ASCENT TO VALLECITOS HILL
CORDÓN DEL PLATA PROVINCIAL PARK – 5460 MASL – 4,460 MASL
Would you like to try this classic of the Cordón del Plata as your first experience at 5000 meters?
If you have already taken your first steps in high altitude mountaineering and are looking to broaden your horizons, the ascent of Cerro Vallecitos is ideal for you. to gain experience in a safe way.
The Cerro Vallecitos is the second highest peak of the Cordón del Plata, located 80 km from the city of Mendoza, Argentina, near the Potrerillos reservoir.
It has an altitude of 5460 meters above sea level and the impressive view of the mountain range and the Aconcagua from the ridge at more than 5000 meters above sea level can move you to tears.
In this expedition of 7 days and 6 nights we will spend the first nights in a refuge and then set up two camps to acclimatize to the altitude as we enter the valley surrounded by mountains.
The views of the steep peaks of La Jaula and the perfect silhouette of Cerro Vallecitos seen from its portezuelo at dawn, are the unmissable frame of this intense mountain experience.
All this, accompanied by homemade food, nutritious, healthy and adapted to the needs of each participant, accompanied by a team of professional guides who will provide the necessary assistance and safety at all times.
PROPOSAL DETAILS
| MEETING PLACE | YPF Potrerillos, Mendoza – Argentina |
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| SCHEDULES | Starts at 16:30hs and ends at 18:30hs. | ||||||||
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This trip is rated Difficult (5) (see Huka Difficulty Table). It requires previous experience in high altitude mountains over 4000 meters.
JOIN THE VALLECITOS HILL CLIMB TODAY!
We do this trip in December to have a nice weather. We avoid crowded dates to connect as much as possible with nature and the experience, impacting the place as little as possible.
January 7 to 13, 2026
Do you want an exclusive adventure for you and/or your own group? Book a closed departure on the date that suits you best (tailor-made quotation).
You can make your reservation 100% Online Contact us for a personalized attention!
Your itinerary for the adventure
Although we make every effort to adhere to the itinerary described below, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.
Day 1: Gathering and ascent to the refuge area
We will meet at the YPF in Potrerillos where we will board the transfer to the Vallecitos mountain refuge area at 2900 meters above sea level. Once in the refuge, we will check the equipment to carry only what is necessary and we will separate the load for the portage to Piedra Grande the following day.
- Height Vallecitos Refugios: 2,900 masl.
Day 2: Portage to Camp Piedra Grande
Early after breakfast we will make an acclimatization trek and carry part of the equipment to the next day’s camping area called “Piedra Grande”, at just over 3500 meters above sea level. After leaving the load, we will return to the refuge to have dinner and spend the night.
- Estimated hiking time: 6 – 7 hours round trip.
- Elevation gain: 600 mts uphill and 600 mts downhill.
- Total distance: 8 km
- Starting altitude: 2,900 masl.
- Camp altitude: 3,500 masl.
Day 3: Ascent to Camp Piedra Grande
We move to Piedra Grande camp where we will sleep our first night in a tent. Acclimatization in the area and early dinner.
- Estimated hiking time: 3 – 4 hours one way.
- Elevation gain: 600 meters uphill.
- Total distance: 4 km
- Starting altitude: 2,900 masl.
- Camp altitude: 3,500 masl.
Day 4: Ascent to Salto de Agua Camp
We move to the Salto de Agua camp, overcoming 4200 masl with light backpacks, since the altitude equipment and sleeping bags are carried by porters during this stretch.
- Estimated hiking time: 5 – 6 hours one way.
- Elevation gain: 700 mts. uphill.
- Starting altitude: 3,500 masl.
- Camp altitude: 4,200 masl.
Day 5: Rest and acclimatization
Climatic day at Salto de Agua Camp
- Camp altitude: 4,200 masl.
Day 6: Summit attempt
We will try to reach the highest point of Cerro Vallecitos, with breathtaking views at sunrise.
- Estimated hiking time: 13 – 15 hours one way.
- Elevation gain: 1200 mts uphill and 1200 mts downhill.
- Starting altitude: 4,200 masl.
- Summit altitude: 5,400 masl approx.
Day 7: Descent
We descend from the falls to the refuge area where, after lunch, we close the outing and then return to Potrerillos where the service ends.
- Estimated hiking time: 4 – 5 hours one way.
- Elevation gain: 1300 m downhill.
- Starting altitude: 4,200 masl.
- Height of refuges: 2,900 masl approx.
List of required equipment
The key to your comfort during active travel is to wear layers (see Layering Clothing Basics). For maximum comfort at minimum weight, you need versatile layers that combine insulation, ventilation and weather protection.
Therefore, we created this checklist to help you choose your gear (see What gear should I bring to the mountain?) and bring only what is necessary. Weather and other conditions on the ground will dictate what clothing and equipment you should wear each day.
TREKKING AND CAMPING
- Trekking
- Large backpack (+65 liters)
- Trekking poles
- Large plastic bag (to store all equipment inside the backpack)
- Water bottles (at least 3 lts total capacity)
- Ice
- Crossing picket
- Crampons
- Gaiters
- Helmet
- Camp
- Sleeping bag -10°c comfort (see All you need to know about Sleeping Bags)
- Insulation
- Headlamp (with spare batteries)
- Cutlery
- Medium Tupper
- Personal mug for infusions/drinks
CLOTHING
- Head
- Warm hat
- Multifunction thermal collar (buff type)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses (ideally category 3+)
- Upper body
- Synthetic long sleeve t-shirt
- Synthetic short sleeve t-shirt
- Coat (ideally fleece)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket
- Hands
- Warm gloves
- Waterproof gloves
- Undercarriage
- Inner long term or shim
- Long trekking pants
- Underwear
- Feet
- Trekking shoes
- Rigid mountaineering boots (gramponeables)
- Warm socks (walking and night)
- Trekking socks
PERSONAL CARE
- Sunscreen (minimum factor 50)
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes
- Small personal garbage bag
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medication
DOCUMENTATION
- National identity card
- Social security/health insurance card
- Complete medical record (provided by Huka)
DO YOU NEED EQUIPMENT FOR THE OUTING?
Rent something great! We offer competitive rates and quality equipment for our outings.
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