Cerro Penitentes rises to an impressive 4,350 meters and is one of the most accessible 4000-meter peaks in Mendoza — perfect for adventurers year-round!
Located just 180 km (about 3 hours by car) from the city of Mendoza, Penitentes offers a cozy public hut at its base and the summit can be conquered in just one day.
From the top, you’ll enjoy spectacular, unbeatable views of Aconcagua and the surrounding giants — earning Penitentes its nickname: "Mirador de Aconcagua" (Aconcagua’s Viewpoint).
Price for 1 person: U$ 450 Price for 2 persons: U$ 400 per person Price for 3-5 persons: U$ 350 per person
Maximo is one of the world’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineers, with over 25 years of climbing experience and a career spanning more than 118 expeditions. Born in Argentina, raised in Brazil, and educated in the UK, Max has led professional climbs since the age of 23, guiding teams through some of the most extreme and remote mountain regions on Earth—from the Andes to the Himalayas. His deep knowledge and calm leadership have earned him a reputation for precision, safety, and unwavering dedication.
Recognized by Guinness World Records, Max holds the record for the most 6,000-meter peaks climbed, with 90 ascents in the Andes alone. He has summited over 260 peaks above 5,500 meters and participated in at least 11 expeditions to the world’s legendary 8,000-meter giants, including the formidable K2. In 2012, he launched the Andes 6K+ Project, an ambitious mission to climb all 104 Andean peaks over 6,000 meters—an effort that is now 85% complete. His solo season, during which he summited 30 of these peaks alone, remains a landmark achievement in South American mountaineering.
Beyond his climbing exploits, Max is a passionate educator and researcher. He contributes to high-altitude medicine studies, teaches specialized courses for physicians, and plays an active role in the classification and naming of Andean peaks. As the founder of Andes Specialists, he continues to share his knowledge and love for the mountains with climbers from around the world. With more than 30 countries visited, Max remains as humble as he is accomplished—always seeking the next summit with the same curiosity and respect that first drew him to the heights.
Tour highlights
Reach the Summit of Cerro Penitentes (4,350m)
Conquer one of Mendoza’s most accessible 4000-meter peaks with incredible panoramic views of the Andes.
Breathtaking Views of Aconcagua and Surrounding Giants
Enjoy unforgettable sights of Aconcagua (6,962m), Tolosa (5,430m), and many more majestic peaks.
Authentic Mountain Experience with Fexible Itinerary
Trek straight from the road, camp under the stars at Base Camp, and adapt the plan based on weather and group energy for the best adventure.
Route details
Day 1
Mendoza – Penitentes BC – 3250m
We’ll depart Mendoza in the morning, taking the scenic international road toward the charming town of Penitentes. The drive takes about 3 hours, with stunning views along the way. Our adventure begins right from the roadside at 2,650 meters! After a quick lunch, we’ll start our trek to Base Camp, reaching it around 5 PM. Once there, we’ll set up camp and enjoy a hearty dinner under the stars.
Day 2
Summit of Penitentes – 4350m
After an early breakfast, we embark on an 8-hour round trip to the summit of Cerro Penitentes. Along the way, we’ll take refreshing breaks for food and water while soaking in breathtaking views of giants like Tolosa (5,430m), Aconcagua (6,962m), and more. Depending on the group’s energy after our climb, we’ll decide whether to stay another night at Base Camp or head back to the road for a later return.
Day 3
Extra day
This extra day is reserved in case of bad weather or if we choose to rest an additional night at Base Camp after summit day. Flexibility ensures the best possible experience!
** The above itinerary is subject to change due weather conditions, performance of the group, political / administrative problems and any other events not described.
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments
Trekking experience required;
Be healthy and fit enough.
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic
Tent
1 night
1 night
Tent
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Mendoza
Calculate tour price with tickets from your city
Partnered with
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips
Tour conditions
Included
leadership of Eduardo Tonetti, EPGAMT mountain guide;
1 or 2 assistant mountain guides (EPGAMT/AAGM certification) depending upon number or clients;
help on purchasing and equipment rental in Mendoza;
transport from/to Penitentes;
transport/assembly of tents, pots, gas, food, water in all camps ;
use of mountain tents and medical kit in all camps;
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, treated water in the whole mountain.
Extras
hotel nights or meals in Mendoza;
flights from/to Mendoza;
personal equipment (check equipment tab);
money return in case you abandon the trip;
international travel insurance;
reimbursement for loss or damage of your personal equipment.
Group size
From 2 to 10 tourists
Duration
2 days
1 night
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
Having the right mountaineering gear is essential for a successful expedition. Your equipment will be personally checked by one of our guides upon arrival at the hotel. Don’t worry if you’re missing something — you can easily rent or buy all necessary mountaineering equipment in Mendoza.
Head
Bandana Buff or similar
Hat Woollen hat or similar for cold days
Ski goggles
UV protection goggles to be used during storms or very cold conditions
Sunglasses (cat 3 or 4) With side protection to fit your face
Sunscreen and lip balm 30 FPS or more
Headtorch Working headtorch and spare batteries
Torso
Light down jacket
Snowproof jacket A good snow, rain and windproof jacket
T-shirt Synthetic fibre long or short sleeve t-shirt
Fleece jacket Used alone or as part of a layer system for better performance
Legs
Trekking pants Light trekking pants
Gaiters
For snow, sand or scree terrain
Base layer pants For very cold days and summit push
Snowproof pants Goretex or similar pants will be used for high wind or during snow conditions
Hands
Waterproof gloves
A pair of good waterproof gloves for ice climbing with padded knuckles
Mittens Thick down mittens for summit push
Gloves Fleece or polartec gloves for every day use
Feet
Sandals or crocs Sandals or crocs for river crossing or hanging around camp
Trekking boots Waterproof trekking boots, try wearing them before the expedition
Trekking socks Good thick trekking socks
Double boots
A pair of double or double plastic boots such as Koflach Exped, Koflach Vertical, Asolo Ottomilla, Asolo AFS, Trezetta, Scarpa Vega, Scarpa Inferno, La Sportiva Baruntse, Olympus Mons, La Sportiva Spantik, Scarpa Phantom, La Sportiva G2. Single layer boots such as La Sportiva Nepal XT, EVO, Batura or Boreal Latok, ARE NOT SUITABLE.
Other Equipment
Carbo gels These gels help out on recovery
Sleeping Bag A good down sleeping
Rucksack A decent rucksack with hip belt and rain cover
Altitude medicine
Our guides already have pretty much any drugs you might need during any trip. However, it would be great if you could have a spare tab of the most used drugs:
Ibuprofen (Advil)– This is an anti-inflammatory and works great for high altitude head aches Loperamide (Imodium) – controls diarrea (not to be used in case of digestive infections. Ask our guides)
Personal Hygiene kit Soap, tooth brus, come, etc
Sleeping mattress We prefer taking 2 foam sleeping mattress because of sharp rocks. If you have an inflatable mattress you should also bring a foam mattress to protect the inflatable one against sharp rocks. Don’t forget bringing a repair kit if you have an inflatable mattress.
Water bottle Nalgene 1 litre bottles or similar are great for expeditions! We prefer to not use camelbacks as its hose pipe might freeze
Trekking poles Gives you more stability during walk and summit push.
Cancellation of booking
In case of booking cancellation the next policy applies. Tourists will receive a full amount they paid for the reservation in case they cancel more than 35 days in advance of the tour start date. In the event of cancellation within the period of 34 to 16 days before the tour start date - they are entitled to receive 50% of the booking amount. Cancelations made within 15 days before the tour starts will not be entitled to a refund.
