Dec 7 → Dec 13
per person USD 980
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Experience the Cerro Vallecitos expedition in Mendoza. A 7-day ascent with guided acclimatization, group gear transport, and maximum safety in the Cordón del Plata.
UPCOMING DEPARTURES
THE EXPERIENCE
If Cerro Plata is the “university,” Vallecitos is the perfect preparatory school. At nearly 5,500 meters, it’s the ideal mountain to test your body and mind at altitude without the extreme demands of a six-thousander.
Over 7 days, you’ll experience the real rhythm of a high-altitude expedition. We’ll set up camp, carry gear to higher elevations, and share the raw silence of the Andes as the sun sets behind the glaciers.
Every detail of the logistics is carefully designed to ensure safe acclimatization, allowing you to fully experience the Cordón del Plata in a landscape that feels truly otherworldly.
This is a very demanding expedition, designed for people with excellent aerobic fitness and prior experience in multi-day trekking. Throughout the expedition, we will cover approximately 30 kilometers in high-altitude terrain. To help you understand the level of effort, here are the real conditions of the Cerro Vallecitos ascent: - Sustained physical demand: the entire approach and acclimatization phase is done carrying your own backpack, with around 14 kg of personal equipment - Load carries: during the first days, we perform strategic carries, transporting gear to higher camps (such as El Salto at 4,200 m) to help the body adapt to reduced oxygen levels - Extreme altitude: we will spend nights above 4,600 m, where cold temperatures and low atmospheric pressure require strong mental resilience - Summit day: the ultimate challenge — long hours of continuous effort ascending from base camp to reach the 5,468 m summit It’s essential to understand the physical intensity of this journey. This is not a conventional hike — high-altitude mountaineering demands both determination and a body prepared for sustained effort. To ensure safety and proper protection, our logistics are structured in two stages: - Night 1: mountain refuge at the base of the Cordón del Plata (2,900 m), offering very basic services but essential shelter and warmth to begin the expedition - Nights 2 to 6: shared high-altitude tents, designed to withstand strong winds and sub-zero temperatures Far from traditional tourism, this experience allows you to live mountaineering in its purest form and prepare for even greater objectives — because there are silences that can only be heard above 5,000 meters.
We meet in Mendoza to carry out a detailed gear check. Then, we transfer to the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park and ascend to our refuge at 2,900 m, beginning the acclimatization process.
We leave the comfort of the refuge and begin our ascent toward Veguitas Superior (3,400 m). We set up our first high-altitude camp and spend the night in tents under a vast mountain sky.
A true team effort. We carry supplies and technical gear up to El Salto Base Camp (4,200 m) to help the body adapt to altitude, and then descend back to Veguitas for the night.
We pack up camp at Veguitas and move up to El Salto (4,200 m), where we establish our final base camp facing the glaciers.
A dedicated day to hydrate, recover, fuel the body, and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead.
The longest and most demanding day. We start very early with headlamps on, ascending steadily to reach the 5,468 m summit of Cerro Vallecitos. We celebrate at the top and return to base camp.
We pack up camp for the final time and descend all the way back to the vehicles. From there, we return to Mendoza, sharing the experience and closing an expedition that marks a before and after in your mountaineering journey.
Germán and Dani were the perfect guides! We did the ascent of Vallecitos (5,500 m / 18,045 ft), and it was my first time. They are attentive, provide excellent advice, and besides being true professionals, they are very friendly. Thanks to them, I had an unforgettable experience!
Of course! You can join any of our scheduled dates. We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal experience, with a strong focus on safety and group connection.
Our groups are usually made up of solo travelers, friends, and couples. If you’re looking for something more private or can’t find a date that works for you, get in touch and we can design a custom experience so your group can explore the mountains at your own pace.
Yes — food won’t be something you need to worry about. Preparing inclusive meals is an important part of what we do. We offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, even in the middle of the mountains.
We just ask that you let us know in advance when booking, so we can plan everything carefully and make sure your meals are properly organized.
It’s simple. First, send us a message on WhatsApp at +54 9 3512 11-3842 to check availability for your preferred date. Then, you secure your spot with a deposit.
From there, we take care of all the logistics. You just fill out your medical form, pack your backpack, and get ready for the experience.
We recommend this experience for people between 16 and 65 years old.
Participants under 18 can join only if accompanied by a responsible adult, who will be fully responsible for them during the trip.
Cerro Vallecitos is one of the most well-known mountains in Argentina and is often used as preparation for Aconcagua.
With good overall health, prior experience on mountains around 4,000 meters, regular training, and a strong mindset, the ascent is achievable.
Meeting point: YPF ACA station in Mendoza at 9:00 AM. For GPS directions: https://goo.gl/maps/ipREjqMYYvAetA9R6
Return time: arrival in Mendoza is estimated around 9:00 PM. In case of delays on the trail, we will do our best to manage logistics so those with onward connections can stay on schedule.
However, in the event of exceptional circumstances such as river flooding, major storms, or road closures, MONS – Actividades de Montaña is not responsible for any affected services.
Most of our participants choose to stay in Mendoza City the night before the meeting point.
For accommodation options, you can check:
https://mendoza.tur.ar/listings/gran-mendoza/alojamientos/
No, the experience is not cancelled due to rain in the forecast. We monitor weather conditions professionally and understand that mountain forecasts can change, with the most accurate updates coming 24 to 48 hours in advance.
If conditions require additional technical gear, we’ll let you know so you can rent it in Mendoza before the expedition. Our team is trained to manage your safety at all times.
Yes. You’ll be undertaking a physically demanding activity above 4,000 meters, so staying well hydrated is essential throughout the expedition.
We recommend drinking around 3.5 liters per day. The better hydrated you are, the better your body will cope with both the cold and the altitude.
During the expedition, we’ll hike along trails that cross mountain streams. Your guides will indicate where and how to refill your bottles safely.
We recommend carrying containers with a total capacity of at least 2 liters.
Once we begin the trek, there will be no phone signal. We recommend switching your phone to airplane mode to preserve battery life.
It’s also important to protect your batteries: at night, keep your phone and any battery-powered devices inside your sleeping bag, as cold temperatures drain them quickly.
Our focus isn’t on performance, but on creating a real mountain experience — a chance to disconnect from the city while still enjoying a high level of service in a remote setting.
- Small groups: We keep things relaxed, so you can enjoy the trail, take a breath, and connect with the group.
- Inclusive meals: We take care of all the food. Full board is included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, even in the mountains.
- Mountain hut stay: We sleep in mountain huts. Facilities are simple compared to the city, but it’s the perfect place to rest and share the day.
- Everything taken care of: You just pack your backpack — we handle the logistics and safety.
BEFORE YOU GO
We reply within 24 hours
Our team reviews your message and gets back on WhatsApp with everything you need.
We send you the full details
Itinerary, gear list, booking conditions, and everything you need to get ready.
You confirm with a deposit
You secure your spot with the first payment. Your price is locked in from that moment.
DIRECT CONTACT
Send the form and we'll reply within 24 hours with everything you need to decide.
Spots per departure are limited.
Your place in the mountains is waiting.
We're with you from day one