Mercedario, Mountain summit in San Juan Province, Argentina

Cerro Mercedario is a high mountain peak in San Juan Province located in the central Andes of Argentina. It rises prominently from the surrounding landscape and displays the rugged, exposed rock formations typical of this alpine region.

The peak was first summited in 1934 during a European mountaineering expedition, marking the beginning of modern ascents. Archaeological evidence discovered later suggested that indigenous peoples had reached high elevations in this region long before.

The name Mercedario refers to the Virgen de la Merced, a Marian devotion widespread in Argentina and Chile, and the peak is also known in Chile as La Ligua. Climbers report Inca ruins just below the summit, found in 1972 by Sergio Job Gino and Antonio Beorchia Nigris, which some link to the Inca ascent for sun worship said to have taken place between 1480 and 1490.

Climbing conditions are most favorable during the southern summer months when weather patterns are most stable. Visitors should prepare for extended approaches and work with local guides or established routes to navigate safely through the terrain.

In 1972 Italians Sergio Job Gino and Antonio Beorchia Nigris, climbing the normal route, found Inca ruins just below the summit. The peak is also visible from Chile, where it was known as La Ligua. Its usual height of 6770 m is considered too high and incompatible with SRTM radar data, which gives about 6720 m.