Ascent of Cerro Champaqui - trekking from Traslasierra to La Cumbrecita - Cordoba

A route that's infectious with adventure

The Sierras Grandes of Cordoba, or Sierras de los Comechingones, have always been a huge draw for hiking lovers. It's the highest summit in Cordoba province. 80% of ascents of the Champaqui are done via its eastern slope, from the Calamuchita Valley, generally starting from Villa Alpina. However, the routes that let you reach the upper ridge of the hills from the west, that is from Traslasierra, have a much more adventurous, special character, and the difficulty increases due to the large elevation gain to overcome (around 1500 m from the base).

In this case, the plan is to complete a beautiful traverse, linking the two valleys and, in the middle, reaching the province's highest summit, connecting the mountain village of Los Hornillos, very close to the La Vina Dam, with La Cumbrecita, the village that always brings to mind the Europe of the Swiss and Austrian Alps, very close to Villa General Belgrano, the end of the adventure.

Map:

In Red: The first day

In White: Second day

In Green: Third day

Purple and yellow: other routes from the west 

Day 1: Meeting point in Los Hornillos, exact spot to be agreed. Gear check and departure for the first leg of the route. A significant climb into the hills that slowly reveals great views of the vast Traslasierra Valley, including the towns of Nono, Villa Las Rosas, Los Hornillos, Los Molles and the La Vina Dam. Once we reach the highest point of the route, we enter a flat area, even with some descent, until we reach the outpost and mountain refuge.

Starting elevation: 1000 masl

Maximum elevation: 2500 masl

Refuge elevation: 2300 masl

Net trekking hours: 10

Day 2: We'll dedicate this day to a loop route, including ascents of Cerro de la Totora, the Champaqui, and other peaks on the range's summit circuit. We'll see the Champaqui's summit lagoon and enjoy the whole high-sierra area; possible condor sightings. Return to the refuge via the base and an area with numerous classic refuges. Rest and a farewell dinner in the mountains, at the refuge. 

Starting and ending elevation: 2300 masl

Maximum elevation (Champaqui summit): 2780 masl

Trekking hours: 5

Day 3: We'll cross a long stretch of the large flat area known as PAMPA DE ACHALA, with high-altitude vegetation and striking geological formations with rocks combining mica, feldspar and quartz (granite). We'll then begin a descent through a valley toward the La Cumbrecita area. Along the way we'll visit some waterfalls and get other great views of the region. Pine forests, more fertile valleys and numerous streams fill the landscape. We finally reach the beautiful village of La Cumbrecita. Transfer to Villa General Belgrano. End of the route and of our services.

Starting elevation: 2300 masl

Maximum elevation: 2500 masl

Final elevation (La Cumbrecita): 1350 masl

Net trekking hours: 10

• Professionals:
  • Certified Mountain Guides
• Camping - Lodging:
  • 2 nights at a mountain refuge.
• Mountain Cuisine:
  • 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Afternoon Snacks, 2 Dinners + trail snacks.
• Safety:
  • General first-aid kit.
  • Guide with international WFR certification.
  • Handheld radio
• Load carrying: with pack animals
• Adventurer assistance:
  • Detailed guidance before the activity
  • Informational meetings.
  • Validation of the required equipment to make sure you're prepared
  • 24/7 support on departure day

• Travel to Los Hornillos and return from Villa General Belgrano.
   

Two nights at the mountain refuge; you need to bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad.

During the activity we eat easily digestible, energizing food such as fruit, energy bars, nougat, nuts, etc. At midday, cold food to keep going, such as sandwiches, savory pies, empanadas, salads, etc. At night, a hearty hot dish such as pasta with sauce or lentil stew, finished off with grilled meats and vegetables cooked over the fire.

• Special trekking backpack (60 to 80 liters)
• Warm sleeping bag 
• Insulating sleeping pad (10 to 15mm).
• A pair of trekking poles
• Physically Fit *** (Your doctor must confirm that you are fit to do this activity).

• Socks (two thick pairs and one thin pair).
• 1 pair of trekking shoes/boots (in good condition)
• Long trekking pants (NOT JEANS)
• Changes of underwear.
• T-shirts and/or shirts (one long-sleeve)
• Warm layers (fleece top, or wool sweater)
• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 sun hat (with a brim) and another warm hat
• 1 neck scarf for sun protection
• Warm gloves 
• Warm hat

• Passport or ID card.
• Medical insurance, health plan.
• Travel assistance insurance (Suggested / Required if you don't have a health plan.***)
• Completed personal/medical form and authorization.
• Headlamp with batteries.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen, lip balm
• Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.

COOKING

• Water containers for at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle)
• Dishes (plate, cup and cutlery)
   

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (mind the space and weight)

• Warm jacket.
• SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
• Mate, bombilla (straw) and yerba.
• Steel thermos.
• Binoculars, monocular. Camera or video equipment.
• Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.
• Games; cards, dice, etc
• Pocketknife (e.g. Victorinox).
• Whistle and lighter.
• Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

No. It's important to have some experience hiking with an expedition backpack (a large trekking pack, over 60 liters). 

The first day is the most demanding, since we climb for 10 hours to the campsite next to a refuge. 

The meeting point is in Los Hornillos, exact spot to be set in advance with the guide. And it ends in La Cumbrecita. It's possible to travel by bus both ways. Or fly to Cordoba and take a bus from there. 

There's a section where you can see what you need to bring. A 60 to 80-liter trekking/expedition backpack, trekking shoes, a sleeping bag and a third-layer parka jacket are the main items.