Bertrand Volcano, Catamarca, Argentina
BEATING HEART
Dare to leave the familiar behind and immerse yourself in the vastness. Five days in the Andean Puna, surrounded by towering volcanoes, endless salt flats, and a silence that fills everything. A challenging journey, designed for those who yearn for more than just a summit: a transformative experience.
Suri Milestones Collection
INITIATION THING
Bertrand Volcano -5,275 meters above sea level-
Catamarca, Argentina
PRIVATE EXPEDITION
5-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 remote environment
and challenging
Far from the tourist trail. A journey through one of the most isolated and majestic areas of the Andean Puna.
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 journey that takes you far away, above all, to the deepest part of you.
Five days walking among majestic volcanoes, endless salt flats, and seemingly endless skies.
A route through the silent immensity of the Andes, where every step is a learning experience and every journey, a discovery.
It's not just about reaching 5,275 meters, but about feeling the height with every heartbeat, moving forward with what's essential and letting go of what's unnecessary.
The Bertrand Volcano is a stop along the way, but what's truly unforgettable is everything that changed in you before you arrived.
Allow yourself to be embraced by the pure silence, where time ceases to matter and only the moment remains. No distractions, no rush, just you, the group, and the immensity of the puna.
Reach the summit of Bertrand Volcano, rising to over 5,270 meters with calm and determination, feeling every moment with full awareness.
Treat yourself to a break in natural hot springs after several days of traveling.
LATENT HEART, A 5-day expedition to the heart of the Catamarcan puna
Day 1 – How does the journey begin?
We meet at La Rioja airport and travel to 3,300 meters. That same day we arrive at the Cortaderas Hotel. The body begins to feel the change in altitude. It's a perfect time 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 Pastos Amarillos Hill (4,100 m). It's a crucial day to adapt, test your pace, and adjust your gear. We return to the hotel to rest.
Day 3 – How do we continue?
We move to Las Grutas, at 4,100 meters. From this point, everything becomes simpler, more rustic, and focused. We ascend to Falso Morocho (4,500 m). It's not technical, but it demands sustained effort. The landscape changes, and the experience becomes more vivid.
Day 4 – What is the climb to Bertrand Volcano like?
Today we're heading for our goal: 5,275 m. We're starting early, starting at 4,400 m, and steadily gaining altitude. The summit offers a breathtaking view of the volcanic cone. The return journey is long, but the body responds differently after that. We'll return to Fiambala, where we'll enjoy natural hot springs in the middle of the mountain. The day will conclude with a barbecue among the vineyards.
Day 5 – How does the expedition end?
After packing all the gear into the vehicle, we begin the return journey to La Rioja airport. The return journey is long, but we share what 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 trek
- Assistant guide for groups of 5 or more participants
- All meals detailed in the program
- Nights in hotels and inns
- Internal transfers to/from La Rioja airport according to the route plan
- Management of climbing permits and registration in protected areas
- Entrance to the hot springs
- Group camping equipment (tents, stove, dishes)
- Personal Accident Insurance
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Transfers from your hometown to La Rioja (round trip)
- Pre- or post-expedition accommodations outside the itinerary
- Private room
- Assistant guide in case of 4 or 3 members (optional)
- Alcoholic beverages or personal extras in shelters or hotels
- Individual technical equipment
- Expenses incurred by early abandonment of the program or evacuation
Beating Heart | Bertrand Volcano, Catamarca
From USD 950 per person
✓ 5-day expedition guided by high mountain experts ✓ Acclimatization hikes on volcanoes over 4,000 m ✓ Accommodation every night in a mountain hotel
✓ Accommodation in a hostel ✓ Access to natural hot springs
✓ Small group and close accompaniment throughout the trip ✓ Complete ascent of the Bertrand volcano (5,275 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.
