Loading...

“San Francisco” Volcano

November 17–22, 2026

February 5–10, 2027


The “Valley of the Six-Thousanders” (Valle de los Seismiles) lies in the province of Catamarca, along the international pass to Chile.

It is home to the highest volcanoes in the world, such as San Francisco (6,050 m a.s.l.), Inca Huasi (6,670 m a.s.l.), Monte Pissis (6,795 m a.s.l.) and Ojos del Salado (6,891 m a.s.l.), as well as several four- and five-thousand-meter peaks, ideal for those who want to take the next step in high-altitude mountaineering and immerse themselves in a unique setting of captivating landscapes, lakes with flamingos, hot springs and intense colors.

The valley has a refuge, communications and a first-aid station.

Itinerary

Day 1

Fiambalá bus terminal

10:30 a.m. Transfer to the San Francisco international pass (175 km)

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Cortaderas (3,300 m a.s.l.)

90 km drive on Route 60

Day 2

8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Trek to “Cerro Falso Morocho” (4,500 m a.s.l. – return approx. 2:00 p.m.)

1:00 p.m. Packed lunch

Dinner and overnight at the “Las Grutas” high-altitude camp (Vialidad Nacional) (4,000 m a.s.l.)

90 km drive on Route 60 to 4,100 m a.s.l. Trek: 3 km up, 3 km down; 3 hrs up, 1.5 hrs down; 400 m elevation gain

Day 3 (rest day)

8:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Visit and swim in the “Laguna Azul” hot springs

12:00 p.m. Packed lunch

Dinner and overnight at the “Las Grutas” high-altitude camp (Vialidad Nacional) (4,000 m a.s.l.)

Day 4

7:00 a.m. Breakfast

7:30 a.m. Trek to the Bertrand balcony, 5,130 m a.s.l.

1:00 p.m. Packed lunch

Dinner and overnight at the “Las Grutas” high-altitude camp (Vialidad Nacional) (4,000 m a.s.l.)

Transfer to the trailhead (20 min) at 4,430 m a.s.l.; Trek: 3 hrs up, 1 hr down; 4 km up, 4 km down; 750 m elevation gain

Day 5 (rest day)

9:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Stretching (optional)

1:00 p.m. Lunch

Dinner and overnight at the “Las Grutas” high-altitude camp (Vialidad Nacional) (4,000 m a.s.l.)

Day 6

5:00 a.m. Breakfast

6:00 a.m. Trek to San Francisco Volcano, 6,050 m a.s.l.

1:00 p.m. Packed lunch

4:30 p.m. Return transfer to Fiambalá (approx. 3 hrs)

Transfer to the base of the volcano at 5,050 m a.s.l. (optional) 20 km; Trek: 6 hrs up, 2 hrs down; 5 km up, 5 km down; 1,000 m elevation gain

Includes

Logistics:

  • Clothing and gear briefing
  • Training routine
  • Itinerary planning

Overnight at Hotel Cortaderas

Refuge (subject to availability) or dining dome and high-altitude tents. Extra: camp cots

Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Professional guide throughout the expedition, first-aid kit, radio, GPS

Satellite phone

Personal accident and civil liability insurance

Transportation

Ratio: 1 guide / 4 clients

Price: ARS 1,280,000

Your booking locks in the price.

All credit cards accepted

Vehicle approach to 5,050 m a.s.l.: USD 20

Leonardo Marotta / Alias: Vialibretrek / CBU: 0110181830018111649583 / Banco Nación

PERSONAL GEAR NOT INCLUDED

This activity requires physical fitness and determination. Previous mountain experience is required.

Personal Gear

  • Trekking backpack, approx. 60 L
  • Trekking backpack, 30 L (optional, for summit days)
  • 2 fleece jackets
  • 4 T-shirts (2 thermal)
  • 3 pairs of pants (2 trekking, 1 thermal)
  • Underwear (4 changes)
  • 4 pairs of socks (2 thermal)
  • 1 down jacket (800 fill power or similar)
  • 1 waterproof shell (Gore-Tex type)
  • 1 pair of Crocs or similar (for rest)
  • 1 pair of semi-rigid or rigid boots
  • 1 pair of sneakers (running type)
  • 1 wool beanie
  • 2 buffs or neck gaiters
  • 2 pairs of warm gloves (liner gloves and mittens)
  • 1 cap with visor
  • 2 water bottles, 1 L each
  • 1 pair of sunglasses (UV 400; category 3 or 4)
  • 1 headlamp (with spare batteries)
  • 2 trekking poles
  • 1 sleeping bag
  • 1 sleeping pad
  • 1 helmet (climbing or bike)
  • 5 garbage bags
  • Swimsuit (for the hot springs)
  • 1 personal hygiene kit (towel, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand cream, wet wipes, toilet paper, lip balm, sunscreen, face mask, hand sanitizer)
  • 1 mess kit: plate, fork, knife, spoon, mug, dish towel, 0.5 L thermos
  • 1 basic personal first-aid kit (adhesive bandages, gauze, hypoallergenic tape, povidone-iodine, latex gloves, 1 elastic ankle bandage, 1 elastic wrist bandage, 1 blister pack of ibuprofen, 1 Reliverán sublingual anti-nausea tablet)

NOTE In case of adverse weather, add:

  • Double boots
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons

These can be rented before departure