South America Mountain Recommendations

Hi,

My girlfriend and I are looking for some non-technical trekking recommendations and are flexible in terms of location, anywhere in South America. We are fairly young, in good shape, but have no technical experience. We have done treks like the Quilotoa loop in Ecuador and Annapurna base camp in Nepal but my only high altitude experience was Kilimanjaro 14 years ago and my girlfriend has never been to high altitude. I've been researching Aconcagua but am a little worried about committing to it without knowing how my girlfriend will handle altitude - I can mentally prepare myself for how challenging it would be having experienced Kili but am worried she'll feel like she's in over her head, even if we spend some time hiking around, say, Lake Titicaca right before. Do you think we should plan to do an easier trek at lower altitude instead? I would say our risk tolerance is low but we want a challenge.

I'd really appreciate any recommendations or thoughts.

Thanks,
Andrew

Aconcagua isn't technical, but it is long and kind of an ordeal.  It is a very big step up from Kili in terms of time commitment, logistics, weather, cold, distance, and altitude.  I think you'll be in over your head and are asking for trouble unless you hire a guide.  Aconcagua is also very crowded and not especially pretty - it is kind of a barren rubble pile.  

If I were you, I would go trekking somewhere really spectacular like Patagonia or the Cordillera Blanca and not worry about summits until you have more experience.

Thanks, Andrew. Yes, we'll definitely be hiring a guide for any serious climb. We are planning to go to Patagonia but are looking to get some summit experience as well - something on par with Kilimanjaro in terms of difficulty perhaps but is also on the beautiful side.

Can you recommend anything that fits the bill? We'd like to gear up for a challenge but obviously without going overboard.

How about the Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru?  I climbed two peaks there long ago: one moderate, one rather tough.  There is much to offer there, including lakes, treks, etc...

(I agree Aconcagua is mighty tough/cold and rather bleak, by comparison.  I can't compare Kili -- someday!)

Pay attention to seasons for both popularity and likely weather,
-Peter

Que casualidad! I just did a blog post on my website about Cerro El Plata near Mendoza, Argentina. Google my name and Cerro El Plata  and you’ll find it. I’m on a computer right now on which I can’t figure out how to copy the URL.

Cerro Plata is 19,580’ and is kind of like a really high 14er. Totally non-technical at the peak of summer—trail to the summit. Many use it as a stepping stone to Aconcagua. Really easy access from Mendoza and there are several guide services there that can set you up. Or you could do it on your own. The more time you have to acclimate at higher elevations the better your chances of success—don’t hurry it.

Bolivia! 

Thanks guys!

Peter - which peaks did you climb (there are many!) and which would you recommend?

Daniel - great blog post. I will do some more research but that seems to fit what we're looking for.

Hi,

My trip was in July 1987 -- so bear in mind glacier conditions may be different when you visit.

Also political stability varies: we were awoken by our hotel shaking one night in Lima, assuming it had been an earthquake until we saw the bombed out bank a block away in the morning, while walking to the bus station for our ride to Huaraz.

We 'warmed up' on Pisco Oeste, but only ~4 nights from sea level, I recommend you pace yourselves more wisely.  (We were young, foolish and in a hurry.)

Then we assessed having only enough time for one more peak.  I suggested nearby Chopicalqui (nearby, tall, not highly popular) but the other two wanted #1 -- Huascaran Sur, which I was ok with.  It was a day in the jeep, then 4 nights on the mountain, I think.  We had a white-out on the summit, but otherwise good travels.  

If I were going again, I'd plan an extra day in Huaraz (we simply rushed around to get provisions and book a jeep the next morning -- only 2 nights and one busy day there.)

Then do a day outing up to some good elevation, then etc...

Enjoy, it is a beautiful part of our planet!
-Peter

Third Cordillera Blanca - amazing scenery and treks.
Good relatively casual acclimatization peaks (most require glacier skills) include Pisco, Vallunaraju, Ishinca, Urus, and Maparaju.