Take on the challenge of Mount Vallecitos, a stunning peak in the Cordon del Plata range. At 18,044 ft (5,470 m), this climb offers breathtaking views, accessible routes, and the excitement of high-altitude mountaineering. It’s the perfect choice for adventurers preparing for Aconcagua or those seeking a rewarding standalone ascent.
The climb combines moderate to advanced difficulty, making it ideal for intermediate climbers. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views, spot condors soaring overhead, and see guanacos in the valleys. Every step brings you closer to a sense of accomplishment, all while surrounded by the beauty of the Andes.
With expert guides, seamless logistics, and options to hire porters or mules, the journey is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Rest in cozy mountain refuges or tents and refuel with hearty meals to keep your energy high.
Experience an extraordinary climb that offers adventure, challenge, and awe-inspiring memories.
Federico is an outdoor lover with plenty of adventures in The Andes. Specialized in the tour logistics and organization of Expeditions and Treks in the Central Andes, Patagonia, Peru, Bolivia, and French Alps.
Tour highlights
Authentic Mountain Experience
Throughout the journey, enjoy the full mountain experience by camping in tents at scenic locations like Piedra Grande and Salto de Agua, where you’ll connect with nature, sleep under the stars, and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
Summit Push to Mount Vallecitos
Challenge yourself with a full-day climb to the summit of Mount Vallecitos (5,490m), rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and an immense sense of accomplishment.
Rest and Acclimatization
Spend a restful day at Salto de Agua Camp, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude with light activities, while hydrating and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Route details
Day 1
Meeting and equipment rental | Transfer Mendoza – Vallecitos | Acclimatization hike
Our adventure begins in Mendoza, where your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8 AM to go over the expedition details. After a quick equipment check, any necessary rentals will be arranged. We’ll then embark on a scenic 2-hour drive from Mendoza to the Cordón del Plata State Park.
Arriving at the mountain hut at 2,900m, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before gearing up for our first acclimatization hike to Veguitas Camp at 3,250m. After taking in the views, we’ll return to the hut to rest and enjoy a hearty dinner.
Transfer: 2 hrs – Mendoza (2462ft / 750m) to Cordón del Plata State Park (9515ft / 2900m) Trekking: 2:30 hrs – 3.2km | Max. altitude: Veguitas Camp (10663ft / 3250m) Overnight: Mountain hut
Day 2
Trekking to and overnight in Piedra Grande | Camp I
Today’s trek will take us through stunning mountain terrain, gradually gaining altitude until we reach Piedra Grande Camp at 3,580m. After a rewarding day, we’ll set up camp and rest under the stars, preparing for the next stage of the adventure.
Trekking: 3-5 hrs – 4 km | Max. altitude: Piedra Grande Camp (11,800 ft / 3,580 m) Overnight: In tents
Day 3
Trekking to and overnight in Salto de Agua | Camp II
Today’s trek will take us higher into the mountains, reaching the impressive Salto de Agua Camp at 4,250m. After a challenging but rewarding ascent, we’ll settle in for a restful night in our tents, surrounded by the stunning mountain landscape.
Trekking: 4-6 hrs – 4 km | Max. altitude: Salto de Agua Camp (13,943 ft / 4,250 m) Overnight: In tents
Day 4
Rest day in Salto de Agua | Camp II
Today is dedicated to rest and acclimatization. Take a short hike around the campsite, relax in your tent, or socialize with fellow adventurers. Staying hydrated is key to adjusting to the altitude, so be sure to drink plenty of water!
Overnight: In tents
Day 5
Summit day! Mount Vallecitos 18,044 ft.
We’ll start early to ensure we have plenty of time for our summit push. The final stretch to the top offers stunning views of the valleys below, and reaching the summit at 5,490m will fill you with a sense of incredible achievement. Surrounded by majestic peaks, you’ll truly experience the beauty and grandeur of the mountains. Afterward, we’ll return to camp to rest and recover.
Trekking: 8-9 hrs – 12 km | Max. altitude: Mount Vallecitos summit (13,943 ft / 5,490 m) Overnight: In tents
Day 6
Return to Mendoza
On our final day, we’ll pack up camp and trek back to Vallecitos. Afterward, we’ll transfer back to Mendoza, where we’ll say our farewells and reflect on an unforgettable adventure, leaving with memories of the stunning peaks and camaraderie we’ve shared.
Trekking: 6 hrs – 9.5 km Transfer: 2 hrs – Cordon del Plata State Park to Mendoza
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments
The ascent of Mount Vallecitos offers a moderate to advanced challenge, ideal for intermediate climbers.
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic
Tent
4 nights
Camp Site
1 night
4 nights
Tent
The North Face V25 tents have solar panels, lights, 12v chargers, cooking equipment, and energetic food.
1 night
Mountain Hut
Shared bedrooms
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
round trip transport: Comfortable transportation from your hotel in Mendoza City;
professional bilingual guide: Expert guides certified as WFR (Wilderness First Responder);
communications: Our guides have permanent radio communication.
all meals Included during the hike: Deliciuos dinners, breakfast and box lunch;
accommodation: One night at mountain hut in shared bedrooms and 4 nights in campsites in shared tents;
loads transport: Assistance with the arrangement of loads to be transported by mules;
expedition equipment: All shared equipment for the expedition (tents, stoves, etc).
