Pico 4 – Cordillera de Ansilta 5.150 m a.s.l.

Overview

Technical details

Max. altitude

5.150 m a.s.l.

Duration

5/6 days

Elevation gain

2,700 m (total)

Distance

Approximately 45 km

Physical demand

High

Technical demand

Moderate

Group size

Minimum 3

Photos 8

Itinerary

1. 1Day 1: Mendoza – Barreal – Morrillos Hut

   We meet early in the city of Mendoza and from there head to the city of Barreal in San Juan (4 hrs). There we take a 4x4 transfer to the Morrillos hut (2 hrs), where we spend our first night at 2,600 m a.s.l.

2. 2Day 2: Morrillos – Camp 1

   Today we begin our trek to our first camp, following the banks of the Arroyo Fiero. We will camp at 3,400 m a.s.l. after 6 hrs of trekking. (distance 10 km; elevation gain 800 m)

3. 3Day 3: Camp 1 – Camp 2

   We start early on our second day of hiking to our base camp, already inside the glacial cirque that connects Ansilta 3, 4 and 5. We will trek for 6 hrs until reaching 4,100 m a.s.l. (distance: 7 km; elevation gain 700 m)

4. 4Day 4: Rest

   We will use this day to improve our acclimatization and gather strength for our big summit day. Some treks around the area will be done.

5. 5Day 5: Summit Ansilta 4

   In the early morning hours we begin our summit attempt on one of the most emblematic peaks of the Province of San Juan. A highly demanding day to crown our expedition. Our day will be 10 hrs (6 hrs up and 4 down), after which we get to enjoy this great experience. (distance: 10 km; elevation gain: 1,000 m).

6. 6Day 6: Descent

   After breaking camp, a long day begins. We will descend for 6 hrs to the Morrillos hut, where it all began. Our transfer to Barreal will be waiting for us. That is where our services end, and we leave full of new experiences. Elevation loss 1,500 m; distance: 17 km.

Required gear

• General gear: Trekking backpack (70 to 80 liters)
• General gear: Warm sleeping bag (–10 degrees comfort rating. Down or good synthetic).
• General gear: Insulated sleeping pad (10 to 15 mm).
• General gear: Inflatable insulated sleeping pad (optional)
• General gear: Trekking poles
• Base layer (next to skin): Changes of underwear.
• Base layer (next to skin): Cotton T-shirt (for wearing in camp and for sleeping)
• Base layer (next to skin): 2 long-sleeve synthetic T-shirts
• Base layer (next to skin): 1 thermal underpants or polypropylene leggings (no cotton) as base layer pants
• Base layer (next to skin): Thin polypropylene or similar gloves (no cotton)
• Base layer (next to skin): pair of thin polypropylene or similar socks (no cotton),
• Base layer (next to skin): Buff-type multifunctional neck gaiter
• Mid layer (insulation): 2 pairs of trekking socks (synthetic-thermal)
• Mid layer (insulation): 1 pair of thick mountain socks
• Mid layer (insulation): 1 pair of long trekking pants
• Mid layer (insulation): 1 fleece jacket
• Mid layer (insulation): Down jacket
• Mid layer (insulation): Fleece gloves or large insulated ski-type gloves that fit liner gloves underneath (no wool)
• Mid layer (insulation): Sun cap
• Mid layer (insulation): Warm hat
• Outer layer (windproof and waterproof): Waterproof jacket (Ultrex or Gore-Tex or similar)
• Outer layer (windproof and waterproof): Over-pants (Gore-Tex or similar, or ski type) – optional
• Outer layer (windproof and waterproof): Outer layer gloves or mittens (waterproof and breathable). Ski type is fine
• Outer layer (windproof and waterproof): Mountain gaiters
• Technical gear: Headlamp
• Technical gear: Double boots
• Technical gear: Crampons (12-point, non-rigid recommended) – ask whether they will be needed
• Technical gear: Ice axe – ask whether it will be needed
• Technical gear: Climbing helmet
• Personal items: Passport, ID card, national ID (DNI).
• Personal items: Health insurance details.
• Personal items: Completed health and personal information form.
• Health & hygiene: Sunglasses with category 3 UV protection
• Health & hygiene: Spare glasses (goggles are fine, highly recommended)
• Health & hygiene: Personal first-aid kit.
• Health & hygiene: High-SPF sunscreen
• Health & hygiene: Lip balm
• Health & hygiene: Soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
• Health & hygiene: Toilet paper, tissues. Baby wipes.
• Health & hygiene: Pocket knife or knife
• Kitchen: Half-liter or 1-liter thermos
• Kitchen: Water containers, 3 liters minimum (a plastic bottle is fine), hydration bladder, Nalgene or similar
• Kitchen: Plate, cutlery, mug

What's included

Booking conditions

• Minimum of 3 people per departure.
• To reserve a spot on the activity, 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
• Group discounts
• Refund policy: the reservation fee is non-refundable. (each case will be assessed individually).
• Payment methods: bank transfer, USDT, credit cards, PayPal and/or cash