Posted by Corax on Feb 28, 2010
Page Views: 581

Dates: Mar 6, 2010 through Mar 6, 2011
City or Place: Starting point: Tupungato
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Categories: Biking, Hiking, Mountaineering
Partner Status: Want Partners

The plan is put on ice for some time. I will continue in November.

I'll land in Santiago de Chile the 6'th of March. My plan is to follow Los Andes north and climb a lot.

Main targets: My goal is to climb the 25 highest in South America. 9 down, 16 to go.
Tupungato, Veladero, Tres Cruces Sur, Tres Cruces Central, Nacimiento, El Condor, Antofalla and Llullaillaco are the peaks I'm going for in Argentina. I may also climb other peaks along the way. Any alternative plan will be considered.
Possible targets: I like the Mercedario massif. I consider trying a traverse there, but I have to find out more about the post season conditions first. La Mano is always of interest. A full traverse of the Pissis massif looks like an interesting challenge. I love the Puna and may go for more mountains there.
Main activities: Mountaineering is priority number one. I will also trek/hike without any climbing. Apart from the long distance cycling heading north, I may use the bicycle for shorter side trips as well. I'm never in a hurry, so I guess there will be some hanging around enjoying nice places now and then.
How long?: No clue. I have a one year ticket, but I may stay shorter or longer. Anything between 3 months and 3 years are realistic estimates.
Mode of transport in between the peaks: Mostly by bicycle. I may go by bus or hitchhike at times.
Planning in general: I have a target I go there. I don't use commercial organizers as I don't feel the need for it. I carry my own stuff to the peaks and I don't use mula services. I stay out in the wilderness for long periods of time. To use guides is out of the question.
Off season: Yes, it'll be a lot of off season climbing. I like it and you have to do so as well if you consider teaming up. Cold and windy, but with the extra edge I like.
Time: You have to have plenty of time. I hate to stress. That said, when in the mountains I'm usually very active and climb a lot. Lazy and slow in civilization and in between the peaks, but full on in wilderness is my way.

Check out the 25 highest peaks in Los Andes!
Climbed before the start of the present trip (2010-03-06):
1. Aconcagua
2. Ojos del Salado ("Argentinian Summit" - Will climb the "Chilean Summit" as well).
3. Pissis
4. Bonete Chico
8. Mercedario
9. Cazadero
12. Incahuasi
16. El Muerto
25. Ramada

Drop me a mail if you're around and interested in some off the beaten track climbing in the off season. I have no problem compromising or adjusting except for the part about using guides etc.
stormkorp[at]gmail.com

Update: 2010-05-21
Summited on this trip:
1. Cerro Augustin Alvarez
2. Cerro Santa Elena
3. Cerro Plata
4. Pico Plata
5. Pico Vallecitos
6. Cerro Adolfo Calle
7. Cerro Stepanek
8. Tupungato - 14'th highest. 2010-04-08
9. Veladero - 20'th highest. 2010-05-18