Jesse and James checking in from Argentina in 2022!
The first day of the new year seems as good a time as any to officially introduce our Cerro Pissis Expedition. We are joined by James Kennedy from California, local guides and experts of the Northern Argentina region, Pablo Fortunato and Julian Castro, and finally myself, Jesse Yon, joining the crew from Colorado. This is my second expedition in the Andes.
We met as a team in Mendoza, and quickly packed all of our equipment into a 4×4 truck, making a nine-hour journey north to the charming small town of Fiambalá. After a night of asado, rest and gathering last-minute provisions, we made a shorter drive through the Atacama desert, stopping at Hosteria Cortaderas. This unique hotel, filled with succulent plants and local art, is nestled into the middle of a desert landscape at an elevation of around 10,500 feet above sea level. This final point of civilization has provided us with a comfortable base to embark upon acclimatization hikes, organize equipment for our transition to the mountain, and great atmosphere and company with which to ring in the new year.
The team enjoyed an amazing feast last night, complete with all of the Argentine staples: carne, chorizo, roasted squash, and vino tinto from the surrounding region.
On the agenda for today is a trip via 4×4 to the Chilean border, which will provide access to our first hike above 14,000 feet. One more night of rest in civilization will follow before we head to Pissis base camp.
The next week will be spent on the mountain. After establishing a base camp, the team will be following the mantra of “climb high, sleep low” as we move equipment and our camp up the mountain. This transition will be a stark contrast to the comfort and company we’ve enjoyed thus far, as we will be the first and possibly only team on the mountain this season.
Please follow along for updates via satellite phone as our team of four makes its bid for the summit of Monte Pissis (22,293 feet).
Jesse Yon,
Mountain Trip Guide
Loading up the truck in Mendoza
Stretching our legs on the drive across the Atacama Desert
Atacama Truck trailhead
Acclimatization hike high in the Andes
James enjoying lunch in the high country
Acclimatization Hike in the Andes
Mount Pissis and snow in the Andes
