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→Route Description
You can start on this route from Valle Nevado or La Parva. Kilometer 0 on the description (not the altitude profile) has been defined as the point where these two paths join and correspond to the dam located on Tres Puntas ski piste in Valle Nevado.
[[Archivo:perfil de ascenso Cerro El Plomo desde La Parva.PNG|frame|center|Profile of the ascent of Cerro El Plomo from La Parva, starting at the station known as "3.100". If you begin from the resort of La Parva (2750m) itself, add 350 meters. If your are able to drive all the way to the top, you'll start at 3.480m]]
=== Stretch 1 : Valle Nevado option - Dam ===
[[Archivo:Pistas Valle Nevado2.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Map of Valle Nevado ski pistes. The red circle marks the exit where the treks [[Piedra Numerada]] and El Plomo Base camp start. ]]
=== Stretch 1: La Parva Option - Dam ===
[[Archivo:Acceso_La_Parva.jpg|thumb|right|Map of access to Piuquenes Lagoon / Franciscano col from La Parva]]
La Parva Ski Center – Piuquenes or Franciscano lagoon
The route begins at La Parva ski center. The first stretch passes through the ski pistes up to Piuquenes lagoon (which stands a little over 3,600 AMSL).
To get to the top of the “Las Aguilas” ski lift from the ski centers , there are various options.
By Foot:Walking on the ski pistes (or on the car path) up to the end of “Las Aguilas” ski lift (3,555 AMSL)
By Car (November or December through May)
You must get to the highest street of La Parva (called Emillie Allais) and 100 meters after it ends, take the dirt road to the right. This road will take you on 1.8 km of gravel in good condition up to the parking lot called “Campamento Base” (Base Camp) located at an altitude of 2.980 AMSL. You can request the key to the gate that blocks the way further on the Base Camp area and continue by car on a dirt road in decent state up to the end of the Las Aguilas ski lift. The key must be requested at La Parva headquarters located in the same town, next to the little church. You must leave your ID for them to hold until you return the key. We recommend to first call the number +56222209530. Please keep in mind that they would be doing you a favor and it’s not their obligation.
There are many forks on this road, so we recommend carrying the green route on the map.
Ski Lift
===Stretch 2: Dam - Piedra Numerada===
[[Archivo:Macizo_el_plomo.jpg|thumb|600px|El Plomo massif viewed from [[Capitán del Quempo]]. In the center of the image you can see the Cepo brook, which’s ascent signifies a good stretch of the route. Looking to the north, December 2015 ]]
[[Archivo:Piedra Numerada2.jpg|thumb|right|Piedra from the first viewpoint. Point 2 on the map]]
'''Meeting Point for Valle Nevado and La Parva paths'''<br>''Altitude: 3.550 AMSL | Km:0'' Upon reaching this area of the dam, you must continue on the path that descends the hillside in direction to the northeast, or in other words, to the creek and green valley. '''Creek (Point 2)'''<br>''Altitude: 3.425 AMSL | Km:1''
You will reach a small creek of crystal clear water (ok to drink), which is a good spot to fill up. After crossing the creek, the path begins to ascend. You must skip through rocks which during the winter will creep from under the snow. After 1,1km and a 90m altitude difference, you will reach the highest part of the hill: a nice overlook of the Cepo valley.
First Lookout Point (Point 3) Altitude: 3.512 AMSL | Km:2,1
From this point you can clearly see the Cepo river valley and the impressive glaciers of “El Plomo” on the background. The vegetated plateau on the Cepo river bed up the valley, belongs to “Piedra Numerada”, a very good spot for camping. Immediately after this flat, you will see rocky walls that mark its abrupt south border. You must continue on the path that now has a north direction and softly descends.
'''Detour to “Piedra Numerada” (Point 4)'''<br>''Altitude: 3.407 AMSL | Km:3,8''
You have arrived to the wetlands of “Piedra Numerada”, a peaceful valley with plenty of water and vegetation. If you would like to go to the camping area you must abandon the path and walk towards the center of the wetland, where you will find good camping spots. If you wish to keep going towards “Federación” you must continue on the path with direction to the north.
Piedra Numerada from the first lookout. Point 2 on the map
After Piedra Numerada, the path is flat and easy to travel, you will pass some small creeks and after 800 meters, you will reach the Cepo river.
'''Cepo river crossing (Point 5)'''<br>''Altitude: 3.450 AMSL | Km:4,6''
You must cross the Cepo river in a place where the river is divided in two arms, which makes it easier to cross. The river is not deep and shouldn’t be dangerous. If you take the time to search for an easy crossing, you won’t even have to take your shoes off. Due to the rocks of the river bed, the path fades here, but after crossing both arms you can easily find it again. After crossing, the path switches hillside and ascends, and after 700 meters (50 vertical), you will reach the high point of a waterfall that feeds the Cepo river.
'''Waterfall and Overlook (Point 6)'''''Altitude: 3.608 AMSL | Km:5,4''
From this point you can see the Cepo river in all its glory, and El Plomo and its glaciers are now seen from very close distance. From here, the path softly ascends for 900 meters until it is interrupted by a steep slope (Point 7), the path turns towards the east and begins to ascend a small hill in a more demanding zigzag. This will go on for 800 meters and you will have ascended 170 vertical meters after which you will reach a large and flat valley.
'''Plain (Point 8)'''''Altitude: 3.930 AMSL | Km:7,1''
Upon reaching the plateau you must continue for 600 meters of easy walk with little incline. Some small creeks cross the path, these dry at the end of summer. The plain is interrupted by a small hill that should be ascended on its right side (north). After 800 meters of walking (130m vertically) you will reach the area of “Federacion”, which is easily recognized by a red shelter for public use that sleeps 4 people.
'''Federación (Point 9)'''''Altitude: 4.145 AMSL | Km:8,5''
Along with La Hoya, Federacion is one of the possible camping spots for those who venture into the summit of El Plomo. It is located at the end of the Cepo river valley, and is protected from the wind by rock walls, La Leonera and El Plomo peaks. One hundred meters up the valley there is a small glacier that provides water to the campsite. It freezes during the night so we recommend filling up as soon as you reach Federacion.
===Stretch 3: Ascending===
