Cerro El plomo 5.424 masl

 El Plomo is undoubtedly an expedition that any mountaineering enthusiast would want to undertake, mainly because it is the highest point that can be seen from much of Santiago, making it a great challenge that is placed in front of us.

This special mountain was climbed by the Incas hundreds of years ago, leaving an 8-year-old boy at its summit as an offering to the god Inti in a ceremony known as Capacocha. Nobles, priests, and officials of the Empire participated in this ceremony. Upon reaching the summit of Cerro el Plomo, the child was given corn chicha to numb him and was placed inside a previously dug pit about 80 cm deep, so that he could become the Apu, or rather, the protector of the valley.

In 1954, a local mule driver found this child in a stone wall located a few meters from the top of the hill. He was almost intact, as temperatures there are always below freezing. Along with the child, several gold and silver alloy camelid figures were found, a mullu shell, a bag of coca leaves, a leather bag with clippings of the child's hair, nails, and baby teeth, and an anthropomorphic silver figure. Currently, the child's body is in the National History Museum in a special chamber where the temperature fluctuates between -2° and -4°.

Technical Difficulty: Easy.

Physical Difficulty: High. Good physical condition is recommended for this activity.

Requirements: Health according to activity. In case of illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or others, you should carry your doctor-prescribed medication with you.

Experience in long-distance trekking carrying a backpack weighing over 10 kilos is recommended.

Responsibilities:

• No actions that jeopardize the safety of the participant or other participants will be carried out.
• The activity participant must wear comfortable clothing suitable for the activity; trekking or softshell pants, long socks, base layers (top and bottom), and a warm down jacket are recommended.
• Do not consume alcohol or any narcotic drug before or during the activity.
• A medical form and risk acceptance letter must be completed.

Additional:

• This expedition can be completed in 3 or 2 days if you are acclimatized.
• There is the possibility of varying the route and climbing up Cancha de Carrera to reach the Cristóbal Bizzarri refuge.
• For groups of 6 people, there will be 3 mountain guides
• Each guide carries a first aid kit, rope, harness, ice screws, slings, tubular slings, carabiners, GPS with satellite messaging, and more.
• Possibility of hiring a mountain porter o mules.
• If you have experience in ice climbing, you can climb to the summit via the hanging glacier or Iver. Please inquire about prices.
• Option to hire only the guide service.
• If you have your own technical equipment or transportation, the cost is lower. Contact us for more details.
• Option to take full service with everything included and transportation of equipment by mules. Please inquire for more details.