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Dates | 7th - 24th April 2026 |
| Duration | 18 days | |
| Grade | 1B | |
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"Andes" Leadership Fee
(includes leaders expenses) £ 2395 |
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Easy High Altitude Mountaineering in Argentina
The title photo above is of the south summit of Laguna Blanca from just below the main summit. These were unusually snowy conditions in early March, but all 4 clients made the summit.
PRICES & COSTS
All are per person.
"Andes" Leadership Fee (includes leaders expenses) -- £ 2395
Estimated Airfares -- £800-£1000
Estimated Trek & Travel Costs in Argentina -- £400
Estimated Accommodation & Meals -- £500
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST per person -- £ 4100
INTRODUCTION
This expedition will visit two "easy" 6000m peaks in the northwest corner of Argentina. Both summits have extensive ruins on their summits, dating back to the time of the Incas. The Incas and their subjects climbed many big peaks to perform religious rituals and sacrifices. The highest of these was 6752m high Volcan Llullalllaco which lies just a couple of 100km west of the peaks we will be climbing. The ruins on the summits of both Laguna Blanca and Queva are extensive and fascinating - ceremonial platforms, firewood, pathways and some retaining walls.
We will fly out to Salta and then be based in the mountains around the wee village of Antofagasta de la Sierra for the first part of the expedition.This part of the itinerary will include a couple of short acclimatisation hikes and then an acclimatisation ascent of the 5466m high "hill" called Calalaste. We'll then move on to climb the 6012m high peak of Laguna Blanca with two nights spent at a high camp at about 5000m. This camp is reached by a short (half-day) backpack over easy terrain. We'll have private transport in a 4x4, for travelling from Salta and for getting to the roadheads for these peaks.
After a day resting and driving, and one or two hotel nights to refresh ourselves we will climb the peak of Queva, 6140m, located near the small town of San Antonio de los Cobres. Like Laguna Blanca, the ascent of Queva requires a high camp at about 5000m for a couple of nights. This camp is also reached by a short (half-day) backpack over easy terrain. Both our high camps normally have running water nearby.
Like most of the peaks in this part of the Andes the ascents on this expedition will not involve any technical climbing. They will be simple walks over gravel and perhaps a few boulders, with a small chance of a snowfield, depending on the year. These ascents are suitable for strong hillwalkers. Previous expedition experience is not essential but it is preferred due to the possibility of tough weather and cold camping conditions. There is a small chance we will have to use an ice-axe and crampons (but previous experience of using these is not necessary). Please call or email if you have any questions about the suitability of this trip for yourself.
Outline Itinerary |
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| Days 1-2 | Flight to Salta and overnight stay |
| Days 3-6 | Long drive and then acclimatisation based in Antofagasta de la Sierra at 3300m. Hikes and climbs to 4500m. Hotel based. |
| Days 7-8 | Camp higher and climb Cerro Calalaste 5466m |
| Days 9-11 | Climb Laguna Blanca 6012m |
| Day 12-13 | Rest and drive to San Antonio. |
| Days 14-16 | Climb Queva 6140m. |
| Days 17-18 | Return to Salta and fly home. |
Pictured Above:- On the summit of Laguna Blanca Sur, 5900m, 2016 ANDES "First Ascents" expedition. This peak proved not to be a first ascent because the Incas had been there before us....! You can just make out a wall and a pile of their firewood in the centre right of this photo.
Climbing Queva, picture courtesy of David Breen of St Helens MC. This foto was taken just above high camp at about 5200m. The route to the summit follows the ovious valley and then the broad shoulder.
ANTOFAGASTA DE LA SIERRA
From Salta we'll first make the long drive to the wee village of Antofagasta de la Sierra at 3300m altitude. Depending on flight schedules we may split this long drive with an overnight in the lovely wee town of Cafayate, famous for its vinyards and steak restaurants.
We'll then be based in a hotel in Antofgasta for 3 or 4 nights to acclimatise. The surrounding area is exceptionally scenic, and one of the best places in the Andes to see flamingoes and rheas. There are numerous lagoons, volcanic cones and lava flows which we will explore on our first days at this altitude, and nearby are peaks of 4000m-4500m, one of which will make a good acclimatisation ascent later on.
Looking out across the Salar de Antofalla from the summit of Sierra de
Calalaste, 5466m. This peak is a very easy high-altitude stroll from a high
road at 4500m. To improve acclimatisation we will have at least one night
camped by the roadside here.
