Domuyo Volcano Ascent - Neuquén

Summit attempt to the roof of Patagonia, 4709 m.a.s.l.

  • Start Date : 2025-Nov-03
    End Date: 2025-Nov-07
  • Hora Inicio: 9 am
    Hora Fin: 7 pm
  • Meeting Point:Zapala, Neuquén
    End point: Zapala, Neuquén
  • Duration:6 days + trip
    Availability: 10 spots
US$ 1062 US$ 850.- 20 % Off

Special price booking until 08 de January!

Domuyo Volcano Climb (4709 masl)

Proposal

ROOF OF PATAGONIA

The name Domuyo comes from the Mapuche language and means "that trembles and grumbles". However, several days of work in his imposing and desolate kingdom may not be enough to hear tremors or continuous grumbles. What can be perceived, in the gradual discovery, in the step by step of footprints and rustic paths, is an insurmountable dose of peace and immaculate eternity. Today, it has been proven that its geological name of volcano is not the right one. It only belongs to a massif whose location has to do with a volcanic environment. Its 4709 m.a.s.l. represent a good challenge to the mountaineer. But beyond the height, what is impressive is its structure. The powerful south face, the one that is part of the route known as normal and the most used, has a ridge that, seen from the Covunco Valley, is really moving. Its south-southwest glacier is divided into two parts by a kind of long Nunatak and is the official origin of the Covunco River. The Portezuelo del Viento is visibly located between a semi-rounded nose to the East and a kind of striking needle to the West. Between this needle and the source of the mentioned glacier rises the short, snowy and steep south wall that rises from the glacier to the edge that leads to the pre-summit.

The volcano is located on an edge of the so-called Cordillera del Viento, north of the province of Neuquén, in the northern reaches of Patagonia. This mountain range does not belong geologically or geographically to the Cordillera de los Andes. Millions of years ago, before the formation of the Andes itself, the area currently occupied by the Domuyo was completely covered by sea. Hence the amount of marine fossil remains such as ammonites, trilobites, algae and others that are usually found on its slopes. Eroded and volcanic rock is the common denominator throughout the terrain and presents a unique drawback when traversing long snowless hauls and exposed sheer ridges.

Our style in expeditions to Domuyo:

There are several ways to try to access the summit of any mountain. In this case there are options to make rapid ascents in duration and very explosive, trying the summit from the Base Camp. We have been visiting the mountain for more than 15 years with groups and we have always given importance to gradual acclimatization and the realization of a high camp, so that everyone has the best and greatest chances of achieving the objective. In this way, our expedition to Domuyo lasts a week, to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and to give each body the option to prepare and acclimatize properly.

Section in blue: by vehicle; in red: the walking route.

 

Itinerary

This trek can be combined with ascent to the Lanin Volcano (see previous or later dates on our calendar)

Recommendation: sleep in the town of Zapala the night before.

Day 1: Meeting in the town of Zapala, Neuquén, at 9 am approx. From this city we will travel by charter vehicle (mini bus) to the north. We will pass through Chos Malal, Andacollo, Las Ovejas, Varvarco. In the last section the route has a singular beauty with curves, ascents and descents, while gradually the gigantic Cordillera del Viento is sighted, where we can see Domuyo Volcano, 4709 meters above sea level, the highest point in Patagonia and our goal on this expedition. Arrival at the "playón" and start of the very short walk, 30 minutes, until we reach our first camp.

Day 2: In the morning, we will enter the great valley that is to the south of the great volcano. Its mysterious and majestic silhouette invites us and calls us. Lunch on the way. We will pass by numerous high altitude lagoons that have a high content of minerals such as sulfur and iron. In one of them, of deep emerald color, we will set up our camp 1, almost at 3000 m.a.s.l. From here, the view is truly amazing: hanging glaciers, volcanic terrain, abysmal slopes, eternal snow. Overnight.

Day 3: Increasing the acclimatization necessary to carry out activities at higher altitudes, we will have, if the weather allows it, a brief practice with pickaxes and crampons to prepare for the day of ascent in the morning. In the afternoon we will try to set up a higher camp at 3400 or 3700 masl, depending on conditions. The rise is felt and we will be closer to our goal. Here we will set up our new camp trying to cover ourselves in the best possible way from the inclement wind. Overnight.

Day 4: Summit attempt. We go up the well-defined southern spur and access a large platform with unimaginable views of glaciers and valleys. From that place it is possible that we wil have to use crampons and a pickaxe and that is where the real ascent begins. Step by step and breathing properly we will ascend the ridge that will deposit us in the pre-summit and, later, the long-awaited summit of 4709 m.a.s.l. A sea of ??mountains and landscape dreams rises below and in the distance. Photos and celebrations, and return to our high altitude camp.

Day 5: Descent to the camp before the Playón. Last camp on the mountain. Option to walk to the hot springs and spend the night there.

