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Andinism is an activity that I propose and is a bit special because it is mainly dedicated to enthusiasts and mountaineers. For those who want thrills and new sensations, there are lots of possibilities for everyone according to their level.
Climbing the Andean high peaks, on volcanoes, walking with crampon on glaciers on the Andes Cordillera will provide you strong memories. Do not carry heavy luggage, your equipment will be provided on site. Among these mountains, some have mythical names in the world of mountaineering, such as Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, to name a few. Many formulas of andinism are available and adapted to each level. Here are some examples of andinism that I can propose, knowing that many others are possible and in other regions than those presented below.
Ascent of the Andean peaks
On top of the Patagonian Cordillera
Here’s a round trip of about 12 hours; an incredible walk, made in groups of 4 people with the guide for maximum security. The departure is at 4am from the Meiling Refuge near Bariloche. The 3 peaks are the le Tronador, at the border with Chile, are: the Argentino at 3,484 m altitude, the Internacional at 3,554 m altitude and the Chileno at 3,410 m altitude.
For this climbing course, it’s mandatory to have clothes for low temperatures, sunglasses, crampons, snowshoes, ice axes, sticks, high mountain boots… (you’ll easily find this equipment for rent on site).
The Highest peak in the Andean Cordillera
Ascension of a giant
Aconcagua is the highest mountain of the American continent… almost 7,000 meters above sea level! It’s located in Argentina in the province of Mendoza, near the Chilean border. Climbing the Aconcagua is relatively easy for people acclimated to altitude, despite unstable weather and sometimes violent winds.
Aconcagua was the land of Quechua people. The first official ascent was made by Switzerland’s Matthias Zurbriggen in 1897 on the north face. At 6,962 meters, it’s the highest point in the Cordillera de los Andes and one of the highest summits in the world.
For this round trip of 2 weeks, it’s necessary to have clothes for low temperatures, sunglasses, crampons, snowshoes, ice ax, stick, high mountain shoes… (you’ll easily find these equipment for rent on site).
Taming the ices of Patagonia
Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
Journey on the Perito Moreno Glacier; a simple trek, where you’ll enjoy walking on this gigantic glacier and feel it very closely. 80 km from El Calafate is the most important glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and in all Patagonia, its volume and beauty make it unique and a world-wide attraction. Walking on this glacier, listening to the sounds of the ice, is an incredible and unforgettable experience.
For this round trip of about 2 hours, it’s necessary to have clothes for low temperatures, sunglasses, crampons, snowshoes, ice ax, stick, high mountain shoes… (you’ll easily find these equipment for rent on the spot).
Ice walls and tunnels
Trekking on the Viedma Glacier
To reach the Viedma Glacier, we’ll need to take a boat from the port of Bahía Túnel, 18 km far from El Chaltén. On this glacier, you can venture into caves and tunnels formed by ice, and see small lagoons. Walking is moderate and passes through an irregular, but firm and safe ice surface. This trekking is more impressive on the Viedma Glacier than on the Perito Moreno Glacier, because it’s bigger and especially formed of imposing ice walls…
For this round trip of about 2 hours, it’s necessary to have clothes for low temperatures, sunglasses, crampons, snowshoes, ice ax, stick, high mountain shoes… (you’ll easily find these equipment for rent on the spot).
Southern Patagonia Icefield
Excursion on the Hielo Continental Sur
The Hielo Continental Sur is 350 km long and 50 km wide. Ice as far as the eye can see!! Several options are possible, treks from 4 to 9 days. It’s truly a unique experience to come to this place. You’ll pass by El Chaltén, El Puente Río Eléctrico, El Refugio Piedra del Fraile, El Glaciar Marconi, Paso Marcorni (gateway to the Hielo Continental), El Circo de Los Altares (one of the most beautiful views of Patagonia), La Laguna de Los Esquies, La Laguna Ferrari, El Paso del Viento, La Laguna Toro, El Chalten by the Del Pliegue Tumbado Trail.
For this round trip on the ice field of Patagonia, it’s necessary to have clothes for low temperatures, sunglasses, crampons, rackets, ice ax, stick, high mountain shoes… (you’ll easily find all equipment required for rent on site).
360° panorama between Chile and Bolivia
Ascent of the Licancabur Volcano
The Licancabur Volcano, on the border of Chile and Bolivia, is the opportunity to climb to 6,000 m altitude! (Well almost… at a few meters). This is one of the few 6,000 m accessible without rock climbing. This remains a “hike” with only altitude as a constraint.
You’ll have to wake up very early (departure around 3am) and plan this adventure on the Bolivian side. Climbing on the slopes of this volcano until the highest point at 5,920 m (about 6 hours), will remain for sure, a highlight of a lifetime for all those who will undertake the adventure. Needless to say, the view from the top is breathtaking. Indeed, at the top of the volcano a 360° panorama awaits you with even a small lagoon in its crater. The descent will be by the same route.
Most active volcanoes in South America
Ascent of the Villarrica Volcano
During a trip to Chile, passing through Pucón, you cannot miss the ascension of this volcano: the Villarrica Volcano, one of the most active in South America. It’s possible to climb it all year round, with favorable weather conditions. Depending on the season and the conditions of the day, this non-technical ascent, from 1,050 m to 1,650 m altitude difference, still requires a moderate or even a good physical condition.
From the summit, at 2,847 m, there is a 360° view of the surrounding lakes and volcanoes, the lucky ones will be able to admire the lava at the bottom of the crater and according to the snow conditions, it’s possible to go down to ski or snowboard. Our certified mountain guides will adapt at your own pace to take you to the top safely.
We stay at the edge of the crater between 5 minutes and 1 hour, depending on weather conditions (temperature, wind), volcanic activity (toxic smoke, explosions) and our arrival time. Moreover, the crater tour can be feasible, it’s really a magical feeling to see the bottom of the crater… And what about the spectacular view of neighboring volcanoes!! including the Lanín Volcano in Argentina… imperial!
In the afternoon, to recover from our emotions of the morning we’ll relax in the Los Pozones Thermal Baths. These natural baths are at the edge of Rio Liucura. The discreet infrastructure is rustic in style. They have 5 basins and the temperature of the water varies between 36° and 41° celsius, depending on the basin.
Between Argentine and Chilean volcanoes
Ascent of Lanín Volcano
A 2-day course on this stratovolcano shared by Argentina and Chile (3/4 of the massif is in Argentina, at Junín de los Andes in the Northern Argentine Patagonia). During the first day we’ll reach to the RIM refuge – the second day we’ll reach the top of the Lanín Volcano at 3,747 m altitude and down to the refuge, in about 12 hours (departure at 2am for the summit); an incredible walk, performed in groups, with superb views of several volcanoes on the Chilean side and especially the Villarrica Volcano. For the bravest, imposing glaciers await you at the top.
For this round trip of 2 days, it’s necessary to have clothes for low temperatures, sunglasses, crampons, snowshoes, ice ax, stick, high mountain shoes… (you’ll easily find these equipment for rent on site).
