Difficulty
Media
Duration
3 days
Place
La Parva (Cordillera de los Andes)
Distance
50 km from Santiago
Season
November to April
An unforgettable experience of mountaineering, archaeology, and breathtaking landscapes
Embark on a 3-day journey to the majestic Cerro El Plomo, known as the Guardian of Santiago’s Valley.
This high-altitude trek will take you through trails surrounded by stunning landscapes, Incan ruins, and unforgettable panoramic views.
Cerro El Plomo is a sacred site for the Inca culture, known for the discovery of a mummified child, an important ritual sacrifice.
Although the trek does not present technical challenges, it requires prior acclimatization and proper hydration.
Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by professional guides, trained in first aid and equipped with satellite communication to ensure your safety.
Highlights
Itinerary
We start by driving to La Parva (2,900 m), where we meet with the muleteers and their mules, who will help carry part of the equipment.
We will hike approximately 5-6 hours to reach the Federación camp (4,100 m), where we will spend the next two nights (12 km, 1,200 m of elevation).
The goal of this day is to acclimatize to the altitude.
We’ll begin the day before dawn, setting out for the summit of Cerro El Plomo (5,424 m).
The trek to the summit takes 6 to 9 hours, depending on your physical condition and the weather (8 km, 1,300 m of elevation).
After enjoying the breathtaking views from the summit, the descent will be faster, returning to camp to celebrate with an appetizer and a well-deserved dinner.
Rest and recharge!
The third and final day starts more calmly.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin the return to the starting point, a stunning hike where you’ll see Incan ruins and perhaps a condor soaring overhead.
There’s an option to take a chairlift at La Parva to reduce 2 km of the hike and 500 m of elevation, both on Day 1 and Day 3.
This option is subject to availability and will be confirmed based on the tour date.
The additional cost is USD 15 per person per trip and is not included in the tour price.
Everything you need to know
What you need to know
Included: Professional guide certified in first aid, satellite communication device, specialized technical equipment (trekking poles, crampons, ice axe, helmet if necessary), binoculars and field guides, private transport to and from your hotel, camping gear (tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bag with liner, pillow), all meals (2 breakfasts, 3 box lunches + snacks, 2 dinners, water), muleteer and mules, 19% VAT.
Not included: Accident insurance, chairlift ticket (subject to availability), personal equipment, optional tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
- Clothing and footwear: base layers for top and bottom, trekking pants (you can also bring ski pants or rain pants), thin fleece, down jacket, windbreaker, thin liner gloves, thick mittens, sun hat, bandana, wool hat, thick mountain socks (2 or 3 pairs), high-top mountain boots.
- Accessories: Sunglasses with good UV protection (Category 3 or 4), sunscreen, water bottles (capacity for 3 liters, can be one or more bottles), large backpack (about 60 liters for all your gear; mules will carry this), small backpack (20-30 liters for daily hikes), headlamp with spare batteries, external battery (if necessary).
- Personal equipment can be rented upon prior arrangement.
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Generally, from November to April, the weather is stable and ideal for this tour.
Can the tour be customized?
Yes, since this is a private tour, we can tailor it to your interests and physical ability. If you have little experience with long hikes at altitude and want to add more days for acclimatization, contact us to design an adventure just for you.
What happens if I can’t reach the summit?
Don’t worry, our primary goal is your safety and well-being. If at any point you feel you can’t continue, our guides will assess the situation and adjust the route to your needs. You can stop at a safe point and enjoy the surroundings. We’re always prepared to ensure an unforgettable experience, whether or not you reach the summit. The most important thing is to enjoy the trek and the incredible views throughout the journey.
Is the tour suitable for beginners or people without trekking experience?
We don’t recommend this trek for people with no experience. It’s ideal for individuals in good physical condition and with experience in long hikes. Cerro El Plomo presents high-altitude conditions, which may include hypoxia, extreme cold, and storms, emphasizing the need for preparation for this demanding adventure.
Are there bathroom facilities during the tour?
At the camp, we will have a small dressing tent for bathroom use, following the “Leave No Trace” principles. This will include plastic bags with lime and a waste container. If you need to use the bathroom outside the camp, you will do so in nature, following the same environmental care practices to minimize your impact on the surroundings.
How many kilometers will we walk in total?
Approximately 40 kilometers: 12 from La Parva to Federación and 8 from Federación to the summit of El Plomo.
What is your cancellation policy?
- If you cancel 45 days or more in advance, you will receive a full refund, minus a 20% non-refundable deposit.
- If you cancel between 30 and 45 days before departure, 50% of the total cost will be refunded.
- If you cancel less than 30 days in advance, no refund will be given.
- If Ecordua cancels the trip, you can opt for a full refund, reschedule at no cost, or choose a different tour.
Map
Do you still have doubts?
Don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Write to us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Also, download our brochure with all the details about this tour, including itineraries, recommendations and what you need to know to fully enjoy this experience.
