Plaza Francia and Penitentes, Argentinean Andes

While in Argentina I took two weekend trips with a random mix of folks, each of whom knew one other person in the group prior to the trip. Our first trip was a hike to Plaza Francia, the old base camp for summiting the Pared Sur (South Wall) of Aconcagua. The hike to Plaza Francia was amazing, and I absolutely loved our group. We included two Italian diplomats, the honorary diplomat for Portugal, a smattering of professionals from Argentina, and another biologist aside from me. The group was incredibly friendly, fun, and generally ready for a good time. Some members of this same group invited me on a second hike to the sumit of Penitentes (The Penitent) the weekend before I left Argentina. In similar fashion, this group was a mix of great people inter-connected through various friends. I wish I could transport this hiking group all over the world as they are some of the most mellow, fun, and entertaining people I have met on my travels. Here are some photos from Plaza Francia in mid-February followed by photos and a video from Penitentes in late March. Also, if any of the photos are too small, you can click on them to enlarge. Enjoy!


PLAZA FRANCIA (mid-February 2009)


The national park entrance.


Bichoman and Alejandro dancing.


Bichoman, Alejandro, and Pietro during a rest.


The valley had a lot of gauchos moving pack horses to and from base camp to supply hikers before their ascent of Aconcagua.


Photo of Pietro and Alejandro at Confluencia. We slept here on the first night.


Confluencia and the surrounding mountains.


Our carpa at Confluencia, complete with bunkbeds!



Our group talking with the park guards about a rescue they made of Italian hikers stranded on Aconcagua in January 2009.


Me on the hike to Plaza Francia with the Andes in the background.


This dog, affectionately dubbed "Perito Moreno" followed us all the way from our camp at Confluencia to Plaza Francia. The park guard told us this dog was a local who often joined random groups on their hike in the park.


Our group with Aconcagua in the background.


Relaxing at Plaza Francia with (L to R) Florencia, Mariela, me, Pietro, Alejandro.



Me at the sign for Plaza Francia. The Pared Sur of Aconcagua is in the background. Yes, people have ascended Aconcagua (the highest peak in the New World) by scaling this wall!


Alejandro and Aconcagua on our hike down. My favorite photo of the trip!



PENITENTES (late March 2009)

A photo toward Chile taken on our hike to the summit.


The mountains and me.


Penitentes is named after the rock structures at the base of the mountains to the left of this picture. The rocks resemble a procession of penitent people.

River crossing.



Trying to pitch the tent -- it took them nearly 40 minutes to get this crazy thing set up!



Juan Martin (also known as Bichoman = Bugman) reserved this refuge for us. We gathered in here at night to talk, eat, and drink wine.


Our shadows on the hike to the summit.


Us at the summit. (clockwise from L): me, Alejandro, Pietro, Cecilia, Juan Martin (aka Bichoman!!)



A video of us listening to "American" music while chatting in Spanish.