Introduction to Mountaineering, Trekking and Ascension - Vallecitos, Cordon del Plata - Mendoza

The Cordón del Plata is the high mountain "school" of Mendoza in particular and of Argentines in general. A very short distance from Mendoza, Argentina (70 km) we have, in those mountains, one of the few relatively "alpine" landscapes in the country; Where altitude, really big mountains, ice and verticality are combined. It is a midpoint between the great distances and smooth deserts of the high mountains of the Northwest and the concentrated and upright masses of granite of Patagonia. Much could be written about geological, historical or romantic aspects about these beautiful mountains, where so many mountaineers of different generations have lots of memories, dreams and first achievements. But let's get down to the specifics from the Andean point of view. Visible in part from the city of Mendoza and even better from the towns to the east and from the Uco Valley, from Guaymallén to San Carlos, the people of Mendoza ignore its secrets and many confuse its white masses with Aconcagua or Tupungato. The Cordón del Plata does not belong to the border range or Principal Range, where Aconcagua is, nor to the old Precordillera, but is between the two, constituting together with the Tigre Range the so-called Frontal Range. It is geologically the newest, and for this reason its mountains are the most slender in the Central Andes. Our program invites you to get to know them and captivate yourself with their great shadows, trying to reach several of their precious peaks.

Day 1: Meeting at the terminal in the city of Mendoza, 9 am. (Final schedule agreed by the guides) Comment: The buses from Buenos Aires leave the day before at approximately 7:00 p.m. Transfer to Vallecitos (2850 m.s.n.m.), about 80 km from the city. In Vallecitos we will settle in a typical mountain refuge where we will spend the two nights. In the afternoon: short acclimatization walk in the area.

Day 2: This day will be dedicated to the ascent of 4 of the hills belonging to the small mountain range called "La Cadenita". The hills are: Lomas Blancas (3850), Estudiante (3900), Caucaso (4050) and Iluso (4150). From their summit you can get an amazing view of the entire region. In the afternoon I return to the refuge.

Day 3:  Free morning to explore and rest. Proposal to carry out rock climbing near the refuge, at a recreational level. Descent to the city of Mendoza. 5:00 p.m. approx. The buses leave back at approximately 6:00 p.m. End of our services.