11-day ascent to Cerro Plata in Central Andes
Come and join certified mountain guide Eduardo for this 11-day ascent to the summit of Cerro Plata, in Central Andes, Mendoza.
Andes
11 Days
Jan - Mar, Dec
High
Intermediate
Description
Cerro Plata is a great option for those who wish to climb a high altitude mountain for the first time or those who want to prepare for something bigger like Aconcagua. This 11-day mountaineering trip is your chance to reach its summit under expert guidance. Join me!
Plata (5,968 m) is the highest peak in Cordón del Plata and one of the most accessible peaks in the Central Andes. It is located in the province of Mendoza, in Argentina. Gettin to its summit it is not technically difficult but requires good health and fit.
This 11-day ascent starts from Vallecitos, an old ski station used now as a base for expeditions. We will spend the first night in a friendly mountain hut named Mausy, which offers very good food. The following days we will climb up to Piedra Grande camp and Salto, where we will spend our next 3 nights for acclimatization.
Our 9-day acclimatization plan is designed based on our 12-year experience at the Plata range. We use the ‘Carry high and sleep low’ strategy to increase your chances of summiting.. When we are ready, we will head up from Hoyada to the top of Cerro Plata.
The requirements for joining this expedition are:
– International Travel Insurance
– Multi-day altitude trekking experience
– Good healthy and fitness
So, if you are up for this intense 11-day adventure to the summit of Cerro Plata, in Mendoza, please contact me! I’m sure we’ll enjoy this beautiful high altitude mountaineering expedition together!
I am also offering an amazing tour to the summit of Aconcagua, the highest peak of South America, check it out!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transportation start and back
Price details
- There is the possibility to organize a private trip, but take into account that the price will be higher.
- What’s included:
- English speaking guide with at least 5 years experience guiding Plata;
- 1 or 2 assistant mountain guides (EPGAMT/AAGM certification) depending upon number or clients (client per guide ratio = 2/3);
- Support on purchase and equipment rental in Mendoza;
- Transport from/to airport;
- 2 nights in a 4 star hotel with breakfast included in Mendoza (rooms for 2)
- Night at mountain hut in Vallecitos;
- Transport from/to Vallecitos;
- Mule transport of a 20kg load to/from basecamp;
- Transport/assembly of tents, pots, gas, food, water in all camps in Plata;
- Use of toilets tents, mountain tents, medical oxygen, gamow bag and medical kit in all camps;
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, packed lunch, treated water in the whole mountain;
- Gas stoves and pots and cups in all camps; ////////////////////////////////
- What is NOT included:
- Flights from/to Mendoza;
- Personal climbing equipment (check equipment tab);
- Money return in case you abandon the expedition;
- International travel insurance;
- Any costs caused by excess luggage (over 20kg);
- Lunch and dinner in Mendoza;
- Reimbursement for loss or damage of your personal equipment.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Mendoza – 900m
A member of our staff will welcome you at the airport and bring you to the hotel. In the evening all expedition members will meet for dinner. Depending on your arrival time, we will assist you to buy or rent all the equipment you need. Included: Transport and hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Vallecitos – 2900m
In the morning of our second day, we will leave the hotel after lunch and head to Vallecitos. Overnight in mountain hut Mausy. Included: Transportation, night in mountain hut and dinner
Day 3: Hike to Piedra Grande – 3550m
After breakfast we start a 600 meters climb to Piedra Grande, a very comfortable camp at 3550m. Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Piedra Grande – Salto BC – 4300m
We will take a 3km walk to Salto where we will set up our base camp and spend our next 3 nights. Salto means waterfall in Spanish and this comes from a small waterfall a few metres above camp. Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Rest – 4300m
Rest day at Salto. Depending on our entire team’s health, we can take a short walk to a nearby glacier or just rest for the whole day. Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Salto – Hoyada – Salto – 4700m
Let’s take a 2km walk to a camp named Hoyada which is almost 4700m. This will be our summit camp and we want to stock it before we actually go there to sleep. This walk to 4700 metres is a great acclimatization opportunity. Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Rest – 4300m
Rest day at Salto. Very important day of doing absolutely nothing, this will really helpful with the acclimatization. Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Salto – Hoyada – 4700m
We will go to sleep to Hoyada and take the remaining equipment up there. Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 9: Hoyada – Summit – Hoyada – 5943m
We will try to reach Plata’s summit today. We expect a 8 to 12-hour summit push (up and down).
