Tupungato is the highest mountain south of the Aconcagua River. It is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, erupting as recently as 1986.
The climb of Tupungato is easy, presenting no technical difficulties although the use of crampons is required because of some sections of hard snow or ice.
Itinerary
Day 1
We leave Santiago early in the morning and drive along the beautiful Maipo valley. After 50 km we leave the Maipo valley and drive into the Colorado valley. At noon we arrive at the Chacayes river (1,828 m) where we load the mules. We begin our hike at about one 1pm (you are required to carry a day sack). We hike along the Colorado river and stop for lunch at the Aguas Blancas creek with a beautiful view of the Rabicano mountain. We arrive at camp early evening, Baņos Azules (2,420 m), on the banks of the Museo river. Camp.
Day 2
We set off early after a hearty breakfast to continue our hike. We climb up some loose scree to a plateau and are rewarded by excellent views of the Museo, Trono and Nevado Piuquenes peaks. We arrive at the Tupungato hot springs early afternoon, and have a welcome and relaxing hot bath.
After lunch we continue eastwards and at 3,000 m altitude we get our first full sighting of Tupungato. After passing Mal Paso we arrive at Vega de los Flojos, a beautiful meadow, whose name means the meadow of the lazy. Here we set up our camp.
Day 3
We leave early after breakfast, trekking through a long, broad valley to the east. We can see the border between Chile and Argentina. We continue to climb and early afternoon after crossing a snow field of incredible Penitentes (large ice needles formed from the action of the sun and wind) we come to Los Espaņoles. Rest of the day free. Camp.
Day 4
We set off after breakfast, crossing further snow fields of Penitentes. After a few strenuous hours of climbing we arrive at Hito camp. We have lunch and unload the mules. Camp.
Day 5
Today we climb up a ridge that takes us to 5,000 m altitude. We have lunch at 5,200 m and then continue to Piedra del Guanaco (5.480 m). Camp.
Day 6
After breakfast we climb to Los Argentinos camp at 5,910 m. This part of the ascent is strenuous. We set up our tents.
Day 7
Today we get up at 3:00 am for our attempt on the summit. We climb up a gentle scree. If there is snow we may need to use crampons up to 6,200 m. There are many small ascents and descents before finally reaching the summit in time for lunch.
Afternoons tend to cloud over at 2pm, so we head back down before then. We arrive at Los Argentinos early evening. Camp.
Day 8
We take it easy on the way down. We head back to base camp. Camp
Day 9
A relaxed day. After breakfast we can do some climbing practise on ice walls nearby. After lunch we head off to Vegas de los Flojos and arrive there by evening. Our horses and mules are waiting here. Camp.
Day 10
We arrive at Baņos Azules in evening. Final night under the stars. Camp.
Day 11
Arrive in Santiago. End of services.
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