters higher than the previous night and, whenever possible, carrying out acclimatization hikes to higher altitudes than the sleeping camps (with the exception of El Salto Camp, where this is not possible).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the full-board meal plan include?
- Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon snacks, dinners, and trail snacks for all 6 days.
- Menus will be adapted based on the logistics of each day, but some of the foods you might enjoy include:
- Risotto with bacon
- Pasta with meat sauce
- Pasta with mushrooms
- Sandwiches with homemade bread, cold cuts, tomato, and avocado
- Stir-fried vegetable rice
- Traditional Argentine asado (barbecue)
- Snack platters
- Fajitas
- Fresh fruits, dried fruits, cereal bars, oatmeal cookies, etc.
Important: If you are vegetarian or have any dietary preferences or restrictions, please let us know when booking.
What if I am missing some gear?
We can recommend trusted gear rental shops and assist you in selecting the most suitable equipment for the activity.
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?
We will carry the loads ourselves while hiking to each high camp. This will also help with acclimatization: moving with a loaded backpack is key to adapting our bodies to the altitude.
How many people sleep in each tent?
We use triple tents to optimize logistics and reduce the weight we carry. If you prefer a double tent, it must be requested as an additional service.
Is previous experience required?
Yes, previous high-altitude experience and excellent physical fitness are necessary. For open groups, we require previous experience in at least two ascents above 4000 meters. This ensures participants are familiar with the acclimatization process and the physical demands of this type of expedition.
What happens if I feel unwell and cannot reach the summit?
If you experience altitude symptoms or extreme exhaustion that prevents you from continuing, one of our guides will accompany you back to the tent, where you must wait. If you decide to descend to the city, all transportation and logistics costs will be at your own expense.
It is important to highlight that we never leave any participant alone on the mountain.
What is the weather like during this expedition?
The weather in the Andes is cold and variable, even during the summer. Temperatures can fluctuate between -10°C and 15°C in a single day.
We may also encounter snow at higher altitudes, so it is essential to bring appropriate clothing and equipment for cold, windy, and snowy conditions.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The itinerary is an ideal and approximate plan. However, it is subject to weather and human conditions. Our professional guides may modify the planned itinerary at any time to maximize summit success or prioritize group safety.
What if I want a personalized itinerary on different dates?
We can design a custom expedition tailored to your goals and preferred acclimatization pace. Just let us know your desired dates and conditions, and we’ll create a personalized proposal for you.