Domuyo Volcano 7-day guided ascent

An unforgettable challenge in one of the most vigorous mountains in Northern Patagonia. Reach the summit of the Domuyo Volcano in this 7-day expedition led by Juan Carlos, a local UIMLA mountain leader.

7 Days

Jan - Mar, Nov, Dec

Description

It’s a honor for me to offer this amazing 7-day expedition to the Domuyo Volcano summit!

The 4709-meter Domuyo Volcano (“the Roof of Patagonia”) is the highest summit of the region. Its ascent involves a typical high mountain expedition. Therefore, we must face long walking days and camps in height.

The Domuyo Volcano lies in the northwest of Neuquén, in the Cordillera del Viento (“windy range” in English). It is a cordon separated from the Andes mountain range. Its name gives you an idea of the harsh climatic conditions of the region.

Another outstanding feature of this 7-day trip is the cultural and geological richness of the region. In fact, we will visit the thermal waters, geysers and many other thermal phenomena.

Finally, the expedition culminates with a traditional roast goat on a cross. It is a delicious meat that we can get from the countrymen of the zone. If you want more details about the day-by-day itinerary, please find it at the bottom of this page.

As for the group level, all participants must be fit enough to walk several hours per day. Take into account that the maximum elevation to ascend in a day is 1000 meters. Furthermore, we’ll walk about 30 kilometers in total and the highest point reached will exceed 4700 meters above sea level.

Are you joining me? So, fill out the form and contact me now. I’d be happy to lead this unique expedition up to “the Roof of Patagonia”.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Personal insurance
Transportation start and back

Itinerary

Day 1: Varvaco

Neuquén airport. Brief meeting with the guide. Transfer by vans to the village of Varvarco where we will spend the night in cabins. Personal equipment check.

Day 2: Domuyo Base Camp

Early in the morning we will drive for an hour to the base of the Domuyo Volcano at 2400 meters of height, where the trail to Base Camp begins. We’ll leave the vans and load our stuff with the help of our assistants and some donkeys. We begin the approach on foot, about 4 hours of walking following the valley of the Arroyo Covunco. We’ll ascend to the Base Camp (3000 m), located on the banks of some high lakes. We set up our camp, start a round of “mates” and rest.

Day 3: Acclimatization to the Advanced camp - Base camp

Portage and acclimatization trek to the Advanced Camp. We’ll ascent with the equipment and the necessary food while our body becomes accustomed to oxygen depletion. 3-4 hours of climb and 1:30 of descent back to the Base.

This day helps us acclimate to the height and strengthen our body, in addition to lighten the load for the next day. A good dinner at the Base and to sleep.

Day 4: Domuyo advanced camp

We will disarm the tents and start the ascent to the Advanced Camp at 3700 meters of altitude. The progression is slow, the views become more dramatic when we see the glaciers of the Domuyo in the South. When we arrive at the camp, we will arm the tents and immediately enjoy the rounds of mate and tea to rehydrate and rest. The sunset unfolds all its colors and the panoramic view allows us to enjoy an incomparable landscape.

Day 5: Summit day

We will start the summit day early after a fast but powerful breakfast. It will be several hours of walking through steep rock and snow peaks. Once at the summit it’s time to enjoy the challenge and the views offered by the highest point of Patagonia. Then we start the descent to the camp where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Return and celebration

After disarming the camp we will return to the Base Camp, where the mules are waiting for us to load the equipment up to the vans. We will continue descending on foot enjoying the last day in the mountains. In the vans, we can finally celebrate the total success of the expedition.

Before returning to Varvarco, we will pass by Aguas Calientes to relax the muscles in the natural thermal baths. On the way to the village, we will visit a ranch where we buy a Goat to roast on the cross. Dinner with good red wine and anecdotes.

Day 7: Ending point

After breakfast, we will get into the vans and return to the city of Neuquén where our expedition ends.

About the guide

Juan Carlos

5.0

(3)

Mountain Leader

AAGM mountain guide from Argentina.

I was raised in Buenos Aires where I used to go sailing and fishing with my family during weekend and holidays. As a teenager I began traveling to Patagonia with friends to fish, hike and camp. Years later I became a rock climber and mountaineer since I wanted to asses more summits and amazing views.

At the age of 23 and after gathering a good amount of fun ascents and traverses along Patagonia, I decided to fully commit to a life in the outdoors. As a result I started my carrier at N.O.L.S. – National Outdoors Leadership School in the U.S.A. and Chile. I lead rock climbing and mountaineering trips in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Alaska and in Aysen (Chilean Patagonia) for nine years.

In 2009 finally settled permanently in Bariloche and focused my guiding work on the Lake District Region. Here I discovered new styles of guiding and service which were good to experience and helped me grow in this profession. Now I am able to mix my background on outdoor education with the guiding world and create unique experiences for active travelers.

I take advantage of every season of the year, going mountain biking and sea-kayaking in the summer, ice-skating on alpine lakes during the Fall, back-country skiing during the Winter, rock climbing and mountaineering as soon as the Spring makes it way through the snow.

Outdoor Certifications:

• N.O.L.S. Senior Instructor
• A.A.G.M. Mountain Guide
• W.F.R. First Aid Certified
• L.N.T. Leave No Trace Master Educator
• AV 1 Level Avalanche Awareness
• Nahuel Huapi National Park Mountain & Kayaking Guide
• A.C.A American Canoe Association Level 3, Coastal Kayaking

Languages

Portuguese | English

Certificates

AAGM | UIMLA

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