Between Volcanoes and Glacier Lagoons
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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.
Silvina is one of those people who turn a trip into a unique experience.
She is organized, clear, and always attentive, yet approachable in a way that makes you feel at ease from day one. Throughout the eight-day expedition to the San Francisco Volcano, she attended to every detail and was there whenever I needed her.
It is clear she loves what she does, and that passion shines through in every location, every explanation, and every decision.
It wasn’t just an expedition, but a group experience that changes the way you view the mountains.
Diego S.
San Francisco Volcano Expedition (6016m) - Argentina
Suitable for those with:
- Previous mountaineering experience at altitudes above 4500 meters.
- Good physical condition and health.
- The mental resilience to adapt to a rugged environment and the group dynamic.
Why chose us?
- Small groups and personalized attention.
- You only need to focus on training and bringing your personal gear.
Requirements:
Medical clearance including a stress test (ergometry).Difficulty:
High. Involves hiking with a backpack over unstable terrain—including trails, scree slopes, or snowfields.Ratio:
1 guide per 2 participants.Minimum Group Size:
2 participants.Dates:
December 2nd – 8thJanuary 4th – 10th
February 7th – 13th.
Please inquire about other dates, for one or more people.
Starting point:
Fiambalá, Catamarca.Duration:
7 days / 6 nights.
Itinerary Itinerary
9:00 AM: Meeting in Fiambalá.
9:30 AM: 4x4 transfer to Hostería Cortaderas.
2:00 PM: Trekking at Cerro Cortaderas.
Services: Shared rooms (with the group), beds with linens, and private bathroom | Meals: Box-lunch | Afternoon snack.
Distance: 9km - 630mts accumulated ascent - 7hs of activity.
Services: Inn | Breakfast | Lunch (box lunch) | Dinner.
8:00 AM: Travel to Las Grutas, check-in procedures. Setting up camp. Ascent of Cerro Falso Morocho.
Activity: 6 hrs | Ascent: 500 m | Distance: 9 km.
Accommodation: High-mountain tents or shelter (subject to availability). | Meals: Breakfast | Box-lunch | Afternoon snack | Dinner.
9:00 AM: 4x4 approach transfer. 10:00 AM: Ascent of Bertran Volcano
Activity duration: 8 hours | Ascent: 750m | Distance: 9km.
Services: Overnight stay in high-mountain tents or a refuge (subject to availability) | Breakfast | Box-lunch | Dinner.
A day off to rest and prepare for the next challenge.
Accommodation: High-altitude tents or mountain refuge | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.
4:00 AM: 4x4 transfer to San Francisco Volcano. Ascent of San Francisco Volcano.
Activity: 12 hours | Ascent: 1,200 m | Distance: 12 km.
Services: High-altitude tents | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch (box lunch) | Dinner.
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Dismantling of camp and return to Fiambalá.
Arrival in Fiambalá; end of services.
Fantastic experience!!! It was an unforgettable day, as the snow-capped San Francisco volcano allowed us to reach its summit—and because Andes Extreme Adventures managed to make the difficult seem easy!! Thank you so much!
Marcelo Y.
San Francisco Volcano Expedition (6016m) - Argentina
What is Included?
Accommodation
- Hostería Cortaderas: 2 nights, beds with linens, shared rooms (group-based) with private bathroom.
- High-mountain tents or emergency shelters – subject to availability.
Meals
- Lodge: Breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon snack, trail snacks.
- On the mountain: Breakfast, packed lunch or lunch, trail snacks or afternoon snack, dinner (menu cost included).
- Mineral water during the stay.
- Group cooking gear, stoves, fuel, cooking utensils, table, and chairs. The packed lunch includes sandwiches, a sweet treat, fruit, and a sports drink.
The casual lunch consists of empanadas or a snack platter.
Professional Guides
- EPGAMT-certified professional guide licensed in Catamarca and WFR-certified.
- Assistant guide (if applicable).
- Personalized, specialized pre-trip assistance.
- Advice on renting or purchasing gear.
Communication
First Aid
- Satellite communication.
- VHF communication.
- First aid kit.
- Use of medical oxygen in emergencies.
Insurance
- Personal Accidents.
- Civil Liability.
4x4 Transfers and Logistics
- Round-trip transfer in a private 4x4 vehicle from Fiambalá.
- Off-road approach to the mountain; altitude reached depends on terrain conditions and accessibility.
- Mountain area entry registration at Paso San Francisco.
- Small groups.
Not Included
Personal Gear
- Personal gear.
- Technical gear for personal use.
- Included pre-trip advice applies to cases where gear is purchased or rented in advance. It is available from the moment of booking.
- We can provide rental gear if booked in advance.
See required gear below.
Additional Expenses
- 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.
Optional:
Photography - Video
Special meals
- High-quality photography without a watermark.
- Drone Photography / Video.
- Special menu for vegetarian, keto, vegan option, etc.
- A guide per person or a guide assistant - when the size of the group is small and it is not included in the services.
“Leave no trace.”
During the mountain activity, all waste that came with us returns with us.
Papers, fruit peels, toilet paper, wet wipes, feminine dressings, etc. They can be discarded upon arrival at the shelter or in the destination city upon completion.
Help us keep the mountain clean. Thank you so much!
Technical Gear (mandatory).
- Bag or backpack to transport all your luggage.
- Bag or nylon to waterproof it in case of rain.
- 30/40 liter backpack for personal items during activity.
- Backpack or nylon cover to waterproof the trekking backpack.
- Trekking poles.
- Climbing helmet (with size adjustment).
- Mountain boots with semi-rigid or rigid soles.
- Sleeping bag, fiber or duvet (-15°C to -30°C).
- Insulating and/or inflatable mat.
- Headlamp. Replacement batteries.
- Crampons.
- Double Boots
- In case of adverse or winter-like weather conditions:
- Snow gaiters
- Ice axe
Self Care
- Sunglasses or goggles, CAT 4.
- Sunscreen factor 60 or higher.
- Lip protector.
- Personal hygiene elements. Quick drying towel.
- Personal first aid kit (band-aids, gauze, adhesive tape, povidone-iodine, 1 pair of disposable gloves, 2 elastic bandages, ibuprofen, sublingual reliveran, loperamide, rehydration salts) and prescription medication if applicable.
- Suggestion: 70% alcohol to sanitize your hands.
Outfit
- Two t-shirts (long sleeve/short sleeve).
- Windstopper jacket.
- Fine down jacket or synthetic filling.
- Expedition down jacket (500gs filling).
- Waterproof jacket.
- Trekking pants.
- Waterproof pants.
- Warm hat, sun cap and buff neck scarf.
- A pair of fleece gloves, a pair of waterproof gloves.
- Mittens and/or Mitten Covers.
- A pair of crocks (for resting in the shelter).
- Two pairs of thin socks.
- Two pairs of thick socks.
Others
- Kitchen items (knife, fork, spoon, plate and unbreakable cup).
- Containers to store at least 3 liters. of water per person.
- Steel thermos for personal use (at least 500cm3).
- Plastic bags to self-manage your waste.
- Personal portable charger (powerbank) for camping or shelter days.
- Snacks (Ideas: nuts, gummies, cookies, nougats, cereal bars, candies, chocolates, salty snacks, etc.).
An incredible high-mountain experience, through the magical Valley of the Six-Thousanders, Catamarca. With all the high-mountain ingredients, all climates, lots of learning, teamwork, an intense week of great enjoyment.
The service and professionalism made this a great experience. We left with three summits and an ascent of Nevado San Francisco, which we will definitely return to its summit.
Carla C.
San Francisco Volcano Expedition (6016m)