Day 10: Hoyada – Mendoza – 900m
We will start early to walk down the mountain passing through Salto, organizing our tents and loading the mules. From there we have a 3-hour walk to Vallecitos. Included: Snack, dinner, and transport.
Day 11: Flight home – 900m
You will be taken to the airport three hours before your flight. Included: Breakfast and Transport
Details
More info
You can easily rent or purchase all the necessary mountaineering equipment in Mendoza:
Bandana Balaclava Hat Sunglasses Sunscreen and lip balm Batteries (AA or AAA depending on your Headtorch) Headtorch Light down jacket Summit Down Jacket Snowproof jacket T-shirt Fleece jacket Trekking pants Gaiters Base layer pants Snowproof pants Hand warmers Fleece Pants Mittens Gloves Sandals or crocs Trekking boots Trekking socks Thick expedition socks Double boots Crampons with antibott system Water purifying tables/drops Carbo gels Snacks Stuff sacks or bin bags Sleeping Bag Rucksack Altitude medicine (Ibuprofen and Loperamide) Personal Hygiene kit Sleeping mattress 1 litre thermos Water bottle Duffel Bag Freeze dried food Padlock Trekking poles
About the guide
-Andes Specialists
4.8
(6)
Mountain Guide
Andes Specialists is a guiding company founded in 2012 with a clear mission: to transform a passion for high-altitude mountaineering into a professional, adaptable, and reliable service. Created by Maximo Kausch, the company was born from his dream of turning a lifelong connection with the mountains into a project focused on deep knowledge, real guiding experience, and personalized service.
We operate exclusively in the Andes, not only in the most iconic mountains, but also in remote and rarely visited regions where few — if any — guides work. Our clients recognize us for our flexibility and ability to adapt to their goals, just like the mountains that inspire us.
All of our expeditions are led by certified guides, and we place special emphasis on a guide’s professional experience in the field — not just their personal climbing résumé. We believe that strong logistics, leadership, and group care are what truly define a world-class mountain guide.
Maximo Kausch, the founder, personally leads most of our expeditions. When he’s not available, clients are guided by handpicked members of his trusted team. Maximo has led over 10 expeditions to 8,000-meter peaks, several to 7,000-meter peaks, and more than 90 to 6,000-meter mountains. He has climbed over 250 extreme altitude peaks, reached the summit of K2, and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most 6,000-meter peaks climbed — with 89 summits officially recognized.
At Andes Specialists, guiding isn’t just about reaching the summit — it’s about going beyond the obvious, with safety, expertise, and genuine connection.
Languages
Portuguese | English
What people are saying about -Andes Specialists
Cal
The best food I've ever eaten, and it was in the remote desert. Incredibly skilled and helpful guides. Fantastic service and company, communication. Everything was 5 stars.
Renato
While we took coffee on the hood of the car, he took inside the hotel, he took more time than gave to us, leaving me and my wife waiting him to finish his meal
Delphine
Aleksander
The expedition was very professionally organised with a good guide to client ratio (between 2:1 and 3:1), great food (cook Charlie was absolutely amazing, the food was better than in restaurants although we were in a remote location in a desert at 4,300+ meters above sea level), the guides all spoke English very well (big plus!) and the communication from the guides before and during the trip was very clear and helpful (e.g. asking questions what equipment to bring etc). Would recommend to others for sure
Jerry
You People there at Explore have really put a great trip together. I don,t know how you could improve on this. Thanks forgiving me the chance to experience Chile!
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