Nevado San Francisco (6016m), 8-day tour with acclimatization in Catamarca
5.0
(4)
Come with Ezequiel, EPGAMT- certified guide, and reach the top of Nevado San Francisco, in Catamarca. Enjoy an awesome 8-day mountaineering expedition in Argentina!
Group
Andes
8 Days
Mar, Apr, Oct - Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Climb the Nevado San Francisco, an impressive over-6000m volcano.
- Discover a gorgeous landscape in northwestern Argentina.
- Spend 8 days exploring the Andes with an expert guide.
Description
Nevado San Francisco is an extinct stratovolcano standing on the border between Argentina and Chile.
For eight days, youâll trek through volcanoes, salt flats, and vast open skies in one of the most remote and silent regions of the Andes.
Rising to 6,016 meters on the border between Argentina and Chile, Nevado San Francisco is part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes and is considered one of the most accessible 6,000-meter peaks in the world.
This journey is not only about reaching the summit. Itâs about finding your rhythm at altitude, learning to move with whatâs essential, and leaving behind what no longer matters.
Along the way, youâll acclimatize through progressive hikes while exploring a high-altitude landscape shaped by volcanoes, colorful lagoons, and endless horizons. The region is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including guanacos, vicuñas, foxes, condors, flamingos, and other native species.
Summit day rewards every step. From the top of Nevado San Francisco, panoramic views stretch across Laguna Verde and neighboring peaks such as Incahuasi, El Muerto, Walter Penk, Solo, Tres Cruces, and El Fraile.
No previous mountaineering experience is required, but a good level of fitness is essential.
Nevado San Francisco marks a milestone on the journey.
But what truly stays with you is everything that changed before you arrived.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Mountain guide expenses
- Tents
- Clean drinkable water
- Hot shower
Price details
- Price included:
- Professional mountain guide throughout the entire expedition
- Assistant guide for groups of 4 or more participants
- All meals specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels, camps, and mountain lodges
- Internal transfers to and from La Rioja Airport according to the itinerary
- Management of climbing permits and registration in protected areas
- Entrance to the hot springs
- Group camping equipment (tents, cooking gear, and tableware)
- Personal accident insurance
- Not included:
- Transportation from your home city to La Rioja and back
- Accommodation before or after the expedition outside the itinerary
- Assistant guide for groups of 3 participants or fewer (optional)
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses in mountain lodges or hotels
- Sleeping bag and personal technical equipment
- Expenses resulting from early departure from the program or evacuation
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at High Altitude
We meet at La Rioja Airport and travel up to 3,300 meters. That same day, we arrive at the Hotel in Cortaderas. The body begins to feel the change in altitude. Itâs an ideal time to get into rhythm, get to know the group, and prepare the equipment.
Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Cerro Pastos Amarillos
We start early for an acclimatization hike to Cerro Pastos Amarillos (4,100 m). Itâs a key day to adapt to the altitude, begin finding our rhythm, and fine-tune our equipment. We return to the hotel to rest.
Day 3: Move to Las Grutas Camp and Ascent to Falso Morocho
We transfer to Las Grutas at 4,100 meters, where we set up our first camp. From this point on, everything becomes simpler, more rustic, and more focused. We ascend to Falso Morocho (4,500 m). It is not a technical climb, but it does require sustained effort. The landscape changes, and the experience becomes more real.
Day 4: Summit Day â VolcĂĄn Bertrand
We reach the summit of VolcĂĄn Bertrand (5,200 m). It is an intense day, but essential for gaining altitude progressively. We are almost ready.
Day 5: Rest and Recovery Day
Yes, and itâs a strategic day. Some take the opportunity for a gentle walk, while others enjoy natural hot springs. Itâs a day to slow down, stay well hydrated, and prepare mentally for the big day.
Day 6: Summit Day
Today we go for the main objective: 6,016 meters. We start early from 4,800 meters and gain altitude at a steady pace. The summit offers a vast view of the high plateau. The descent is long, but the body responds differently after that moment.
Day 7: Return to FiambalĂĄ, Hot Springs and Final Celebration
We have breakfast, organize our gear, and begin the journey back to FiambalĂĄ, where we enjoy natural hot springs in the middle of the mountains. The day ends with a barbecue among the vineyards. It is a calm moment, allowing time to descend slowly and take in everything we have experienced.
Day 8: Return Journey to La Rioja Airport
After packing all the equipment into the vehicle, we begin the journey back to La Rioja Airport. The drive is long, but shared with the memories of everything weâve experienced.
Details
More info
Please bring appropriated clothing and footwear, a backpack, sunscreen, water, snacks, and personal documentation. / Children under 14 are not allowed.
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You need to be trained; it is a very demanding mountain, both physically and mentally. It is not suitable for children.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
Always be trained and prepared for this kind of challenge. I always recommend cardio training three times a week and weight training three times a week.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
You have to bring your own personal technical equipment.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
NO
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
I take care of this, from the first day to the last day of the expedition.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
During the acclimatization, we will do several mountains. In case of bad weather, we will have backup days.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
It is always recommended to travel with insurance, but nothing in particular.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
There is one guide for every three clients, and after the fourth client, another guide is added. There is also the possibility of hiring an assistant for the summit day (this service is not included in this program).
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time is in October to April.
Can I join a group?
Of course, there are published dates. I'll be waiting for you!
Where will we meet to start the San Francisco expedition?
I will pick you up at the La Rioja airport and from there we will go to the town of Fiambala, approximately 5 hours. We will do the paperwork at the police and continue the trip for 2 more hours to the Cortaderas hotel.
Which is the acclimatization plan for the expedition?
Acclimatization is key to a successful expedition to San Francisco, and we will dedicate several days to a gradual and appropriate acclimatization plan. We will meet at La Rioja airport, then transfer to FiambalĂĄ, obtain the necessary permits, and continue to the Cortaderas hotel at 3,300 meters. From there, we will ascend nearby peaks of 4,000 and 5,000 meters, and have a free day to recover. The next altitude level is San Francisco itself, at 6,000 meters.
What's NOT included in the price?
NOT Included in the price:
- Accommodation in FiambalĂĄ, La Rioja or Catamarca before or after the expedition
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sleeping bag and personal equipment
- Porters for personal equipment
- Any expenses generated by the abandonment of the expedition
- Rescue and evacuation expenses
- Tips
- Expenses generated by the loss of luggage
- Everything that is not detailed in the program
About the guide
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 this trip
Lucas
Excellent mountain guide. Attentive to every detail. Very professional.
Juan
Ezequiel is a commited guide who's always looking out for you and trying to make your trip comfortable. In every way.
Wilfried
The region is one of the most spectacular I've been hiking, with stunning views and the feeling to be changing planet every other day. Ezequiel is a very professional guide, all very well prepared, highly knowledgeable of the region, and with a serious program of acclimatation. On top of that a great cook (that changes from the average experience đ), plus, I should have started with that: a fantastic individual. If 6 stars existed, for this trip I wouldn't hesitate.
Isabella
An excellent guide and person. He gave us the best experiences and provided us with support and security at all times.
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