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Cerro Penitentes

4,000 m Ascents

Cerro Penitentes 4.360 m a.s.l.

Penitentes, Quebrada de Vargas, Mendoza

Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Altitude
4.360 m a.s.l.
Next departure
Nov 21–23
Price
$ 630.000

The "balcony of the Andes": from its summit you can see the south face of Aconcagua and Volcán Tupungato. Three days through the Quebrada de Vargas to the Grajales hut.

Overview

One of the most coveted peaks for every mountaineer is Cerro Penitentes. At 4,360 m a.s.l., it rises in the main range of Mendoza. Known as the balcony of the Andes, because from its summit you can enjoy the enormous south face of Aconcagua and Volcán Tupungato.

During the expedition we walk through the beautiful Quebrada de Vargas to the Grajales hut, where we set up our camp. 3 demanding days full of unique landscapes await you on this great adventure.

Who is it for?

For beginner or advanced mountaineers in good physical shape. Many consider it the first 4,000 m peak, both for its difficulty and for how interesting the expedition is.

Technical details

Max. altitude
4.360 m a.s.l.
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Elevation gain
1,750 m
Distance
21 km
Physical demand
Moderate
Technical demand
Low
Group size
Minimum 3

Photos 7

Itinerary

  1. 1Day 1: Mendoza – Base Camp 3,200 m a.s.l.

    We meet our guide at an agreed point and drive to Penitentes. We cross the Mendoza River over a rudimentary bridge and, after a 4-5 hour trek, reach the campsite. Although it is not a long day, we have to carry backpacks with personal and camping gear (approximately 15 kg).

  2. 2Day 2: Camp – Summit – Camp

    At first light we head for the summit on a 8-10 hour day, enjoying every step of the majesty of the Andes on the most demanding day of the expedition. 1,150 m of elevation gain await us, so we give it our all.

  3. 3Day 3: Camp – Mendoza

    After a hearty breakfast to recover our strength, we break camp and start the descent to Route 7 to return to the city of Mendoza on a final 3-hour day. We finish our expedition back home full of new experiences.

The itinerary may be modified if the guide considers it necessary

Required gear

  • Sunglasses (category 3 or higher)
  • Neck gaiter or buff
  • Sun cap
  • Warm hat
  • Pair of base-layer gloves
  • Pair of warm gloves
  • Trekking boots
  • Sports socks, 2 pairs
  • Warm socks
  • Thermal pants or leggings
  • Long trekking pants
  • Synthetic T-shirt, avoid cotton
  • Warm sweater
  • Warm jacket
  • Windbreaker/waterproof jacket
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Personal tableware: cup, cutlery, plate
  • Trekking poles
  • Water container, 3 L minimum
  • 60-75 liter backpack
  • Sleeping bag (-10° comfort)
  • Insulating sleeping pad
  • Headlamp with spare batteries

What's included

Included

  • Professional mountain guide for every 4 people
  • Trail snacks and meals in the mountains.
  • Personal accident insurance
  • Communication and first-aid equipment
  • Logistics and advisory service
  • Camping gear (tents, stoves, pots, etc.)
  • Transportation from the city of Mendoza to Penitentes

Not included

  • Personal gear
  • Other services not detailed
  • Costs for withdrawal from the expedition
  • Porter service for camping gear

Booking conditions

  • Minimum 3 people per departure.
  • To reserve a spot, 30% of the price must be paid. (Ask about payment plans and conditions.)
  • Payment may be made in dollars or pesos at the official exchange rate
  • Refund policy: the reservation fee is non-refundable. (Each case is evaluated individually.)
  • Payment methods: bank transfer, USDT, credit cards, PayPal and/or cash

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$ 630.000 Nov 21–23
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Cerro Penitentes — photo 1
Cerro Penitentes — photo 2
Cerro Penitentes — photo 3
Cerro Penitentes — photo 4
Cerro Penitentes — photo 5
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Cerro Penitentes — photo 7