Mount Domuyo (4709 m or 15,300 ft) is a dormant volcano located in northwestern Patagonia and the highest peak in the whole region. Geysers, vapor columns, hot springs and marine fossils cover its slopes and canyons. The weather on the northern end of Patagonia is much more stable than at lower latitudes, which provides great chances for reaching Domuyo’s magnificent summit.
Season:
November through April
Length:
8 days
Difficulty:
This is a moderately technical climb that involves a small component of high altitude adaptation. We recommend arriving in good physical condition. Participants will be expected to carry 30 pound loads on talus, ice and snow. Hiking times will be anywhere between 6 to 12 hrs.
Included:
All ground transportation. All lodging. All expedition meals. Group gear: tents, first aid kits, communication devices, technical glacier travel gear and kitchen gear. Meridies® also provides crampons, helmet, ice axe and harness. The participant-guide ratio will be 4:1. Usually groups of 3 to 10 individuals.
Not Included:
International and domestic flights, personal gear, meals in town or in transit & beverages.
Arrive in Neuquén Airport. Transfer to Aguas Calientes, a 300 mile drive through majestic canyons and volcano covered region. Night in hut next to the hot springs.
2
Hike
Base Camp
Transfer to trail head and hike to Base camp at 3000m/10000 ft. (3 hrs hike.) During our hike we will be able to see vapor columns known as ‘fumarolas’ or geysers. Spectacular evidence of volcanic activity.
3
Resting
Base Camp
Acclimatization and short hikes around base. We can climb a small nearby peak with great views of Wayle and Tromen, two of the highest volcanoes in the region.
4
Ascent
Camp 1
Move camp to 3400m/11000 ft. Camp. When the slopes are not covered with snow, we can find marine fossils around this camp.
5
Summit climb
Camp 1
Climb to summit and back to camp. This is the longest day of the trip. We start at around 4 AM. We follow the western slopes until we gain the prominent South Western ridge. Here we might have to use a rope and crampons, since there is considerable exposure and a beautiful view of the glacier covered South face. The final section is an almost flat traverse across the summit plateau. The summit lies at 4709m/ 15,300 ft. above sea level.
6
Summit climb
Camp 1
Wild Card day.
7
Hike
Hotel
Hike to vehicles and transfer to Aguas Calientes. Hot springs, shower, celebration dinner with a traditional lamb barbecue.
8
Drive
Home
Transfer to Neuquén airport. END OF OUR SERVICES.
Note: This is a proposed itinerary and is subject to change due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
