Trekking Arroyo Turquesa & Balcón de los Seismiles — 6-Day Mercedario Circuit
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have high aerobic fitness and previous multi-day trekking or high-altitude experience; expect sustained uphill efforts and load carrying.
Overview
A six-day traverse across the eastern flank of Mercedario, this trek combines turquoise glacial streams, high camps, and a long summit-day to the Balcón de los Seismiles. Expect steep gains, moraine walking, and panoramic views across Argentina's central Andes.
Trekking Arroyo Turquesa & Balcón de los Seismiles — 6-Day Mercedario Circuit
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The high desert opens like a page turned by wind: stony ridges, a stubborn ribbon of turquoise water, and a line of peaks that climb until the air tastes thin. You meet the trip in Barreal, where a last cup of coffee and the guide’s gear-check are the final gestures before the road climbs through the Valle del Río Los Patos. From the vehicle the landscape changes fast—cactus and scrub give way to grey scree and then to moraine and permanent snow. By the second day you’re pitching tents at Laguna Blanca (≈3,100 m), waiting as mules shoulder the heavy loads and the sky grows cold and clear.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize deliberately
Spend the first full day at Guanaquitos doing short hikes to adjust to 3,500 m before attempting higher ground; slow and steady reduces altitude risk.
Protect against sun and wind
High elevation increases UV exposure—use high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and windproof outer layers for afternoon gusts.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Sturdy, ankle-supporting boots with grippy soles are essential for scree, moraine and wet sections near the Arroyo Turquesa.
Hydrate and carry purification
Bring 2–3 L capacity and a lightweight water filter or purification tablets; meltwater sources look clean but can carry sediments.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Vicuña (or wild guanaco in higher valleys)
History
The traverses echo routes pioneered by Polish climbers in the 1930s–1940s who opened key ascents in the central Andes and worked with local muleteers to establish high routes.
Conservation
High-altitude ecosystems are fragile—pack out all waste, avoid trampling vegetated oases, and use existing campsites to limit impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Barreal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mountaineering boots
Sturdy ankle support and aggressive soles handle scree, moraine and wet ground.
Insulated down jacket
Cold nights and wind-exposed ridgelines require a warm, compressible insulation layer.
Sun protection kit (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
High UV levels at altitude make sun protection non-negotiable.
summer specific
Lightweight water filter or purification tablets
Treat meltwater if you plan to refill between provided meals; saves carrying excess weight.