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2-week Mercedario Ascent via the Normal Route, Andes

MERCEDARIO_4
mercedario
Cerro Mercedario
campamento-la-ollada MErcedario
cumbre Mercedario

Join a professional certified guide 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

Fit

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

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transport during the trip

- Luggage transfer

- Group porters

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Snacks

- Camping equipment tents

Price details

PRICE INCLUDES: Professional high altitude mountain guide (1 every 3 participants),

Transport IN-OUT 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 In-Reach 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.


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

Accommodation

Campsites, dorms, and a shared room in a hotel in Barreal on day 1.

More info

Minimum 3 people.

Meeting point

Our offices in Mendoza.

Equipment you will need to bring

Poles

Ice axe

Backpack

Crampons

Other gear: Please request the detailed and full equipment list, as well as recommendations to make sure you are adequately prepared for the climb.


About the guide

Mendoza based company specialized in expeditions and trekkings to Mt. Aconcagua. All the trips are run by the best certified and professional guides, with unrivalled logistics and infrastructure.

Languages

English

Residence

Mendoza


What people are saying about Inka Expediciones

Thierry Ramu

5.00

February, 2023

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Alan Aim

5.00

February, 2023

Lupe was excellent

Macarena Freire

5.00

February, 2022

Fue una hermosa experiencia de la cual guardaré bellos recuerdos y lazos. Al recordar volveré a viajar a las montañas de la Cordillera amada. Gracias por brindarme seguridad y confort en la realización de mis sueños.

Matthew M.

5.00

January, 2022

Awesome!

Guadalupe Alvarez Montserrat

5.00

October, 2021

The tour was fantastic! We hiked from the Puna (arid and colorful landscapes, full of giant cactus named Cardones) to the Junga ( the high altitude jungle, full of flowers and irds) and loved every bit of it. The Guides, Lula, EPGAM Trekking Guide, and David, AAGM Mountain Guide, made sure we felt safe all the time. They also made sure we had good food and that all the logistics run smoothly throughout the tour. Inka's services were overall outstanding! The tents were in perfect conditions, the porters were very nice and respectful people and we felt very comfortable during the whole hike. We truly recommend this hike to anyone who enjoys being challenged but also having good services in the camps and who enjoys walking in the wild. We can also recommend Inka Exped for all the hiking and climbing tours in Argentina. They provide great services and their Team is pure amazing people. We'll be back for more!

Tony

5.00

February, 2019

The expedition was great. Andy was a great guide who was very attentive to all the climbers and was constantly checking how we were feeling both physically and emotionally. He was always focused on one objective, to get us all to the summit and back down safely. In this regard he would always go the extra mile! Andy is the best guide i have climbed with by far and all guides should be as professional and attentive as him. The food was fine for a non meat eater but there is only so much cheese someone can eat no matter how well it is served:grinning: The huts and tents were all good. The mountain was hard, the summit was harder! I was totally exhausted but felt great after the summit. The Hotel was good with a nice pool and Mendoza was a really nice place to be with very nice people. All in all a great trip with a great group of climbers and two of the best guides. Would I recommend this trip? simple answer is..... Hell yeahh!!

Luc Morin

5.00

January, 2019

It was a true life experience. I enjoy every moment of it. Our guides were excellent and inka facilities for this journey were up to par with what I expected.

