Full-Day El Pintor Hike from Santiago: 4,000m Andean Summit

Ten hours climbing from La Parva to El Pintor's summit, crossing Laguna Piuquenes and Falsa Parva on the way up

This full-day private hike from Santiago ascends El Pintor, a 4,000m Andean peak of moderate technical difficulty, starting at La Parva Ski Resort and passing through Laguna Piuquenes at 3,599m before the final push to the summit. A professional guide, trekking poles, lunch and hotel pickup are included. The route demands good physical fitness and mental preparation for high altitude. Atmospheric pressure at elevation can trigger altitude sickness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to El Pintor summit

• Start at La Parva Ski Resort
• Hike to Laguna Piuquenes at 3,599m
• Rest briefly at Laguna Piuquenes
• Climb 200m to Falsa Parva promontory
• Follow flat trail through desert landscape
• Ascend final stretch to El Pintor summit
• Enjoy panoramic views of Andean peaks

The experience

The trek begins at La Parva Ski Resort and climbs in stages. The first section brings you to Laguna Piuquenes, a lagoon at 3,599m shaped like an eye, where you rest before climbing another 200m to a rocky promontory called Falsa Parva. From there, a two-hour hike across desert and rocky terrain on a practically flat trail leads to the base of the final ascent, where the steeper push to El Pintor's summit begins. The whole day spans 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

At the summit, the thin air brings panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Americas. You'll see Marmolejo, Piuquenes and Tupungato, and to the north, El Plomo rises at 5,550m with its hanging glaciers. The colourful rock formations that give El Pintor its name, The Painter, frame these views across deep valleys and the surrounding Andean landscape. Your guide carries a first aid kit and binoculars. Lunch is provided partway through the day.

This is a high mountain experience that requires good cardiovascular health and mental readiness. Atmospheric pressure decreases sharply at altitude and can provoke altitude sickness: nausea and exhaustion from oxygen shortage. The guide speaks English or Spanish and will manage the pace, but you need to arrive fit and acclimatized. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago are included, as are trekking poles to ease the ascent.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• trekking poles.
• lunch.
• binoculars.
• first aid kit.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago.
• comfortable transport to and from La Parva Ski Resort.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Coigue Expeditions

Is this one for you?The 10-hour day with sustained climbing at high altitude demands good cardiovascular fitness and mental readiness for altitude effects. It suits experienced hikers or those accustomed to mountain terrain who want a serious summit push rather than a casual walk.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (5 to 13 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high does El Pintor climb and what's the technical difficulty?

El Pintor rises above 4,000m (13,123ft) from sea level and is rated moderate technical difficulty, meaning the route is steep but does not require climbing equipment or ropes.

What will I see from the summit of El Pintor?

From the top, you see panoramic views of major Andean peaks including Marmolejo, Piuquenes, Tupungato and El Plomo, which at 5,550m displays hanging glaciers to the north. Deep valleys frame the surrounding landscape.

What happens at Laguna Piuquenes during the hike?

Laguna Piuquenes sits at 3,599m and marks the first major waypoint. The lagoon is shaped like an eye and serves as a rest stop before you climb the final 200m to Falsa Parva.

Is altitude sickness a real risk on this hike?

Yes. Atmospheric pressure decreases significantly at high altitude and can trigger altitude sickness (nausea and exhaustion from oxygen shortage), so good physical fitness and mental preparation are essential.

What's included in the tour and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes a professional guide, trekking poles, lunch, binoculars, a first aid kit, hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago. You must bring appropriate clothing for cold, high-altitude conditions.

What's the minimum age for this hike?

The minimum age is 13 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the hike is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries or pregnancy.