Ascent El Manchao, Catamarca

Proposal

Ambato, a different environment in Catamarca

A trekking and mountaineering adventure in the mountains that dominate the Rodeo, in the Cordon of Ambato, an ecosystem with diverse vegetation and stunning valleys and high peaks.

The Manchao is the highest peak of this cord and limits the large horseshoe shape to the northwest of the provincial capital. From the stretch of Las Juntas to the summit of the hill, the slope is pronounced with a landscape that amazes with its variety, unlike the western sector of the province, the dominated aridity, the salt flats and high altitude. An innovative experience expedition, camping and hiking with extensive conference and summit attempt.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Catamarca to El Rodeo. This day we meet at El Rodeo. Lunch. Lodging in a hostel in El Rodeo with dinner. Presentation with guides and equipment, general check-up and prior logistics

Day 2: Breakfast. Transfer 7 am to the beginning of the path. Beginning of the walk. First working day. Set up of camp in Las Tinajas. First night. 3400 masl.

Day 3: Walk uphill to the camp at 4000 meters above sea level, in the so-called Casa de Piedra del Manchao. Camp setup. Hydration and rest.

Day 4: Early breakfast. The Manchao summit attempt. If weather conditions permit us, we arrive at the summit of 4530 meters. Photos and celebrations summit. Descend to camp. Rest. Hydration. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Descent along the route that ends in El Rodeo to a last camp in a high field.

Day 6 Last day of descent to Las El Rodeo. Walk to the accommodation of the first day (or transfer). Option to spend the night at the inn (extra) or transfer to Catamarca city.

Elevation Profile

Included Services

Transfer IN-OUT from Catamarca to Rodeo and Las Juntas.
Professional mountain guides and baqueanos.
Accommodation in a hostel in El Rodeo, night 1; rooms to share, with dinner
Full board, non-a la carte menu, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6. (4 daily meals: breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.)
General camp logistics (pots, heaters, security elements, orientation).
Communication and first aid equipment
Portage with animals for the general team.
Personal accident insurance.
Shower-bath at the end of the journey
Permanent advice, before and during the journey.

Services NOT included

Trip (from place of origin of each one) to Catamarca.
Night 6 accommodation in El Rodeo or Catamarca and dinner.
Expenses caused by leaving the program.
Lunch day 1

Note

Trekking and climbing considered physically demanding. Will be camping three nights

March lunches (cold meals): Milanese and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, appetizers, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-red chorizo stews, Chicken and vegetable casseroles, Pasta with various sauces or stew, Roast meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Chicken with rice in a saucepan....
Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit

It is necessary to complete the personal/medical record to clarify if someone does not eat any type of food.

Where to sleep

The overnight stay takes place in mountain camps in igloo-type tents, comfortable and for 2/3 or 4 people. The first night is in a hostel in El Rodeo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a climb with difficulty?

It does not have technical difficulty but it does have some physics with some height. It is a 50 km round trip walk with large unevenness.

Do I need to be trained?

For any mountain activity you need to have prior physical preparation, or be physically active.

Do I need to have previous experience?

It is important to have some previous experience in different treks. We recommend having good physical condition, and knowing that the modality is crossing, where you walk during the day with a backpack, and spend the night in a wild camp. The summit day is intense.

Where do you spend the night?

The overnight stay takes place in mountain camps in igloo-type tents, comfortable and for 2/3 or 4 people. The first night is in a hostel in El Rodeo

Do I have to bring a tent?

The tents are included in the service.

What is the weather or temperature?

Pleasant during the day, cool (0 degrees) either early or at sunset.

Are rest stops made?

The stops occur with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity. There are stops for lunch, snack, and rest.

How much does the backpack weigh?

In a woman a range of 13 to 15 kilos, in a man from 15 to 20 kilos.

Is there a porter service?

We have a mule portering service, which will carry the general equipment every day.

What do we eat?

In all our expeditions we offer the meal service IN FULL BOARD PLAN.

March lunches (cold meals): Milanese and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, chopped, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinner: Vegetable stews-bacon-red chorizo, Chicken and vegetable casseroles, Pasta with various sauces or stew, Roast meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Chicken with rice in the casserole....
Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Cooked Mate, Mate, Powdered milk; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit.
It is necessary to complete the personal/medical file to clarify if someone does not eat some type of food.

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

60%

Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles

60%

Physical (F)

Physical demand

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40%

Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles

40%

Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

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40%

Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles

How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level

Recommended for intermediate level

Previous experience and good physical condition required.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

Special backpack for trekking (65 to 85 litres)
Warm sleeping bag (minimum –10 degrees comfort) (eg 700gms or 1 Kg of feather or good synthetic)
Insulating mat (10 to 15mm)
Trekking sticks.
Water-resistant plastic bags to store all the clothes inside the backpack.

CLOTHING

Stockings
Underwear
1 pair of trekking boots (in conditions).
Long trekking pants (NO JEAN).
1 long inner pants or leggings.
2 dry fit synthetic short-sleeved shirts.
1 long-sleeved shirt.
2 coats (fleece jumper, or wool pullover).
1 sun hat (with flaps).
1 scarf to cover the neck from the sun.
Fleece collar
Warm hat

HANDS

Thin first layer gloves.
Warm fleece gloves.
Third layer gloves (waterproof). They can be mittens or ski type.

THIRD LAYER (windproof and waterproof)

Waterproof-windproof jacket (ultrex or gore tex or similar).
Feather coat jacket.
Trouser cover (ultrex or gore tex or similar) – According to conditions. Consult.
Leggings – According to conditions

PERSONAL ELEMENTS