Ken

5.00

April, 2018

I’m writing this short review as I’m often asked by climbing friends who shall I climb with on Aconcagua? Let me tell you !hand on my heart INKA is the best on the mountain.! I have climbed across the globe Alaska, Andes, Himalaya and in the Karakoram in Pakistan. I have have utilised INKA on two occasions and I believe they have the best knowledge and logistics on the mountain. Their staff care about YOU.. as you are their number one priority. They will ensure your time on the mountain is safe and you return safe even if you don’t reach the summit. So many times I have watched operators in other countries guiding clients to the summit when they should have been turned around, this has been with drastic results. That is why I always use professional companies and word of mouth . Trust me INKA are the best. Aconcagua is a tough challenge high altitudes coupled by sometimes extreme cold , require you to be fit mentally and physically. I have in the past fell to AMS and had to turn around near a summit, that is the smart thing to do.! Better to go home and re plan , the mountain will always be there. I’ve lost friends on mountains and speak from experience. INKA guides are registered and highly experienced, they will watch you carefully and monitor your oxygen levels and general well being throughout your climb. There is an excellent set up at Plaza de Mulas where if you need a rest day you will be cared for. Many of my friends have used INKA and I will continue to recommend them for their expertise I’m writing this short review as I’m often asked by climbing friends who shall I climb with on Aconcagua? Let me tell you !hand on my heart INKA is the best on the mountain.! I have climbed across the globe Alaska, Andes, Himalaya and in the Karakoram in Pakistan. I have have utilised INKA on two occasions and I believe they have the best knowledge and logistics on the mountain. Their staff care about YOU.. as you are their number one priority. They will ensure your time on the mountain is safe and you return safe even if you don’t reach the summit. So many times I have watched operators in other countries guiding clients to the summit when they should have been turned around, this has been with drastic results. That is why I always use professional companies and word of mouth . Trust me INKA are the best. Aconcagua is a tough challenge high altitudes coupled by sometimes extreme cold , require you to be fit mentally and physically. I have in the past fell to AMS and had to turn around near a summit, that is the smart thing to do.! Better to go home and re plan , the mountain will always be there. I’ve lost friends on mountains and speak from experience. INKA guides are registered and highly experienced, they will watch you carefully and monitor your oxygen levels and general well being throughout your climb. There is an excellent set up at Plaza de Mulas where if you need a rest day you will be cared for. Many of my friends have used INKA and I will continue to recommend them for their expertise

Ricardo Santucci

5.00

March, 2018

the infrastructure supporting the expedition is perfect and the team very professional. Really Aconcagua Specialists!!

Jens Hauge Andersen

5.00

March, 2018

The guide was not Sebastian Tetilla but Javier Guiterez and Matias Hidalgo Nicosia

Alejandra Bazzi

5.00

February, 2018

They totally rock! They made everything to be perfect. Best in town if you are thinking about Aconcagua. Professionals, they are passionate about what they do. Long story short: contact them and let the game begin!

Armand Comeau

3.00

February, 2018

Just one thing; Ivan don't understand my need in base camp when I ask for a single tent at this place. I think with a single tent that was more easy for me to sleep. But In generally Ivan and Juan Pedro are good boys. It's diificult for me to rate Guide and Trip. I didn't finished. I can rate only for the half trip.

Matthew

5.00

January, 2018

Extremely happy with the whole experience. These guys will go an extra mile to help your dreams come true. You can book it with full confidence!

Aaron

5.00

March, 2017

My friend Marc and I hired Inka for their logistics, know how, and reputation (we were self guided). Our initial email communication with Inka was very encouraging - extremely responsive, knowledgeable and helpful! They helped us plan our itinerary, execute it, and were always available for help. The Inka staff at Hotel Ayelyn, Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas were none other than amazing! We had an absolutely great experience, and I would highly recommend them to others - whether you are looking for a guided service or just logistical help along the way, give them a chance! A special shout out to Hilda (coordinator), who was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Thanks! Aaron

Amir

5.00

January, 2017

Great experience !!! Every thing was was perfect! From the people in the office, to the staff on the mountain and the very professional guide. Anybody did his best to give me my perfect experience!!! Thank you

Peter

5.00

January, 2017

I have completed an expedition to Cerro Aconcagua with Inka Expeditions. Everything was very well organized and extremely well executed. Thanks to efforts of the people in the office, the gauchos, the friendly and professional staff at the Base Camp, strong porters and our excellent guides Vito Magni and Damien Colson, 4 out 5 of us were able to reach the summit on Jan. 30/17 in difficult conditions. If anybody wants his dreams to become true, should not hesitate to contact Inka expeditions.Thank you very much to everyone...


 

 

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