CAMP 3 & 4

From Camp 2, we climb a long scree slope occasionally interrupted by fields of penitentes, to Camp 3 located at 5,350 m (17,550 ft) above sea level. From the trail, we have a great view of the upper part of the Guanaco Valley, Cerro Fitzgerald at 5,317 m (17,445 ft) and Cerro Zurbriggen at 5,410 m (17,750 ft).

The trail gently rises up towards rocky monument on the horizon.

Just before reaching Camp 3, to the right we catch a glimpse of Cerro Gussfeldt, Cerro Zurbriggen and Cerro del la Mano. Far on the horizon we can see Cerro Mercedario at 6,770 m (22,200 ft) and Cerro Ramada at 6,410 m (21,030 ft)

Camp 3 is located at the bottom of the Aconcagua East Face. Rodrigo finishes breakfast before setting up for Camp 4.

We carry our first loads to Camp 4 and return back. During the descent the weather breaks and heavy snow starts to fall.

The following morning all of the mountains are covered by a thick layer of fresh snow. Cerro Ameghino at 5,918 m (19,420 ft) presents its steep north face.

High winds and a blanket of clouds covering Aconcagua force us to stay an extra day in Camp 3.

Luckily the weather quickly improves and we can finally occupy Camp 4 at 5,900 m (19,360 ft).