Very few places in the mountain range of the Andes capture so much to
the visitor as the volcanic region of the Argentinean Northwest, where
the gigantic salt fields, solid strained lava rivers attests that what
millions of years before had modeled the rude landscape of the plateau
and tinge with a thousand colors their soft and modeled hillsides.
The volcano Pissis, differs of the rest, for not being a modeled and round
pick, but a giant with its particular character. Located between the province
of Catamarca and La Rioja, it shows the I title of being the active highest
volcano in the world, their 6882m are a hard test physical as much as
mental that put in game all the expeditionary knowledge´s to deal
the daily routine.
The access difficulties, have made its climb were very little promoted
for years and years, although the exploratory trails are not an easy access,
they have facilitated the task of approach of those almost 100 km of paths
until the Base Camp. And by this way replace the lack of water that it
tormented those that came closer to their flanks
Our Expedition itinerary
Day 1: Reception
in Catamarca city, an amazing Colony capital, which offers a various alternattives
for tourist, specially the ones interested in the story before spanish
colonizattion. Transfer from the airport and -Hotel Accomodation-Equipment
check up and dinner with the guides and staff.
Day 2: Transfer from Catamarca to Fiambala,
last town before get in the desert where we will spend a night to aclimatize
and get the last fresh supplies we need. During the night, we may arrange
to stay at the hotsprings, and incredible 13 pools complex, where we spend
all the time after expeditions.
Day 3: Transfer
to Cortaderas check point of Gendarmeria Nacional Argentina where we have
to comply with the forms and procedures to get in the Pissis area. Overnight
in refuge.
Day 4: Transfer to Laguna Verde a non reliable
lagoon which is a natural water mirrow commonly used for migrating birds
on their way to Northern latitudes. We set our first campsite during
the trip.
Day 5: Acclimatization hiking to the Black
peak of the Green Lagoon.
Day 6: Early breakfast and transfer to the
Base Camp, also called Plaza Mar del Plata, a flat campsite where water
can be found as well as a good wall protections against the wind, before
get it we shull pass the tears path, the blue lagoon, and various landscape
which seems like a moontrail way.
Day 7: Acclimatization rest day and trekking
around the area for training and acclimatization purposes.
Day 8: Early breakfast and we carry up loads
up towards the high camp and come back to basecamp for nightrest.
Day 9: Rest day to aclimatize.
Day 10: Move up to camp 1, overnight in
tents.
Day 11: Move up to Camp 2.
Day 12: Summit day!!!! Early breakfast and
the way along the glacier and summit will be waiting for us. The most
important day of the trip. Come back to High camp for overnight.
Day 13: Contingency day in case of necessy.
Day 14: Descent to the Base
camp. A great dinner shull be waiting for us to recover the energy we
spend durig the last days on the mountain.
Day 15: Transfer to Fiambala, celebration
with the whole staff where we will delight some of the exquisite typical
meals from North west of Argentina, as locro, meanwhile we could enjoy
some great Syrah wines which catacterizes the region since more than 50
years..
Day 16: Transfer to Catamarca.
Two hotel nights accommodation in Mendoza, breakfast included
One refuge night accommodation in Penitentes all meals included.
Transfer Mendoza - Puente del Inca - Mendoza
Transfer from Penitentes - Aconcagua park entrance - Penitentes.
All the meals during the mountain itinerary.
Transfers from Airport to hotel.
Complete common Equipment (Sleeping tents, cooking gear ,stoves)
Mules transfer equipment until 20 kg. each person way up and back.
Personal equipment
Additional hotels, meals and transportation should the climb end early
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Alpine Ascents
Extra expenses to desert itinerary or in case of a rescue
Porters
Aconcagua Park permit fee
Transport charges equipment exceeding 20 kg.
Travel insurance.
Extra food and beverages
We expect form you to get this following gear list
Valley Approach
Long shirt
Long trekking trousers
Sun Hat and neck shade cover
Walking poles ( highly recommendable)
Trekking boots waterproof and breathable recommendable.
An extra pair of socks
Head gear
Balaclava
Fleece cap ( Biny)
Fleece neck
Hands
Fleece or windstopper gloves 1 pair min
Liner thin gloves
Mittens and Gore tex or similar one, over mitts.
Note: It´s definitely not allowed to bring gloves and overmits.
Torso
Capilene, thermax, or polypropylene liner top.
1 pair minimum
Two fleece jumpers( 1 polartec 200 or 300 and 1 windstopper).
Down jacket 500g down filled recommendable
Shell jacket
Legs
Capilene, thermax, or polypropylene liner bottom.
1 pair minimum
Fleece trousers
Shell trousers
Foot
Expedition Socks: 2 pairs min ( one Reserved
for summit day in a sealed bag)
Liner socks (Hydrofoil, or similar): Idem
Plastic double Boots or triple ones (highly recommendable supergaiters)
Gaiters (long ones) If not supergaiters
Hardware
Crampons ( semiautomatic recommendable)
Ice Axe (long regular one) with wrist strap
Head Torch (dual LED and regular one recommendable)
Sun glasses (a very good ones) They must to be category 4.
Sun glases ( good ones ) as an extra pair
Goggles.
Expedition Kitbag. (Duffel)
Stainless Steel Vacuum Bottle 3/4 or 1 Lt recommendable.
Two bottles of policarbonate 2lts cap in between
Backpack at least 90 + 10 Lts of volume.
A swiss knife or multi use tweezer
A lighter
Accessories
Personal hygiene kit
Personal First aid kit.
Sun Screen SPF 40 Or higher.
Alarm Waterproof watch.
Sleeping gear
Sleeping bag 1kg Down filled recommendable
Rubber Sleeping Mattress
Documentation
Passport and/or permit entrance.
Optional equipment(*)
Walkman
a book to read at basecamp
satelital phone
a towel to use at basecamp
Pen and notebook
Agenda
Film camera
Video camera
Gps
Match cards
A pair of strap sandals
And secret pocket for your values and goods