Cerro Negro Expedition - 5500 masl - Cordón de la Ramada - Mercedario - San Juan

Ascent of a mountain over 5000 meters in the San Juan mountain range

4.8 (147)
Duration: 7 days Starting from: Barreal, San Juan Region: Center Distance: 40 km
Cerro Negro Expedition - 5500 masl - Cordón de la Ramada - Mercedario - San Juan
Cerro Negro Expedition - 5500 masl - Cordón de la Ramada - Mercedario - San Juan
Cerro Negro Expedition - 5500 masl - Cordón de la Ramada - Mercedario - San Juan
Cerro Negro Expedition - 5500 masl - Cordón de la Ramada - Mercedario - San Juan
Home: 2026-Dec-05 Fin: 2026-Dec-11
Start time: 10 hs Ending time: 20 hs
Meeting Point: Barreal, San Juan
Duration: 7 days Cupos: 10 spots
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Proposal

 

Itinerary 

Schedule-Itinerary: This also includes the schedule for the first week, for the Arroyo Turquesa Trek + Balcón de los 6000 Trek options.

Day 1: Barreal - 1650 masl. 

Meeting in the town of Barreal, San Juan, in the afternoon. Guide introductions, gear check, rental advice. Last-minute shopping. Lodging at an inn or cabins.

Day 2: Barreal - Laguna Blanca (3100 masl) - Guanaquitos Base Camp - 3550 masl 

Breakfast. Early on we begin our great adventure, transfer by 4x4 to Laguna Blanca, from where we load the mules and begin the ascent to Base Camp at 3550masl in Guanaquitos.  With the help of the pack animals carrying the gear, we'll trek with a light load. We continue hydrating and already get our first great views of Mercedario. Set up camp, acclimatize and overnight.

Day 3:Guanaquitos Base Camp - 3550masl  -  Acclimatization Hill - Guanaquitos

Breakfast. Acclimatization ascent toward Cerro El Pelado (4100masl) or similar, at the guide's discretion, around 5 to 6 hs. Light ascent to acclimatize. Return to camp and overnight

Day 4: Guanaquitos BC - 3550 masl. - Arroyo Turquesa - Arroyo Turquesa Camp (4000 masl)

Breakfast. Day of a round-trip hike to Arroyo Turquesa 4000 masl, water of a stunning color that suddenly emerges from a spring on the eastern slope of Mercedario., trekking with little elevation change, around 6km. Light trekking with a gentle slope. Return to BC, dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Arroyo Turquesa Camp - Caballito Glacier

Hike to the base of the Caballito Glacier on Cerro Mercedario  - 4500 masl - return to Arroyo Turquesa Camp

Day 6: Arroyo Turquesa Camp - Balcon de los 6000 Viewpoint + Cerro Negro summit (5500 masl) - Guanaquitos Camp

Very early breakfast,  Long day to reach the impressive viewpoint known as the Balcón de Los Seis Miles (4850 masl), from where we can see 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. From there we'll also attempt the summit of Cerro Negro (5500 masl); a day of between 12 and 14hs (around 23km) After photos we'll descend to Guanaquitos camp. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Camp - Laguna Blanca - Barreal

We have breakfast, break camp and begin our trek back to Laguna Blanca and from there by 4x4 again to Barreal. Night in Barreal, lodging at inns or cabins. End of our services.   

Following day: Options for rafting and/or an excursion to Pampa del Leoncito, astronomical observatories and land sailing. Ask us

Elevation Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in training?

Any mountain activity requires some prior physical preparation, or being physically active in general. In this case we recommend training well aerobically (going running two to three times a week, cycling or swimming) and doing good leg training (gym, crossfit, AEX training, etc)

Do I need previous experience?

We recommend having hiked at least once before with a trekking backpack, although prior experience is not required. Having slept in a tent at some point.  

Where do we sleep?

Overnight stays are at mountain campsites in comfortable igloo-style tents for 2/3 or 4 people. Shared.

The first and last night we sleep in a hostel or cabins in Barreal, a small town in the Calingasta Valley. 

Do we need to bring a tent?

Tents are included in the service. If you'd like to bring your own, ask us.

What's the weather or temperature like?

Even though the time of year is ideal for this trek, in mountain and backcountry areas temperatures tend to drop at night. There's a chance of running into a storm, hence the importance of the personal gear list; you can't be missing anything from the list we detail.

Are there rest stops?

Stops happen with a frequency and pace based on intensity.

There are stops for lunch, snacks, and rest.

What's the minimum age for this activity?

From 13 years of age.

How much does the backpack weigh?

For women, a range of 8 to 12 kilos, for men 12 to 15 kilos. 

Is there a portering service?

We have a mule portering service, which carries the group gear, such as kitchen items, food, tents, and safety equipment. They also carry some of your gear, up to approximately 7 kilos per person. 

What do we eat?

On all our expeditions we offer meals on a FULL BOARD basis.

Trail lunches (cold meals): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, snack platters, salads, etc.

Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, roasted meat (chivito), Chaw Fan, chicken with rice...

Breakfasts and snacks: tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

Please fill out the personal/medical form to let us know of any dietary restrictions.

Who's a good fit for Cerro Negro Ascent - 5500 masl - San Juan?

Cerro Negro Ascent - 5500 masl - San Juan is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Barreal, San Juan , in the region Center, 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 Cerro Negro Ascent - 5500 masl - 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 ->:

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

60%
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles
80%
Physical (F)
Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles
40%
Technical (T)
Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles
80%
Psycho (P)
Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles
80%
Height (A)
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
Only for experienced adventurers

This adventure requires advanced experience and excellent physical condition.

Gradual Adventure Activity Difficulty System designed by Leandro Scheurle.
Copyright Argentinaextrema.com ©2009. Todos los derechos reservados.

4.8

147 Google reviews

GA
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..

MC
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!!

LD
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.

Do you have doubts?

If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!

Cerro Negro Expedition - 5500 masl - Cordón de la Ramada - Mercedario - San Juan

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