30th – Calle Vallecitos (5461m)

We were woken up at 0500 and breakfast was distributed half an hour later (after the guides got our plates last night). At 0600 we were more or less ready to go with a few surprises. First of all there wasn’t a single cloud; we had an amazing view of the stars and the Milkyway. If it had been a “normal” night I would have tried to get some shots of the view. The other surprise was despite the strong cold winds the guides informed us that the temperature apparently was higher than usually experienced. So we were to see the summit under optimal conditions according to them.

Off we went, and soon we reached a small camp 400m above ours where we had our first short rest. Despite the winds it didn’t feel too cold walking – it was actually almost comfortable, considering the current conditions. After having continued for a while after the break the wind started dying down and it was getting light. We had a few other minor breaks before we reached a small plateau which also brought us out into the sun. With almost no wind at this point and the sun getting a hold the weather I started seriously considering using our next break getting rid of some of my 5 layers. The plateau led us upwards towards the col at app. 5100m which was the start of the ridge we would follow the rest of the way up to the summit which we from now on would have a direct view of. We also had the first clear view of Aconcagua in the distance. The first thing I thought when seeing it was “holy crap that’s a huge rock”, intensified by the fact that it is much taller than the surrounding mountains. When nearing the col I began feeling a drain in energy and the walk became more and more labored. I also knew the reason for this, though; the lack of appetite prevented me from drinking and eating enough despite knowing how important that is in these situations. I was hoping that when reaching the col it would change when getting rid of some of my layers, but reaching the edge we got hammered by the constant winds coming in from the other side. There was no question I had to keep on my layers and even had to put on my large mittens to avoid freezing my fingers.

Slowly but steady we walked towards the summit along a path that from a distance looked like it was clinging to the side of the ridge trying to not fall off. I ended up moving slower than most of the others and fall back with a guide and another group member at a slower and more pleasant pace.

Reaching the end of the path you face a block of rock app. 10-15m tall. One of the guides climbed up with a rope and one by one we were secured in said rope and climbed up to the summit of Cerro Vallecitos, reaching 5461m. The view was amazing, but holding on for my dear life (it felt like that, anyway) I didn’t get to take any good photos even though a 360 would have been nice. I did manage to have the guide take a shot of me, though.

The way down was obviously much easier. When reaching the col we had a break just when getting out of the wind. An eagle had apparently learnt that that exact point was a popular spot to stop and have something to eat as it was standing around and waiting for scraps. It wasn’t very shy, either, as sandwich meat dropped from an arm’s length was also grabbed and enjoyed.

We arrived back in camp at around 1430, 8,5 hours after departure. The walk to the summit had taken us app. 5,5 hours which was the fastest the guides had ever managed to bring a group of tourists to the summit. Suddenly I don’t feel so bad about being exhausted and being slow. The normal time is apparently 7 hours. Ascending from 4288m to 5461m only having acclimatized to the starting point in only 5,5 hours is not a bad feat at all.

Tomorrow we will break down camp and descend all the way to the Vallecitos hut where we started this leg of the tour. Here we will be picked up and driven to a hotel where we will spend the night before continuing to Confluencia camp at 3409m, the first step in the ascent of Aconcagua. The hotel is at 700-800m so it will be amazingly relaxing and breathable.

We will also visit a restaurant on the way to the hotel. One of the guides described it as being a very nice place, but one of the others had to correct him, saying that the place wasn’t that good but their steaks were very good. That’s good enough for me.

Bo climbed Cerro Plata, almost 6000m on the way down from Cerro Vallecitos. When reaching Vallecitos he quickly climbed up and down the rock, and almost ran down along the ridge to the col before making a turn towards the other summit. He arrived back at camp a couple of hours after us after successfully taking his second summit of the day. The extra 900m ascent from the col had clearly worn him, but he was obviously very happy about it, rightly so.

A couple of hours after departure, looking towards where we came from.

Looking up towards the ridge from the small plateau. We are coming up on the left side (after having gone almost in a straight line towards the ridge we made a sharp turn up to the left that brought us to the plateau).

Nearing the ridge. We followed the ridge on the other side within a couple of meters from the edge all the way to the top. Aconcagua can be seen to the left in the distance.

A view from the rock on the top. 

Thanks to Preben (I hope I remember that correctly!) for taking the shot.

The eagle waiting for the tourists.