MercedarioMercedario at a Glance
About Mercedario
Mercedario is a major Andean mountain in San Juan Province, Argentina, forming part of the high axial range of the Andes. It is one of the highest peaks in Argentina and a significant objective for climbers.
The mountain has glaciated slopes and steep ridges with high alpine conditions common at elevation. Routes are remote and require logistical planning and mountain-climbing experience rather than casual hiking.
Historically the area has been visited by mountaineers from the 20th century onward as part of high-Andes exploration and ascent activity. Infrastructure near the mountain is limited compared with lower tourist areas.
Mercedario lies in the western part of San Juan Province, east of the Chilean border and roughly several hundred kilometres northwest of the provincial capital San Juan; access is by road with multi-day approaches common for climbing expeditions.
- Mountaineering: A high Andean peak in San Juan Province popular with experienced mountaineers; approaches are remote and typically start from provincial towns to the west.
Best Time to Visit Mercedario
Best climbed in the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-March) when weather and access are most favorable.
Weather & Climate near Mercedario
Mercedario'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 -23°C to -5°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -15° - -5° | -22° | 16 mm | - | - | 13.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -15° - -6° | -22° | 27 mm | - | - | 12.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -16° - -7° | -23° | 31 mm | - | - | 11.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -18° - -9° | -25° | 25 mm | - | - | 12.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -19° - -11° | -29° | 58 mm | - | - | 13.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -23° - -14° | -34° | 60 mm | - | - | 15.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -23° - -14° | -34° | 80 mm | - | - | 14.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -23° - -14° | -33° | 57 mm | - | - | 14.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -22° - -13° | -31° | 44 mm | - | - | 12.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -21° - -11° | -29° | 32 mm | - | - | 11.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -18° - -9° | -26° | 22 mm | - | - | 11.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -16° - -6° | -23° | 16 mm | - | - | 13.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Mercedario
Access commonly begins from the San Juan Province towns such as Barreal; gravel roads and 4x4 tracks lead to base areas. The closest paved hubs are the cities of San Juan or Mendoza followed by long overland travel.
Tips for Visiting Mercedario
- If attempting an ascent, arrange a local high-altitude guide familiar with San Juan province logistics and permits.
- Approach from the northwest base via the village of Barreal or Laguna del Diamante depending on route; roads are rough and 4x4 recommended.
- Acclimatize carefully - Mercedario is over 6,700 m and altitude sickness is a real risk; carry appropriate sleeping and emergency gear.