CERRO FRANKE, MENDOZA, Argentina
THE CHALLENGE
The mountains of Mendoza envelop you in their immensity, with the wind as your guide and silence as your companion. Under the endless sky, the peaks shine, awakening in the soul the desire to explore the unknown. The sun tinges the rocks with golden light, the river murmurs ancient tales, and each step is an invitation to the eternal. It's not just a journey; it's the beginning of a story that will remain in your memory.
Suri Milestones Collection
INITIATION THING
Cerro Franke -4,880 meters above sea level-
Mendoza, Argentina
PRIVATE EXPEDITION
4-DAY DURATION
MAXIMUM 6 MOUNTAINEERS
Accompaniment
professional and friendly
A mountain guide with
real height experience,
who leads, cares and teaches
at every step.
A beautiful environment
and cozy
A route that many wish to travel but few dare to face.
Careful logistics
from beginning to end
Transfers, shelters,
meals and essential equipment:
everything planned for you
focus on what
you came to look for.
A challenge you need to accomplish.
Four days between the immensity of the Andes Mountains and endless skies.
Here, every step is a dialogue with the mountain, a journey into the depths of oneself.
It's not just about conquering a challenging summit, but about feeling the pulse of the height, moving with what's essential and leaving behind what weighs you down.
It's a challenge, a lesson, a transformation. The Franke is a milestone in every mountaineer's history, perhaps even the first non-summit, but what really matters is everything that changed along the way before attempting it.
Rest under a clear sky, where every night the stars envelop you in their infinite splendor.
Immerse yourself in true silence: no connection, no distractions, no time limit. Just you, the group, and the mountain.
Delve into the heart of the Andes, where you'll leave the hustle and bustle of the world behind to reconnect with your true essence.
Reach the summit of Cerro Franke with a steady pace and determination, without rushing the pace, but without slowing down the momentum.
Strengthen your mental resilience and discover how to keep up the pace, even when every step challenges your will.
Treat yourself to a break at the best retreat in the area.
THE CHALLENGE, a 4-day expedition in the heart of the Andes
Day 1 – How does the journey begin?
I'll pick you up from your hotel or the airport, then we'll travel to 2,600 meters. That same day, we'll arrive at the Vallecitos Refuge. Your body will begin to feel the change in altitude. It's a great way to get into the swing of things, get to know the group, and prepare your gear.
Day 2 – What is the first objective?
We set off early for an acclimatization hike to the Andresito (3,100 m) and Arenales (3,400 m) hills, reaching the base of Lomas Amarillas (3,400 m). This is a crucial day to adapt, test our pace, and adjust our gear. We return to the refuge to rest.
Day 3 – What is the climb to Cerro Franke like?
Today we take on the challenge: reaching a 4,880-meter summit. The cold drives us from the refuge as we advance with determination, savoring every step that brings us closer to our goal. At the summit, the immensity unfolds before our eyes, giving us a view that takes our breath away. Although the return journey is long, something in us has changed: body, mind, and spirit vibrate with a renewed strength, forged in the mountains.
Day 4 – How does the expedition end?
We have breakfast, organize our gear, and head back to the meeting point. The finish is peaceful, giving us time to descend calmly and absorb everything we've experienced.
Stories of those who crossed their milestone
Who leads this expedition?
Ezequiel Di Fabio is a professional mountain guide, physical education teacher, and founder of Suri Expeditions.
For over ten years, he has led treks through challenging natural environments, accompanying people of all ages to explore hills, valleys, and volcanoes safely and in-depth.
He lives in San Rafael, Mendoza, where he trains daily on mountain trails, practices rock climbing, trail running, and skiing during the winter.
His life is in the mountains, and each expedition reflects that experience.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
● Professional mountain guide throughout the trip
● Assistant guide for groups of 4 or more participants
● All meals detailed in the program
● Nights in shelter according to itinerary
● Internal transfers from the meeting point and back to it
● Management of climbing permits and registration in protected areas
● Personal Acc Insurance
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
● Transfers from your city of origin to the meeting point (round trip)
● Accommodations before or after the expedition outside the itinerary
● Assistant guide in case of 3 or 2 members (optional)
● Alcoholic beverages or personal extras in shelters or hotels
● Sleeping bag and individual technical equipment
● Expenses arising from early abandonment of the program and/or evacuation
THE CHALLENGE | Cerro Franke, Mendoza
From USD 550 per person
✓ 4-day expedition guided by high mountain experts ✓ Acclimatization hikes on the named hills ✓ Accommodation in the best mountain refuge ✓ Small group and close accompaniment throughout the trip ✓ Complete ascent of Cerro Franke (4,880 m)
This expedition requires advance planning
Due to logistics, altitude, and environmental concerns, we work with small groups and limited dates. If you'd like to participate, please contact us to see if it's a suitable time and if there's still availability.
Do I need previous mountain or high-altitude experience to join this expedition?
For the Beginner Milestones, we recommend being eager to immerse yourself in the magical world of mountaineering and getting some training.
What is the level of physical demand and what preparation do you recommend?
The level of challenge is medium, although we don't use our hands to climb, it's challenging. You don't need to be super fit; we recommend regular exercise three or four times a week. If you'd like to start this type of activity, contact us and we'll work together to create a plan. We also recommend a checkup with a doctor beforehand.
What type of accommodation is included during the expedition days?
The included accommodations are detailed in the "Includes and Excludes" section. In this case, they will be all nights at the Cortaderas Hotel and one night at the Hostería in Fiambala.
What personal equipment should I bring and what happens if I don't have everything?
The requested equipment will be provided on a form in advance so you can read it. If you don't have the requested equipment, it can be rented. We recommend not purchasing it without our advice.
What happens if I don't reach the summit for personal or weather reasons?
We will always attempt to reach the summit within a safe environment. Whether due to weather, personal reasons, or the guide's decision, we fail to reach the summit. We will return to the tent or shelter with the satisfaction of having attempted it.
