Mountaineering on Cerro El Nevado - Cerro Payén - San Rafael - Mendoza

The lone mountain

Along the stretch of road between General Alvear and San Rafael, a prominent range can be seen to the southeast, set apart from the Andes Mountains. This is Cerro El Nevado, or Payén, south of El Nihuil, over 3800 meters above sea level. It's reached by dirt road up to its base. It's the highest point in Mendoza outside the Andes Mountains.

The evening before: gear check, meeting with guides.

4 am: Departure from San Rafael or El Sosneado: Vehicle transfer to El Nihuil and from there to the base of the mountain on a farm, at 2400 masl. About 3 hrs of travel. Start of the climb. Southwest route which, in its final stretch, depending on conditions, may have snow. Summit, photos and descent back to camp. Transfer back to San Rafael. 9 pm. End of program.

Day 1: Meeting in San Rafael in the morning. Guide introduction, gear check. Vehicle transfer to El Nihuil and from there to the base of the mountain on a farm, at 2400 masl. Setting up camp. Rest. Early dinner.

Day 2: Start of the climb very early (3 am). Southwest route which, in its final stretch, depending on conditions, may have snow. Summit, photos and descent back to camp. Transfer back to San Rafael. End of program

• Transfer to and from San Rafael
• Campsite / mountain outpost
• Tents
• Meals
• Mountain guide
• Ongoing support

• Travel to San Rafael
• Personal equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

• Small-to-medium trekking backpack (30 to 45 liters)
• Trekking poles 

FOOTWEAR

• 1 pair of mountain trekking boots 
• 1 lightweight pair of shoes - as a spare and for resting

BASE LAYER (first skin)

• Spare underwear.
• Cotton t-shirt (for camp and sleeping)
• Short-sleeve synthetic shirt/t-shirt
• Long-sleeve synthetic shirt
• Polypropylene or similar pants/leggings (no cotton). Worn as a thermal underlayer
• Thin polypropylene gloves (no cotton)
• Thin polypropylene sock liners (no cotton), worn against the skin.
• Buff-type multifunctional neck gaiter

MID LAYER (warmth)

• Trekking socks (synthetic-thermal)
• 1 pair of long trekking pants (optionally add leggings underneath)
• 2 warm layers (fleece, softshell or similar)
• Down/duvet jacket
• Warm fleece hat

OUTER LAYER (windproof and waterproof)

• Waterproof jacket (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar)
• Rain/ski-type pant cover
• Waterproof/breathable outer-layer gloves or mittens. Ski-type works
• Mountain gaiters

PERSONAL ITEMS

• ID document
• Medical fitness clearance *** (your doctor must confirm you're fit to do this activity).
• Health insurance card.***

MISCELLANEOUS

• Headlamp with batteries (plus spare batteries).
• Sturdy plastic bags for storing clothing.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

• UV-protection sunglasses, category 4
• Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
• High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm
• Soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
• Other items
• Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.
• Shorts (for the hot springs)
• Sun hat 

Is this a demanding climb?

Yes, it is. Although we walk carrying almost no weight in our backpacks, the climb is significant and steady throughout the day, both going up and coming down.

How does travel and transport work?

If you book the service with transfer included, we'll pick you up in San Rafael. If it's the one-day expedition we head out very early (approx. 4 am); if it's the two-day version with camping it's approx. 10 am.