Ascent to Mount Penitentes

Demanding (4)

Difficulty

4 days | 3 nights

Duration

Mendoza

Location

4 to 12 people

Group size

ASCENT TO PENITENTES HILL (+4300 masl)
GET STARTED IN HIGH ALTITUDE MOUNTAINEERING

Would you like to climb the natural viewpoint of Mount Aconcagua?

Cerro Penitentes is an ideal ascent to get started in high altitude mountaineering and to get to know one of the most beautiful areas of the Argentinean mountain range.

Cerro Penitentes is located 182 kilometers from the city of Mendoza, near the Puente del Inca, the Aconcagua Provincial Park and a few kilometers from the border with Chile.

It has an altitude of 4,350 meters above sea level and an unmistakable appearance, with walls and towers created by wind erosion, resembling a cathedral.

In this trip, we will make a journey of 4 days and 3 nights. The first night we will rest in a mountain refuge at 2500 masl, to acclimatize to the altitude and the remaining 2 nights we will sleep in a base camp, surrounded by mountains.

Upon reaching the summit, a great reward will be waiting for us: the imposing view of the colossus of America, Mount Aconcagua, along with other giants of the Central Andes: Mount Juncal, the Tupungato volcano, the Cordón del Plata, the Santa María ravine and the Blanca ravine.

All this, accompanied by homemade food, nutritious, healthy and adapted to the needs of each participant, accompanied by a team of professional guides who will provide the necessary assistance and safety at all times.

PROPOSAL DETAILS

MEETING PLACE

Los Penitentes, Mendoza

SCHEDULES

Starts at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 11:00 a.m.

INCLUDES

All meals	Dining dome with Internet in camps (1hs per day)
First night in mountain refuge	Satellite equipment (in case of emergency)
Advice and pre-trip meeting	Certified guides in Mendoza, certified in PPAA.
Sharedhigh mountain tents	Personal accident insurance

NOT INCLUDED

Travel to the meeting point	Sleeping bag or personal equipment required (Check rental rates)

This trip is rated Exigente (4) (see Huka Difficulty Table).

JOIN THE ASCENT OF THE PENITENTES MOUNTAIN TODAY!

Do you want an exclusive adventure for you and/or your own group? Book a closed trip on the date that suits you best (tailor-made budget).

You can make your reservation 100% Online. Write us for a personalized attention!

Your itinerary for the adventure

Although we make every effort to adhere to the itinerary described below, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

DÍA 1

RECEPTION IN PENITENTES

We will meet at 20:00hs in the area of Penitentes, where we will spend the night in a mountain refuge at 2500 meters above sea level, to acclimatize to the altitude.

DÍA 2

APPROACH TREKKING

We will begin our trip through the Quebrada de Vargas crossing the Mendoza River over a suspension bridge. After a steep ascent, we will advance through the valley that surrounds the hill, cross the stream and follow it until we reach the camping area, at 3200 meters above sea level. There, surrounded by mountains, we will set up our base camp for the next two nights.

Trekking time: 5-6 hs approx
Kilometers: 7 km
Starting altitude: 2,620 masl
Ending altitude: 3,230 masl

DÍA 3

SUMMIT ATTEMPT

The next day, we will get up early to have breakfast and start the ascent to Penitentes Hill with the essentials in our backpacks. As we gain altitude, spectacular views of Aconcagua and other giants such as Tupungato and Juncal will be revealed.

The trail winds along the ridge up to 4000 meters, where the final stretch to the summit begins. Once there, we will rest to celebrate and admire the imposing south face of Aconcagua. If conditions permit, we will enjoy some time on the summit before returning to camp.

Trekking time: 10-12 hs approx
Kilometers: 9 km
Starting altitude: 3,230 masl
End altitude: 4,350 masl

DÍA 4

DESCENT AND CLOSING

On the last day, after breakfast and the dismantling of the camp, we will return to the refuge, where we will close and have a shower (optional not included in the price).

Trekking time: 3-4 hs approx
Kilometers: 7 km
Starting altitude: 3,230 masl
Ending altitude: 2,620 masl

List of required equipment

The key to your comfort during active travel is to wear layers (see Layering Clothing Basics). For maximum comfort at minimum weight, you need versatile layers that combine insulation, ventilation and weather protection.

Therefore, we created this checklist to help you choose your gear (see What gear should I bring to the mountain?) and bring only what is necessary. Weather and other conditions on the ground will dictate what clothing and equipment you should wear each day.

TREKKING AND CAMPING

Trekking
- Large backpack (+60 liters)
- Trekking poles.
- Snow/ice technical equipment (if the condition requires it)
- Large plastic bag (to store all equipment inside the backpack)
- Water bottles (at least 3 lts total capacity)
Camp
- Sleeping bag -10°c comfort (see All you need to know about Sleeping Bags)
- Insulation
- Headlamp (with spare batteries)
- Cutlery
- Medium Tupper
- Personal mug for infusions/drinks

CLOTHING

Head
- Warm hat
- Multifunction thermal collar (buff type)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses (ideally category 3)
Upper body
- Synthetic long sleeve t-shirt
- Synthetic short sleeve t-shirt
- Coat (ideally fleece)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket
Hands
- Warm gloves
- Waterproof gloves
Undercarriage
- Inner long term or shim
- Long trekking pants
- Underwear (maximum 3 changes)
Feet
- Trekking boots or shoes
- Pair of warm socks (for the evening)
- Pair of trekking socks (maximum 3 pairs)
- Sport shoes for stream fording