South American Climbing: Expeditions

Cerro Pissis via the Normal Route with Porters: 18 Days

All of our scheduled groups have no more than 5 clients and 2 guides. Our guide to client ratio is 1:3. As guides, we feel that clients have the best possible chance for the summit when the groups are small and individual needs are met. Small groups create a more enjoyable environment, have less of an ecological impact on the mountain, and allows each client the special attention that is required to reach the summit.

Short Description
Cerro Pissis (6882 m/22,572 ft) is between La Rioja and Catamarca Province in Northern Argentina. It is Argentina’s second highest peak. Cerro Pissis has five main peaks that stand high over the Atacama Desert. If you want to avoid the crowds of Aconcagua and climb a mountain where there is a possibility of seeing no one for days on end, then this is the mountain for you. Cerro Pissis could be nicknamed, “Cerro Peaceful”. The amazing display of colors and light make this climb one of the most tranquil climbs in South America.

Feel free to check out pictures from our previous expeditions by visiting our online gallery.

Detailed Itinerary
Season: December – January
Duration: 18 Days
Dates Offered: Please email us (info@southamericanclimbing.com) and state the dates that work best for you.

Day 1
10 am: Meet in Catamarca Argentina. Transfer from airport to four star hotel in Catamarca.

Day 2
10 am: Transfer from Catamarca to Las Grutas (Argentina) . We will stay at Las Grutas Hot Springs.

Day 3 -6
Acclimatization

Choice of peaks we will climb over the next few days:
Cerro San Francisco (6016 m)
Incauasi (6638 m)
El Morocho (4582 m)
Cerro Dos Conos (5900 m)
Cerro Pabellon (5800 m)

Day 7
Stop in Fiambala for permits. Drive to the Cerro Pissis Base Camp.

Day 8
Rest day at Base Camp.

Day 9
Move to Camp One

Day 10
Rest Day

Day 11
First carry to Camp 2. We will return to Camp 1 for sleep and dinner.

Day 12
Second carry to Camp 2. We will sleep at Camp 2.

Day 13
Rest Day

Day 14
Summit Day! We will wake in pre-dawn hours for a summit attempt. The
summit day is 8-10 hours long.

Day 15
Extra day for summit attempt

Day 16
Descend to Base Camp

Day 17
Transfer to Fiambala. We will have a celebration dinner in Fiambala and we will sleep at the hot spring resort in Fiambala.

Day 18
Transfer to Catamarca.

Services Included on the Cerro Pissis Expedition:
• We specialize in small groups. The maximum number of clients is five plus two guides. Our guide to client ratio is 1:3
• Assistance with obtaining permits at the Military Post in Fiambala, Argentina.
• Mountain Guides (bilingual, experienced, and qualified to operate within Provincial Park Aconcagua).
• All guides have complete first aid kits (including oximeter) and wilderness aid training.
• Transport to and from airport and hotel in Catamarca.
• Transport to and from Catamarca and Fiambala .
• Four Wheel Vehicles with all emergency needs (spare tires, tools kits, etc). The driver will wait for the expedition at base camp during the entire length of the climb.
• Two nights accommodation at a four-star hotel in Catamarca, Argentina. Double occupancy for scheduled groups. Single occupancy can be offered at an additional price. Breakfast is included but all other meals and drinks not included.
• One night accommodation in Fiambala Hot springs (double or triple occupancy). Single occupancy can be offered at an additional price.
Breakfast is included but all other meals and drinks are not included.
• Tents and group gear (stoves, ropes, etc.).
• Cook. All food is provided while we are on the mountain which will be prepared for you by a cook.
• Vegetarian menu, if desired
• Argentine “Asado” (barbeque) at Base Camp.
• Radio and SAT phone for communications between high camps, Base Camp, Fiambala and Catamarca
• 2 porter for group gear (20 kilos each carry).

Not Included
• Aconcagua Park Climbing Permit Fee. Please go to the following website for up-to-date Permit Fees: http://www.aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar
• Plane ticket
• Personal equipment (clothing, boots, sleeping bag headlamps, etc.) Please go to the following (equipment link) for more information.
• Rescue cost
• Costs associated with early descent for non-emergencies:helicopter and/or an additional assistant guide for personal descent, saddle horses to come down from base camp, and transportation to Fiambala and Catamarca.
• Personal expenses (tips, laundry, phone, etc.).
• Extra nights at hotel outside of expedition dates.
• Hotel in the case of an early return to Mendoza. We will pay for the first night only.
• If you would like, we can arrange for personal porters to carry your personal gear at an additional cost.

Level of Climbing Required
The Cerro Pissis Normal Route is non-technical. Anyone in excellent physical condition has a good chance of making it to the summit. Once you have registered for an expedition, we will send you a four month training program that will put you in the best condition to get to the summit. There are trails with markers from Base Camp to near Camp 1. After Camp 1 there are no trails and markers. The route is not steep but sure footing and good balance is a necessity. The guides have way points and will have a gps at all times. We also have SAT phones. Although previous altitude experience is not required, it is helpful. Climbers who are accustomed to sleeping outside tend to be more rested for the summit day. There is a famous saying in mountaineering: “If you can sleep you can climb.” Cerro Pissis definitely holds this to be true. The best way to adapt to sleeping in a tent and in a sleeping bag is by sleeping outside as much as possible in all kinds of weather. Eventually, through test and trial you will learn which sleeping systems work best for you.

Weather on Cerro Pissis:
The Atacama is famous for its dryness and winds. On an average day the wind speeds can range between 15 mph and 35 mph. Daily lightning and showers in the afternoon are common in the months of December and January. As far as temperature is concerned, it can get very cold on Cerro Pissis and we recommend that you bring (or rent) a very warm sleeping bag. We recommend a bag rated 0 to -10 F. If you tend to sleep cold, bring at least a -10 F down sleeping bag (800 fill). On average the temperatures range from 10 F to -10 F. A 700 to 800 fill down coat is also a necessity. The best four season/expedition gear and clothing is required (equipment link). Cerro Pissis is known to be a very dry and dusty mountain. Our guides will monitor each clients daily water intake. We recommend at least 4- 5 liters or more (especially if you are taking diamox). When the weather is good, it can be quite sunny and the best glacier glasses and sun sceen are a necessity. We will receive a 3 and 5 day weather report every other day from base camp via SAT phone.

Cost of the Expedition
Scheduled Trips (See current expedition schedule): All Groups have a maximum of five climbers and 2 guides.
$3200 per person

We also offer private expeditions with customizable dates. Contact us to receive an estimate for your personalized expedition.

We can customize your expedition to include less services at lower prices. Please email us and state which service you would like to include and exclude and we will email you a price.

Fill Out a Trip Reservation Form

Contact Information
South American Climbing
P.O. MXY #1
GlennAllen, Alaska 99588
Tel: 866.896.1435

E-Mail
info@southamericanclimbing.com