Plata Peak (20,200 fasl)
It is the highest peak in the Cordón del Plata.
The normal way up it is not technically difficult but it requires climbers to be very fit.
The ascent starts from the Vallecitos refuge through the Veguitas (also known as Mallines). These Veguitas are grasslands where the grass grows naturally around clean and fresh springs. Cows, horses and the few "guanacos" that descend the hills are usually found feeding in these veguitas. An effortless walk takes us from there up to Piedra Grande camp. The ascent to El Salto camp is strenuous but the trail offers inspiring views of the Mt. Rincón walls.
Either from La Ollada camp at 14,400 fasl (4500 masl) or from the El Salto camp at 13,000 fasl (4100 msnm), reaching the summit requires a lot of effort and energy. The last day´s ascent is long and strenuous, although the scenery viewed when reaching 16,000 fasl (5000 masl) is awe-inspiring. Arriving at the edge that links Mt. Plata to Mt.Vallecitos, the view opens out to the west, revealing the Cordón de La Jaula, a world of lonely peaks accessible only to a lucky few. Finally, we head south to the summit in a long but easy traverse.
Itinerary
1st Day: transfer from Mendoza City to Vallecitos, one hour and a half drive. Dinner and night at refuge at 8500 fasl
2nd Day: ascent to Las Veguitas and from there to Piedra Grande camp at 11,550 fasl (3600 masl). Night at camp.
3rd Day: ascent to El Salto camp at 13,000 fasl (4100 msnm). Night at camp.
4th Day: ascent to La Ollada camp at approx. 14,400 fasl (4500 masl), depending on weather conditions and climbers acclimatization, or rest at El Salto camp. Night at camp.
5th Day: summit attempt and return to camp. Night at camp.
6th Day: return to Mendoza City.
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Suggested Personal Equipment
One pair underwear polypropylene pants
One pair fleece pants (or similar warm pants)
One pair waterproof pants (gore-tex/ultrex or similar)
Two short sleeved shirts
One long sleeved polypropylene sweat shirt (or similar)
Two fleece tops (or similar warm top)
One duvet jacket (or synthetic)
One waterproof shell jacket (gore-tex/ultrex or similar)
One pair of first skin gloves
One pair of fleece gloves (or similar warm gloves)
One pair of waterproof gloves or mittens (gore-tex/ultrex or similar)
One fleece or synthetic balaclava
One warm stocking cap
One cap
One pair of sun glasses (VU protection)
One extra pair of glasses
One headlamp with spare batteries
One duvet (or synthetic) sleeping bag for -13°F (-25ºC) or less
One neoprene mattress
One comfortable 80 or 90 litres backpack
One pair of mountaineering double shoes -13°F (-25ºC) or less
One pair of trekking shoes (or similar comfortable ones)
Two pairs of warm cotton socks
Two pairs of warm synthetic socks
One pair of crampons
One ice axe
One pair of ski poles
1 Pair of waterproof gaiters
1 VU Sun block cream
Personal aid kit including baby towels
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Technical difficulty
Low: doesn´t require previous knowledge nor special skills.
Physical condition
Very good: person who trains systematically very hard with high standards of demand almost every day.
Rates
Please, contact us.
Includes
Transfer Mendoza City-Vallecitos-Mendoza City
One night at refuge
Mule transportation of part of the gear up to El Salto camp (available during summer expeditions)
Meals during expeditions
Double base tents
Bilingual mountain guide
Not Included
Transfer origin-Mendoza City-Origin
Extra beverages
Personal gear
Personal porter
Discover the Andes, Expeditions: tel +54 -261-156571967, e-mail:info@discovertheandes.com EVT Legajo 16431