Situated in the heart of the Atacama dessert, the Llullaillaco possesses an altitude of 6.739 meters, just 220 meters less than the summit of Aconcagua. This peak accounts for the highest Inca’s alter ever found. Argentinean archeologists with the aid of the National Geographic Society worked during several months in 1999 to retrieve the mummified remains of two young Inca children. This expedition will take you to the highest plateau in America, a very desolate landscape where colors have endless variations, completely off the beaten path.
Season:
From April to May and from October to November
Length:
13 days
Difficulty:
This ascent is suitable for the novice and experienced trekker who wish to get experience in high altitude in a very remote setting, with no external support in a true expedition style. We will have support of a 4 wheel drive vehicle in order to reach the base of the volcano. Above our Base camp, participants will have to carry their own loads. We recommend arriving with a reasonable fitness.
Included:
All ground transportation, lodging and camping, all expedition meals, group gear: tents, first aid kits, communication devices, technical gear when needed (ropes, GPS, etc) and kitchen gear. The participant-guide ratio will be 4:1, depending on the group size, usually groups of 3 to 8 individuals.
Not Included:
International and domestic flights, personal gear, meals and alcoholic beverages in-town and/or transit.
Pick up permits in the Dirección de Patrimonio Cultural de Salta, gear check and last minute details adjustments. Time to buy some personal snacks.
2
Driving
San Antonio de los Cobres hut
From Salta we will drive through the Lerma Valley and into the Quebrada del Toro, reaching an altitude of approximately 3.200 m
3
Driving/Hiking
Tuzgle Base Camp
Trekking to San Gerónimo (5.000 m.) and back to Tuzgle volcano basecamp
4
Hiking
San Antonio de los Cobres hut
Ascent to Tusgle volcano of 5560 or resting day, depending on conditions and how the group is doing
5
Driving
Tolar Grande camping
Drive through incredible dry salt lakes to Tolar Grande
6
Driving & hiking
Llullaillaco base camp
Drive from Tolar Grande to almost base camp. Short hike to reach base camp
7
Climbing
Camp 1
Ascent to camp 1, at the base of frozen pond, at 5.800 m
8
Climbing
High camp
Ascent to high camp at 6.200 m
9
Climbing and descent
Camp 1
Attempt to the summit, reaching 6.739m and back to camp 1
10
Descent-Driving
Tolar Grande
Descent from camp 1, with all belongings and trash, to base camp and drive to Tolar Grande
11
Driving
San Lorenzo, Salta Hotel
Return drive back to enjoy the greenery of the valley, the taste of Argentinean meat and a red wine extraordinaire.
12
Extra Day
Wild card day in case of bad weather or logistics matters
13
Extra Day
Wild card day in case of bad weather or logistics matters
TREKKING at HIGH ALTITUDE
This is a physically demanding expedition. Expedition’s members should expect to carry their own weight in addition to some divided group gear. Porters are hard to hire, are very expensive because they are contracted in Salta, so provisions have to be made to transport, feed and provide them with shelter. During the first four days, a truck will carry our gear close to base camp. During the remaining trekking-climbing days we will have to carry our own packs over rugged terrain. Please, arrive to Salta in good physical condition!
