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Mountaineering Expeditions

Wherever your climbing goals are, our mountaineering program can give you the foundation of skills and experience you'll need to get there. Our multi-lingual Mountain Guides are chosen from the best American and European professionals. Year-round and around the world, your safety, comfort, and quality of experience are what matter most to us.

"Your logistical skills are out of this world...110% precision.  I've always felt absolutely safe on your climbs."

Ernst Merkhofer, client from Munich, Germany


SOUTH AMERICA


ANCONCAGUA BY THE GUANACOS TRAVERSE

4-23 Jan 2007 (20 days)

3-22 Feb 2007 (20 days)

Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Argentina Travel Info : Equipment List


An adventurous exploration of Aconcagua 6,959m. We will make a complete traverse of the mountain and experience its entire character. Our route via the Guanacos valley is a wild and pristine alternative to the heavily traveled routes of the Horcones and Relinchos valleys. Only recently explored, this route promises you freedom from crowds, clean trails and camp areas, breath-taking views of the neighboring peaks and glaciers, and abundant wildlife. In addition, the Guanacos route also offers the most gradual approach and climb of Aconcagua, with gently moderate trekking between camps. We believe that an un-hurried acclimatization will offer a safer and more comfortable climb, and a rate of success not possible on other routes.

 

ANCONCAGUA NORMAL ROUTE WITH ACCLIMATIZATION AT EL PLOMO

27 Nov - 16 Dec 2006 (20 days)

Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Argentina Travel Info : Equipment List


Expedition to the roof of America , Mount Aconcagua 6,959 mts along the normal route, through Plaza Mulas base camp at 4,300 mts. with a previous acclimatization program in the nearby peak El Plomo on the Chilean side, both two ritual Inca sites from the Andes . Our first objective, El Plomo, with an elevation of 5,450m, is located east of Santiago the capital of Chile and nearby main Chilean ski resorts. This climb will help us, in comfortable timing, acclimatize to the high altitude environment. Later we fly to Mendoza over the highest Andean mountain range to get our mandatory Aconcagua permits and transfer to Penitentes 160 km west of Mendoza where the trek starts towards Plaza de Mulas. As we have already reached 5,450m at El Plomo, our ascent progression to Aconcagua summit at 6,953m will be much gentler, easier and quicker.

ACONCAGUA BY THE POLISH GLACIER
27 Dec 2006 - 14 Jan 2007 (19 days)
Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Argentina Travel Info : Equipment List

Aconcagua's Polish Glacier is perhaps the most classic route available on the highest peak in South America.  Only slightly technical, this snow and ice route ascends the stunning south-east face in an elegant, sweeping line.  The Polish Glacier avoids the crowded camps and clogged arteries of the Normal NW Ridge route, and is great preparation for glacier mountaineering on peaks such as Denali, Vinson, or the 8,000 Meter peaks of Asia.  Ample rest and acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to provide for optimum success.  Prior glacier experience required, such as Mt. Rainier, Mont Blanc, or the trekking peaks of Nepal.


TUPUNGATO/EL PLOMO DOUBLE-FEATURE!

28 Jan - 16 Feb 2007 (20 days)

Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Chile Travel Info : Equipment List

Tupungato rises majestically above the high crest of the Andes east of Santiago, and carries the distinction of being the highest peak south of Aconcagua.  It is the objective of only a handful of expeditions per year, and is truly a wilderness expedition. Slightly more technical than the normal routes on Aconcagua, the long approach and remote setting add up to make this a much more serious undertaking. The word will soon be out, but for now Tupungato is a pristine big-mountainn challenge similar to what Aconcagua must have been like 50 years ago.
El Plomo is the highest summit visible above Santiago, and is part of the chain of glaciated peaks known as the "Chilean Alps". A short approach and moderate terrain make this a great acclimatization climb. Experience has shown that acclimatizing on a 5000 Meter peak greatly increases summit success on an Andean giant like Tupungato.
The combination of these two beautiful and challenging mountains makes this an expedition for those seeking a high-adventure experience!

 

OJOS DE SALADO VOLCANO EXPEDITION

26 Feb - 13 March 2007 (16 days)

Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Chile Travel Info : Equipment List

Ojos del Salado Volcano is Chile's highest peak and the world's tallest volcano, soaring to an altitude of 22,572 ft (6,893m)!  Located northeast of the city of Copiapo, Ojos del Salado is situated near the Argentine border at the San Francisco Pass 17,486 ft (4,726 m), surrounded by salt flats and beautiful high plateau lakes such as El Negro Francisco and Laguna Verde.   Flanked by Nevado Tres Cruces 18,222 ft (6,749 m) on one side, and Cerro Incahuasi 24,498 ft (6,621 m) on the other, Ojos del Salado is the centerpiece of an immense east-west lying mountain range containing no fewer than 13 peaks above 6,000 m.

 

ECUADOR VOLCANO SAFARI
15-30 October 2006 (16 days)
Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Ecuador Travel Info : Equipment List

We will begin our expedition in the historic city of Quito at 9,400'.  Training and acclimatization on the North and South summits of Illiniza will prepare us for the higher peaks of Cayambe, Cotapaxi, and the Jewel of Ecuador, Chimborazo.  Moderate climbing and 4WD approaches to lodge accommodations make this a comfortable introduction to high-altitude glacier mountaineering.


