Cerro El Plomo 5.524 masl.
A classic high-altitude ascent just outside Santiago. This 5-day expedition offers a gradual acclimatization and a non-technical route to the 5,424 m summit of Cerro El Plomo, the most iconic peak of the Central Andes. Ideal for trekkers with good fitness looking to experience a high Andean climb with stunning views over the capital and surrounding ranges.
Itinerary 5 -days
Day 1 - Santiago to Piedra Numerada (3,400 m)
We’ll pick you up at 08:00 from your hotel, the airport, or the bus terminal in Santiago. From there, we’ll head to the La Parva ski resort, where we’ll meet the muleteer, organize the gear, and begin our approach hike. Our goal for the day is Piedra Numerada, where we’ll set up our first camp.
Day 2 - Piedra Numerada to Federación Camp (4,100 m)
After an early breakfast at 07:00, we’ll break camp and let the muleteer transport the loads to our next stop. Today’s hike takes about 4 hours and offers our first clear views of Cerro El Plomo, which dominates the landscape. Along the way, we’ll pass remnants of an ancient Inca tambo (rest stop) and enjoy scenic glacier-fed waterfalls. We'll camp at Federación.
Day 3- Rest day (or Cerro Leonera - 4,954 m)
Time for active rest at base camp! Get some sleep, enjoy the view, make some short hike and go early to bed!
Alternatively, if you feel strong and/or have some previous acclimatization, we can summit Cerro Leonera (4,954 m) and get back to camp in the early afternoon to get some rest, enjoy the view and go early to bed!
Day 4 - Federación Camp to Summit (5,424 m) and Return
Summit day! We’ll have breakfast at 03:00 and start the climb around 04:00. The ascent usually takes 7 to 8 hours, and we’ll witness a spectacular sunrise as we gain altitude. From the summit, we’ll take in sweeping views of the Andes, including Aconcagua in the distance. After a brief rest at the top, we’ll descend back to Federación Camp to recover and celebrate.
Day 5 - Federación Camp to Santiago
We’ll enjoy breakfast at 08:00 before packing up camp. The muleteer will help with the loads as we make our way back down to La Parva. The descent typically takes 4 to 5 hours. From there, we’ll return to Santiago, wrapping up the expedition.
Itinerary 4 -days
Day 1 - Santiago to Federación Camp (4,100 m)
Day 2- Rest day (or Cerro Leonera - 4,954 m)
Day 3 - Federación Camp to Summit (5,424 m) and Return
Day 4 - Federación Camp to Santiago
Itinerary 3 -days (only with previous acclimatization)*
Day 1 - Santiago to Federación Camp (4,100 m)
Day 2 - Federación Camp to Summit (5,424 m) and Return
Day 3 - Federación Camp to Santiago
*We can provide some suggestions on how to realize some previous acclimatization on your own in the area of Santiago
Price:
800.000 CLP (850 US$) for 5 days itinerary
720.000 CLP (770 US$) or 4 days itinerary
600.000 CLP (640 US$) for 3 days itinerary
min. 3 clients
Included
Transport to and from your hotel or residence in Santiago
Professional mountain guide
(ratio 2:1)
Technical equipment (crampons, helmet, and ice axe)
High mountain tents for 2 people
Dining dome (for groups of more than 4 people)
Group camp equipment
Meals during the expedition (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, fruits, and beverages)
VHF-UHF radio, InReach
First aid kit
Mules for equipment transport
to/from base camp
Not Included
Personal accident insurance (highly recommended)
Costs generated by evacuation or early withdrawal from the expedition
Personal protective equipment (clothing, sunglasses, etc.)
Hotel accommodation in Santiago
Restaurant meals in Santiago
Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
Domestic or international flights, or any other services not mentioned in the program (e.g., restaurants, drinks, laundry, tips, etc.)
Personal high-altitude porters
Tips for guides, porters, and/or camp staff