Mountaineering Fiambola
MCS AlexClimbMy mountaineering programs in Argentina
Mountaineering Fiambola - training / acclimatization module to prepare for ascents to Aconcagua and Ojos del Salado
Program duration: 6 days
Program difficulty: basic
Special skills: not required
Special equipment: not required
Program format: 12 participants / 1 guide
Contact the organizer WhatsApp, Telegram +44 7727 445099
After my first unsuccessful attempt to climb the Ojos del Salado volcano from the Argentine side, I analyzed the problems that arose. I came to the obvious conclusion: continuous altitude gain without significant drops and breaks in altitude load does not give the body the opportunity to fully rebuild for functioning in conditions of oxygen-poor air.
However, this "discovery" has no original value: there is even an established expression "Kilimanjaro Syndrome" - a phenomenon that reflects with mathematical precision the effect of attempts to climb the mountain at high altitude without appropriate acclimatization.
The following season, I returned to the Ojos del Salado route from the Argentine side, but with a different tactic: without ambitions to walk the entire route (as it is very far and tough).
To begin with, I tried to make several short trips to the altitudes of up to 5000 m, based in the comfortable conditions of the Cortaderas Hotel at an altitude of 3300 m and then attempt a rapid ascent of Ojos del Salado, with a transfer by jeep directly to the Arenales High Camp at the base of Summit Dome of Ojos del Salado.
This tactic was successful, it was even possible to reduce by three days the total time of the ascent program of Nevado Ojos del Salado.
The acclimatization module "Mountaineering Fiambola" proved to be so effective that I tried to use it to prepare for the ascent of another famous Mountain of Argentina - Mount Aconcagua. The effect of this program was very noticeable.
After completing the "Mountaineering Fiambola" module, the participants of the Aconcagua expedition felt significantly better than other climbers attempting to climb Aconcagua using the classic scheme - with the poor "acclimatization" on the ascent route.
In addition, this entry-level alpine climbing program has its value regardless of subsequent climbing plans - as a comfortable, exciting and relatively budget option for getting to know the amazing nature of Puna - a high-mountain desert in the central part of the Andean Mountain range.
MCS AlexClimb mountaineering program: "Andes, Argentina, Mountaineering Fiambola 2025"
Alpine mountain climbing, Basic level
Day 1 - Flight from BA to Catamarca, accommodation in a hotel
Day 2 - Transfer by minibus Catamarca - Fiambola - Cortaderas, 440 km 5 hours, accommodation in the comfortable hotel located at an altitude of 3300 m
Day 3 - Departure for acclimatization (4x4), ascent to the summit of Cerro Colorado 4505 m and Cerro Falso Marocho 4478 m, return to the hotel
Day 4 - Departure for acclimatization on the Ojos del Salado track (4x4 to the Quemadito campsite), hiking to the El Chorro campsite 3800 m (11 km, 3 hours), setting up the tents, rest, waterfall bathing
Day 5 - Early wake up, ascent to the summit of Cerro Chango 4625 m (elevation gain 825 m), descent to El Chorro camping, rest, return to Cortaderas (4x4 transport from the Quemadito camping)
Day 6 - Transfer to Fiambola with a visit to the local attraction site "Cave of the Indian", accommodation at the hotel. In the afternoon - complete relaxation at the thermal springs of Fiambola. Return to Fiambola town, overnight at the hotel
Cost of the program "Fiambola Mountaineering", season 2024-25:
1200 USD - in a group of 6-12 participants
What you need to be prepared for:
- active program, a lot of moderate physical activity (hiking);
- carrying a 10-12 kg backpack;
- air temperature at an altitude of more than 4000 m can drop to - 5 ° C;
Conditions: adequate physical fitness, no medical contraindications
The price includes: services of a English-speaking mountaineering guide, use of a basic set of medicines, public equipment (tents, kitchen and navigation equipment), all transfers in accordance with the Program, meals during being outdoors, accommodation in hotels and campsites in accordance with the program.
The price does not include: the cost of air travel to the starting point of the program (Catamarca, Argentina), obligatory mountain climbing insurance, rent of clothing or sleeping equipment, meals in restaurants and drinks on the way to the mountain area, tips for the service personnel
MCS EDIT 2024