FITNESS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Although there is no difficult
climbing involved in the ascents planned on the main expedition, climbing to
heights of around 6000m is still a serious matter because of the lack of oxygen at high
altitude. We will allow plenty of time for expedition members to acclimatise to
the altitude but because of the nature of the expedition we recommend clients to
have previous successful experience at altitudes of 4000m+.
For this expedition good mountain fitness for long days is important, but for high altitude expeditions clients also need good cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) fitness. This can only be maintained, by a program of intensive exercise such as sprinting (not jogging), squash or sprint cycling. This should be done in small doses (e.g. half an hour every other day) over a period of at least two months
Clients should be prepared for cold nights camping and be prepared for sometimes windy and dusty conditions out in the mountains. As we'll be several days from the nearest supermarket there will be some tinned and dehydrated food in our diet during our time in the mountains. All clients are expected to help with the routine work of this type of expedition; pitching tents, cooking and washing up. Above roadheads on the two 6000m mountains we will be unsupported and therefore will have to carry expedition weight (20kg) rucksacks up valleys for a half-day to establish high camps on the mountains, so some recent experience of backpacking is useful.
A small part of the summit ruins on Queva.
CLIMATE
The climate at altitude in Argentina is very cold and extremely dry. We are travelling at the end of the summer wet season. Nights will be getting shorter, but the risk of rain and thunderstorms is much decreased by April. In the mountains temperatures can fall to -10ºC at night. During the day in the mountains it can feel very warm in the strong sun, but it can also be bitterly cold and windy. It will probably be dry all the time we are in South America, although there is a chance of an occasional thunderstorm and/or a snow flurry in the mountains. Strong winds, often up to gale force, are common. Temperatures in the city of Salta and in other low lying areas will be a very pleasant 25-30ºC during the day.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN OUR PRICE AND WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Our price is for leadership/guiding and mountain services only. It INCLUDES the leaders fee (wages) and all their expenses, such as flights, travel, hotels, meals, permits. It also INCLUDES his or her share of communal expenses, which may be such things as 4x4 rentals, diesel and fuel, mule and porter costs, shared hotel rooms.
Our price also INCLUDES all mountain services such as provision of tents, stoves and all other communal camping equipment, all mountain food including all camp food and lunches on day trips. It also INCLUDES any communal mountaineering equipment that may be necessary, and on most expeditions emergency use of satellite link.
Our price does NOT INCLUDE - your flights, your insurance, your hotel/hostel accommodation, your meals taken at cafes and restaurants, your share of communal travel costs (e.g 4x4 rental, mule costs), your personal climbing and camping equipment (i.e. used by you alone, such as sleeping bag, ice-axe, crampons), permits or peak fees payable by yourself.
ORGANISATION & LEADERSHIP
Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult and involve the expedition members when planning the details of the trip. Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather. The minimum number of customers we need to run this expedition is three. The maximum size of the expedition will be four plus leader.
Approaching the high camp on Laguna Blanca, 2016 ANDES expedition.
INSURANCE, HEALTH & SECURITY
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask. Please bring an extra copy of your insurance certificate on the expedition for the leader. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid and polio are recommended. Argentina is one of the most well developed countries in South America and in rural areas crime rates are very low. The country is very safe and relaxing to travel in; theft and muggings are as unlikely as they are in most British cities.
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all
clients will be exposed to hazards not found in
everyday life by taking part in this itinerary. While we take all
reasonable precautions to reduce risk it is neither possible nor desirable
to completely eliminate these hazards. It is important that you understand
the hazards you may be exposed to before
signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the
principal additional risks of this itinerary. (Some of
these could potentially result in serious injury or death). This is
not a fully inclusive list - a more detailed risk assessment of this itinerary
is available on our
Risk Assessments page, or phone/e-mail us
and ask some questions!
Driving, hotels and general
safety : In Argentina driving standards, fire safety standards and general safety standards are
not as high as in Europe.
Extreme remoteness : You will be
camping in a remote area, up to a days walk from the nearest road. Therefore obtaining
medical assistance for any problem will be a slow process.
Minor slips and falls : due to
steep, uneven and unstable ground.
Weather : These mountains are
occasionally affected by severe and sometimes dangerous thunderstorms and
occasional unseasonal heavy snowfalls. High winds are common and storm force
winds at altitude can endanger life. Forecasts are
not so reliable.
Altitude : At high altitudes there is an increased risk of
medical problems, most obviously altitude illness.
Mountain Hazards : In certain places you may be subjected to a slight risk
of slips and trips.
