| Gabriel FAVA, Reinhold MILCH and I made a successfull ascent of Bonete Chico west face with perfect conditions on dec 11th 2006. We reached the summit at 13h30 /14h after leaving high camp (5952m) at 9h10 unfortunately not finding the summit book...
We went to base camp (5065m) without any major problems, but it seems tricky to get higher on this track with a 4WD.
Water avalaible at both camps (water flowing in the day at base camp in a sand quebrada, penitentes nearby).
GPS coordinates :
base camp S 28 04.103 W 068 49.230 (5065m)
high camp S 28 02.265 W 068 46.398 (5952m)
summit altitude checked by GPS : 6764m (quite in accordance with official 6759m), location S 28 01.147 - W 068 45.307
(possible to find some water a bit higher than base camp, at 5300/5350 m if setting up a camp higher, other penitentes in the quebrada).
Fantastic view from the top (a tiny summit for the Puna), in my view more impressive than Pissis. The summit zone is quite complex. From high camp, you first join a high plateau (S28 01.662 - W 068 45.930 at 6429m) and there, keep on direct ahead approx 1km climbing on the right, ascending gently in traverse on soft rocks, the summit is on the right (red rocks), the most distant one . Some easy rock climbing during the last 30 /50 m. Approx 1h30/2h from the plateau summit.
N°4 of the Andes and America is a fantatsic peak to be climbed for its exceptionnal view.It's really worth a visit!
Bruno BASCHUNG
NB. Griselda MORENO, from Salta, made a very bold solo ascent in windy conditions on early march 2006. |