PERU EXPEDITION TRAINING COURSE
20 June - 3 July 2007 (14 days)
Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Peru Travel Info : Equipment List

The Cordillera Blanca (White Mtn Range) provides the perfect setting to familiarize climbers with snow and ice climbing techniques, expedition-style camping and teamwork, crevasse rescue, and safe glacier travel.  We will establish a Base Camp in the Ishinca Valley and make ascents of Urus, Ishinca, and Tocllaraju during the course of our training.  This is an ideal preparation for Alaskan or Himalayan expeditions, or for those wishing to participate in our Huascaran expedition.  Register for Training Course and Huascaran Ascent!  Ask us about MULTI-TRIP DISCOUNT.


HUASCARAN, ASCEND PERU'S HIGHEST PEAK
28 June-13 July, and 4-19 July 2007 (16 days)
Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Peru Travel Info : Equipment List

At 6768 Meters (22,335') above sea level, Huascaran is the Crown Jewel of the Cordillera Blanca and the highest peak in Peru.  We will climb the Garganta route, the classic route of first ascent. Although the climbing on Huascaran's Garganta Route is only moderately difficult, climbers should be prepared for extreme cold, high altitude, and the hardships of an extended expedition.  Extra care has been taken to ensure ample time for a safe and thorough acclimatization.  Ideal preparation for those wishing to attempt technical Alaskan or Himalayan expeditions, or our Alpamayo Ascent.  Register for Huascaran and Alpamayo Ascents!  Ask us about MULTI-TRIP DISCOUNT.


ALPAMAYO, PYRAMID OF ICE AND DREAMS
15-30 July 2007 (16 days)
Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Peru Travel Info : Equipment List

When children draw imaginary, far-away mountains with their paints and crayons, usually they look something like Alpamayo.  It’s pyramidal symmetry and clean esthetics set this mountain apart from it’s neighbors, and put it in the same league with Matterhorn, Ama Dablam, and Grand Teton.  With the summit slightly below 6000M, Alpamayo is well-suited for technical climbing; most climbers perform strongly at this elevation.  Our route of ascent is the Ferrari Route on the stunning SouthWest Face, involving several hundred meters of steep ice climbing.  Climbers wishing to attempt this route should have extensive experience on 45-55 degree ice, safe glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques, as well as extended expedition experience.


HIMALAYA


AMA DABLAM
2-26 October 2006(21 days)
Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Nepal Travel Info : Equipment List

Soaring above ancient monasteries and green pastures, this majestic tower is nestled among the highest of the Khumbu giants; Baruntse, Nuptse, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest.  A technically challenging climbing route on one of the range's most beautiful peaks.  A small tightly focused climbing team, coupled with experienced leadership, will factor success in our favor on this Himalayan classic.

ISLAND PEAK w/Everest Base Camp Trek
1-18 November 2006 (18 days)
Itinerary : Prices &Terms : Nepal Travel Info : Equipment List

Truly an "Island" in a sea of peaks and glaciers!  An excellent introduction to expedition-style, high-altitude mountaineering. A deservedly popular climb on a peak of moderate difficulty and elevation.  Our approach follows the classic trekking route to Everest Base Camp  We then ascend the Imja Valley, where we will be surrounded by Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.

 

 

Nanga Parbat Expedition 2006:  VisionQuest team works through Hardship & Hazard...


23 July 2006

Santiago, Chile

Tom would like to thank everyone for their support and good vibes during the Nanga Parbata Expedition.  Tom & Johannes endured 7 weeks of storms, avalanche, social unrest, and mutton curry.  The expedition pushed on until objective hazard and mountain sense stopped them at the same high point reached by the other expeditions.

When Tom gets back home from Peru and Bolivia in mid-August, fresh photos will hit the web.

Until then,read Tom's SAT-BLOG...

 

 

 

Training..


It stands to reason that your enjoyment of a climbing trip is significantly influenced by how fit you are on that trip. You greatly enhance your probability of success, increase your safety margin, decrease your chances of becoming ill or injured, and are not totally wasted at the end of the day if you are in better shape. Therefore, we at VisionQuest Journeys strongly suggest that you optimize your fitness level...

Brian Prax is our Staff Personal Trainer, and is currently writing a training manual for high-altitude expedition climbers.  He has custom designed expedition-specific training programs to help you be fully prepared for your up-coming trip.  Learn more about training from Brian, and see his 90-day Pre-Expedition Training Program.

 

Good News...

It's in the Bag...

Scientists at the Environmental Biotechnology Co-Operative Research Centre in Sydney have developed green biodegradable plastic bags made from animal excreta or food waste that could soon replace traditional plastic at supermarkets.

The company's executive director, David Garman said that companies had long used high-value virgin products such as starch and sugar to produce naturally occurring plastic-like substances, called biopolymers, to make plastic bags.  Read more...

Organizations...


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We're a coalition of hard-working, forward-thinking businesses dedicated to making a difference!

1% for the Planet members pledge to donate 1% of all revenues to environmental and cultural projects world-wide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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