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Pissis Volcano Ascent Expedition in Argentina

Pissis Volcano Ascent Expedition in Argentina
Pissis Volcano Ascent Expedition in Argentina
Pissis Volcano Ascent Expedition in Argentina
Pissis Volcano Ascent Expedition in Argentina
Pissis Volcano Ascent Expedition in Argentina

Climb Pissis Volcano on a demanding 10-day high-altitude expedition in Argentina, with a carefully paced acclimatization program, remote mountain camps, and the guidance of EPGAMT-certified mountain guide Ezequiel.

Andes

10 Days

Jan - Apr, Oct - Dec

High

Beginner


Highlights

  • Follow a progressive acclimatization program that includes ascents and camps between 3,300 and 5,600 meters before the summit attempt.
  • Attempt one of the world's highest volcanoes on a remote expedition through the high Andes of Argentina.
  • Climb with EPGAMT-certified mountain guide Ezequiel on a fully supported expedition including transfers, high-altitude camps, meals, communications equipment, and safety equipment.

Description

Rising in the high Andes of northwestern Argentina, Pissis Volcano is a major high-altitude mountaineering objective in a vast and exceptionally remote landscape. This 10-day expedition combines progressive acclimatization, preparatory ascents, high camps, and a summit attempt on Pissis, described in the guide's program as the second-highest volcano in the world.

Led by EPGAMT-certified mountain guide Ezequiel, the expedition begins in La Rioja and gradually moves higher into the Andes. Ezequiel is a professional mountain guide based in Argentina whose experience includes mountaineering, trekking, and climbing expeditions throughout the country.

The first stage focuses on acclimatization. After reaching Hotel Cortaderas at 3,300 meters, the group makes an ascent of Cerro Pastos Amarillos at 4,100 meters before moving to an intermediate camp at 4,200 meters. A further acclimatization day may include an ascent of Filo Negro Peak at 5,005 meters, a smaller objective, or rest depending on the circumstances.

The expedition then moves toward Pissis itself, reaching Camp 1 by vehicle at approximately 5,200 to 5,300 meters before progressing on foot to Camp 2 at 5,600 meters. From there, the team makes its summit attempt before descending to Camp 2 and eventually returning to La Rioja.

Although the ascent does not involve technical difficulties on rock or ice, this should not be mistaken for an easy climb. The expedition is rated very demanding because of the physical effort, extreme altitude, remote setting, and limited access to medical infrastructure.

If you are looking for a serious high-altitude expedition in the Argentine Andes, send a request to join Ezequiel on this 10-day ascent of Pissis Volcano.

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Transport during the trip
  • All meals during trip
  • Group equipment

Price details

  • ✅What's included
  • Professional mountain guide
  • Advice on personal materials and equipment
  • Transfers from La Rioja city to Pissis and back
  • 2 nights at Hotel Cortaderas
  • Technical safety equipment
  • VHF radios
  • Mountain first aid kit
  • Heaters and cooking equipment
  • Highmountain tents throughout the expedition
  • Garmin inReach with tracking
  • Full board during the expedition
  • Permanent assistance
  • Oxygen cylinder throughout the expedition
  • ❌What's not included
  • Accommodation in La Rioja
  • Evacuation expenses and/or eventual transfers
  • Personal equipment
  • Transportation from the participant's city of origin to La Rioja
  • Return transportation from La Rioja to the participant's city of origin
  • Accident/rescue insurance

Meeting point

La Rioja city, Argentina, in the morning of Day 1.

Itinerary

Day 1: La Rioja to Cortaderas, 3,300 m

Meet in La Rioja city in the morning and transfer to Hotel Cortaderas, located at approximately 3,300 meters.

The drive takes around 5 hours. The rest of the afternoon is free.

Accommodation: Hotel Cortaderas.

Day 2: Cerro Pastos Amarillos, 4,100 m

Acclimatization ascent of Cerro Pastos Amarillos.

Expect approximately 6 to 8 hours of activity before returning to the hotel at 3,300 meters.

Accommodation: Hotel Cortaderas.

Day 3: Intermediate camp, 4,200 m

Continue the acclimatization process by moving to an intermediate camp at approximately 4,200 meters, next to Rigging Lagoon as named in the guide's itinerary.

From this point onward, nights are spent in tents.

Accommodation: Camp.

