Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Santiago- Valle Nevado- Laguna del Franciscano. Transfer from Santiago through the Farellones Valley until reaching Valle Nevado Ski Center (2.860m). Meet the local arrieros who load the food and common equipment on mules and start ascending the ski fields (closed on summer) up to Portezuelo del Franciscano where we spend the night. Includes (L-, D).
Day 2: Laguna del Francisco-Piedra Numerada. Trek (3-4hrs) towards the green fields of Piedra Numerada (3.350m) to acclimatize. Due to the physical condition of the participants, we may trek a bit further. Overnight camping. Includes (B, L-, D).
Day 3: Piedra Numerada- La Olla. Heading northwards the trail leads, in 3-4 hrs, to the foot of the Iver glacier, which covers the slopes of El Plomo. In this area, known as Olla del Plomo (4.300mt), we settle Base Camp. The mules have brought the common equipment up to this point. Includes (B, L-, D).
Day 4: La Olla- Summit- La Olla. Around 5AM we start hiking up to the summit. The trail goes over steep, unstable and loose terrain (acarreo) before meeting the glacier. It passes the ancient Inca's altar at 5100m and the burial site at 5400m. The sight over the central Andes from the summit is spectacular with the Aconcagua and Tupungato at sight. It would normally take 4-7hrs to reach the summit and 2-4hrs to be back at La Olla. Overnight camping at La Olla. Includes (B, L-, D).
Day 5: La Olla- La Parva- Santiago. It is a long way back to Santiago, arriving around 7-8PM. The mules will take down the common equipment to Valle Nevado. Includes (B, L-).
* Group Size and Staff:
Every 4 pax - 1 guide. Frequently we use the services of a local cook-guide that assists the mountain-guides while on the lower camps.
* Physical Demands:
Although none of the programmed ascents are technically difficult they demand great physical endurance and stamina, therefore, it is important to be in good shape to reach the summit. Oxygen deprivation or "puna" will affect everyone to some extent, however, we will gradually climb to higher altitudes.
* Physical and Medical Certificates:
These mountain expeditions require the passenger to be physically qualified to be accepted on the trip. It is so, each passenger will be asked to answer and send ahead a short query in order to evaluate his (her) physical condition and gain and idea of his (her) most probable performance at the mountain.
* Equipment Supplied:
Standard equipment includes 2 person mountain tents, a kitchen/dining tent, tables and stools, light, cooking equipment and utensils, first aid kit, etc.
* What you need to bring:
A complete equipment list is included with the reservation form. The expedition demands technical gear such as: sleeping bag (comfortable to -20ºC); full length sleeping pad (ice); a high mountain backpack 90 lts (6.000 cub.inch); plastic double boots; trekking boots; ski poles; personal clothing (feet, upper and lower body, hands, head, etc); ice axe and crampons; For the days not on the mountain consider light/heavy clothing for summer (Dec-March)/ winter (Jun-Aug).
* Transport:
4x4 vehicles depending on the number of passengers.
* Accommodation:
All nights during the expedition will be spent in 2-person tents.
* Participation:
The camp setting will be in general responsibility of both the guiding Staff and the trip's participants. The cooking will be more likely responsibility of the guiding staff with the active help of the participants.
* Changes on the itinerary:
Reasonable changes can be made in the itinerary because of the weather conditions or if judged to be in the best interest and well being of the participants; In the itineraries there are one or two extra days, in case we do not reach the summit on the first attempt or in case of bad weather. If we succeed on the first attempt we will then decide, depending on our guide's judgment, to either extend the excursion on the mountain or to come down before the scheduled time.
* Climate:
Each expedition dossier contains fully detailed information in this matter however consider that over 6.000 m/ 19.500 ft the temperature drops to -30ºC and can reach +30ºC during the day.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- USD 1,234 p/p (2 people)
- USD 888 p/p (3 + people).
Price Includes:
- All the ground transportation from the time we pick you up at Santiago
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- One English speaking mountain leader-guide
- Spanish speaking mountain assistants if more than 3 participants
- Common camping and mountain equipment
- Mules as pack animals.
Price Excludes:
- Entrance
- Permits.
* In the itineraries there are one or two extra days, in case we do not reach the summit on the first attempt or in case of bad weather. If we succeed on the first attempt we will then decide, depending on our guide's judgment, to either extend the excursion on the mountain or to come down before the scheduled time. In the latter case the extra day(s) may be spent in the nearest city is (are) at the tourist's expense.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Hiking & Trekking
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