Cerro Provincia

Cerro Provincia
A view from the summit of Cerro Provincia in winter
Elevation	2,720 m (8,924 ft)
Location
Cerro Provincia  Chile
Range	Andes
Coordinates	33°25′37″S 70°26′04″W / 33.42694°S 70.43444°W / -33.42694; -70.43444Coordinates: 33°25′37″S 70°26′04″W / 33.42694°S 70.43444°W / -33.42694; -70.43444

Cerro Provincia is a mid-size mountain on the eastern side of Santiago, Chile. It is a popular climb due to its accessibility and low level of difficulty by mountaineering standards (a 'F' or 'easy' on the Alpine scale). The peak has an altitude of roughly 2,720 metres (8,924 ft) and, for safety, there is a small dome-shaped refuge shelter at the summit. There are fairly well-traveled paths that go to the summit and marker posts earlier in the climb. The peak offers a spectacular view of Santiago to the west, the Andes to the east, and Cerro El Plomo (another popular climb) to the north.

Attempting a summit

There are several trails to access the mountain. The best marked and most commonly used trail starts near Nilhue (the Nilhue Bridge) in the valley on the north side that contains a stream feeding the Mapocho River.

People in fair physical condition can make the full climb and descent in one day but it is quite exhausting. The climb takes 6–8 hours under light to medium packs, and the descent takes about 5 hours for typical climbers. The start of the climb from the northern-route includes a steep, rocky section where climbers use an installed iron-chain rope (a via ferrata) for several meters. This may give a false impression of the subsequent climb because no such fixture is encountered afterwards. Subsequently, the first two hours of the trail are steep, reaching a wide-open area known as Alto del Naranjo, with a great tree right in the middle, which is visible from most of the rest of the trail all the way to the top. This is followed by about an hour of relatively flat section. The next two hours are again steep, and on loose rocky ground which makes it difficult to walk up and down. The last hour requires climbing up and down some big boulders, and there is a small section just before the summit where hands must be used (see scrambling).

People who are not in good condition should allow for extra time in climbing, give longer breaks, take into account the return trip which is also physically demanding, and should consider doing the hike in two days.

There are several excellent camping sites on the lower part of the mountain, and there is a refuge at the top which can accommodate 6 people comfortably. However, the nights at the summit can be near freezing even in the hottest days of the summer, and while the refuge protects from the strong winds at the top, it does not protect from the cold. Climbers intending on camping at the summit should bring warm clothing and an appropriately-rated sleeping bag.

The mountain is extremely hot, dry, and shadeless during the summer and an ample amount of water is crucial. There is a watering-station early on in the climb on the north route to the summit of the sub-peak called Alto del Naranjo, but in general hikers should start with their full water supply: 3 liters or more per day is recommended.

The mountain is not technical and a non-winter summit requires little equipment besides perhaps a hiking stick and a comfortable pair of boots. Rope is not necessary.

Flora and fauna

The mountain does not contain much vegetation or animal life and their presence dwindle with altitude. Mostly there are cacti, small shrubs, short trees, lizards, and birds, including hawks and condors. There are also feral horses, donkeys and even cows. The horses can occasionally be seen grazing even at the summit.

Panoramic view from very near the summit of Cerro Provincia looking towards the east. Cerro El Plomo is on the left, and part of Cerro San Ramon is on the right.

See also

• Cerro El Plomo
• Cerro de Ramón

External links

• Entry in the Andes Handbook (Spanish)
• Andes Terrae entry (Spanish)
• A summit log by Rodrigo Sandoval (Spanish)