Vallecitos Trek

General Description

This is a great introduction to high altitude mountaineering when you have time constraints or wan to combine a taste of the central Andes with a taste of Patagonia during your time away from home. We spend one week in the range of Cordon del Plata (the Silver Range), just 3 hrs away from Mendoza city. We will climb a pyramid shaped peak called Vallecitos (5400 m/ 17400 ft). You will get to explore a new mountain range and climb a beautiful peak in a short amount of time. The other advantage is the low number of hikers in this Range, opposed to the crowded trails on the Aconcagua. This trek is also the ideal acclimatization program for those who intend to climb the Aconcagua.

Itinerary

DAY 1:
Arrival at Mendoza Airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in a 2 or 3* hotel, where all members of the expedition are lodged.

DAY 2:
During a briefing at the hotel, formal introduction of the group and guides and review of the participants' gear. Pick-up of the climbing permits and last minute supplies. After lunch, transfer to Vallecitos at 3000m (9900 ft). Vallecitos is a small ski resort at the foot of the Cordon del Plata (The Silver Range). We are lodged at a mountain hut only a few hundred yards from the road's end. For the next 7 days we hike this beautiful range and climb Mount Vallecitos (5400 m / 17800 ft). This is a perfect and pleasant aclimatisation excercice before atempting the Aconcagua. Overnight in hut.(B)

DAY 3:
We hike in the vicinity of the hut and practice light exercises to help with the acclimatisation process. Overnight in hut.(B)

DAY 4:
We pack our gear and climb up the valley to 3800 m (13000 ft). This is an easy walk following a trail and a stream along green grass slopes and rocky terrain. We set up the camp in the valley.(BLD)

DAY 5:
We continue our approach towards the cirque formed by Mount Vallecitos and Mount El Plata at 4400 m (14500 ft). The scenery is breathtaking and this is our last camp before climbing Mount Vallecitos.(BLD)

DAY 6:
Resting day for gentle hike in the surroundings.(BLD)

DAY 7:
Early wake up and start of Mount Vallecitos (5400 m / 17800 ft) ascension. We reach a saddle from where we follow a majestic ridge to the summit, enjoying great vistas of the nearby peaks, including the Aconcagua. Back to camp for the night. (BLD)

DAY 8:
Late morning start and hike down to our hut where the van is waiting for us to drive us back to Mendoza. (B)

Extension

A holiday in Argentina should include a visit of one of the Estancias (ranch), the most representative feature of Argentinean way of life, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the "gauchos" traditions and culture and appreciate their dexterity in cattle and horse gathering. This is also a unique occasion to taste the world wide famous "asado de carne" (Argentinean barbecue) while enjoying the local music and dance and the excellent Mendoza wine.
We recommend Estancia Chateau d'Ancon, only 45 minutes from Mendoza, set in the heart of the famous Mendoza vineyards and facing the Tupungato Volcano (6000 metres).
Wine lovers may also enjoy a stay in a Bodega (Argentinean version of French "Chateau") and learn more about wine industry in Argentina

General Information and Price

Rated: Moderate
This high altitude expedition is for the novice and experienced mountaineer. A previous hiking & camping experience are helpful although not critical to participation. Participants will be expected to carry 35 pound loads mostly on trails, hike on talus, ice and snow. Hiking times will be anywhere between 6 to 12 hrs. Adapting to altitude is a unique body adaptation that occurs at different rates in different individuals.


Everyone carries its own equipment, sleeping bag and clothes. (5 to 8 kg)

Fixed Departure dates
2006-2007 November 9 - December 3 and 28 - February 3
Other dates will be opened in January and February 2007 depending on requests

Tour Tariff
	Per person
USD	$ 1062
EUR	881
GBP	594

(*) Price last updated on 25 October 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) Private departures upon request


Permits 2006-2007(fares subjected to change):
High Season: From 15th December 2006 to 31st January 2007:
* Long trekking (7 days) USD$ 60 pp
Medium Season: From December 1st to December 14th 2006 and from February 1st to February 20th, 2007:
* Long trekking (7 days) USD$ 50 pp
Low Season: From November 15th to November 30th 2006 and from February 21st to March 15th 2007:
* Long trekking (7 days) USD$ 50 pp


Included: All ground transportation to and from airport to the Hotel, lodging IN/OUT in Mendoza Hotel, two nights in the Vallecitos Mountain Hut & camping in the mountain. All expedition meals, packing mules to high camp, group gear: tents, first aid kits, communication devices, barometer, altimeter, GPS, Oximeter, short rope, etc) and kitchen gear. The participant-guide ratio will be 4:1, depending on the group size, usually groups of up to 10 individuals

Not included: Sleeping bags and pads, trekking permits, showers,other meals and drinks outside camps