Nevado de Cachi is the name given to a large complex of mountain that lies in the region of Salta (Northern Argentina). This complex counts several summits, the highest is 6,380m high and it is called Cumbre Libertador; this summit was climbed the first time in 1950.
The main summit is rarely climbed (less than 5 expeditions per year) and the secondary summits even less. Some of them have been climbed only once.
The quality of the rock is almost everywhere poor, there is permanent snow but almost no glacier. Almost all routes are easy but rockfalls are not infrequent. In summer the snow-line is about at 5,800m; in winter it is significantly lower (as low as 3,500m) making possible some technical climb (ice and snow route at about 55 degrees). The region experience the same seasons of Bolivia, summers are dry but winter can be very rainy with heavy snowfalls. Wind is probably the main hazard and should be not underestimated.

Getting There

From Salta take a bus to the village of Cachi. The journey takes 4 hours and costs around 8 USD (as in December 2006). When in Cachi there are two options according to the preferred climbing route. Take a bus to the village of Las Pailas (30 minutes, 1 USD) or take a private transport for the place called "Las Cuevas" which is about 25 km fare from Cachi.
Mules can be rented in Cachi at a cost of about 20 USD/day.

Red Tape

There are no restrictions but climbers should register at the local police station. This is formally compulsory after a fatality occurred a few years ago.

Camping

There are excellent campsites almost all the way up to the summit, on both the main routes to the summits (Las Cuevas or Las Pailas).
Description of the campsites (GPS co-ordinates and water proximity) is given in the description of the routes.

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