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The Giants of South America - 21 Day Expedition
A fantastic journey that includes the wonderful and magnificent mountains of South America. The Chimborazo, which is situated in Ecuador, is the highest mountain in one of the smallest South American countries. With 6.310 m its peak is the furthest point away from the center of the earth. In the days of the German explorer Alexander v. Humboldt it was believed to be the highest peak on the planet. Simon Bolivar, the liberator of 5 South American countries, was fascinated by the impressive view from this snow giant and wrote his famous poem "Mi delirio sobre el Chimborazo" (My passion for the Chimborazo).
Once acclimatized at this height, you can move onto Aconcagua in Argentina, which at 6.959 m above sea level is the highest peak on the American content. The Aconcagua is situated on the border of Argentina and Chile. You will already be stunned by the sight of the Chimborazo but after having climbed the summit of the Aconcagua, you will experience the certainty, to have reached a milestone to the ascent of a 8000 meters high mountain. You will climb the summit on the normal route which will not cause any difficulties if the weather conditions are fine, but still an excellent physical condition is essential
important information
- Departure Day: Upon Request
- Price for 21 days:USD 7,956.-
- More prices
| Overview Itinerary |
| Day 01: |
Arrival in Ecuador |
| Day 02: |
Teleferico - City Tour |
| Day 03: |
Camp at Carihuayrazo |
| Day 04: |
Acclimitazation walk |
| Day 05: |
Peak of the Carihuayrazo |
| Day 06: |
Chimborazo - Whymper Refuge |
| Day 07: |
Summit Chimborazo - Quito |
| Day 08: |
free day |
| Day 09: |
Quito - Santiago de Chile |
| Day 10: |
Santiago - Mendoza |
| Day 11: |
Mendoza – Penitentes - Confluencia |
| Day 12: |
Confluencia |
| Day 13: |
Confluencia - Plaza de Mulas |
| Day 14: |
Acclimitazation |
| Day 15: |
Acclimitazation |
| Day 16: |
Plaza de Mulas – Camp 1 |
| Day 17: |
Camp 1 - Camp 2 |
| Day 18: |
Camp 2 - Aconcagua - Camp 2 |
| Day 19: |
Camp 2 - Plaza de Mulas |
| Day 20: |
Plaza de Mulas - Penitentes |
| Day 21: |
Penitentes - Santiago de Chile |
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Ecuador
Arrive in Quito. Assistance and transfer from the airport to the Hotel Mercure Alameda in the new Town of Quito. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. D
Day 02: With the Tefeferico up Pichincha Volcano - Colonial Quito
From your hotel you drive to the western side of Quito to take a ride on the city’s new Teleferico, which gives you a spectacular view over the city and its surroundings. The cable car whisks you from an altitude of 2.950 m to a lookout over 4.050 m within 15 minutes. As the Teleferico is located on the eastern side of Pichincha Volcano you will be able to enjoy fantastic and inspiring views of Quito and more than 14 peaks of the Andes on a clear day. You go for a short walk into the slopes of the Rucu Pichincha Volcano before you return back to Quito. Here you have lunch in a restaurant overlooking the colonial part of Quito before you start a city tour. This tour covers the major colonial churches and monasteries in Quito such as La Catedral, La Compañia and San Francisco. You visit the historic colonial quarter of Quito, resplendent with its churches, gilded altars and religious sculptures and paintings dating from the 17th; 18th and 19th centuries. The tour continues through narrow streets, ancient colonial houses with Moorish-style arches and mysterious patios before returning to hotel Mercure Alameda for accommodation. B/L/-
Day 03: Camp at Carihuayrazo
Early in the morning you drive from Quito on the Panamerican Highway through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” passing by Latacunga to Rio Blanco. After a 6-hours walk you arrive at the camp which is situated at 3.800 m, where you will set up the tents. The camp is near the foot of the Carihuayrazo and provides you with a stunning view of the Carihuayrazo (5.100 m) and the Chimborazo. Excellent opportunity for taking pictures! B/L/D
Day 04: Acclimatization walk
Today you will hike through Paramo vegetation of the Carihuayrazo to get acclimatized to the height. This typically Andean landscape is for several centuries settled by highland Indians, which still tend Lamas, Alpakas and Vicuñas close to the camp. Overnight stay in camp. B/L/D
Day 05: Peak of the Carihuayrazo
After a tasty breakfast you will start early in the morning with a full ice-equipment to climb the 5.100 m high Carihuayrazo. In about 3 hours the summit will be reached. The Lamas and Alpakas will be the only witnesses of this adventure. After having a rest at the peak it will take about 1 hour to descend to the camp. Overnight stay in camp. B/L/D