Day 6: Final 20 minute walk to the "Playón", place where our vehicle will pick us up. Transfer to Aguas Calientes to meet and enjoy the unique and unmissable natural hot springs in the area. Lunch. Then, transfer back to Zapala, where we will arrive in the afternoon-evening. End of our services.

For those who continue with the ascent to Lanin, then the transfer will leave them in San Martin de los Andes.

Note
Our style in expeditions to Domuyo:
There are several ways to try to access the summit of any mountain. In this case there are options to make rapid ascents in duration and very explosive, trying the summit from the Base Camp. We have been visiting the mountain for more than 15 years with groups and we have always given importance to gradual acclimatization and the realization of a high camp, so that everyone has the best and greatest chances of achieving the objective. In this way, our expedition to Domuyo lasts a week, to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and to give each body the option to prepare and acclimatize properly.

Included Services
  • Your purchase from an official agency - travel and tourism company registered on the Tourism Secretary (Ascent 23 EVyT Leg: 16396)
  • Certificate of summit and participation in the expedition.
  • Special discount on other treks during the year and on extra classes in our training group in the city of Buenos Aires.
  • Prior advice for the equipment + discounts in specialized stores.
  • Full board during the expedition (from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7)
  • Transfer from Zapala to the beginning of the trek / round trip.
  • Professional and qualified mountain guides + coordinators throughout the expedition.
  • General mountain equipment: complete first aid kit, VHF, satellite phone, mountain kitchen
  • General technical equipment: Ropes, carabiners, others.
  • High mountain tents
  • Prior advice with audiovisuals, maps and necessary material
  • Visit to the hot springs
  • Permanent assistance

Services NOT included
  • Air or Bus ticket to Zapala
  • Individual technical equipment of helmet, pickaxe and crampons (possible to rent)
  • Porterage of equipment with horses

Photo and Video Gallery


Albums

campamento Volcan Domuyo
Domuyo Volcano - 4709 masl - Patagonian Roof

5-day expedition to the highest peak in Patagonia. Argentina

Where do you sleep

In high mountain tents, for 2 or 3 people.

Faq

Is it a climb with difficulty?

It has no technical difficulty but it does have some physics with some height. It is advisable to have some previous experience in trekking or some other ascent.

Do I need to be trained?

For any mountain activity you need to have previous physical preparation, or be physically active.

Do I need to have previous experience?

Important to have some previous experience in different treks. We recommend having good physical condition, and knowing that the modality is a journey, where you walk during the day with a backpack, and spend the night in a wild camp. The summit day is intense.

Where do you spend the night?

Two nights in Varvarco in cabins or hostel and mountain tents in igloo-type tents, comfortable and for 2/3 or 4 people.

Do I have to bring a tent?

The tents are included in the service.

What is the weather or temperature?

Although the time of year is summer, in Andean and/or wild areas, temperatures tend to drop at night.

Are there rest stops?

The stops are given with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity. There are stops for lunch, snack, and rest.

From what age can they do this activity?

From 15 years of age.

How much does the backpack weigh?

In a woman a range from 13 to 15 kilos, in a man from 15 to 20 kilos.

Is there a porterage service?

We do not have a mule porterage service since it is difficult to locate the providers of the place. However, that possibility may exist in the place and that the cost will be borne by each participant.

What do we eat?

In all our expeditions we offer the service of meals IN FULL BOARD PLAN:

  • March lunches (cold meals): Milanese and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, appetizers, salads, tapas, etc.
  • Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-red chorizo ??stews, Chicken and vegetable casseroles, Pasta with various sauces or stew, Roast meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Chicken with rice in a saucepan....
  • Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit

It is necessary to complete the personal/medical record to clarify if someone does not eat any type of food.

Difficulty graduation

Mochila: Peso / Duración de la Jornada.

Exigencia Física

Técnico: Dificultad en el Terreno / Equipo.

Fortaleza Psicológica

Exposición a la Altura

Backpack (M)

This point has to do with the weight that we must carry in our backpacks. Trekkings or crossings where we have pack animals allow us to bear less weight on our backs. And the multi-day journeys in Patagonia (without the option of having pack mules) generally make us carry more weight, especially in the early days.

20% Up to 5 Kilos: Short excursion walks / Trekking Talampaya

40% Up to 8/10 Kilos: Round-trip trekking / Vallecitos 3 and 4-day programs

60% Up to 12/15 kilos: Crossing trekking with porting / Crossing of the Andes Paso Portillo

80% More than 15/18 kilos: Cross-country trekkings with little or no portage / Trekkings in Patagonia (Paso Vuriloche, PN Lanin or Nahuel Huapi, etc)

100% More than 25 Kilos: With a lot of equipment on top and little or no porting / Continental Ice

Physical (F)

We consider physical demands to the wear that we can suffer both aerobic (climbs = possible shortness of breath) and muscle (resistance = many hours walking) and of legs and joints (descents = knees / ankles).

20% half a day or less with little unevenness.

