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Tupungato

10 razones para elegirnos

Tupungato Mount is not far from Aconcagua Mount and it is only 400 mt less high. However, it is not visited by climber as The Stone Sentinel.  As Tupungato is not crowed by climbers, it becomes the ideal destination for those who likes high and wild and virgin mountains. Besides the excellent services our company offers, you also can enjoy this experience with a safety feeling and the best chances to succeed.

Daily Program

Day 1: Airport reception and transport to the hotel

Our expedition begins in Mendoza, Argentina . At your arrival to the international airport or bus station in the City of Mendoza, an INKA Expeditions representative will be waiting for you. After receiving you, we drive you to your Hotel in a private vehicle and after you rest, you can meet the Guide that will check your equipment. This is a very important step. Mendoza is the last place available, where you can buy or rent equipment, it is not always easy to find the things you need at the last minute. After this, there is a group meeting and later we go to a typical restaurant to enjoy dinner. You get the chance to taste the delicious argentine "asado" (barbecued meat) and wonderful wines from Mendoza. There are numerous alternatives for those who do not drink wine or eat red meats. Dinner in Argentina is usually around 9:00 P.M.

Day 2: Transport from Mendoza to Santa Clara in Tupungato.

From the city Hotel a van drives takes to Tupungato City through a beautiful route. An hour after we will arrive to Santa Clara. We will get the equipment ready for transportation to the base camp, by mule. Then we will share a nice barbecue.

Day 3: Approaching from Santa Clara to Durmientes Refuge.

After breakfast we will star the trekking to Quebrada del Azufre until Durmientes Refuge that will takes almost 7o 8 hours.  After great refreshment and some resting we are prepared for dinner. The mules carrriers load the equipment on the mules. We sleep on tents

Day 4: Approaching ascend to Portezuelo del Azufre.

This is our second day of approaching to base camp. We start going up to Quebrada de Azufre until Portezuelo de Azufre (4500 mt) and then we descend to Tupungato Valley. We enjoy the view that the volcano offers us among the others mountains also 6000 mt high. By the afternoon we arrive at Tupungato Valley situated at 3300 mt. This is a 7or 8 hours walk. We set the camp and then we are ready to have dinner.

Day 5: Last day approaching to the Base Camp.

This is the last day of approaching to Base Camp. Early in the morning, after breakfast we cross the Tupungato River and we go trough the valley to our destiny. After 4 hours terk we arrive at Base Camp, situated at 3800 mt. Once there we enjoy the view, recognize the place, talk to the guide about the route to follow. Dinner and night in tents.

Day 6: Rest and acclimatization Base Camp.

At Base Camp we rest and use the day for acclimatization. This is a good opportunity to get to know the Camp, take a shower and explore the area. We get together with the guide, do a medical check up, reorganize and review the equipment, prepare the loads, the fuel and food for transportation for the next day.

Day 7: Equipment carrying to Camp 1.

We transport in a way to keep our backpacks as light as possible and fundamentally to be able to gradually adapt to the height. During the load transportation to the altitude 1 camps, we reach a level of 4600 m. This is a hard day, where we will be walking for 8 hours, ascending on easy terrain. It is very important to control the adaptation of our organism to height, and help the evolution of our acclimatization.

Day 8: Rest and acclimatization at Base Camp.

We dedicate this day to rest, recover energy and eat an abundant and appropriate meal; we relax to make the final adjustments for our physical and mental preparation, for the final ascension. The next days we advance towards the summit. During dinner we talk over our doubts and study step by step, with the Guide, the ascension strategies for the next days.

Day 9: Ascent to Camp 1

This can be another rest day, depending on the group and weather conditions or we can start ascend to Camp 1. Each participant will have the best chances to acclimatize properly to get to the summit. It is approximately 6 hour walk on easy terrain. Once we get to Camp 1, we will find a great view of the Valle, we set the tent. Rest. Dinner.

Day 10: Equipment carrying to camp 2

We carry food and fuel to camp 2. This exercise helps us keep our backpacks as light as possible and fundamentally to continue our gradual acclimatization to height. During the load transportation to altitude camp 2, we reach a level of 5400 m. This is a hard day, of about 8 hours of walking, where we ascend on easy terrain. Besides this effort, it is very important to control our organism’s adaptation to height and help the evolution of our acclimatization. Return to Camp 1. Dinner and rest.

Day 11: Ascent to Camp 2

Breakfast. Ascent from Camp 1 to Camp 2, It is a 6  hour walk. Once we get ot Camp 2 we meet the elements brought the day before. Tent assembly. Dinner and rest.

Day 12: Ascend to Camp 3 named “ Mula Muerta” ( Death Mule)

With the necessary equipment to spend one night we go up the snow that we went trough by the left side and we set a third camp at 5800 where we prepared to get to the summit. This is our last high camp. Dinner and rest.

