BASE CAMP

Today is the last day of the approach hiking and the last day of easy travel. Our goal is to reach the Base Camp, which is located on the bank of the Guanaco River in the upper part of the Guanaco Valley. To reach the trail to the Base Camp, we have to cross the Vacas River. Our Arrieros let us use their pack mules, which is great because the water is quite deep and very cold.

After crossing, the trail continues along the Vacas River. Our caravan, which left Casa de Piedra several hours later, quickly passes us on the way to the Base Camp.

The north end of the Vacas Valley is enclosed by a high range of snow and ice covered mountains. On the left side Cerro Zurbriggen (5,410m-17,750ft), in the centre Cerro Gussfeldt (5,474m-17,960ft) and to the right Cerro de la Mano (5,300m-17,390ft)

The Base Camp is situated on the south bank of the Guanaco River and 3,720 m (12,205ft) above see level. Tomorrow we will have a rest day. We will spend three nights in this camp. The large Mountain Hardware Dome is our mess tent. Here we cook and eat our meals. On the north side of Guanaco River an unnamed 4,600 m (15,900 ft) peak towers above our camp