Nine hundred and fifty kilometers covered in 20 days through white salt deserts and endless dirt roads. The final act: the long ascent of Aconcagua, which at 6,961 meters is the highest peak in South America. This is the epic story of a journey undertaken by two Italians, Valter Perlino and Sebastiano Audisio, who with their project, Caravanserai, have traveled the world over the last 25 years, traversing lunar landscapes, arid deserts, and the highest peaks on Earth.
Cycle-alpinism, a hybrid and unconventional discipline, is captivating an increasing number of mountain enthusiasts. This sport combines the thrill of adventure on two wheels with the opportunity to reach some of the world’s most prestigious summits. Long stretches are pedaled, the bicycle is pushed when necessary, and it is literally carried on the back when the route becomes too steep. Then, when the bikes have to be left behind, boots and crampons are donned for the final climb.
The highest peak of the Americas, Aconcagua, was the ultimate destination of the latest adventure for Valter Perlino, a veterinarian from Pinerolo, and our ambassador, Sebastiano Audisio, a nurse, ski instructor, and bike tour guide. Two Piedmontese who have been challenging the most prestigious peaks for 25 years with mountain bikes and boots, from the Himalayas to Mongolia, from the Arctic Circle to Kyrgyzstan. The climb was completed at the end of 2023. "We had set our sights on it for a while," Valter explained, "but we delayed the departure because these adventures need to be savored. Dreamed, lived, and then remembered."
The spirit of adventure flows through the veins of this pair of friends. "We are driven by the pleasure of breaking the mold, getting off the couch, and shedding unnecessary comforts. This, for us, is traveling with a capital 'T'. We are essentially Peter Pans, with a great desire for spontaneity, genuine feelings, vitality, and curiosity that come from the heart." Valter and Seba named their cycle-alpine venture “Caravan Andes Tour Bike in Merica,” inspired by the expression “Vado in Merica” used long ago by Piedmontese emigrating overseas.
The last expedition was endorsed by Stefania Belmondo, the two-time Olympic cross-country skiing champion, who 25 years ago was the first patron of the "Caravanserai - Mongolia 1998" project and has returned to support and share a passion for great bicycle traverses.
"We wanted to ‘travel slow’," Valter continued, "without strictly predefined itineraries. It’s a way to stop endlessly chasing what is useful, what brings an immediate economic return, to instead do what we enjoy. It’s a kind of game, really."
The Epic Journey through Deserts and Peaks
The journey began in Bolivia, from the tiny village of Colchani, near the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt desert. Valter and Seba headed south on their mountain bikes equipped with everything needed: a three-person tent, sleeping bags, food, cold weather clothing, stoves, and, of course, plenty of water. Crossing the Ruta de Las Joyas and the Paso del Inca, they entered Chile, reaching San Pedro de Atacama, before tackling the challenging Paso de Sico route into Argentina.
Between bureaucratic hurdles and sudden snowfalls, the two cycle-alpinists continued their march towards Aconcagua, traversing enchanting places like Olacapato and the Las Coloradas desert, until the picturesque Campo de Piedra Pómez.
After 20 days of pedaling, sometimes pushing their bikes through deep sands, the bike journey concluded at El Peñón. From there, Valter and Seba moved to Mendoza for acclimatization and final preparations for the climb.
The Ascent of Aconcagua
Starting from Punta las Vacas, they initially aimed to reach the summit via the Polish Route but switched to the Normal Route due to unstable weather conditions. With three phases of trekking, they reached the base camp at Plaza Argentina at 4,100 meters. From there, strong winds impacted the first days of the climb, but Valter and Seba did not give up. Step by step, they reached the base camps at 4,900, 5,500, and 6,000 meters, before tackling the final push to the summit of Aconcagua on December 9, 2023.
The Essence of Adventure
"Our conquest? No," they told us, "we never conquer mountains. They conquer us." This is the true spirit of adventure: the discovery of breathtaking landscapes, the personal challenge against nature and oneself.
To undertake such endeavors, having the right clothing is essential. Great Escapes is proud to sponsor these outdoor adventures, allowing those who undertake them to enjoy the wonders of the world in complete freedom and with maximum comfort. Whether it’s scorching deserts or snowy peaks, Great Escapes' outdoor apparel is the ideal companion for every adventurer.
And you, are you ready for your next great adventure?
