San Francisco Volcano (6016mts)

Between Volcanoes and Glacier Lagoonss

A unique challenge in the Valley of the six-thousanders

Located in the beautiful valley of the six-thousanders of Catamarca, where there is the largest population of mountains that exceed 6500 meters in height and many that exceed 6000. This volcano constitutes a great goal for mountaineers who are learning and improving day by day in altitude.
San Francisco Volcano belongs to the select group of the classic six thousand of Argentina.
On this expedition we will ascend 3 summits in total, two of them as part of the acclimatization process: Falso Morocho (4500mts) Bertrand Volcano (5260mts) and San Francisco Volcano (6016mts).

You can opt out for a limited 4/5-day version: Bertran Volcano Climb (5260m).

If you have no experience, we suggest this activity: 2x4000:Introduction to Mountaineering + Balcón del Pissis 4x4 tour.

Addressed to:

People in excellent physical condition and previous mid-mountain experience
Those who understand the mountain environment, are willing to participate and adapt, and wish to share the experience in a group.
Involves walking on scree, snow, or ice. The use of crampons and descents via mountain scree are possible.
You can choose to book this experience for yourself if you do not wish to participate in a group.

Details Details

Next Dates: December, 06 to 12 | January, 04 to 10, 2027 | February, 07 to 13, 2027 | March, 16 to 22.
Meeting place: Fiambalá, Catamarca (Day 1, 10hs).
Ending place: Fiambalá, Catamarca (Day 7).
Difficulty: Moderate / High.
Distancia / Desnivel: 25kms / 2300mts acumulado.
Requirements: Mountaineering experience +4500m | Medically qualified with stress ergometry | Good physical condition.
Min Group / Ratio: 3 people / 1 Guide| 4 PAX.
Gear List: It is delivered at the time of booking.

Meeting in Fiambalá, Catamarca. Transfer via National Route 60 toward Chaschuil and then to Cortaderas, a mountain lodge. The rest of the afternoon is free for resting and aiding the altitude acclimatization process. Optional trek to Pico Cortaderas (3,650 m).
Services: Shared rooms (with the group), beds with linens, and private bathroom.

After breakfast (7:00 AM), we will transfer to San Francisco Pass (4,000 meters). We will set up camp at the site that will serve as our base for the coming days. This day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the altitude. Depending on the day's conditions, we will enjoy the afternoon at the hot spring river and take a short hike in the area.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or a hut (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.

After breakfast, we will prepare for the day's trek to the summit of Cerro Falso Morocho (4,484 m). From the base, we will ascend the gentle slope to the peak, where we will enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco and Incahuasi volcanoes.
Activity: 6 hrs | Ascent: 500 m | Distance: 9 km.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or hut (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch (box lunch) | Dinner.

We will start the day early; following the 4x4 approach transfer (to 4,650m), we will begin the ascent to the summit of Bertrán Volcano. This will take 5 to 6 hours, depending on the group's pace. From the summit, we will enjoy spectacular views of the San Francisco (6,016m) and Incahuasi (6,640m) volcanoes, as well as the beautiful San Francisco Lagoon.
Depending on weather conditions, we will have between 30 minutes and an hour to take in the view before heading back to the vehicle and Las Grutas.
Activity: 8 hrs | Ascent: 750m | Distance: 9 km.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or a shelter (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch (box lunch) | Dinner.

Rest day. Free afternoon to recharge and pack your backpack for the following day.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or a mountain hut, depending on availability | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.

We will start the day very early; after a light breakfast, we will transfer to the base of San Francisco Volcano (4,700m) at 4:30 AM. At 5:30 AM, we will begin the slow ascent to the summit. Once there, and depending on weather conditions, we will take some time to rest before heading back to the vehicle and our base camp at Las Grutas; the approximate return time is 6:00 PM. The group's condition will be monitored constantly, given the length of the day. All decisions will be based on the participants' health, prioritizing their well-being.
Activity: 12 hrs | Ascent: 1,200m | Distance: 12 km.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or hut (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Lunch (packed lunch) | Dinner.

Return to Fiambalá. End of services.

Accommodation:

Cortaderas Inn, beds with white linen, shared rooms with the group with private bathroom.
High mountain tents or mountain hut (if available).

Meals:

Breakfast, box lunch, afternoon snack. From lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day.

The box lunch includes sandwiches, pastries, fruit, and an isotonic drink.
The informal lunch consists of empanadas or snacks. Special options are considered due to health restrictions.

Mineral water for the activity days.
Group kitchen equipment, heaters, pots, cooking utensils, table, and chairs.

Safety:

Professional Guide EPGAMT, WFR, licensed in Catamarca / Assistant as applicable.
Insurance: Personal Accident - Civil Liability.
Satellite Communication
First Aid Kit, VHF Communication.
Use of medical oxygen in case of emergencies.

Logistics:

Entrance registration for the mountain area at Paso San Francisco.
Round trip transfer in a private 4x4 vehicle from Fiambalá.
Off-road transfer to the mountain. Altitude subject to terrain conditions and accessibility.

Personalized:

Specialized personalized pre-trip assistance.
Advice on equipment rental or purchase.
Small groups.

Breakfast of 'Day 1'
Personal clothing / personal gear.
Dinner at the inn (only the breakfast is included).
Meals during the hike / Meals outside the mountain itinerary.
Meals in Fiambalá on rest days, as well as the day before and the day after the activity concludes.
Drinks.
Round trip from Catamarca to Fiambalá (325km).
Access fee to 'Balcón del Pissis' road (if applicable).
Access fee to the Fiambalá Hot Springs (if applicable).
Other extras not specified in the program.
Expenses incurred due to abandoning the activity.
Rescue and evacuation expenses.