Introduction

The Cerro Los Tres Hermanos (The Three Brothers) is a massif composed of three main summits: the North Summit (4.751m), the Central Summit (4.595m) and the South Summit (4.274m). It is located in the Central Andes, near the border pass Los Libertadores.

It is a classical choice among andinists, specially those of the V^th region of Chile, the Central Summit being the most visited of the three. Technically it isn´t a difficult peak, although it is pretty exposed and tiring. Besides, even though from the beggining of the hike to its feet, just next to Hotel Portillo, it looks like its just "three brothers", the truth is that once one has advanced further into the valley, the mountain resembles more a very big family, with a bunch of summits that will easily mislead the climber. Finally, much attention should be payed to route-finding, since the exposure of all these summits makes being lost here a very undesirable situation. Indeed, the mountain has already taken the lives of several mountain climbers.

It is possible to climb the Central Summit in two days, starting very early the first day and climbing to the summit very early the next day. The early wake on the second day is to allow for a safe return with daylight, specially the part that surrounds the Laguna del Inca, which has some delicate sections.

Another feature of the Tres Hermanos is its famous morraine: expect a long and tedious walk over a very unfriendly morraine, place where the possible orientation problems begin.

Ideally, three days should be reserved for the ascent, sleeping the last night at the shore of the lagoon, where a wonderful plane exists which surrounds it.

The Central Tres Hermanos is privileged viewpoint of all the summits in the area like Nevado Juncal, Alto de los Leones, Alto de la Posada, Nevado el Plomo, Tupungato, Aconcagua and many more, all of which are faithful companions during the ascent of the Tres Hermanos. The apparition of the Aconcagua when gaining the Summit Ridge is certainly a surprising thing: the enormity of the bulk stands close, nothing between it and the Tres Hermanos.

In this valley, not only do mountaineers climb up its slopes. It is also very common the practice of cross country skiing during winter, the place being frecuently used for courses and seminars. Besides, many people head into the valley and surround the Laguna del Inca (4 kms. long aprox.), just to enjoy the beautiful hike and views. Along the valley, evidence may be found of the presence of ancient visitors like were the incas, contrabandistas and so many others. And if it´s your lucky day, guanacos may be seen peeking over the ridge in order to observe whats going on down in the valley.