Day 06: Chimborazo - Whymper Refuge
You will drive to the first refuge of the Chimborazo after having breakfast. The ascent to the Whymper Refuge at 5.000 m will take about half an hour. If the weather conditions are fine you will be able to do a little acclimatization walk. After having dinner you go to bed early. B/L/D
Day 07: Peak of Chimborazo - Quito
You will be woken up at midnight. After breakfast you start the 8-hour trip to the peak of the Chimborazo. At the peak you rest for a while before you start the descent to the refuge which will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. Transfer to Quito. Accommodation in Rio Amazonas International. B/L/D
Day 08: Relaxing day in Quito
This day you use for a rest or as a reserve in case that the weather the day before was bad. You spend the night again in hotel Rio Amazonas in Quito. B/L/-
Day 09: Flight Quito - Santiago de Chile
We will take you to the airport from where you will fly to Santiago de Chile. Transfer to the hotel. B/-/-
Day 10: Santiago - Mendoza
Today's destination is Mendoza in Argentina. This trip will be done by land transportation. Upon arrival in Mendoza you will be taken to the hotel. In Mendoza you will receive your permission to climb the Aconcagua. B/L/-
Day 11: Mendoza – Penitentes - Confluencia
Today you will receive the permission to climb the Aconcagua. Then you will be taken to the Puente del Inca (Inkas Bride). From here you will hike up to the Confluencia camp in about 3 hours at an altitude of 3.200 m. Overnight in a camp. B/L/D
Day 12: Confluencia (3.200 m)
After breakfast you will do an acclimatization walk from Confluencia to the south side of the Aconcagua. Then you return to the camp where you will spend the night. B/L/D
Day 13: Confluencia - Plaza de Mulas (4.300 m)
Today you will hike up to the base camp of the Aconcagua: Plaza de Mulas (4.300 m) in about 8 to 10 hours. Here you will spend the night. B/L/D
Days 14 / 15: Acclimatization
These two days are for acclimatization walks in the surrounding of the camp. Overnight in the camp Plaza de Mulas. B/L/D
Day 16: Plaza de Mulas – Camp 1
In the morning you will ascend to the camp 1 at an altitude of 5.560 m which is called Nido de Condores. This will take you about 5 to 7 hours. This day can also be used to get the equipment directly to the camp 2. B/L/D
Day 17: Camp 1 – Camp 2
Today you will ascend to the second camp at an altitude of 5930 m. The camp is called Berlin. The ascendance will take you about 3 to 4 hours. Overnight in camp 2. B/L/D
Day 18: Camp 2 – Aconcagua – Camp 2
Today you will climb up to the peak of the Aconcagua (6962 m) and then you will return to the camp 2 which will take about 9 to 11 hours. Overnight in camp 2. B/L/D
Day 19: Camp 2 – Plaza de Mulas
Today you will return to the Plaza de Mulas or in case that you did not reach the peak the day before you can have a second try. B/L/D
Day 20: Plaza de Mulas - Penitentes
You will return to Penitentes which will take about 6-8 hours. You will spend this night in a hotel. B/L/D
Day 21: Penitentes - Santiago
Return journey to Santiago de Chile. B/L/-
| Prices per Person for 2012 |
| Minimum 4 people |
USD 6,747.- |
| Minimum 2 people |
USD 7,956.- |
Included in the price:
All transports in Ecuador, Chile and Argentina, all hotels and hosterias, meals according to the itinerary, tents, cook, mules at the Aconcagua, refuge fees, mountain guide (at the Chimborazo for every 2 persons 1 guide, at the Aconcagua 1 guide for the whole group)
In the price not included:
all flights, Aconcagua ascent fee (present USD 333.-), drinks, International flight airport taxes, single room extra charge, personal expense, travel insurance, tips.
Condition:
Excellent physical fitness is required from all expedition participants as well as glacier experience (walking with a rope and climbing irons on shoes). You have to go in rope teams; you should know that there is no comfort in the tents and refuges and that you need a good sense of team spirit.
What to bring with you:
Mountain shoes that you can use with climbing irons, climbing irons, ice pick, ski poles, good sleeping bag (at least up to -30 degrees Celsius), big backpack, "Goretex" anorak with hood, over pants, polypropylene underwear, fleece pullover, good gloves and reserve gloves, warm cap, sun protection, glacier glasses, headlamp, gaiters, seatbelt and a hat.
Note:
We recommend doing this expedition in the time from the middle of January to the end of February. The weather in this period is perfect and there are not so many mountaineers like in December.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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