Tupungato Volcano guided ascent 21555 ft

Transfer from Mendoza City to Puesto Santa Clara, a nice hut in Tupungato (trailhead). 

We take an inner road that crosses vineyards and farms. 

Meeting with arrieros (gauchos). 

Barbecue. Night in tents.

Hike to the Refugio de Durmientes (an old, wooden hut in a perfect setting, 3900 m). 

7-hour trek, mostly uphill, using a trail along the stream. It is a good place to see guanacos (the relative of the lama). 

Dinner and night in tents.

Trek from Refugio de Durmientes to Portezuelo del Azufre (Azufre pass, 4600 m). 

First contact with altitude, ideal for acclimatization. Nice view.

The descent to the Tupungato Valley (3300 m) is made by a rocky stream. 

8-hour trek to this broad valley, surrounded by 5.000 and 6.000 m ranges. The area is quite secluded.

The figure of the volcano rises above the valley.

Early morning Tupungato River crossing, we hike up to Base Camp (3800 m, 4 hours).

Rest and acclimatization day at Base Camp. 

Plenty of food.

Food and fuel is carried to Camp 1 which is located in the ridge that marks the International border (4500 m). We get to see the Argentine-Chilean border landmark.

Return to Base Camp (8-hour trek). 

Move from Base Camp to Camp 1 (4500 m) — an awesome spot in the heart of the mountains. It is well protected from the wind and offers astonishing views. This place is perfect to get strong before the summit push.

Food and gear is carried from Camp 1 to Camp 2 — the High Camp in the ridge (5400 m). Return to Camp 1 (8-hour trek).

Rest day at Camp 1.

Move from Camp 1 to Camp 2 (6-hour trek). 

The High Camp is located in the North ridge of the volcano, just below the snow couloir that leads to the North summit.

Summit day (10-12 hours total). Early morning we go in the direction of the couloir, with crampons and piolet. 

After climbing the easy 35º snow slope, we cross the long plateau with two or three false summits to the North Summit (6550 m). 

The South summit, 20 meters higher, is within a 2 hour hike. 

The majority of expeditions from the Northside go to the North summit, that has a landmark and a summit book.

Extra day in case of bad weather conditions.

Descent from Camp 2 to Basic Camp.

From Base Camp to Portezuelo del Azufre and after that to Refugio de Durmientes. 

Intense day with an ascent to the pass at 4600 m and a long trek down.

Trek from Refugio de Durmientes to Santa Clara. 

Here we meet our truck, that drives us to Mendoza. It is usually loaded with some sodas and beers. 

Hotel check-in. Celebration dinner (not included).

End of the program.