Mt. Mercedario
Mercedario is the fourth highest mountain in America and is a unique spot for those who pursuit undiscovered mountains. Guided Expeditions with Our Company.
Guided Ascent of Mount Mercedario
Consult Dates
Duration 16 days
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Mendoza airport (2,000 ft / 600 m). Lodging in hotel.
Day 2 Last minute shopping. Transfer to Barreal (240 km) (5,333 ft / 1,600 m), Lodging in hotel.
Day 3 Barreal - El Molle. 80 km drive in 4WD vehicle. Lodging in El Molle Mining Hut. (8,000 ft / 2,400 m).
Day 4 El Molle - Guanaquitos (12,000 ft / 3600 m). Together with the mules which carry our luggage we will head up La Laguna Creek (6 hours hike) to get to Guanaquitos where Base Camp is set up.
Day 5 Guanaquitos (Base Camp). Free day for acclimatization.
Day 6 Guanaquitos (Base Camp). Free day for visiting the base of Caballito Glacier. (14,666 ft / 4,400 m).
Day 7 Guanaquitos - Cuesta Blanca (14,000 ft / 4,200 m). First high altitude camp. Six- hour walk.
Day 8 Cuesta Blanca - Pirca de Indios (17,000 ft / 5,100 m). Easy walk, short slope on snow, no crampons needed. Five- hour walk.
Day 9 Free day for acclimatization at Pirca de Indios. Pirca de Indios is a place where archeological relics have been found, and where we will be surrounded by Incan stone constructions.
Day 10 Pirca de Indios - La Ollada (19,000 ft / 5,700 m). Short and easy walk. Marvellous views from La Ollada camp.
Day 11 La Ollada - El Diente (optional camp at 26,666 ft / 6,200 m).
Day 12 El Diente - Summit.
Day 13 El Diente - Guanaquitos.
Day 14 Extra weather day.
Day 15 Guanaquitos - Barreal. Walk back with the mules. Four- hour walk. Drive to Barreal for lodging in hotel.
Day 16 Barreal - Airport.
Services Road transfers as per itinerary plus 24-hour 4x4 assistance, English speaking staff, English speaking mountain Guide (one every three climbers), three night of lodging in San Juan, Mendoza or Barreal (breakfast included), base Camp and high altitude equipment (i.e. high altitude tents, stove and cooking gear),porters for up to 40 kg per person of expedition equipment to Base Camp, and 30 kg on the return, all meals on the mountain, permits from the mining company which owns the rights to the area and from Gendarmerie.
The price of the program does not includeMeals of any kind in Mendoza / San Juan or Barreal (apart from breakfast), international and domestic airfares, personal gear, medication, ground or air evacuations, room service, laundry, beverages, phone communication and items of personal nature, liability insurance, hospitalization or medical coverage of any kind, any other service not mentioned above, porters. costs that may arise if a climber abandons the trip.