Vallecitos Peak (18,200 fasl)
This is a spectacular peak. The itinerary is the same as for Mt. El Plata, except for the summit attempt day.
The ascent begins at the Vallecitos refuges and 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. Climbing to El Salto camp is strenuous but the trail offers awe-inspiring views of the Mt. Rincón walls.
The summit attempt is from La Ollada camp at 14,499 fasl (4500 masl) or from the El Salto camp at 13,000 fasl (4100 msnm).
From the ridge that links Mt. Plata and Mt. Vallecitos, the El Peine and La Jaula chains (accessible to a lucky few) are clearly seen. They are situated to the west between the Cordón del Plata and the Cordillera del LÃmite.
The steepness of the last part of the ascent requires concentration but the feeling of satisfaction on reaching the summit makes it all worthwhile.
Itinerary
1st Day: Transfer from Mendoza City to Vallecitos, one hour and a half drive. Dinner and night at refuge at 8,650 fasl (2700 masl).
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 14,400 fasl (4500 masl), according to 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.
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
Technical difficulty
Low: doesn´t require previous knowledge nor special skills.
Physical condition
Good: person who trains systematically not more than three times a week.
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