Climb of Cerro El Nevado (Payén) - 3850 masl

Name: Cerro El Nevado - Mountaineering and trekking - San Rafael - El Nihuil - General Alvear - Mendoza
Start: 2026-03-24T04:00:00-03:00
End: 2026-03-24T21:00:00-03:00
Location: San Rafael

Proposal

The lone mountain

Along the stretch of road between General Alvear and San Rafael, a prominent range can be seen to the southeast, set apart from the Andes Mountains. This is Cerro El Nevado, or Payén, south of El Nihuil, over 3800 meters above sea level. It's reached by dirt road up to its base. It's the highest point in Mendoza outside the Andes Mountains.

Itinerary - 1-day program

The evening before: gear check, meeting with guides.

4 am: Departure from San Rafael or El Sosneado: Vehicle transfer to El Nihuil and from there to the base of the mountain on a farm, at 2400 masl. About 3 hrs of travel. Start of the climb. Southwest route which, in its final stretch, depending on conditions, may have snow. Summit, photos and descent back to camp. Transfer back to San Rafael. 9 pm. End of program.

Itinerary - 2-day program (ask about extra cost)

Day 1: Meeting in San Rafael in the morning. Guide introduction, gear check. Vehicle transfer to El Nihuil and from there to the base of the mountain on a farm, at 2400 masl. Setting up camp. Rest. Early dinner.

Day 2: Start of the climb very early (3 am). Southwest route which, in its final stretch, depending on conditions, may have snow. Summit, photos and descent back to camp. Transfer back to San Rafael. End of program

Elevation Profile

Included Services

Transfer to and from San Rafael
Campsite / mountain outpost
Tents
Meals
Mountain guide
Ongoing support

Services NOT included

Travel to San Rafael
Personal equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a demanding climb?

Yes, it is. Although we walk carrying almost no weight in our backpacks, the climb is significant and steady throughout the day, both going up and coming down.

How does travel and transport work?

If you book the service with transfer included, we'll pick you up in San Rafael. If it's the one-day expedition we head out very early (approx. 4 am); if it's the two-day version with camping it's approx. 10 am.

Who's a good fit for Climb of Cerro El Nevado (Payén) - 3850 masl - San Rafael, Mendoza?

Climb of Cerro El Nevado (Payén) - 3850 masl - San Rafael, Mendoza is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde San Rafael , in the region Cuyo, Argentina. It lasts 1 day + travel. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What physical fitness level is required for Climb of Cerro El Nevado (Payén) - 3850 masl - San Rafael, Mendoza?

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 Climb of Cerro El Nevado (Payén) - 3850 masl - San Rafael, Mendoza?

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 Climb of Cerro El Nevado (Payén) - 3850 masl - San Rafael, Mendoza?

Transfer to and from San Rafael Campsite / mountain outpost Tents Meals Mountain guide Ongoing support

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

20%

Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles

60%

Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles

40%

Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles

20%

Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles

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

Ideal for beginners

This adventure is perfect for those starting in outdoor activities.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

Small-to-medium trekking backpack (30 to 45 liters)
Trekking poles

FOOTWEAR

1 pair of mountain trekking boots
1 lightweight pair of shoes - as a spare and for resting

BASE LAYER (first skin)

Spare underwear.
Cotton t-shirt (for camp and sleeping)
Short-sleeve synthetic shirt/t-shirt
Long-sleeve synthetic shirt
Polypropylene or similar pants/leggings (no cotton). Worn as a thermal underlayer
Thin polypropylene gloves (no cotton)
Thin polypropylene sock liners (no cotton), worn against the skin.
Buff-type multifunctional neck gaiter

MID LAYER (warmth)

Trekking socks (synthetic-thermal)
1 pair of long trekking pants (optionally add leggings underneath)
2 warm layers (fleece, softshell or similar)
Down/duvet jacket
Warm fleece hat

OUTER LAYER (windproof and waterproof)

Waterproof jacket (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar)
Rain/ski-type pant cover
Waterproof/breathable outer-layer gloves or mittens. Ski-type works
Mountain gaiters

PERSONAL ITEMS

ID document
Medical fitness clearance *** (your doctor must confirm you're fit to do this activity).
Health insurance card.***

MISCELLANEOUS

Headlamp with batteries (plus spare batteries).
Sturdy plastic bags for storing clothing.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

UV-protection sunglasses, category 4
Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm
Soap, shampoo (small, to share) and a small towel.
Other items
Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.
Shorts (for the hot springs)
Sun hat

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

Luciana Durante

Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.

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..

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!!