40% more sustained slopes and longer days in the activity. 2-3 days / more than 6 hours per day.

60% Long ascents and descents with a longer duration. Ascents to more than 4000 meters in the central mountain range / intense 4-day trekking (Uruguayan plane)

80% Important work of legs in resistance. Very long days. Very long day ascents (Lanin - Domuyo) or more than 5000 meters. Ice courses.

100% Maximum demand. Aerobic work and constant effort on legs. Continental Ice, Aconcagua, mountains of more than 6000 meters.

Technical (T)

The technical difficulty is mainly based on the terrain. How much can it cost us to climb a slope, if it is very steep or if we have to use our hands in some section (simple climbing), both in rock and snow-ice, or materials such as crampons and pegs in other ascents.

20% flat land

40% trails with moderate ups and downs. General crossing trekkings . Sierra de la Ventana, Córdoba, Patagonia, Cuyo, north, others. Classic ascents

60% Steeper slopes and trails. Possible use of crampons. Domuyo, Cordón del Plata, Cordillera Central.

80% Mixed terrain, with snow or ice. Alvear, Lanin, Tronador. Bolivia, Peru.

100% Highly technical terrain. Glacial transit and climbing in sections. Hill climbing with sections on slopes of more than 60 ° inclination

Psycho (P)

We maintain that this point, the psychological factor, represents a relevant factor. Each one needs a factor of conviction, confidence, self-control and will power to achieve a goal. And depending on the attitude with which we face distances, slopes, terrain and many other objective factors, we can achieve performance with very different results.

20% We will not be much affected.

40% This is a normal level of attention.

60% We require more motivation, enthusiasm and concentration.

80% The activity will require us to be very connected and convinced.

100% Maximum control and emotional-psychological performance.

Adventures (A)

It is the factor that, the height above sea level, influences us depending on the activity we carry out. Managing and overcoming symptoms caused by altitude is the key to this point

0% + sea level.

20% Up to 2000 masl.

40% + 2000 masl.

60% + 4000 masl.

80% + 5000 masl.

100% + 6000 masl.

Gradual Adventure Activity Difficulty System designed by Leandro Scheurle.
Copyright Argentinaxtrema.com © 2009. All rights reserved.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT
  • Special backpack for trekking (60 to 80 litres)
  • Warm sleeping bag (-0 degrees comfort, eg 800/1000 gms. of feather-duvet or good synthetic).
  • Insulating mat (10 to 15mm).
  • Inflatable insulation mat (optional)
  • Trekking sticks
FOOTWEAR
  • 1 Mountain boots for hills of 5000 meters (not necessarily double)
  • 1 extra trekking shoes
FIRST LAYER (First skin)
  • Changes of underwear.
  • Cotton shirts (to be in the camp and to sleep)
  • T-shirts and/or short-sleeved synthetic t-shirts
  • Long-sleeved synthetic shirt
  • Polypropylene pants or leggings or similar (not cotton). To use as warm inner pants
  • Thin polypropylene gloves or similar (not cotton)
  • Pairs of thin polypropylene or similar socks (not cotton), in contact with the skin.
  • Buff multifunction scarf
SECOND LAYER (Coat)
  • Trekking medium pairs (synthetic-thermal)
  • Pairs of thick mountain socks
  • Some cotton or wool socks (wool is good for sleeping)
  • 1 long trekking pants
  • 2 coats (polar type, softshell or similar)
  • Down-duvet jacket
  • Warm hat (fleece)
THIRD LAYER (windproof and waterproof)
  • Waterproof jacket (ultrex or gore tex or similar)
  • Trouser cover (gore tex or similar or ski type)
  • Third layer gloves or mittens (waterproof and breathable). They can be ski type
  • Mountain gaiters
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT
  • Crampons (possible to rent)
  • Pickaxe (possible to rent). Ask us, since there are summers that we are not going to use it.
  • Climbing-mountain helmet
PERSONAL ELEMENTS
  • ID/Passport
  • Medical insurance
OTHER ELEMENTS
  • HEADLIGHT with batteries (with spare batteries)
  • Strong plastic bags to store clothes
HEALTH & HYGIENE
  • Sunglasses with UV protection Category 4
  • Spare lenses (can be goggles, highly recommended)
  • Personal kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
  • High sunscreen, Lip balm
  • Soap, shampoo (small to share) and small towel.
  • Toilet paper. handkerchiefs Baby wipes.
  • Bathing suit
  • Sun hat

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag

Booking in Advance

US$ 16 + options

Pair of Trekking Poles

Booking in Advance

US$ 10 + options

Rental mittens

Booking in Advance

US$ 8 + options

Pair of Crampons

Booking in Advance

US$ 15 + options

Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax

Booking in Advance

US$ 36 + options

Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness

Booking in Advance

US$ 50 + options

Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom

Booking in Advance

US$ 5 + options

Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

Booking in Advance

US$ 10 + options

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