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Day 1:
Reception in Mendoza . Lodging at Hostel Independencia.
Day 2:
Departure from Mendoza . Driving on the scenic highway 7, through the heart of the Central Andes Region, we'll arrive at Horcones. Upon checking in with the Park's Ranger Station at the trailhead, our trek starts taking us by the Horcones Lagoon, and reaching the hanging bridge that crosses the Horcones River an hour later.
Here, at the “Quebrada del Durazno” (Peach's Canyon), we'll stop for lunch and rest.
Another two to three hours following the trail into the Park, we'll arrive at Confluencia, were our state-of-the-art geodesic Dome eco-base camp is located. Our camp attendants will be waiting for us with refreshments and a snack. After finding our beds, we'll get ready for dinner by scouting the surroundings with the Guide (optional), and learning abut the peaks that enclose this narrow valley.
Day 3:
Early breakfast at the Dome, and the group will set off for Plaza Francia. This trail will take us by the Horcones Inferior River (Horcones River Lower Fork), and later on by the glacier that feeds the river.
Spectacular views along the way will lead us to discover the immense amphitheater of the South Face. 3000 vertical meters of rock, ice and hanging glaciers that from time to time will leave the visitors astonished with an avalanche. We'll have lunch at “el mirador”, this panoramic platform that outlooks the South Face, and learn the facts and tales of the first daredevils that conquer it. After having rested, the group will return to Confluencia. Our camp attendants will serve us a snack while we enjoy the sunset and get ready for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 4:
Rest day at Confluencia.
Day 5:
We will have breakfast very early before beginning our hike to Plaza de Mulas. This will be one of the longer days of the whole trip; depending on our pace the hike can take between 8 and 9 hours. From Confluencia we climb a steep hill to the first crossing of the Horcones River . If the river is running high we may have to wet our feet for which sandals are recommended. After this crossing
begins a long walk in a wide, open valley called the Playa Ancha during which we will slowly gain in altitude. The river meanders across the Playa Ancha so we may have to cross it a few times before arriving at a small abandoned hut called Teniente Ibáñez at 3,700 meters (12,140 feet) where we will stop for lunch. From here the trail climbs along a rolling moraine to the remains of an old lodge in Lower Plaza de Mulas that was destroyed by an avalanche years ago. Following this is a steep rise called the "Cuesta Brava" (what may be called ‘Misery Hill' in English) – its name says it all – where we will reduce our pace and slowly but surely climb up to the top of the slope. The segment that follows, and the last before our arrival at base camp, is not as steep as the Cuesta Brava although just as challenging being that by this point we will have reached a height of 4,000 meters (13,120 feet). At Plaza de Mulas we will be greeted by our base camp host who will have prepared juice and tea to quench our thirst and counter the dehydration our body will be experiencing after such a long, tiring day. Once rested we will set up our tents and leisurely enjoy what is left of the day before it is time for dinner. Day 6:
We will explore Plaza de Mulas and walk across the glacier to the Hotel. After resting, we will begin our trek back to Confluencia, were we'll spend the night.
Day: 7:
After packing up our stuff, we'll have breakfast and afterwards commence our last day by heading down the valley back to Horcones. Time permitting and if approved by the group, we'll stop at Puente del Inca Hot Springs and soak our sore feet and enjoy lunch. Then we'll continue down to Mendoza , were we will arrive by late afternoon. |
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