El Pintor (The Painter) is a magnificent mountain that rises above 4,000m (13,123ft) from sea level. Of moderate technical difficulty, this colourful giant offer for those who came to meet it, an excellent view of deep valleys and huge neighbouring Andean peaks.
The ascent begins at La Parva Ski Resort. The first section of the trek will bring us to the sector of Laguna Piuquenes at 3,599m (11,482ft), a lagoon that resembles the shape of an eye. After a short rest we will climb up 200m (656ft) more to a promontory named Falsa Parva. From this point we will continue a two hour hike following a practically flat trail that crosses through a desert and rocky landscape, to finally give our last efforts to attack the summit of El Pintor.
Fresh thin air and panoramoc views of some of the highest American summits. We will distinguish huge mountains like Marmolejo, Piuquenes and Tupungato, as well as mount El Plomo, which with its altitude of 5,550m (17,795ft), rises from the north offering a great impression with its majestic hanging glaciers.
Attention
This is a high mountain experience and requieres good mental and physical condition. Atmospheric pressure decreases in high altitudes and may provoke altitude sickness: nausea and exhaustion resulting from shortage of oxygen.
Summary
- Activity: Hike – Ascent
- Tour length: Full day
- Difficulty: Hard
- Season: From October to May
- Total distance*: 17km (10.5mi)
- Elevation gain: 1,200m (3,937ft)
- Max elevation: 4,200m (13,780ft)
* Back and forth without weekend ski lift
Price Per Person
| PAX | USD |
|---|---|
| 4 + | 160 |
| 3 | 180 |
| 2 | 220 |
| 1 | 330 |
– Extra $29.00 for weekend lift ticket.
Itinerary
- 07:30 Pick up at your hotel
- 09:00 Beginning the ascent
- 12:00 Lunch
- 13:00 Summit
- 13:30 Descent
- 16:30 Hike end, ride back
- 17:45 Back in your hotel
Include
- Guide ENG / ESP
- Transport
- Box lunch: one sandwich and a large salad; cereal bar; chocolate and cookies; isotonic drink; two fruits and water.
- Radio
- First aid kit
- Ski resort fee
- Trekking poles
Not included:
- Accident insurance
- Personal clothing
Recommendations
- Pre-hydration and good breakfast
- Sleep well previous nights
- High trekking shoes
- Long sleeves shirt if possible
- Hut and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Warm, windproof clothing
Share El Pintor Ascent
Pictures taken on January 24, 2015 (summer)
Piuquenes Lagoon
Piuquenes Lagoon
View of the lagoon framed by The Andes from the hillpass, below the top of La Falsa Parva mountain. Piuquenes lagoon is also called Franciscano.
La Falsa Parva
La Falsa Parva
The first challenge is to ascend La Falsa Parva, for most of us the most difficult part of the trek due to the steep and acclimatisation.
Desertic Path
Desertic Path
The footpath is almost flat from La Falsa Parva (Fake La Parva) to the base of El Pintor.
Rocky Crown
Rocky Crown
Sharp spiky rocks coronates La Falsa Parva.
El Pintor
El Pintor
Looking north from the top of La Parva we can appreciate the colourful El Pintor in front of El Plomo with it's glaciers and La Leonera to the left.
The Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains
While in winter are covered in plain white, during summer the earthy colors of bare mountains are revealed.
The Painter's Palette
The Painter's Palette
Browns, tans, warm grays, greens and a bit of purple for the mountains; cerulean blue for the sky.
El Plomo Mountain
El Plomo Mountain
A nine-year-old Incan mummy was found on the highest peak visible from Santiago with an elevation of 5,434m (17,783ft).
Looking Southeast
Looking Southeast
From the summit we can contemplate the highest peaks of Chilean Central Andes and their eternal ices.
