SHORT
SWEET
SOJOURN

Cerro el Plomo

Looking down snow covered slopes to climbers on Cerro el Plomo
Sunset from Base Camp Federaciones

At 5,424m/17,795ft, Cerro el Plomo is an impressive mountain and the largest visible peak from the city of Santiago.

A Cerro el Plomo climb is a relatively short yet fun excursion into the Chilean Andes. It is an ideal introductory climb to altitude or as a pre-acclimatisation trip for those climbing Aconcagua.

Cerro el Plomo is a brilliant climb for a foray to five and a half thousand metres or as an acclimatisation trip prior to climbing Aconcagua. The climbing is straightforward although ice axe and crampons will be required.

Cerro el Plomo also offers excellent views out to the high mountains of Central Chile and Argentina such as Aconcagua and Tupungato and you will pass by an ancient Inca burial site at 4,500m on the way to the summit.

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  • A short climb to moderate altitude
  • An excellent first expedition to altitude or pre-acclimatisation trip prior to Aconcagua

Climbing Ability

Climbing Ability

Beginner

Elevation

Elevation

5,424m/17,795ft

Duration

Duration

10 days

Location

Location

Chile

EL PLOMO ITINERARY
DAY 1

Arrive in Santiago, Chile

DAY 2

Sort equipment, expedition briefing, city tour and overnight Santiago hotel

DAY 3

Drive to Valle Nevado and trek to Piedra Numerada 3,300m/10,826ft. Camping overnight

DAY 4

Acclimatise in Piedra Numerada. Camping overnight

DAY 5

Trek to Base Camp Federaciones 4,100m/13,450ft. Camping overnight

DAY 6

Acclimatisation day, optional ascent of Cerro Leonera 4,975m/16,322ft. Camping overnight

DAY 7

Summit attempt 5,424m/17,795ft. Camping overnight

DAY 8

Contingency day. Camping overnight

DAY 9

Return to Santiago, overnight hotel

DAY 10

Those continuing to climb Aconcagua will fly to Mendoza, others depart for home.

Map of Cerro el Plomo

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
24 Dec - 2 Jan 2025 $6,600 NZD $ Book Now
24 Dec - 2 Jan 2025 $4,100 USD $ Book Now
14 Jan - 23 Jan 2025 $6,600 USD $ Book Now
14 Jan - 23 Jan 2025 $4,100 USD $ Book Now

Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition

PREPARE

Fitness

The Cerro el Plomo expedition is challenging so you MUST train for several months before departure to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Training should include regular walking on hills, combined with swimming, light running or biking and gym work to develop strength. We recommend training plan specific to mountaineering, such as those from Uphill Athlete.

Technical Experience

Basic ice axe and crampon skills are recommended. We suggest joining an introductory mountaineering instruction course such as our Chamonix Introductory Mountaineering Course or Europe Private Instruction Course before the expedition if you have time, but it is not essential, as there are opportunities to practice and review basic snowcraft skills before the summit attempt.

Altitude Experience

No prior altitude experience is required.

Summit
Why Adventure Consultants?

Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

Mules
Inclusions

The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Professional, qualified guides
  • Quality accommodation and transport
  • Excellent food and catering
  • Expert logistics
  • Regular dispatches for families and friends to follow your expedition
  • Comprehensive support from our New Zealand office team.
The expanse of the Andes behind two climbers standing on the summit of Cerro el Plomo

An ascent of Cerro el Plomo is an ideal way to pre-acclimaitse for Aconcagua so you are ready for going even higher or join for a short but enjoyable climb to 5,400m in only one week!

View across the Andes from Cerro el Plomo

Begin the adventure in the beautiful city of Santiago, Chile.

yellow tents brighten the landscape at Camp 1 Piedra Numerada

Tranquility, tranquility and tranquility.

A snow covered Cerro el Plomo

"Following a very good experience, AC will be my first stop and recommendation to others in future."

Luke Densem, New Zealand
A local women with brightly coloured yarn at a market

"The support from the team at the office, the quality guides and the itinerary for each trip (providing ample acclimatization period before summit) always make me come back. On the trips, AC offers a good balance of climbing expertise and a concern for safety along with lots of fun and a bit of luxury."

Heidi Rockwood, USA
Summit of Cerro el Plomo

"AC did a wonderful job. I'd 100% recommend them to anyone looking for an accommodating and professional experience."

Spencer Hall, USA
Upper slopes of Aconcagua

Step up to learn how you perform at high altitude on Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the world outside of the Himalaya.

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