Volcán Walter Penck

One of the most remote and unknown 6,500+ meter peaks, practically invisible from the usual routes. It was the last of these great mountains to be climbed.

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What is it about?

The Walter Penck Volcano Expedition (6,658 m / 21,834 ft) is a high-altitude challenge in the Seismiles region of Catamarca. An extreme environment of volcanoes and salt flats where acclimatization, endurance, and an adventurous spirit are key to reaching the summit.

About the Volcano

Walter Penck Volcano, in Catamarca, is one of the most remote and unknown volcanoes in the Andes and the ninth highest peak in South America. Barely visible from RN 60, it was the last 6,500+ meter peak to be climbed in the region.

It is a volcanic massif with multiple peaks and summits: the Main (6,658 m / 21,834 ft), the South (6,590 m / 21,620 ft), the North (6,563 m / 21,544 ft), and subsidiary peaks such as ATA (6,510 m / 21,362 ft) and Olmedo (6,240 m / 20,472 ft). Its 40 km² area and the number of summits make it unique and challenging.

Named in honor of the German geologist Walter Penck, its main summit was first reached in 1970. The most common ascent routes are the Southeast, via the eastern base, and the Arenal (Northeast) route, both demanding and requiring good acclimatization.

The volcano offers spectacular landscapes, with views of Ojos del Salado, Incahuasi, and other giants of the Puna, making it ideal for experienced mountaineers seeking a rarely explored challenge.

Private transportation and transfers throughout the expedition.
Accommodation in mountain refuges and high-altitude tents; hostel night upon return.
Professional guides, one assistant for every three participants.
Full board in the mountains (breakfasts, snacks, dinners, and trekking meals).
Safety equipment: VHF radio, satellite phone, GPS, first aid kit, and oxygen at base camp.
Common/shared equipment: tents, heaters, fuel, cooking pots.

Services Not Included

Food in the city. Personal clothing.
Expenses incurred due to voluntary withdrawal from the expedition.
Rescue and evacuation costs.
Meals outside the mountain itinerary. Accommodation in hostel, inn, or hotel in the city of Fiambalá before the start of the expedition. Dinner on the night of return to the city.
Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages during the expedition.

What’s Included

Services Not Included

What´s included

Summary Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Fiambalá, gear check, and transfer to refuge (3,000–3,300 m / 9,843–10,827 ft).

Day 2: Transfer to La Gruta Refuge (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), easy trekking and acclimatization. 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 to Bertrand Volcano (5,300 m / 17,388 ft), 6–7 hours up and 3 hours down.

Day 5: Rest and acclimatization day at La Gruta.

Day 6: 4×4 transfer to Walter Penck Base Camp (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) and overnight in tents.

Day 7: Acclimatization at Base Camp.

Days 8–9: Carry loads to Camp 1 (5,300 m / 17,388 ft) and Camp 2 (5,700 m / 18,701 ft).

Day 10: Summit of Walter Penck (6,658 m / 21,834 ft) and descent to Camp 2; ~12-hour day.

Days 11–12: Final descent to Base Camp and transfer back to Fiambalá.

Days 13–14: Extra days depending on weather or acclimatization.

Gallery

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

Contact Us

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