Cerro El Plomo
Mountain High Andean peak near Santiago, Inca ceremonial site
High above Santiago, Cerro El Plomo offers glacier-approach climbs and established mountaineering routes; the mountain is also noted for Inca-period archaeological finds near its upper slopes.
Cerro El Plomo is a high Andean peak in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile, with a summit elevation of 5,424 metres. It is one of the most prominent mountains visible from the Santiago area.
The mountain is a destination for high-altitude mountaineering; routes approach through the Maipo valley and ascent requires acclimatization and glacier travel skills. The summit area is archaeologically significant due to Inca ritual deposits found near the top.
The mountain was used in pre-Hispanic times for ritual activities by Andean peoples. In 1954 archaeologists recovered the well-preserved remains of a child at the summit, a notable Inca-era find.
Cerro El Plomo sits in the Andes east of Santiago, within the Santiago Metropolitan Region, and forms part of the mountainous watershed above the Maipo valley.
- Summit and archaeology: The summit is 5,424 metres above sea level and the mountain contains archaeological remains linked to Inca ritual activity, including a mummified child discovered on the summit.
How to Get to Cerro El Plomo #
From Santiago, drive or arrange transport east toward Farellones and Lo Barnechea; continue on mountain roads toward the El Plomo trailheads. The approach requires a high-clearance vehicle and local knowledge-most climbers hire a guide or join an expedition from Santiago.
Tips for Visiting Cerro El Plomo #
- Acclimatize in Santiago before attempting high routes-altitude can be a serious factor.
- Climb with an experienced mountain guide; glaciers and rockfall are local hazards in certain seasons.
- Spring (Southern Hemisphere) brings clearer conditions but also strong sun-use high-SPF protection and glacier sunglasses.
Best Time to Visit Cerro El Plomo #
Best attempted in the Chilean spring-summer when conditions are most stable; always monitor avalanche and weather reports.
Weather & Climate near Cerro El Plomo #
Cerro El Plomo's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -18°C to 1°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -18°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
