Peteroa Volcano - trekking and climb - Azufre Volcano - Mendoza

A program in the Andes Mountains of southern Mendoza, on the border with Chile. The Peteroa (3900), Azufre (4050) and Planchón (3950) volcanoes, right at the pass of the same name, form a rugged and isolated environment that invites a different kind of adventure. With old glaciers and patches of perennial snow, the terrain of these mountains captivates with wind-carved formations such as penitentes and raised snow tracks. A campsite next to the border police post and sulfur hot springs alongside a watercourse that is one of the sources of the Río Grande (which, together with the Rio Barrancas, gives rise to the famous Río Colorado, running through central Argentina). 

Day 1: Meeting at midday in Malargue. Equipment check, introduction to the guides. Transfer to Las Loicas and then, along the road heading to the Vergara-Planchón pass, to the sulfur hot springs and the National Border Police post. About a 4-hour trip. Setting up camp. Rest. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Trekking day toward Planchón Pass, on the border with Chile. Climb to viewpoints and secondary summits. Visit to the hot springs. Acclimatization and rest. Return to camp. 

Day 3: Climb of Peteroa Volcano and Azufre (weather permitting). We set out very early and climb a ridge to the upper section. Crampons used. The summit and the upper ridge lie right on the border between Argentina and Chile. Great views of the whole mountain range (south to Volcán Domuyo and north, including the valley and mountains where the Uruguayan plane crashed in October 1972). Return to camp in the afternoon.

Day 4: Breaking camp. Transfer back to Malargue. Option (to be confirmed) of finishing the program with rafting on the Río Grande, in the Las Loicas area. Arrival in Malargue after midday. End of program

This program visits a little-known region. We move out and back from camp, so there's no need to carry much weight in your backpack. That said, a good fitness level is still important.

• Pre-trip advice. 
• Professional mountain guides and permanent coordinator.
• Local transfers to and from Malargue.
• Full board on the mountain. 
• All guided trekking and climbs.
• Safety, communication and general camp equipment.
• Tents.
• General camp and kitchen equipment.

• Lunch on the first day.
• Travel to Malargue.

•  Medium trekking backpack (35 to 50 liters)
•  Warm sleeping bag (minimum -10°C comfort) (e.g. 700g to 1kg of good down or synthetic fill)
•  Sleeping pad (10 to 15mm)
•  Trekking poles.
•  Waterproof plastic bags to keep all clothing inside the backpack dry.

•  Socks.
•  Underwear.
•  1 pair of trekking boots (in good condition).
•  Long trekking pants (NOT jeans).
•  1 pair of long underlayer pants or leggings.
•  2 short-sleeve synthetic dry-fit-type shirts.
•  1 long-sleeve shirt.
•  2 warm layers (fleece jacket or wool sweater).
•  1 sun hat (with brim).
•  1 scarf/bandana to cover the neck from the sun.
•  Fleece neck gaiter.
•  Warm hat.

•  Thin base-layer gloves.
•  Warm fleece gloves.
•  Outer-layer gloves (waterproof). Ski-type.

• Waterproof/windproof jacket (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar).
• Down jacket.
• Rain/wind pant cover (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar) – depending on conditions. Ask us.

• ID document.
• Travel assistance insurance. (suggested)
• Health insurance card.***
• Travel assistance insurance (suggested / required if you don't have health insurance.***)

•  Headlamp with batteries (mandatory).
•  Sunglasses (mandatory).
•  Sunscreen (SPF 45 or higher). Lip balm.
•  Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.

•  Water containers, 2 liters minimum (can be a plastic bottle).
•  Cutlery.
•  Plate or tupperware (no glass or aluminum).
•  Plastic or enameled metal mug (no glass or aluminum).
•  Dish towel.

Is this climb for beginners?

Not entirely for beginners. It's best to have done some other backpacking or trekking adventure before. That said, it's a very good option to start out in high-altitude mountaineering. Physical level: demanding

How do you get there?

The meeting point is at the Malargue bus terminal. You can travel by plane combined with a bus, by bus, or by car. 

Where do you sleep?

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

What equipment do you need to bring?

Check the section where you can see everything you need to bring. A small-to-medium trekking backpack of between 35 and 50 liters, waterproof trekking boots, a sleeping bag and a third-layer parka jacket are the main items.

What do you eat?

During the activity we eat quick-digesting, energy-dense food like fruit, energy bars, nougat, dried fruit and nuts, etc. At midday, cold food to keep going, like sandwiches, savory pies, empanadas, salads, etc. At night a hearty, hot dish such as pasta, sauce or lentil stew, chicken with rice, and others.