The ascent to Cerro Arco during a full moon is an initiative that each year is gaining more and more followers and is poised to become a classic in the foothills of Mendoza. From spring to the first frosts, the people of La Puerta de la Quebrada, a friends place, organized since 2008 this nocturnal ascent to iconic hill located in the Challao, Las Heras district. Domingo Alvarez, with his sons Matthias and Andrea Luciana militants Mountain, receive in their warm pleasant place to walk from the Arc participants, when the moon presides authoritatively Mendoza sky. In pairs, threes, in groups or solitary, in good stride, slowly, trotting !, each choose your pace and starts by vehicular road to the top. The summit of the arch is located 1,668 meters high and since Sunday to 1125 meters. This elevation of 543 meters runs exactly 4.51 kilometers. One thing to note: the slope of this rise is similar to that between Plaza de Mulas and shelter Canada, Aconcagua, and half between that and Condors Nest. Leaving aside the obvious height difference, for those aspiring to address the Stone Sentinel may be a good reference as to train the Arc overcome the unevenness just 8 miles from downtown Mendoza. Impressive brightness of the moon invites move forward with confidence and aplomb. While physical resists, is a delight view the silhouette of each hill so clearly, well above the moon in all its splendor and starry sky as you can not see it from the city. When the air becomes scarce passed bill and legs, you can only think about getting, and nothing else matters anymore. For those who look to reach the summit it can take about 45 minutes and twice for those not so used. The inevitable photograph the landmark summit, the magnificent view of the city lights, and take a brief return elongation, possibly Insuma same time as it must be done carefully to avoid injury or falls. The decline has another incentive that important: The Gate of Quebrada expect, after midnight, delicious empanadas, the best asado, good wine and new friends to share impressions of the beautiful experience. Domingo excited to see that more and more people come to enjoy their experience, each month will be repeated until the cold of autumn, during the full moon. Must.
Article published in magazine SUMMIT, October 2012