Day 13: Summit day

The day begins at 5:00 am. This is the most demanding day of our expedition. We continue towards the main crater. The route goes on through a rocky edge where we affront strong winds even on good weather days. This arista drives us to the south or principal summit. An indescribable sensation takes of total satisfaction takes over as we reach the summit at 6570 m, where the prize is waiting for us, a 360° view and the experience of overcoming, that you only finally understand once you reach it. After sharing these moments of accomplishment and emotion with our expedition mates, we descend to camp 3. This day will be take 8 hours of walking at considerable high.

Day 14: Spare day in case of bad weather

This is a day we reserve in case of bad weather. We dispose of one day in our schedule, to guarantee the best chance to reach the summit. We only need a little bit of good weather to be able to make it to the 6570 m.

Day 15: Return to Base Camp

We return from Camp 3 to Base Camp, to enjoy a dinner we deserve and to celebrate our goal. We are received with a delicious hot dinner, celebrations and unforgettable moments, toasting with our expedition mates and who have now become our friends.

Day 16: Descent to Durmientes Refuge

This day we prepare our personal equipment to be carried down by mule to Durmientes Refuge. This walk takes about 6 hours and we meet up with our equipment, carried by the mules. We assemble camp for our last night on the mountain. Dinner and rest.

Day 17: Transport to Mendoza

Descent from Durmientes Refuge to Santa Clara. Transport to Mendoza. A 4 hour walk takes us back to the place where an INKA Expeditions private transport is waiting for us and will transport us back to the city of Mendoza and to the Hotel. That night we share a farewell dinner. The Guide gives us our Summit Certificates

Day 18: Transport from the hotel to the Airport or bus terminal.

The day you leave an INKA Expeditions transport takes you to the airport or bus terminal, caring for your last minute safety and comfort.

Services Included

GUIDES

• We are all professional, experimented and highly qualified guides, with degrees and licenses from organisms that guarantee their special training, graduates from the Provincial School for Mountain and Trekking Guides (EPGAMT), the only school that specializes on the Aconcagua, accredited in the Argentine Association for Mountain Guides (AAGM) and members of the Professional Mountain and Trekking Guides (AGPMT). Some of the guides have licences from the UIGAM.

TRANSPORT

• Transport in a private vehicle to and from the airport - Hotel in Mendoza. We wait for you at the airport and take you to the hotel, and viceversa.
• Transport to and from Mendoza-Penitentes in a private vehicle. From the hotel we take you to Penitentes, 180 km, through mountainous roads, where you can enjoy the most spectacular view of the Central Andes . You return to your hotel.
• Transport to and from Penitentes-Horcones in a private vehicle. From the hotel in Penitentes to the entrance of Aconcagua Park, to start the trekking.

LODGING

• Two (2) nights of lodging in a 3 *** hotel in the city of Mendoza, double or triple, half pension, beverages not included. We have chosen an excelent hotel, in the city, for lodging at your arrival in Mendoza and for the last night you stay in our Province.
• One (1) night at the Ayelen Hotel in Penitentes, a 3***, Double or triple, half pension, beverages not included. For the past years, this ski center, Penitentes, has been the parting point for most expeditions to the Aconcagua. Before this, we use to go through the Puente del Inca, but we prefer Penitentes because the lodging is better. In Penitentes, you can find from hostels to 3*** hotels. INKA Expeditions works with Ayelen Hotel, which offers single, double and triple rooms with private bathrooms. The welcome dinner, breakfast and taxes are included

MEALS

• Cook. All meals are included during the approaching, at Base Camp and high altitude camps. Complete and balanced diet. Meals are prepared daily by the cooks. During last season, 100% of our clients were satisfied with the service offered. You can be sure that you will also be satisfied. Our meals at base camps are very different than the dehydrated meals you might have tested in the mountains. Our diet include, among other things, fresh fruit, meat, chicken, vegetables, fresh eggs, bread and argentine wine. Our meals are energy balanced with the carbohydrates your body requires for this kind of ascent. We are also prepared to elaborate special meals, vegetarian and other kinds.

COMMUNICATIONS

• There is permanent communication, 24 hours a day, through VHF, HF radios, Satellite Telephones, between Base Camps, mountain expeditions, Penitentes and Mendoza. This guarantees safety and organization that will lead your expedition to be a successful one. Besides this, we also offer an e-mail service in Plaza de Mulas at reasonable costs.

MULES

• Mules for equipment transportation (30 kg/person) from Puente del Inca to Plaza de Mulas (Base Camp) back and forth. For INKA Expeditions: "responsibility and confidence service" means taking your equipment on time and in perfect conditions to and from Base Camp and back to Penitentes. We own our own tame mules and our carriers are experimented, they know and handle their work with these animals, through family tradition. Each person has the right to transport up to 30 kg. We recommend you take a resistant bag, even though the gear is protected for transportation.

