Mount Vallecitos Ascent 17,930 ft.
We invite you to the summit of one of the Argentinean mountaineering classics. We will take 6 days to complete this trek to Mount Vallecitos: this is the second highest peak in the Cordón del Plata.
It is an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself as a mountaineer, if you have experience in fourthousanders or 13,000+ ft., and want to take the next step in high altitude mountaineering. Are you ready? We will guide you.
How will we do it?
The secret to a good summit is proper acclimatization. That is why we will progressively ascend to 17,930 ft. / 5,465 masl, through Veguitas and Piedra Grande campsites to Salto de Agua. We will have a rest day prior to the summit attempt, to be well prepared.
We will make a slow but steady ascent, alternating days of walking with others of recovery. The portering of the equipment will be done in short distances, and with breaks, since our backpacks will weigh between 15kg / 33 lb and 18kg / 39lb (it is important not to exceed that weight).
In every expedition we guarantee excellent logistics, so that you can enjoy a safe ascent. We will accompany you starting from the days prior to the expedition, advising you on the equipment you will need.
And during the expedition, we will make sure to offer tasty and healthy meals as well as to share advice and knowledge about this exciting activity.
Who is this expedition recommended for?
The Mount Vallecitos Ascent is ideal for you if you have climbed 13,000 ft. / 4000 masl peaks, and you are looking to push yourself to the next level. This is an mandatory step before you consider climbing 19,685 / 6,000 masl peaks or higher, as it is the challenge that will allow you to jump from the ” four-thousanders” to the “five-thousanders”.
You will need, in addition to experience in altitude, an excellent physical condition and training since the physical demand is high, although there is no technical difficulty.
How to train for the Mount Vallecitos Ascent?
There are two main areas to work on: aerobic endurance and leg training. The first is important because the higher we go, the lower atmospheric pressure falls, and therefore the less oxygen is available. The aerobic training you do should be of moderate to high intensity. And leg endurance will be essential to be able to deal with the steep ascents and the load of a backpack of approximately 39 lb. / 18 kg. We always recommend that you train with the guidance of a professional.
About Mount Vallecitos
In Cordón del Plata, the cradle of high altitude mountaineering in Mendoza, we find this emblematic mountain: Vallecitos.
Vallecitos, at first glance, reveals an important east wall, composed of rock and channels of ice and snow, which towers over the landscape; and might “deceive” about how accessible and comfortable its normal route is.
Its normal route rises much more gently along the south ridge that connects Vallecitos with El Plata (this is known as Plata-Vallecitos pass). And to the north, it converges with Mount Rincón along a ridge of decomposed rock from where “La Muela” peak can be seen.
Its 17,930 ft. / 5,469 masl. summit, of relatively easy accessibility, makes it the most frequented “five-thousander” in Cordón del Plata, and perhaps in Mendoza. Because its ascent is a great middle step between the 13,000 ft / 4000 masl. peaks, and other more ambitious objectives such as Mercedario or Aconcagua.
- 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 6 day expedition is designed to accompany our acclimatization time. This way we make the ascent of Mount Vallecitos an enjoyable experience, and ensure the best chances of reaching the summit.
All meals are guaranteed every day (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and hiking snacks).
Day 1. Toward “Las Veguitas”
We start very early. We will pick you up in Mendoza city, to move to the Vallecitos shelter area. The first trek will be to the high altitude camp “Las Veguitas”: we will do it twice, to transport our equipment in parts. We will spend the night there.
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. To “Piedra Grande”
First sunrise in the mountains. On day 2, after breakfast we will move to the second camp: “Piedra Grande”. It will be about a 2 hours hike.
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”
Heading to the third high altitude camp: We will hike to “Salto de Agua”. We will sleep there, at 14,108 ft. / 4,300 masl, after an intense 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. A well-deserved rest
We will rest in order to recover our energies. CAs we know, a good acclimatization depends on balancing effort and elevation gain with rest and permanence. On day 4 we will stay in Salto de Agua and take advantage of the opportunity to nourish and hydrate ourselves very well.
Max. altitude: 4,300 m. / 14,108 ft. Night in: Salto de Agua.
Day 5. Towards the goal
Let’s get ready for our goal: we will leave very early in the morning (3 a.m.), and begin a demanding journey. We advance towards the summit of Mount Vallecitos. On the way we will enjoy the panoramic views, the flora, the Andean fauna. And after 10 hours (approx.) of hiking and 1100 m of elevation gain, we will reach the summit.
Max. altitude: 5,465 m. / 17,930 ft. Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi.
Elevation gain: 1,165 m. / 3,822 ft. Night in: Salto de Agua.
*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 6. The return
Our expedition comes to an end. We will have breakfast, break camp and start descending to the Vallecitos shelters, where we will be taken back to Mendoza city. We will say goodbye until our next adventure.
Max. altitude: 4,300 m. / 14,108 ft. Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi.
Elevation loss: 1,300 m. / 4,265 ft. Night in: your lodging.
What does full board include?
Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and hiking snacks during the 6 days.
The menus will be defined according to the logistics of the activity, 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 equipment?
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 an additional “porter” 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. It is recommended to have done at least 3 ascents of 13,000 ft. / 4,000 masl. peaks or higher.
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.
