Mount Penitentes Ascent (4350 masl) - Mendoza

Mount Penitentes rises from the Quebrada de Vargas, a little above the homonymous ski-winter center and a few kilometers from Puente del Inca. In front of it, the Mount Aconcagua of 6962 meters above sea level rises.

This trek offers you to approach the Cordillera of the Andes, make an amazing approach trek to the base camp at 3300 meters above sea level, and then attempt the summit, at 4350 meters above sea level.

The program is 4 days long, so you will be able to enjoy the trek without rushing and being able to acclimatize correctly. An invitation for those who want to start in the high mountains and trekking through the Main Cordillera of the Andes.

• February 18th ??
• March 24th
• April 6 (Holy Week)
• May 25th
• October 13 (extra long weekend) (Click)
• November 10th
• December 8: with trekking around Cerro Penitentes [click]

Day 1: Meeting in the city of Mendoza. Transfer by charter vehicle or bus to Penitentes (2650 m.a.s.l.), about 80 km from the city. Check of backpacks. Start of the walk and approach to the base camp. We enter through the Quebrada de Vargas. It is a walk with intermediate stops. Rest and setting up the camp. Acclimatization. Dinner and overnight.

• Initial Height: 2650 masl
• Camp height: 3300 masl
• Activity hours: 6

Note: On some occasions we usually camp next to the Cuevas River, as soon as we cross the suspension bridge, at 2700 meters above sea level. In this way the first day there is almost no wear and tear and the second day we walk with less weight. In this case the second day is taken as the first.

Day 2: We will take advantage of this day to rest, enjoy the place and the landscapes at the same time that we can acclimatize a little more to the altitude. Short hike suggested. Hydration, dinner and early overnight.

• Initial Height: 3300 masl
• Camp height: 3300 masl
• Activity hours: 3 suggested and optional, without weight

Day 3: Breakfast very early. The idea of the day will be the attempt of summit on Mount Penitentes, 4350 meters above sea level. The ascent is long and gradual. We will begin to have great views of the southern wall of Mount Aconcagua, if the weather allows us. If the conditions permit, we will reach the summit around noon. Photos and rest on the summit. Descent and return to camp. Long day, between 9 and 10 hours of walking. Farewell dinner in the mountains and overnight.

• Initial Height: 3300 masl
• Summit height: 4350 masl / Camp height: 3300 masl
• Hours of activity: 10hs approx.

Day 4: Breakfast. We quietly break camp and begin the descent through the Quebrada de Vargas to the route (about 4 hours). From there we will return by vehicle or bus to the city of Mendoza. 5:00 p.m. approx. End of trip and our services.

• Initial Height: 3300 masl
• Final height (Penitentes): 2650 masl

The ascent to the summit will depend exclusively on the good weather and the good condition of the group members. The decisions to ascend or not will be made exclusively by the guides and no different opinions will be received in this regard. There is the possibility that one group will attempt the summit and another a simple ascent of the mountain without the obligation of wanting to reach the highest point.

• Pre-trip advice through photos, maps, meetings.
• Professional mountain guides
• Transfers: Mendoza - Penitentes - Mendoza
• Security elements: communication VHF; general camp gear.
• Meals: full board in the mountain.
• Tents
• Permanent Assistance

• Bus/plane ticket to Mendoza

In tents that our company provides. You have to bring a sleeping bag and insulation (you can rent with us).

In all our expeditions we offer the service of meals IN FULL BOARD PLAN.

• March lunches (cold meals): Milanese and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, appetizers, salads, tapas, etc.
• Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-red chorizo stews, Chicken and vegetable casseroles, Pasta with various sauces or stew, Roast meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Chicken with rice in a saucepan....
• Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit

It is necessary to complete the personal/medical record to clarify if someone does not eat any type of food.

• Special backpack for trekking (65 to 85 litres)
• Warm sleeping bag (minimum –10 degrees comfort) (eg 700gms or 1 Kg of feather or good synthetic)
• Insulating mat (10 to 15mm)
• Trekking sticks.
• Water-resistant plastic bags to store all the clothes inside the backpack.

• Stockings
• Underwear
• 1 pair of trekking boots (in conditions).
• Long trekking pants (NO JEAN).
• 1 long inner pants or leggings.
• 2 dry fit synthetic short-sleeved shirts.
• 1 long-sleeved shirt.
• 2 coats (fleece jumper, or wool pullover).
• 1 sun hat (with flaps).
• 1 scarf to cover the neck from the sun.
• Fleece collar
• Warm hat

• Thin first layer gloves.
• Warm fleece gloves.
• Third layer gloves (waterproof). They can be mittens or ski type.

• Waterproof-windproof jacket (ultrex or gore tex or similar).
• Feather coat jacket.
• Trouser cover (ultrex or gore tex or similar) – According to conditions. Consult.
• Leggings – According to conditions

• Passport/ID
• Medical insurance, social work.
• Physically Fit Form (where your doctor indicates that you are fit to perform this activity)

• Headlamp with batteries.
• Sunglasses (mandatory)
• Sunscreen (not less than factor 45). Lip balm.
• Toilet paper. Handkerchiefs Baby wipes.

• Containers for water for at least 2 liters (it can be a plastic bottle).
• Cutlery.
• Plate or taper (not glass or aluminum).
• Plastic or metal jar and pottery (not glass or aluminum).
• dish towel

• SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
• Mate, bombilla and yerba.
• Steel thermos.
• Telescope, monocle. Photographic or video equipment.
• Book, notebook, travel diary, pencil, pen.

It is not a trekking  for beginners. Ideal to have done some other backpacking and trekking adventure. Although it is a very good example to start doing high-altitude mountaineering.

In the itinerary we have placed the approximate durations and heights of each day.

The meeting point is at the bus station in Mendoza. You can travel by plane, bus or car.

In tents provided by our company. You have to bring a sleeping bag and insulation (we can rent you).

There is a section where you can see the list of equipment that you should bring. Trekking-expedition backpack of between 60 and 80 liters, waterproof trekking boots, sleeping bag and third-layer parka jacket are the main items.

During the activity we eat fast-digesting and energetic food such as fruit, bars, nougat, nuts, etc. At noon cold food to continue such as sandwiches, cakes, empanadas, salads, etc. At night, a strong and hot dish such as pasta, lentil sauce or stew, chicken with rice and others.