Its impossing and geometric peak has two different ways to ascend it, the one, wich is the one we choose, which doesn´t present any difficulties, and the East face(photography), an stunning face climbed for a first time aroung ´60´s and only repeated as 20 times.
The normal route although hasn´t any dificulties, is a great option to experience a complete expedition and its conditions. The ridge, has a good trail, which almost reach the summit.
The ascend does not require any kind of technical climbing.
Day1: Members
should arrive to the airport, where an AEA Expeditions representative
shull be waiting for your convenience, to be shure you´ll get the
right hotel at the right time. During late afternoon we use to enjoy a
welcome brew with the whole group. After completing the equipment checks,
we enjoy a group "welcome" dinner in Mendoza and good night's sleep after
a long day of traveling.
Day2: Transfer to Vallecitos refuges zone, right
in the center of the heart of the frontal range, surrounded by the dozens
of peaks used for all the locals as a high mountain climbing school, an
considered for people from all the world as a clasic aclimatization site
before attempt Aconcagua, Tupungato, Mercedario. Accommodation in mountain
refuge, where the warm athmosphere of the firewood and Mates, tipical
brew from Argentina and the whole silver river countries, makes feel the
magic of the great andean mountains and its people.
Day3: We begin the walk, to Piedra Grande, crossing
"las veguitas" campsite, a great meadow, full of streams, where we use
to have lunch and siesta, before get our campsite for overnight. Piedra
Grande is a giant rock formation at the bottom of the last slope before
get in the glaciar cirque itself(3500m). 3Hs.
Day4: Hiking to El Salto Camp a panoramic terrace
from where it´s posible to take some great snapshots of the Lujan
region as wel as the great over clouds mattress impresions(4200m). 5Hs
Day5: Resting day and short walk around the area,
and supercouloir bottom for acclimatization purposes.
Day6: Summit day!! Early Breakfast and been guided
by the light of our torch, we´ll have to ascent along the
morraines untill the cirque get close and after pass the Vallecitos Col,
we´ll have the summit at sight. From there, one of the less explored
regions will be showing their secrets. The Jail Range.(10Hs)
Day 7: Descent to Vallecitos- Transfer to Mendoza.
One night mountain refuge accommodation, all foods included.
Private transfer Mendoza- Vallecitos- Mendoza.
All mountain itinerary foods.
Certified mountain guides.
Common use equipment Tents, pans, stoves)
Does not Includes
Extra expenses to desert itinerary.
Personal equipment.
Extra foods..
Porters or mules transfer equipment.
Extra expenses.
Plan well in advance - you are
going to attempt a mayor peak, so, allow you time to think about it. One
of the most important aspects of the climbing begins before the trip,
and it´s self confidence.
Check out and read carefully everyone of the items we will require you
, they are not there cause we just wanna bother you in finding them, they
are essential!!!! You can hire some gear from us at a reasonably cost,
or in a specialized shop, let us to help you in this duty, and ask about
what you doubt, we will be looking after you for a long time, and it comprehends
the period of pre departure.
You are in holidays!!!! Sometimes we have to take dramatic decisions during
a expeditions in terms of orienting attention of people who are not focused
properly, due to working issues. Remember, let your mind and soul flight
and avoid to be plugged, only like this you will feel the experience as
a whole and enjoy what you are doing.
Build up your fitness routine throughout your trip preparations. Self
prepare your mind for the challenging times you will experience. As a
general rule, the people who are specting more demanding challenges than
they really are, do not reduce they stamina as soon as the hard times
arose.
Pack your luggage with ample time before departure and in one final process
so nothing is overlooked, nor extraneous items brought along.
Maintain your humor sense during all the expeditions, it will help everyone
as we all work better in a good environment. AEA Expeditions will be keeping
you and solving all the logistics items for you, so, relax and enjoy your
expedition.
Hot to get Mendoza City?
By plane
Two airlines does actually operate the
route to Mendoza Internattional Airport, from cities like Buenos Aires,
Cordoba, San Juan, and Santiago (CHILE). There is a minimum of two flights
per day, up to five, so, check out the day you are planning to get the
city, and re confirm your tickets by telephone 72 hs Beforehand It´s
free and saves you of getting a headache, specially during holidays time,
and celebrations like Christmas.
You can get special prices if you get your tickets 15 days in advance,
so, consider it as a good chance to save money that you may spend in getting
some of the hundred delicious varieties of wines to gift your family or
friends!!!
From Buenos Aires
http://www.aerolineas.com.ar
http://www.Lan.com
From Santiago de Chile
http://www.Lan.com
By bus or highway
The highways between Buenos Aires and
Mendoza are in very good conditions, and signaled, anyway, depending on
the route you are planning, check out the conditions. The roads in Argentine
are not as bad as other South American countries, although they are far
away of some western standards, specially in terms of assistance.
From Buenos Aires, there are
about 1200km, which could be covered within one day. Anyway we do not
suggest such a long journeys like this cause it involves a risk we do
not accept at all. Take 2 or three days, and enjoy the great places on
the way, having a good perception of what pampa means, and the incredible
little mountains of Cordoba or San Luis...
From Santiago de Chile, you drive straightaway into Mendoza, crossing
the stunning Andes through the Cristo Redentor Check In point, next to
the Aconcagua sightseeing point. It takes, in bus around 8 Hours. (200km,
and customs.
We
expect form you to get this following gear list
During the Walk In ( Approach)
Long shirt
Long trekking trousers
Sun Hat and neck shade cover
Walking poles
Trekking boots
Head gear
Balaclava
Fleece cap ( Biny)
Hands
Fleece or windstopper gloves
Mitons or gloves with Gore tex or similar shell.
Torso
Capilene or thermal, top
Two fleece jumpers
Light Down jacket
Shell jacket
Legs
Capilene, thermal, or liner
Shell trousers
Foot
Expedition Socks: 2 pairs
Plastic double Boots depending on season
Gaiters
Hardware
Head Torch
Sun glases (a very good ones)
Sun glases good one as extra pair
St. Steel Vacuum Bottle 3/4 or 1 Lt
Water bottles 2lts cap in between
Backpack at least 70 + 10 Lts
A swiss knife or multi use tweezes
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
Rubber Sleeping Mattress
Documentation
Passport and/or permit entrance.
Optional equipment(*)
Film camera
Video camera
And secret pocket for your values