Turquesa Stream and Balcony of six thousand Trekking, Mercedario, San Juan

Name: Balcony of six thousand - Trekking and exploration - Higher than the Condors - San Juan
Start: 2026-12-05T10:00:00-03:00
End: 2026-12-11T10:00:00-03:00
Location: Barreal, Calingasta, San Juan

Proposal

The mountains that live in the indelible memory of an expedition that made many of us dream

An adventure in the heart of one of the most extraordinary high mountain corners of the Andes Mountains. As in the historic expedition of the Poles in 1934, which inspired the mountaineer Victor Ostrowsky (a member of the aforementioned expedition) to write one of the (if not the most) important mountaineering books in Argentina, when they crowned 5 of the 6 summits. of more than 6,000 meters that are found here, including Mercedario (6,701 meters above sea level), one of the 13 mountains more than 6,500 meters high in America, just 100 km north of Aconcagua.

We invite you to live an adventure on foot to observe, almost within reach, these colossi that decorate the Main Andes Mountains in a thousand colors. A region that also moved General San Martin, when he carried out the feat of crossing into Chile, with one of his armies, through the Los Patos Pass.

Itinerary

Day 1: Barreal - 1650 masl. Arrival in the town of Barreal, San Juan, in the afternoon (check for charter bus option). Meet the guides, gear check, and rental advice. Last-minute shopping. Overnight in a local inn or cabins.

Day 2: Barreal – Laguna Blanca (3,100 m) – Guanaquitos Base Camp (3,550 m)
Breakfast. Early morning start to our great adventure. 4x4 transfer to Laguna Blanca, where we’ll load the mules and begin our ascent to Guanaquitos Base Camp at 3,550 m.
With the help of pack animals carrying our gear, we’ll enjoy a light-weight trekking day. The first incredible views of Cerro Mercedario appear. Camp setup, acclimatization, and overnight stay.

Day 3:Guanaquitos Base Camp (3,550 m) – Acclimatization Hike – Guanaquitos
Breakfast. We’ll hike to a nearby peak such as Cerro El Pelado (4,100 m) or a similar one, depending on the guide’s decision — around 5 to 6 hours of moderate ascent for acclimatization. Return to base camp and overnight stay.

Day 4: Guanaquitos Base Camp – Turquesa Stream Camp (3,950 m)
Breakfast. Trek to the stunning Turquesa Stream, at approx. 4,000 m, named for its striking turquoise color. The water emerges suddenly from a spring on the eastern slope of Mercedario.
Light trekking with little elevation gain, about 6 km round-trip. Return to base camp, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 5: Turquesa Stream Camp – Mirador Balcón de los Seismiles – Return to Camp (3,950 m)
Early breakfast. Long day to reach the spectacular Balcón de los Seismiles viewpoint (4,850 m), offering a panoramic view of the Río Colorado Valley surrounded by glaciers and the highest peaks of the Andes: Pico Polaco, Alma Negra, La Mesa, La Ramada Sur, La Ramada Norte, and Mercedario itself. A full 12-hour day, covering approx. 23 km. After photos and rest, descend back to Guanaquitos Camp. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Turquesa Stream Camp – Laguna Blanca – Return to Barreal
After breakfast, we break camp and begin our return trek to Laguna Blanca, where the 4x4s will pick us up and take us back to Barreal. Overnight in inns or cabins.

Day 7. Barreal – Breakfast – End of Services
Optional activities available: rafting, Pampa del Leoncito excursion, astronomical observatories, and land sailing (carrovelismo).

Elevation Profile

Included Services

Your purchase from an official agency - travel and tourism company registered with the Tourism Secretariat (Ascenso 23 EVyT Leg: 16396).
Professional mountain guides.
Assistants and cooks.
4x4 transfer from Barreal to Laguna Blanca round trip.
Evacuation on foot, by mule or, if necessary, helicopter.
2 nights in a cabin in Barreal.
Technical safety material, VHF radios, mountain first aid kit.
Heaters and kitchen elements.
Base camp service (dining tent, chairs, tables, kitchen) in Guanaquitos - Mercedario Base Camp, 3550 meters above sea level.
Sleeping tents throughout the expedition.
Full board (all meals) throughout the Expedition: breakfast, energy, lunch, snack, dinner.
Carrying general and personal equipment (with mules) throughout the trek.
Specific advice on materials and personal equipment.
Personal accident insurance.
Permanent assis

Services NOT included

Trip to Barreal.
Dinners in Barreal.
Tips.
Expenses caused by abandonment of the expedition.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be trained?

