Volcán Inca Huasi 6.638 m a.s.l.

Overview

Technical details

Max. altitude

6.638 m a.s.l.

Duration

14 days

Physical demand

Very high

Group size

Minimum 2 · maximum 5

• Location: border between Argentina (Catamarca) and Chile
• Type of mountain: extinct volcano
• Key feature: it is the third-highest Inca shrine in the world and the tenth-highest mountain in the Americas

Photos 5

Itinerary

1. 1Day 1: Meet in Fiambalá

   We meet in the Catamarca town of Fiambalá, check equipment and meet the group. After the administrative paperwork for our climb, the afternoon is free to enjoy this beautiful Catamarca town and its hot springs.

2. 2Day 2: Fiambalá – Cortaderas 3,300 m a.s.l.

   After breakfast we head to a mountain lodge in Cortaderas, enjoying the scenery of lagoons, volcanoes and unique flora and fauna that begins to unfold. We will do a trek in the area and then have a free afternoon to rest, hydrate and continue acclimatizing. Dinner and overnight in the hut.

3. 3Day 3: Las Grutas, 4,000 m a.s.l.

   Transfer to the Las Grutas hut. Here the altitude begins to take center stage in our expedition. For that reason, we will only do a few walks in the area and focus on hydration and eating well.

4. 4Day 4: Las Grutas, 4,000 m a.s.l. – Climb Falso Morocho 4,700 m a.s.l.

   Climb to Cerro Falso Morocho (4,700 m a.s.l.). We will use this climb to acclimatize and enjoy the Puna environment of the region.

5. 5Day 5: Las Grutas, 4,000 m a.s.l. – Climb Bertrand 5,280 m a.s.l.

   Climb to Volcán Bertrand. A beautiful volcano with a 3 km-wide crater and indigenous grinding mortars at its summit. A demanding day of more than 8 hours, both physically and mentally. The same day we descend to the town of Fiambalá for a well-deserved rest.

6. 6Day 6: Refugio del Límite, 4,700 m a.s.l.

   Rest day and transfer to the base of Volcán San Francisco for our big day.

7. 7Day 7: Hut – Vn San Francisco – Las Grutas

   We set out early in the morning to begin the climb to the summit of Vn. San Francisco, 6,030 m. An unforgettable route across the lava flows of our objective. We then descend to our vehicle and from there to the Las Grutas hut to continue our expedition.

8. 8Day 8: Rest

   On this day we recover our strength and prepare all the equipment needed for the journey to our final objective.

9. 9Day 9: Las Grutas – Base Camp (BC) Inca Huasi (4,700-4,900 m a.s.l.)

   Early in the day we transfer to base camp, where we set up our tents and prepare the loads to carry the following day.

10. 10Day 10: Carry to Camp 1 (C1) and return to BC

    A day of moving equipment (water, food, tents) to Camp 1 at 5,100 m a.s.l. This carry will help our acclimatization and let us climb with less weight the next day.

11. 11Day 11: Climb to Camp 1 (C1). 5,100 m a.s.l.

    Early breakfast. Climb with the remaining equipment to establish our new camp.

12. 12Day 12: Camp 1 – Camp 2 (C2). 5,700 m a.s.l.

    Last approach day; this day will be crucial since we will be moving permanently above 5,000 m and carrying all the remaining equipment.

13. 13Day 13: Summit day (6,638 m a.s.l.) and return to C2

    The most demanding day. We start the climb in the early morning (approx. 4:00 AM) heading for the summit of Volcán Inca Huasi. Along the whole route we will enjoy views of one of the highest volcanic regions in the world. We will cross glacial terrain and snow couloirs to reach the summit. We then descend to Camp 2 to rest and relive every moment of this unique day. A 10-12 hour day.

14. 14Day 14: Descent from C2 to Base Camp

    We have breakfast, then break camp and descend to our vehicle. The same day we return to Fiambalá. Over an excellent dinner we share all the feelings and experiences we lived. Ready for a new adventure.

15. 15Day 15: Extra day

    Plan for an additional day for acclimatization or bad weather

The itinerary may change due to weather or availability at the huts

Required gear

• General gear: Trekking backpack (70 to 80 liters)
• General gear: Warm sleeping bag (–10 degrees comfort rating; down or good-quality synthetic).
• General gear: Insulated sleeping pad (10 to 15 mm).
• General gear: Inflatable insulated sleeping pad (optional)
• General gear: Trekking poles
• Base layer: Changes of underwear.
• Base layer: Cotton T-shirt (for camp and for sleeping)
• Base layer: 2 long-sleeve synthetic shirts
• Base layer: 1 thermal base-layer pant or polypropylene leggings (no cotton) as base-layer bottoms
• Base layer: Thin polypropylene gloves or similar (no cotton)
• Base layer: Pair of thin polypropylene socks or similar (no cotton),
• Base layer: Multifunctional neck gaiter (buff)
• 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 insulated ski-type finger gloves, large enough to fit the liner gloves underneath (no wool)
• Mid layer (insulation): Sun cap
• Mid layer (insulation): Warm hat
• Outer layer (windproof and waterproof): Waterproof jacket (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar)
• Outer layer (windproof and waterproof): Rain 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 information.
• Personal items: Completed health and personal information form.
• Health & hygiene: Sunglasses with UV protection, category 3
• Health & hygiene: Spare eyewear (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: Pocketknife or knife
• Kitchen: Half-liter or 1-liter thermos
• Kitchen: Water containers, 3 liters minimum (plastic bottle is fine), hydration bladder, Nalgene or similar
• Kitchen: Plate, cutlery, mug

What's included

Booking conditions

• Minimum 2 people per departure, maximum 5
• To confirm participation, 30% of the price must be paid at least 7 days before the activity date.
• Refund policy: the reservation deposit is non-refundable.
• If the activity is canceled due to bad weather, the reservation will be put on hold until a new date is agreed.
• Payment methods: bank transfer, Mercado Pago, credit cards, USDT and/or cash