Trekking and Mountaineering in Arenales - Cerro Punta Negra and Keops - Scaravelli, Mendoza

The mountain range in all its immensity

In west-central Mendoza, where the last 5000m-plus mountains rise, a bit further south of the Aconcagua region, and almost on the border with the Republic of Chile, this unmissable, wild stretch of the Central Andes rises up. Between approach treks and various ascents, we'll live this experience enjoying mountaineering with all the freedom and professionalism it requires. An adventure for beginners and advanced climbers alike.

Day 1 Meeting at the bus terminal in the city of Mendoza, 10 am.
Transfer to Manzano Histórico and from there to the refuge area of Los Arenales. Gear preparation and the first hours of hiking until reaching the first campsite, at Refugio Scaravelli, at 3150 m. First night of approach and acclimatization to the place and the altitude. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2 This day will be for rest and acclimatization. We'll hike through the valley and viewpoints for a few hours. We'll get our gear ready for the following days, which will be demanding. Plenty of hydration, rest and good food intake.

Day 3 Summit attempt day for the higher of the two peaks: Punta Negra (4390). An intense ascent, crowned by one of the most stunning views in the area. Return to camp in the afternoon. More hydration and recovery. 

Day 4 Breakfast. Descent to the refuge area and from there to the pick-up point for our transport. Transfer to Manzano Histórico and from there to the Tunuyán bus terminal. End of our services.

 

The summit attempt will depend exclusively on good weather conditions and the good physical condition of the group members. The decision to ascend or not rests exclusively with the guides, and no differing opinions on the matter will be entertained. It's possible for one group to attempt the summit while another does a simple ascent of the mountain with no obligation to reach the highest point.

• Local round-trip transfer from and to Tunuyán / Ref Portinari
• Professional mountain guides
• Full board in the mountains (breakfast, trail snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner)
• General cooking equipment (pots, stoves)
• Main first-aid kit and equipment
• Emergency communication equipment: VHF and Satellite phone
• Satellite tracking via Spot throughout the trek
• Sleeping tents
• Prior informational meetings
• Suitable training plan
• Personal accident insurance
• Ongoing assistance and coordination

• Travel to Mendoza
• Expenses caused by dropping out of the program
• Tips

• Small trekking backpack (35 to 50 liters)
• Duffel bag to carry your gear during travel
• Warm sleeping bag 
• Trekking poles 

• 1 pair of waterproof trekking boots 
• 1 extra lightweight pair of spare footwear

• Changes of underwear.
• Cotton t-shirts (for wearing at the refuge and for sleeping)
• Short-sleeve synthetic t-shirts and/or shirts
• Long-sleeve synthetic shirt
• Polypropylene or similar pants or leggings (not cotton). To wear as warm underlayer pants
• Multifunction bandana, Buff type

• Pairs of trekking socks (synthetic-thermal)
• Pairs of thick mountain socks
• Fleece and/or lightweight down jacket
• Some cotton or wool socks (wool is good for sleeping)
• 2 pairs of long trekking pants, ideally one pair waterproof/overpants.
• Fleece-type gloves
• Warm hat (fleece)

• Waterproof  jacket (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar)
• Third-layer gloves or mittens (waterproof and breathable). Ski-type gloves work well
• Mountain gaiters

• ID document.
• Health/medical insurance.

• Headlamp with batteries (with spare batteries).
• Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

• Sunglasses with Category 4 UV protection
• Spare glasses (goggles work well, highly recommended)
• Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
• High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm
• Soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
• Other
• Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.
• Sun cap 

It has no technical difficulty but does require some physical fitness due to the altitude. It's best to have some prior experience in trekking or another ascent.

For any mountain activity, prior physical preparation is needed, or at least being physically active.

No prior experience is required, but we do recommend being in good physical condition. 

We sleep in tents. You need to bring a sleeping bag.  

Even though it's summer, in mountain and/or wilderness areas temperatures usually drop at night and very early in the morning.

Stops happen with a frequency and pacing that depends on the intensity.

There are stops for lunch, afternoon tea, and rest.

From 13 years of age.

Approximately between 10 and 15 kilos. 

On all our expeditions we offer full-board meal service.

Trail lunches (cold food): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, etc.

Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-chorizo stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat (kid goat), Chaw Fan, chicken and rice casserole....

Breakfasts and afternoon tea: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, powdered milk; bread, crackers, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

The personal/medical form must be filled out to note if anyone doesn't eat a particular type of food.