Nevado Tres cruces

What is it about?

The Nevado Tres Cruces expedition is a high-altitude trek in the Atacama Puna, designed for experienced mountaineers seeking to challenge the altitude. It includes a gradual acclimatization process with intermediate climbs and trekking days, leading up to the summit attempt of Tres Cruces Sur, at 6,749 meters (22,136 ft). Along the way, participants combine physical effort, life in high-altitude camps, and the opportunity to enjoy unique landscapes of lagoons, salt flats, and volcanoes, making this one of the most complete experiences in the region.

About the Volcano

Nevado Tres Cruces is an imposing extinct volcanic massif in the Andes, located on the border between Catamarca (Argentina) and the Atacama Region (Chile).

It stretches over 10 km and is made up of three main summits: Tres Cruces Sur or Internacional (6,748 m / 22,136 ft), Tres Cruces Central (6,629 m / 21,741 ft), and Tres Cruces Norte (6,008 m / 19,705 ft).

Considered the seventh highest peak in the Andes and the fourth highest volcano in the world, it is part of the famous Seismiles Avenue of the Atacama Puna, alongside mountains such as Ojos del Salado, Incahuasi, and San Francisco.

Its Chilean side is part of Nevado Tres Cruces National Park, which protects a unique ecosystem of high Andean lagoons, salt flats, and wildlife including flamingos, vicuñas, and guanacos.

With an extreme, cold, and windy climate, it features glaciers that feed Laguna Santa Rosa and offers a challenging and rarely visited ascent, rich in history since the first successful climb in 1937 by the Polish expedition.

What is included

Safety: oxygen tank at base camps (for emergencies only), communication via VHF, satellite phone, and GPS.

Shared Equipment: high-altitude tents, heaters, fuel, and cooking utensils.

Full Board in the Mountains:

• Breakfasts and snacks: mate cocido, tea, coffee, bread, cookies, jams, and sweets.

• Dinners: soups, stews, rice, pasta, breaded meat, vegetables, served with water or juice.

• Trekking meals: sandwiches, fruit, cereal bars, chocolate, and snacks.

• At high camps: mainly freeze-dried meals or simpler, lighter preparations.

Services Not Included

• Food in the city and meals outside the mountain itinerary.

• Personal clothing and equipment.

• Accommodation in Fiambalá before the start of the expedition and dinner on the return night.

• Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages during the expedition.

• Expenses due to withdrawal, rescue, or evacuation.

Summary Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Fiambalá and transfer to Hotel Cortaderas (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Meeting with guides and gear check.

Day 2: Transfer to La Gruta Refuge (4,100 m / 13,451 ft). Acclimatization day with easy trekking around Laguna San Francisco; optional natural hot springs.

Day 3: Ascent to Cerro Falso Morocho (4,500 m / 14,764 ft) with views of the Seismiles Valley and Incahuasi Volcano.

Day 4: Ascent of a nearby 6,000+ m volcano, enjoying panoramic views of the crater and the major Seismiles peaks.

Day 5: Transfer to Chile, customs procedures, and arrival at Laguna Verde (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). Overnight in tents if the refuge is full.

Day 6: Acclimatization climbs to nearby 6,000+ m volcanoes (San Francisco, Vicuñas, or Barrancas Blancas).

Day 7: Transfer to Tres Cruces Base Camp (5,100 m / 16,732 ft).

Day 8: Acclimatization day at Base Camp.

Day 9: Load carry to Camp 2 (5,900 m / 19,357 ft).

Day 10: Summit attempt of Tres Cruces Sur (6,749 m / 22,136 ft) and return to Camp 2.

Day 11: Descent to Base Camp, customs procedures, and return to Fiambalá.

Days 12–13: Extra days for bad weather, acclimatization, or guide’s logistical adjustments.

Gallery

Check out some photos of what it’s like on our expeditions.

Contact me

We help you plan your expedition. Contact us and get ready for your next mountain adventure.