Day 4: Filo Negro Peak, 5,005 m

The proposed objective for the day is an ascent of Filo Negro Peak at 5,005 meters.

Depending on conditions and the group's needs, this day may instead be used for a smaller ascent or as a rest day.

Accommodation: Camp.

Day 5: Transfer to Pissis Camp 1

Travel by vehicle toward Camp 1 on Pissis Volcano, at 5,200 meters.

Accommodation: High-altitude camp.

Day 6: Rest or carry to Camp 2, 5,600 m

Rest at Camp 1 or carry some equipment and supplies toward Camp 2 at approximately 5,600 meters.

Accommodation: High-altitude camp.

Day 7: Move to Camp 2, 5,600 m

Move from Camp 1 to Camp 2.

The walk takes approximately 4 hours.

Accommodation: Camp 2.

Day 8: Pissis Volcano summit attempt

Make the summit attempt on Pissis Volcano, the second-highest volcano in the world.

After the ascent, return to Camp 2.

Accommodation: Camp 2.

Day 9: Descend and return to Cortaderas

Descend from Camp 2 to the vehicle and return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 10: Return to La Rioja

Transfer from the hotel back to La Rioja city.

End of expedition services.

 

Details

Accommodation

The program combines hotel accommodation with high-altitude camping.

More info

A very high level of physical fitness is required.

No specific technical rock climbing or ice climbing ability is required, since the route is non-technical in those respects. However, participants must be prepared for long days of trekking and mountaineering, several nights camping above 4,000 meters, and physical effort at extreme altitude.


FAQs

Is the Pissis Volcano ascent technically difficult?

The ascent does not involve technical difficulties on rock or ice. However, it is rated very demanding because of the physical effort, extreme altitude, remoteness, and associated risks.

How does the acclimatization program work?

The itinerary progressively increases sleeping and climbing altitude. It includes Hotel Cortaderas at 3,300 meters, an ascent of Cerro Pastos Amarillos at 4,100 meters, a camp at 4,200 meters, and a possible ascent of Filo Negro Peak at 5,005 meters before moving toward Pissis Camp 1 and Camp 2.

Where do we sleep during the expedition?

The program combines accommodation at Hotel Cortaderas with wild and high-altitude camps. High-mountain tents and camping equipment are included.

Are meals included? Can dietary restrictions be accomodated?

Yes. Full board is provided during the expedition. The guide can also prepare menus for vegetarian, celiac, and other dietary requirements when communicated in advance.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Refugio del Vino Belén Argentina
Hotel de Campo Oeste Paraíso Belén Argentina
Hotel Veladero Belén Argentina

About the guide

Guide profile image

Ezequiel

5.0

(33)

Trekking Guide

My name is Ezequiel David Di Fabio, I am a professional Mountain guide, National Physical Education teacher, lifeguard and ski instructor.

For nine years I have been carrying out different experiences in nature with groups of varied ages in order to promote activity.

Motivated by this goal is that I work with explore and share where I propose mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing outings in Argentina.

Throughout these years I have traveled from Salta to Tierra del Fuego, carrying out different group expeditions in our country, as well as developing myself professionally in other countries such as Peru.

Languages

English | Spanish

Certificates

EPGAMT


What people are saying about Ezequiel

Ezequiel was my guide for Aconcagua climb in 2025. I can highly recommend Ezequiel as a guide. He was knowledgeable, experienced, and a genuinely kind person. He worked very hard to ensure that our climb was a success. During the entire trip, he made sure that we always had everything that we needed to rest and recover at camps so that we could make it to the summit. Thanks to his guidance and support, I was able to reach the summit of Aconcagua. If I were to climb any mountain again, I would choose Ezequiel as my guide without any hesitation.

The guide is highly qualified, polite, and most importantly, thanks to his efforts, we safely reached the summit of Aconcagua.

Excellent experience. Very well organized. Wonderful people. Highly recommended!

Ezequiel, thank you so much for everything! The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. Your impeccable attention, the delicious food, the way you coordinated the group, and all the knowledge you shared made the trek incredibly enriching. You were always attentive to how we were feeling, to anything we might need, and above all, to keeping us safe without ever putting our well-being at risk. For this being my first trekking experience, it completely exceeded all my expectations! Thank you for making this adventure truly unforgettable!

Excellent guide, very organized and experienced. Very cordial treatment and good person. the food very good


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