This is a classic 5 day mountaineering trip of one of the finest glaciated peaks in Patagonia. This massif is a dormant volcano with three summits that reach as high as 3,548 meters. It is the crown jewel of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. We will climb up to the top of the Argentine Peak (3400 m, 11,200 ft) following the East glacier route. Our ascent starts in Pampa Linda, only three hours away from Bariloche.
Season:
November through March
Length:
5 days
Difficulty:
Moderately technical climb that involves glacier travel and climbing on fixed ropes on snow and ice. We recommend arriving in optimal physical shape. Participants will be expected to carry 30 pound loads on mud, talus, ice and snow. Hiking times will be anywhere between 6 to 12 hrs.
Included:
All ground transportation. Two nights lodging in Bariloche. Full board/lodging in Meiling Mountain Hut (depending on availability). All expedition meals. meridies® will provide you with crampons, harness, helmet and ice-axe. Pack animals to carry group gear to timberline, depending on conditions. Group gear: tents, first aid kits, communication devices, technical climbing gear and cooking gear. Nahuel Huapi National Park entrance fee. The participant-guide ratio will be around 3:1, usually groups of 3 to 10 individuals.
Not Included:
International and domestic flights, personal gear, meals in town and/or in transit. Alcoholic beverages.
Arrive in Bariloche Intl. Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Briefing and gear check with guides. Time to wonder in town.
2
Hike in
Mountain Hut or Camp
Transfer to Pampa Linda, which is about 3 hours from Bariloche, and hike up to the Hut. Our gear will be carried by horses up to the rim just above timberline if conditions allow us to do so. From here we will hike for another two hours to the Meiling Hut. Total hiking time: 6 hours.
3
Summit bid
Mountain Hut or Camp
Summit climb. We leave at 3 AM and climb roped up all the way to the base of the final snow and ice slope. Here we follow the ropes that are fixed by our guides to the top. Return to the hut. This is an 8 to 10 hour day
4
Extra Day
Wild Card day
5
Descent
Hotel
Hike down to the road and transfer back to Bariloche or the Airport. Celebration dinner.
Note: This is a proposed itinerary and is subject to change due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
