Cerro El Plomo Expedition
4-5 days
Farellones, Santiago
High-altitude Expedition
The same sacred route the Incas once walked, to the 5,424-meter summit overlooking the Santiago valley and great Andean peaks like Aconcagua and Tupungato.
Cerro El Plomo. At 5,424 meters, it's the highest peak visible from the city — and for the Incas, it was sacred ground. In 1954, muleteers discovered the frozen body of an eight-year-old boy near its summit: an offering left over 500 years ago in the Capacocha ceremony, one of the best-preserved high-altitude Inca mummies ever found. Today his story lives on at Santiago's Natural History Museum, and the mountain itself remains one of the most striking climbs in the Central Andes.
This expedition follows the same route Inca priests once walked: from La Parva through Laguna Piuquenes to Piedra Numerada, then on to Refugio Federación at the mountain's base, before the final push to the summit — a sweeping high-altitude traverse with views across the Andes and down to the Santiago valley far below.
Quick Facts
Distance: 32 km round trip
Difficulty: Difficult — high-altitude mountaineering
Best Season: November to March
Itinerary
Option A — 5 Days (recommended for best altitude adaptation)
Day 1 – Santiago to Piedra Numerada
Pickup in Santiago and private transport to La Parva. We begin the trek past Laguna Piuquenes, crossing high-altitude terrain typical of the Central Andes, to reach Piedra Numerada (~3,600 m), where we set up our first camp.
Day 2 – Acclimatization climb to Cerro Pintor
An acclimatization day: we climb from camp to the summit of Cerro Pintor (4,180 m), taking in sweeping views of the Andes and the Santiago valley below, before descending back to Piedra Numerada to rest and sleep at the same altitude.
Day 3 – Piedra Numerada to Refugio Federación
We continue along the Molina River valley to Refugio Federación (4,100 m), at the foot of Cerro El Plomo — the same base the Incas once used on their ascent. Rest of the day to prepare for the summit push.
Day 4 – Federación to the summit and back
Alpine start, well before sunrise. We climb the historic route to the summit of Cerro El Plomo (5,424 m) — the same path walked over 500 years ago in the Capacocha ceremony — before descending back to Refugio Federación.
Day 5 – Return to Santiago
Descent via Piedra Numerada back to La Parva, and private transport back to Santiago.
Option B — 4 Days
Day 1 – Santiago to Piedra Numerada
Pickup in Santiago and private transport to La Parva. We begin the trek past Laguna Piuquenes, crossing high-altitude terrain typical of the Central Andes, to reach Piedra Numerada (~3,600 m), where we set up our first camp.
Day 2 – Piedra Numerada to Refugio Federación
We continue along the Molina River valley to Refugio Federación (4,100 m), at the foot of Cerro El Plomo — the same base the Incas once used on their ascent. Rest of the day to prepare for the summit push.
Day 3 – Federación to the summit and back
Alpine start, well before sunrise. We climb the historic route to the summit of Cerro El Plomo (5,424 m) — the same path walked over 500 years ago in the Capacocha ceremony — before descending back to Refugio Federación.
Day 4 – Return to Santiago
Descent via Piedra Numerada back to La Parva, and private transport back to Santiago.
Inclusions
Certified bilingual mountain guide (English & Spanish)
All meals throughout the expedition
Camping equipment (tent, cooking and dining setup)
Mules or porters to carry group gear and camp equipment
Private transport: Santiago – La Parva – End of route – Santiago
What to Bring
Crampons and ice axe (for the summit push)
Mountaineering boots (compatible with crampons)
Three-layer clothing system for high-altitude conditions (base layer + insulating layer + windproof/down jacket)
Trekking backpack (50-60L) for personal gear and sleeping bag
Sleeping bag (four-season, rated for sub-zero temperatures)
Sleeping pad
Trekking poles
Sunglasses/glacier glasses and high-SPF sunscreen
Water bottle
Don't have your own technical gear? Rental equipment (crampons, ice axe, mountaineering boots) available for an additional fee.
Price
Price per person: 5-day itinerary: Solo traveler: CLP $1,750,000 Groups of 2+: CLP $1,400,000 per person 4-day itinerary: Solo traveler: CLP $1,500,000 Groups of 2+: CLP $1,200,000 per person
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Cancellation Policy
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance due on the first day of the expedition. Free cancellation up to 5 days before the start date, with a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations made within 5 days forfeit the deposit. In case of cancellation due to weather or safety conditions, a full refund or rescheduling will be offered.
Important Notes
This is a genuine high-altitude mountaineering expedition, not a standard trek. Prior experience above 4,000 m is strongly recommended, along with good physical condition. Altitude sickness is a real risk at this elevation — your guide will manage the ascent pace and acclimatization schedule accordingly. Not recommended for first-time high-altitude climbers without prior consultation — reach out via WhatsApp to discuss your experience level before booking.
