2-week Mercedario Ascent via the Normal Route, Andes
Join Argentina Mountain Guides to the summit of the stunning Cerro Mercedario in San Juan province, in Argentina. At 6,720 m (22,050 ft), Mercedario is the highest of the Cordillera de la Ramada range in the Andes, and a favorite to prepare for Aconcagua away from the crowds!
Group
Andes
14 Days
Jan, Feb
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Enjoy climbing one of the highest mountains in the Andes.
- Join a 2-week Mercedario ascent and discover the amazing Cordillera de la Ramada
- Discover ancient indigenous ruins and awe.inspiring landscapes on the way.
- Catch sight of Aconcagua, and train to climb it next season!
Description
Would you like to discover one of the highest mountains in the Andes? Then join us on this 2-week Cerro Mercedario expedition and climb the 8th highest mountain of the range. On the way, discover indigenous landmarks and catch sight of the amazing Aconcagua.
At 6,720 m (22,050 ft), Cerro Mercedario is the 8th highest mountain in the Andes. It is located in San Juan Province, in Argentina, and it is the highest mountain of the Cordillera de la Ramada subrange. This stunning peak is a favorite among mountaineers aspiring to climb Aconcagua. It is not only a great peak to train in, but it also offers amazing views of Aconcagua, just as Aconcagua offers amazing views of Mercedario. This means you never lose sight of you goal, and all while enjoying the awe-inspiring landscapes and views of this lesser-known mountain in the region that is just begging to be discovered.
On this 2-week program, we will set off from Mendoza and drive to Barreal in the San Juan Province. From there, we will set off to Laguna Blanca, the starting point of our adventure. Over the course of the following days, we will explore the stunning Mercedario and enjoy the starry night skies from our comfortable and fully equipped campsites in the evening. You can find a detailed itinerary below.
Keep in mind that this is not a highly technical ascent, therefore, you don’t need a lot of experience for it. However, you do need a good fitness level as it is physically demanding. Furthermore, there will be one guide every three people, so you will receive very personalized guidance.
So, are you ready for an unforgettable Andes mountaineering adventure? Then join us to the top of Mercedario this year, and if you like what you see, you can join us, later on, to climb Aconcagua too!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Porters
- Luggage transfer
- Tents
- Snacks
Price details
- PRICE INCLUDES: Professional high altitude mountain guide (1 every 3 participants),
- Transport INOUT Mendoza - Barreal in a private vehicle for the whole group,
- Transport IN OUT Barreal - Laguna Blanca (starting point of the trek) in a private 4X4 vehicle for the whole group.
- (01) night of accommodation in Barreal in a shared bedroom (includes dinner and breakfast).
- Equipment checks and assistance with equipment rentals.
- Bedroom tents (on a double/triple basis)
- Guides will have radios to communicate via satellite phones and InReach or Spot search devices.
- Medical equipment, first aid kit, emergency oxygen. All food is included on the approach, Base Camp, and high camps. Group porter service. Standby vehicles in Laguna Blanca for evacuations.
- NOT INCLUDED: Persona equipment, rescue and evacuation expenses, any other expenses that may arise from abandoning the expedition (extra nights, transport, food, flights, porter services, etc.), extra hotel fees in case return date is advanced or extra days for bad weather are not used, medical and travel insurance, any other service that is not specified as included above.
- An additional 2% will be charged to payments made via bank transfers.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Mendoza - Barreal (1630m)
We will meet in our offices in Mendoza at 9 am and after an equipment check, we will drive to Barreal (4hs) in San Juan province, where we will spend the night.
Day 2: Laguna Blanca (3150m)
After breakfast, we will drive to Laguna Blanca from where our trail begins. We will have lunch and enjoy some short hikes. We will spend the night in tents.
Day 3: Campamento Guanaquito (3650m)
We will trek for 2/3 hours before reaching our campsite.
Day 4: Campo Base Cuesta Blanca (4385m)
After 4 hours of easy trekking by the river, we will reach the base camp with full amenities including showers and internet.
Day 5: Cuesta Blanca Acclimatization day
Day 6: Pirca de Indios (5200m)/Cuesta Blanca
We will take our luggage to camp 1 – Pirca de Indios, over the course of 6 hours.
Day 7: Cuesta Blanca rest day
Day 8: Pirca de Indios (5200m)
After breakfast we will set off on a 4 hour trek to camp 1. On the way we will admire ice formations and ancient indigenous sites.
Day 9: Camp 2- La Ollada (5800m)
A strenuous day with a deep incline awaits, and at the top, a virgin, a cross, and awe-inspiring views.
Day 10: Mercedario summit
8 hours of ascent will take us by the “El Diente” camp, La Ollada glacier, and finally to the Mercedario summit. After, we will return to Camp 2 to celebrate.
Day 11 to 12: Extra reserve days
Day 13: Return to Laguna Blanca
Day 14: Descent to Barreal/ Return to Mendoza
Details
More info
Minimum 3 people.
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ice axe
Backpack
Poles
About the guide
What people are saying about Argentina
Bassel
Pablo was excellent as always and put us in touch with Julian Lopez who organised 4 days of splitboarding in North Patagonia. His knowledge as a guide and as an Argentine were thoroughly appreciated. Highly recommended.
Becky
I spent three days on the glaciers above Chamonix with Jeremias at the beginning of July 2015, preparing for a three week tour with him to Patagonia. I cannot recommend Jeremias' guiding highly enough. He is highly expert in everything concerning the mountains and was truly excellent company throughout. I cannot wait to go again!
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