Climbing Cerro El Cóndor (6,460m) in the Andes, 17 days

Join EPGMAT certified mountain guide Luciano on a 16-day mountaineering trip to the summit of Cerro El Cóndor, one of the Seismiles peak in the Puna de Atacama region, starting from the city of Fiambala in Catamarca, Argentina.

Private

Andes

17 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

* Climb a remote stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains

* Discover the unique landscapes of the Puna de Atacama in Catamarca

* Reach the summit along an experienced local guide

Description

The Ruta de los Seismiles (Six-thousanders’ Route), at the west of the province of Catamarca in Argentina, follows a line a more than 20 mountains above 6000 meters, mostly in the remote and desertic Puna de Atacama, near the border with Chile, in the middle of the Andes. I invite you to join me to climb one of these peaks, Cerro El Cóndor (6460), with a 17-day expedition starting from the city of Fiambalá.

Today these volcanoes are very popular among mountaineers from all over the world, but in the past the place was considered a high altitude sanctuary by ancient inhabitants of this territory. Native people called these mountains ‘Apus’, which means ‘home of the guardian spirits’, to whom they offered gifts and sacrifices.

You will discover an amazing region with unique, wild landscapes. You can check the day-by-day itinerary below. The great avenue of the volcanoes that borders the San Francisco Pass at the south is formed from east to west by San Francisco, Incahuasi, El Fraile, El Muerto, Ojos del Salado, Cerro Solo and El Cóndor, and minor elevations.

Cerro El Cóndor is a remote stratovolcano in Argentina, located in the amazing region of Puna de Atacama. The mountain has the form of a massif, with two separate volcanoes. The summit area is formed by several craters of 100 to 350 metres.

If you want to join me on this ascent expedition to Cerro El Cóndor, just contact me and book your place! Come discover this isolated and unique region in the Andes.

I also offer other mountaineering ascents in the Andes. Check them out!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Camping equipment tents

- Camping equipment cooking utensils

Price details

The price also incudes: solar panels, VHF radio communications, Satellite Phone (for emergencies only), First aid kits and pulse oximeter for daily updates of acclimatization progress. Not included: Personal porters or for common equipment. All expenses arising from the abandonment of the trip. Meals, drinks and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary at the farewell dinner. Personal equipment and sleeping bag. Personal Medication Air and land evacuations Room Service, Laundry, Beverages, Internet, telephone and satellite communications, personal elements Insurance of Civil Liability, Hospitalization or medication of any kind, any other service.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to La Rioja or Catamarca

Confirm arrival time and origin. Transfer in 4×4 truchs to Fiambala (1600m), Catamarca. Accommodation at Hostel San Pedro and Dinner at Restaurant Roma.

Day 2: Fiambalá (1,600m) - Cortaderas Hotel (3,200m)

We settle in the Hotel (facebook.com/complejocortaderas), and then we go out for a trek, recognition of the place and dinner. Acclimatization. Another option is going to Los Pescadores Shelter (without extra cost).

Day 3: Cortaderas Hotel (3,200m) - Trekking

Trekking to the Cerros Coquena (4.000m) and Pastos Largos (4.100m). 5 hours up and 3 hours down approx. Acclimatization for people who come from scratch and without previous mountaineering experience.

Day 4: Hotel Cortaderas (3,200m) / Las Grutas (4,050m)

Transfer in 4 × 4 vehicles stopping to take photos in the magnificent scenarios along the way. Lodging in Vialidad Shelter – Las Grutas (4,100m). Acclimatization, you can buy oxygen at Mercadolibre.com, before the trip! Rest and Trekking around the lagoon area with flamingos (4,100m maximum). Preparation, dinner and talk about the ascent.

Day 5: Las Grutas (4050m)

Ascent to False Morocho mountain (4600m), an easy ascent (4hs up / 2hs descent). In the afternoon, “picada” (meat and cheese platter) at the hot springs.

Day 6: Las Grutas

Las Grutas, Vialidad Shelter (4050m). Ascent to Cerro Beltrán (5275m), 5hs up- 2 hours back. Approach in 4 × 4 up to 4,500m.

Day 7: Las Grutas - San Francisco Pass

Rest and departure to the San Francisco International Pass. Camp at 4,700m.

Day 8: San Francisco Internationl Pass Shelter

San Francisco International Pass (4700m.) Acclimatization in the area of Cerro San Francisco (6100m). Option to climb Cerro Cordobita (5450m).

Day 9: SF International Pass (4700m) - Cerro Cóndor Base Camp (4869m)

After an amazing 6-hour approach in a 4 × 4 vehicle, crossing the famous Lagunas Aamargas we reach the wild and remote, little visited Cóndor Base Camp. We set up tents at 4869m. Recognition hike, dinner and rest.

Day 10: Cerro Cóndor Base Camp (4869m) - Camp 1 (5567m)

Day 11: Camp 1 (5567m) - Camp 2 (5800m)

Day 12: Camp 2 (5800m) - Cerro Cóndor summit (6414m) - Camp 2

Day 13: Camp 2 (5800m) - Base Camp (4869m)

Day 14: Extra day in case of bad conditions

Day 15: Cóndor Base Camp - Las Grutas

Day 16: Las Grutas (4,050m) Fiambalá (1600m)

After breakfast, we depart to Fiambalá (3-hour trip). Accommodation at Las Termas (hot springs) de Fiambalá Cabins. Fareweel dinner.

Day 17: Fiambalá 1.600m / La Rioja

After breakfast, you can relax at the hot springs in the morning. Departure to La Rioja at about 13.00.

About the guide

Luciano

4.50

(2)

Mountain Guide

EPGAMT Mountain Guide from Mendoza, Argentina.

I always enjoyed the mountains, and started with mountaineering activities since a young age, so it was natural for me to become a mountain guide. I’ve been working for more than 15 seasons in Aconcagua, first as porter, then as Mountain Guide assistant, and now as Mountain Guide.

I climbed a lot of peaks all along the Andes mountain range, in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru, including Aconcagua (6.962 mt – 27 ascents, through different routes like the North and the Polish glacier-), Co Plata (6.000 mt), Ojos del Salado (6.780 mt), Mount Pissis (6.850 m), C° LLullaillaco (6.723 m), C° Incahuasi (6.450 m), Vn Sajama (6.550 m), Vn Bonete Chico (6 750 m), Co Junción (5000 m), Toclaraju ( 6036m), Pisco (5750m), and the three summits of Tres Cruces 6.780m. I recently did my first expedition in the Himalayas, where I reached the summit of Mt Lhotse (8.516 mt).

I usually enjoy organizing expeditions to wild, off-the-beaten-track destinations, that need a complex logistic that you won’t find easily elsewhere.

I am fluent in Spanish, English and Italian.

Languages

Italian | English

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What people are saying about Luciano

Frank

5.00

Luciano was excellent. His local knowledge showed as he was able modify the itinerary of the trip as circumstances - such as weather - changed in order to ensure the expedition was a success. He is a deeply experienced mountaineer with sound judgement prepared to provide advice whilst ensuring you have fun. I would highly recommend his services.

Sergio

5.00

Personally, was more impressed with the road trip towards the mountain than the mountain itself, but it was definitely worth going. The lunar landscape in this remote area is absolutely awesome. The guide was well prepared, very friendly, and even a surprisingly good cook. The location is as far as you are likely to get from civilisation. The weather was also unusually good. But the mountain is tough and frustrating sliding down every step in the loose gravel and sand. Not everyone's cup of tea