Page Type:
|
Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
|
33.06831°S / 69.40175°W |
County:
|
Tupungato |
Activities:
|
Hiking |
Season:
|
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
|
Elevation:
|
13832 ft / 4216 m |
|
Overview
The southern most peak of the Cordon del Plata. This peak is not as well traveled as the others in the range, since they all typically begin from the Las Veguitas valley. From the large ranch at the western end of the town of Valle de Sol, there is a ridge hike or the possibility of following the river to the Laguna del Platita just under the peak. Neither trail is well marked. Both are full day hikes. Expect 14-16 hours without gear if attempting round trip in a single day, including the hour it takes to walk along the road from town.There is no water along the ridge hike after you lose site of the river at the start. Once near the top a detour down to the laguna will be slow trekking because of very loose sliding rocks.
Getting There
Exit Ruta 7 at Potrerillos. Instead of the regular Cordon del Plata trail head near the Vallecitos ski area, begin at the town of Valle de Sol. Take the same road to the ski area, but go past the regular turn off from avenida de los Cóndores for Las Vegas to continue along Avenida del Sol until you arrive.Bus from the Terminal de Ómnibus de Mendoza. Bus company Expreso Uspallata has 1-2 daily trips to Piedras Blancas and Valle de Sol. This is a local bus which will take almost 2 hours from Mendoza city. There are several hostels and other housing in both of these towns.
Red Tape
There is a road that leads through a private ranch to the base of both the river and ridge hikes. Suggested $5ar pesos PP to the owner at house. Perhaps, with permission, you can arrive to the house by car to eliminate the hour walk from town.Camping
No organized or heavily used camping. Opportunities for tenting along the ridge hike, or just under the peak at the Laguna del Platita.
Laguna del PlatitaApproximate Trail Map (hand drawn on Google Earth)
External Links
Estimated route hand drawn with Google Earth. Preview if plug-in installedHostel near last bus stop
External site with road map of Potrerillos and Valle de Sol, and another here