FOOD TENTS

• The kitchen and food tents are completely equipped with tables, chairs, dishes, electricity and heat. They are exclusively designed domes for INKA expeditions, made to provide the highest comfort and quality services. They are attended by a group of mountain service professionals, in charge of preparing meals and of offering an excepcional service, a friendly treatment and always with a smile.
• Our Base Camps also have their own hiperbaric cameras, oxygen equipment, oximeters and first aid kits for an immediate response under any situation.

DORMITORY TENTS

• Dormitory tents and latrines. We provide our clients with the best mountain tents available. The North Face, Marmot and Mountain Hard Wear, equipped with comfortable mats for the base camps.

PORTERS (CARRIERS)

• Carrier for the ascent of tents to high altitude camps 2 and 3 and for descent. The porter is in charge of helping the group with the extra weight the group equipment represents, such as tents, food and fuel. This is to avoid extra unnecessary efforts so you can preserve your energy, for the day you reach the summit. If you need a porter to help you with your personal gear, all you need to do is ask for one.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Assistance in the obtainment of Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance permits. The Aconcagua is a reserved area, managed by the Government of the Province of Mendoza. To be able to enter the park one must obtain a permit, for trekking or for ascending to the summit. By government disposition, this procedure must be done personally in the offices in Mendoza, with your passport or personal document. Our job is to accompany you to the offices to fill in the forms. The permit cost is not included in our services.
• Facility for the deposit and care of equipment. A person in charge of the camp supervises your equipment while you ascend.Personal equipment reviews and advice for rental, if necessary.

Equipment list

1. CLOTHES

• Light underwear.
• Long underwear. Underwear and turtleneck. Polypropylene or capilene, cotton is not recommended.
• Pile lining. Jacket or sweatshirt.
• Trousers with pile lining. Side zippers are recommended to guarantee comfort and ventilation.
• Warm jacket. Down or thinsulate, with a hood, expedition type, it must be comfortable to wear over other clothes.
• Waterproof jacket / transpirable. It must have a hood. Suggested: Gore-Tex
• Waterproof trousers / transpirable. Suggested: Gore-Tex. We recommend side zippers to guarantee comfort and ventilation.

2. HEADGEAR

• Sun hat. Visor and bandana or handkerchief to protect the neck area.
• Balaclava . Suggested: polypropylene or capilene.
• Wool or pile ski hat.
• Head lamp (spare bulbs and batteries).
• Glacier glasses: 100% UV, with side cobres. If you use contact lenses or glasses, we recommend you bring an extra pair. Suggested: Cebe, Julbo, Bolle and Ray Ban.

3. HANDS

• Thin gloves. Two pairs, pile or polypropylene.
• Mittens. One pair, pile, down or wool.
• Gore-Tex overmitts. We recommend shell palms. Suggested: Outdoor Research Expedition Modular Mitts or Wild Country Extremities.

4. FOOTWEAR

• Trekking shoes.
• Mountain boots. Double plastic boots. Suggested: Koflach or Assolo.
• Gaiters. Gore-Tex, Cordura.
• Thick socks. (3 pairs) woolen or synthetic, for cold weather.
• Thin socks. 2 pairs of smooth wool, nylon or polypropylene, to be worn closest to the skin. This reduces blistering.

5. CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

• Ice axe: Light ice axe. The size is important: if you are 1.7 mts, use a 60 cm tool; 1.7 to 1.9 mts, use a 65 cm tool; if you are more than 1.9 mts, use a 70 cm tool.
• Crampons. We recommend 12 point crampons. Not Footfangs or Simond Scorpions or Grivel Rambo.

• •  Ski poles. One pair of telescopic or collapsible, optional.

6. CAMPING EQUIPMENT

• Backpack: UIT an internal structure of, at least, 70 lts. It must have ice axe haul loops and a place to attach crampons.
• Sleeping Bag: Expedition quality, of at least -18°C (0°F). A good quality down sleeping bag of 1 kg is better.
• Thermal Mats: Neoprene or Therma Rest.
• Plate, cup and silverware: Unbreakable for high altitude camps.
• Pocket Knife: Swiss or Leatherman tool.
• Water Bottle: Two one liter wide mouth water bottles, one liter thermos.
• Sun screen: Sun cream and lip screen SPF 20-40.
• First Aid: Personal First Aid Kit.
• Personal Higiene: pee bottle, wet towels, soap, etc.

FOR THE JOUERNEY

• Large duffel bag: Big enough to be able to transport all your equipment. Safety lock.
• Small duffel bag: To store excess equipment at the hotel.
• Plastic bags. For pack clothes and keep dry.
• Clothes for the journey.
• Hygiene bag.
• Photographic equipment. Optional
• Some of these items can be rented at INKA expeditions.

HOW TO PACK

Each bag must not exceed 30 kg. Our mules transport a maximum of 60 kg, so the load must be balanced on each side of the animal.