For any mountain activity you need to have prior physical preparation, or be physically active. In this case we suggest training well aerobically (running two to three times a week, cycling or swimming) and doing good leg training (gym, crossfit, AEX training, etc.)

Do I need to have previous experience?

We recommend having walked at least once previously with a trekking backpack, although prior experience is not required. Have ever slept in a tent.

Where do you spend the night?

The overnight stay takes place in mountain camps in comfortable igloo-type tents for 2/3 or 4 people. To share. The first and last night we slept in a hostel or cabins in Barreal, a small town in the Calingasta Valley.

Do I have to bring a tent?

The tents are included in the service. If you want to bring yours, ask us.

What is the climate or temperature?

Although the time of year is optimal for this journey, in mountainous and/or rugged areas temperatures usually drop at night. There may be the possibility that a storm hits us, hence the importance of personal equipment, you cannot lack anything that we detail in the equipment list.

Are there rest stops?

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

From what age can you do this activity?

From 13 years of age.

Is there a porter service?

We offer a mule porter service that carries the general equipment such as cooking gear, food, tents, and safety items. They also carry some of your personal gear, approximately up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds) per person..

Who's a good fit for Turquesa Stream and Balcony of six thousand Trekking, Mercedario, San Juan?

Turquesa Stream and Balcony of six thousand Trekking, Mercedario, San Juan is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Barreal, Calingasta, San Juan , in the region Argentina, Argentina. It lasts 7 days. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What physical fitness level is required for Turquesa Stream and Balcony of six thousand Trekking, Mercedario, San Juan?

Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta.
• The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day
• The physical demand
• The technical level of the terrain and required equipment
• The degree of mental strength required
• The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:

What equipment do I need to take part in the Turquesa Stream and Balcony of six thousand Trekking, Mercedario, San Juan?

En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo.
Chequealo ahora! ->

What's included in Turquesa Stream and Balcony of six thousand Trekking, Mercedario, San Juan?

Your purchase from an official agency - travel and tourism company registered with the Tourism Secretariat (Ascenso 23 EVyT Leg: 16396). Professional mountain guides. Assistants and cooks. 4x4 transfer from Barreal to Laguna Blanca round trip. Evacuation on foot, by mule or, if necessary, helicopter. 2 nights in a cabin in Barreal. Technical safety material, VHF radios, mountain first aid kit. Heaters and kitchen elements. Base camp service (dining tent, chairs, tables, kitchen) in Guanaquitos - Mercedario Base Camp, 3550 meters above sea level. Sleeping tents throughout t

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

40%

Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

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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

Clic para detalles

60%

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 TEAM

Trekking backpack (55 to 80 liters).
Warm sleeping bag (-5 to -10 degrees comfort) (e.g. 800 g of down or equivalent synthetic).
Insulating mat (10 to 15mm).
Trekking sticks..
Water-resistant plastic bags to store all clothes inside the backpack.

DRESS

Stockings.
Underwear.
1 pair of trekking boots (in conditions).
1 second light replacement shoe for wading (crossing rivers) and getting wet.
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

PERSONAL ITEMS

Passport or ID.
Battery powered headlamp (With spare batteries).
Sunglasses (Category III or IV).
Sunscreen (not less than factor 45). Lip balm.
Toilet paper. Handkerchiefs. Wet wipes.

KITCHEN FOR PERSONAL USE

Containers for water for at least 2 liters (it can be a plastic bottle).
Cutlery.
Plate or taper (not glass or aluminum).
Plastic or metal jar and pottery (not glass or aluminum).
dish towel

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (see space and weight)

SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
Mate, bombilla and yerba.
Steel thermos.
Telescope, monocle. Photographic or video equipment.
Book, notebook, travel diary, pencil, pen.

Rental Equipment

Available

Trekking sleeping bag

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Available

Pair of Trekking Poles

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Available

Rental mittens

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Available

Pair of Crampons

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Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe

Available

Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax

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Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords

Available

Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness

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Available

Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom

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Available

Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

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4.8

147 Google reviews

Guillermina Augustu

Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..

Mariano Marchioni

Excelente servicio de principio a fin, te ayudan y acompañan en todo el proceso de preparación para tu salida y tienen los mejores guías, por servicio y calidad humana

Maxi Cuska

Espectacular todo! el recorrido Calilegua-Tilcara, los paisajes, la atención y dedicación de los guiás. Lean y Gusti una masa!! comimos excelente, mucha magia de Gustavo en la cocina y los lugareños que nos recibieron de primera. El grupo que toco también toda la onda!! La pasamos genial en todo momento, el hospedaje de ultima noche un lujo. Recomiendo fuerte!!