Extras
personal gear: personal equipment and sleeping bag;
mule or porter services: for personal gear – available upon request at an additional cost;
phone communications: personal phone communications are not included;
insurance liability: not included; personal insurance is recommended.
ground or air evacuations;
medical expenses: hospitalization or medication of any kind;
additional costs due to any change in the activity requested by the client, cancellation, last-minute changes or early abandonment of the activity;
additional services: any other service not explicitly mentioned on this sheet.
Group size
From 2 to 8 tourists
Duration
6 days
5 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
UPPER BODY
2 Long-sleeved Base Layer: Lightweight and breathable shirts that keep your body dry and comfortable during the trek, and protected from the sun.
Fleece Jacket or Sweater: Provides additional warmth during cold mornings and evenings.
Waterproof or Windproof Jacket: Essential for protection against rain and wind. It should be lightweight, breathable, and durable. Preferably with a hood.
Insulated Jacket (Synthetic or Down): Offers an extra insulation layer, ideal for low temperatures at high altitudes. Preferably hooded.
1 Pair of Lightweight Gloves and 1 pair of warm/fleece gloves: For Keeping hands warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
LOWER BODY
Trekking Pants: Comfortable and durable pants that allow freedom of movement. Quick-drying with multiple pockets.
Long Underwear or Tights: Additional layers that provide warmth under trekking pants.
Hard Shell Pants: Waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches, and good pockets.
FOOTWEAR
Trekking Boots: Sturdy and durable footwear with good ankle support, ideal for long walks on uneven terrain.
Thick Socks (2 pairs): Warm and cushioned socks to keep your feet warm and prevent blisters.
HEAD
Sun Hat: Vital for protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Choose one with a wide brim and UPF protection.
Wool or Fleece Hat: To keep your head warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection: Protect your eyes from UV rays and glare.
Neck gaiter or buff: Multifunctional, protects your neck and face from cold, wind, and sun.
OTHER
2 Liter Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated. Choose a durable bottle with a wide mouth for easy filling.
1 Thermos flask: It is important to keep hot drinks warm in extreme temperatures and will help warm drinks to stay hydrated during demanding climbs and treks.
70-90 Liter Backpack: This spacious and comfortable backpack is necessary for carrying all the necessary gear for a high altitude expedition.
Trekking Poles: Help maintain balance and reduce strain on your legs during long hikes.
Headlamp with extra batteries: Hands-free light source for use at camp or in low-light situations.
Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Comfort -20ºC / -4ºF): A sleeping bag provides comfort and warmth during cold nights in the mountains.
Comfortable Camp Clothes (sneakers, socks, cotton shirt, etc.): Comfortable clothes to wear after the trekking.
Sunscreen (recommended SPF 50+): Essential protection against UV rays at high altitudes.
Personal Hygiene Items (towel, soap, etc.): Basic personal hygiene items to stay clean and fresh during the trip.
Personal first-aid kit: bring any prescribed personal medications.
Will you pick us up from our accommodation?
Yes, we provide pick-up from accommodations in Mendoza City, Luján, or Maipú. Pick-ups from Valle de Uco are available for private trips only, at an additional cost. Ask us!
What kind of physical shape should I be in?
This is an moderately difficult trek. You don’t need specific training, but you should be an active person who exercises at least 2 or 3 times a week and is in good health, as we will be hiking at high altitudes. This trek has significant elevation gain on some of the days, but don’t worry about fatigue, as you will be hiking with your day backpack only thanks to the mules that will carry the camp equipment. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
What kind of gear should I bring?
When hiking at high altitudes, it is important to be protected from the sun, the cold and the wind. Since we will be staying at campsites overnight, you will also need comfortable clothes. Additionally, good hiking boots are necessary. For a detailed list of equipment, check the equipment section for this trip.
What if I don't have all the items on the equipment list?
If you do not have all the recommended gear, you can rent it in Mendoza. We will recommend stores with special discounts. Sometimes we can offer you some items for free, so please contact us.
What meals are included?
Full board is included during the expedition, both on the first day at the refuge and at the camps on the way to the summit.
Included: breakfast, lunch box and hiking snacks, afternoon tea, and dinner.
We can adjust the menu if you have dietary restrictions. You just need to inform us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
How is the gear transported?
The camping equipment and food are distributed among the participants and the guide, and are gradually carried to the camps. This helps with acclimatization.
If you wish to hire a porter or mules, you can let us know and we will assist you with organizing the load.
Where will we sleep?
The first night, we will sleep in a mountain refuge in shared rooms. The other nights will be spent in shared mountain tents for 3 people. If you prefer an individual tent, you must request it in advance and keep in mind that it will add extra weight to carry.
Cancellation of booking
In case of early cancellation of the reservation, we will be forced to withhold from you a percentage of the price paid:
regardless of when the cancellation was made - 30
less than 48 hours - 100
Additional terms:
You will be charged 30% of the cost of the expedition, regardless of when the cancellation was made. Refunds will be transferred to the traveler within 30 days after the cancellation date.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice before the activity will not be refunded.
