Introduction to Mountaineering - Trekking and Ascent of Cerro La Horqueta (4100 m) - Los Molles, Mendoza

The Watchtower of Los Molles

The Andes mountain range will always hold unexplored, solitary corners, moving no matter where you look. In this case, the idea is to head deep into the mountains, climbing up the great Valle de Los Molles, in the southwest of Mendoza province. We camp at the base of two beautiful mountains, to try our luck at reaching their prized summits, but not before living, step by step, immersed in the nature captivated by their slopes. Cerro La Horqueta is a great viewpoint over the valley and the areas surrounding Los Molles and the Las Leñas winter resort.

It's a school-level ascent for anyone wanting to get started in high-altitude mountaineering.

Exploration trekking and mountaineering. Medium level.

Day 1: Meeting in El Sosneado (by bus via San Rafael, or by car). Transfer to Los Molles. Lunch and gear preparation. Explanation of the itinerary and how to pack backpacks + correct fit and adjustment. We set off hiking up the valley, heading northwest. The meadows and high valleys of Los Molles hold great scenery. After a significant climb, we finally reach our campsite, in the Olladas meadow. Set up tents, afternoon snack, rest. Hydration, dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Breakfast. During the morning we'll move up to a higher campsite, closer to our objective. Lunch. In the afternoon we can rest and enjoy the mountains without any exertion. Early dinner and off to sleep.

Day 3: We have an early breakfast and get ready for the toughest, most important day, the ascent of Cerro La Horqueta, over 4100 m above sea level, an icon of the area. We set off at 4 am. During the climb we'll get to enjoy the wonder of the main mountain range; views of unexplored places, the Las Leñas ski resort, the Río Salado valley, the peaks Leñas, Torrecillas, Paraguay, Risco Plateado.... The summit is the crowning moment of a big effort, and a great satisfaction. After photos, we descend to camp. After the long day, well-deserved rest. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Breaking camp bright and early, then a trekking descent to Los Molles. Shower. Transfer to El Sosneado to continue on to San Rafael. End of our services. 

Level: Medium

Program available for closed groups and dates of your choice. Ask us

• Transfer to and from El Sosneado.
• Professional mountain guides and instructors
• Full board in the mountains
• General communication and first-aid equipment
• Ongoing assistance and coordination
   

Round-trip travel to San Rafael-El Sosneado from Buenos Aires by sleeper bus. 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT  
Special trekking backpack (60 to 80 liters) 
Warm sleeping bag ( –10 degrees comfort rating) (e.g. 700g of down or good synthetic fill). Insulating sleeping mat (10 to 15mm). 
 A pair of trekking poles 
 Waterproof plastic bags to store all clothing inside the backpack. 

CLOTHING  

Socks 
 Underwear 
 1 pair of trekking boots (in good condition) 
 1 second light spare pair of footwear for wading and getting wet. Shoes 
Long trekking pants (NOT jeans) 

 1 pair of long underwear or leggings. 
2 short-sleeve synthetic dry-fit type shirts 
 1 long-sleeve shirt 
2 warm layers (fleece jacket, or wool sweater) 
 1 waterproof outfit (jacket) 
 1 sun hat/cap (with brim) and another warm hat 
 1 bandana to protect your neck from the sun. Warm gloves and a scarf or fleece neck gaiter. Warm hat 

PERSONAL ITEMS  
Passport, ID card, DNI. Health/medical insurance. 
 Completed medical and personal form, authorization.  

MISCELLANEOUS  
 Headlamp with batteries. Sunglasses. 
 Sunscreen (no lower than factor 45). Lip balm 
 Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.  

KITCHEN  
Water containers for at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle). Cutlery  
Plate or tupperware. (no glass or aluminum) 
Plastic or enamel-coated metal mug (no glass or aluminum). Dish towel  

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (depending on space and weight)  
Down 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 
Pocket knife 
 Whistle and lighter 

Is this an ascent for beginners?

This is a demanding trek; it's best to have at least some prior experience trekking with a loaded backpack

How much weight do I need to carry in my backpack?

It should be an expedition backpack of no less than 65 liters; and each person will carry approximately between 12 and 18 kilos

What's the campsite like?

An open, unserviced wilderness camping area, with no bathrooms or services, right in the mountains