Cerro El Plomo Climbing Expedition

"Chile"

Cerro Plomo (5424 m/12600 ft) is the giant ice-capped dome overlooking the beautiful city of Santiago de Chile. The Plomo is a popular high-altitude mountain expedition mainly because the ascent is not technical demanding and suitable for anyone with a good physical condition. However, the altitude and low temperatures make El Plomo a serious goal that requires acclimatisation and technical gear. The mountain gained a mystic reputation in 1954, when an ancient mummy of an Inca child was discovered a few meters below its summit. Today, the remains of walls are the indicators of the high tracks the Incas followed while exploring the Southerly part of their kingdom.

The Itinerary

DAY 1:
Around 6 am we leave Santiago and drive through the Farrelones Valley to the La Parva Ski Center (2650 m). Here we meet the local arrieros, who load the food and common equipment on mules. We start ascending the ski slopes up to Portezuelo del Franciscano and on to the green fields of Piedra Numerada (3350 m) where we spend the night (L D)

DAY 2:
Heading northwards, the trail leads to the foot of the Iver glacier, which covers the slopes of El Plomo (3-4 hrs). In this area, known as Olla del Plomo (4300 m) we settle Base Camp. The mules carry the common equipment and food up to this point (B L D).

DAY 3:
Around 5 am, we start hiking towards the summit. The trail goes over steep, unstable and loose terrain (acarreo) before meeting the glacier. It passes the ancient Inca altar at 5100 m and the burial site at 5400 m. After approximately 4-7 hrs, we reach the summit and enjoy the spectacular view over the Central Andes, the Aconcagua and Tupungato. A 2-4 hrs hike brings us back to Olla. We continue down to Piedra Numerada or camp at La Olla depending the physical condition of the group (B L D)

DAY 4:
From La Olla, we hike back and the mules carry the equipment to La Parva. (B L D)

DAY 5:
We arrive in Santiago in the afternoon (B)

General Information

Rated: Moderate.

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Departure dates
2005: November 20 - December 4 & 18
2006: January 8 & 22 - February 5 & 19 - March 5 - April 2

Tour Tariff
N° of Participants	2	3	4	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 631	$ 589	$ 524	$ 21
EUR	€ 524	€ 488	€ 435	€ 17
GBP	£ 353	£ 329	£ 293	£ 11

(*) Price last updated on 31 March 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) All fixed departures are shared. We also organise private departures at other dates upon request.

Included: Lodging in camp, meals as specified, transport to La Parva, permits and common camping equipment, experienced mountain guides.

Not included: Other meals, mountain equipment (crampons, ice peak....)

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