San Francisco Volcano, Catamarca, Argentina
THE BORDER
Cross the line between the known world and the vastness.
Eight days in the Andean Puna, among volcanoes, salt flats and absolute silence.
A demanding adventure, for those seeking more than just a summit.
Suri Milestones Collection
MILESTONE OF ASCENT
San Francisco Volcano - 6,016 meters -
Catamarca, Argentina
8 DAYS FOR SHIPPING
MAXIMUM 6 MOUNTAINEERS
PRICE: $1,450,000 per person
Accompaniment
professional and approachable
A mountain guide with
real experience at height,
who leads, cares and teaches
at every step.
A remote environment
and challenging
Far from the tourist routes.
A journey through one of the areas
more solitary and
majestic of the Puna
Andean.
Careful logistics
from beginning to end
Transfers, shelters,
meals and essential equipment:
everything planned so that you
focus on what
you came looking for.
A challenging expedition that takes you far.
And inwards.
You will spend eight days walking among volcanoes, salt flats and immense skies.
This expedition explores one of the most remote and silent areas of the Andes Mountains.
It's not just about reaching 6,016 meters. It's about maintaining your pace at altitude, learning to focus on the essentials, and leaving behind what's unnecessary.
The San Francisco Volcano marks a milestone along the way.
But what really remains is everything that changed before I arrived.
Sleep under one of the clearest skies on the continent, where the stars accompany you every night on your journey.
Walk among salt flats, volcanic fields and open horizons that disconnect you from the noise and connect you with yourself.
Train your body at altitude and learn to keep up, even when the pace slows down.
THE BORDER, An 8-day expedition in the Andean silence
Day 1 – How does the journey begin?
We met at La Rioja airport and traveled up to 3,300 meters. That same day we arrived at the Cortaderas Hotel. My body was starting to feel the change in altitude. It was ideal for getting into a rhythm, meeting the group, and preparing my gear.
Day 2 – What is the first objective?
We set off early for an acclimatization hike up Pastos Amarillos hill (4,100 m). It's a key day for adapting, testing our pace, and adjusting our equipment. We return to the hotel to rest.
Day 3 – Where did we camp for the first time?
We moved to Las Grutas, at 4,100 meters. There we set up our first camp. From this point, everything becomes simpler, more rustic, and focused. We ascended Falso Morocho (4,500 m). It's not technical, but it already demands sustained effort. The landscape changes, and the experience becomes more authentic.
Day 4 – What's the next step before San Francisco?
We summited Bertrand Volcano (5,200 m). It was an intense day, but essential for gradually gaining altitude. We're almost ready.
Day 5 – Shall we rest?
Yes, and it's strategic. Some take the opportunity to go for a leisurely walk, others enjoy natural hot springs. It's a day to slow down, hydrate well, and mentally prepare for the big day.
Day 6 – What is the ascent to the San Francisco Volcano like?
Today we're going for our goal: 6,016 m. We started early from 4,800 m and gained altitude at a steady pace. The summit offers a breathtaking view of the Altiplano. The return is long, but the body feels different after that.
Day 7 – Total relaxation? YES!
We had breakfast, packed our gear, and began the return trip to Fiambalá, where we enjoyed some natural hot springs nestled in the mountains. The day ended with a barbecue among the vineyards. It was a peaceful time, allowing us to descend calmly and reflect on everything we had experienced.
Day 8 – How does the expedition end?
After loading all the equipment into the vehicle, we begin the return trip to La Rioja airport. The journey back is long, but we share our experiences.
Stories of those who went through their milestone
Who is leading this expedition?
Ezequiel Di Fabio is a professional mountain guide, a physical education teacher, and the founder of Suri Expeditions.
For more than ten years he has led expeditions through demanding natural environments, accompanying people of all ages to explore hills, valleys and volcanoes safely and thoroughly.
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 every expedition reflects that experience.
WHICH INCLUDES
- Professional mountain guide throughout the entire trek
- Assistant guide for groups of 4 or more participants
- All meals detailed in the program
- Nights in hotels, campsites and inns
- Internal transfers to and from La Rioja airport according to plan
- Management of climbing permits and registration in protected areas
- Entrance to the hot springs
- Group camping equipment (tents, cooking equipment, tableware)
- Personal Accident Insurance
THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Transfers from your city of origin to La Rioja (round trip)
- Accommodation before or after the expedition outside the itinerary
- Assistant guide if there are 3 or fewer members (optional)
- Alcoholic beverages or personal extras in shelters or hotels
- Sleeping bag and individual technical equipment
- Expenses incurred due to early withdrawal from the program or evacuation
The Border | San Francisco Volcano, Catamarca
$1,450,000 per person
Dates: October 31st to November 7th
✓ 8-day expedition guided by high-altitude experts ✓ Acclimatization hikes on volcanoes over 5,000 m ✓ Remote camps, mountain hotel accommodation and inn in Fiambala ✓ Access to natural hot springs
✓ Small group and close support before and throughout the trip
This expedition requires advance planning
Due to logistical reasons, altitude, and environmental concerns, we work with small groups and limited dates. If you're interested, please contact us to see if it's the right time and if there's still availability.
Do I need prior mountain or high-altitude experience to join this expedition?
For the Ascent Milestones, we recommend having some prior experience, as this will greatly enhance the experience. We recommend the Mountaineering Initiation Milestones.
What is the level of physical exertion and what preparation do you recommend?
The level of difficulty is high; although we don't use our hands to climb, it is still demanding. You don't need to be super fit; we recommend exercising regularly 3 or 4 times a week. If you'd like to start this type of activity, contact us and we'll create a plan together. We also recommend a prior check-up with a doctor.
What type of accommodation is included during the expedition days?
The accommodations that are included are detailed in the section on what is included and what is not.
What personal equipment should I bring, and what if I don't have everything?
The requested equipment will be provided in advance on a form so you can review it in advance. If we don't have the requested equipment, it can be rented. We recommend against purchasing without our guidance.
What are the payment methods?
1.- Single bank transfer - 10% off on the total value.
2. Installments: Your place is reserved with 40% of the total trip cost. This locks in the price, and the remaining balance can be paid in fixed installments in pesos, with transfers due between the 1st and 10th of each month. The trip must be paid in full before it begins.
3.- The reference value will be the blue dollar selling price of the day at the time of making the reservation.
