Test your limits at high altitude and embark on a once in a lifetime journey to the top of Argentina’s highest Mountain on our Expedition Mount Aconcagua!

 

At (6,962m / 22,842 ft.) high, Mount Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the West and the second highest summit in the circuit of the seven summits, but it is not technically challenging, its difficulty lies in its high altitude and the low temperatures.

 

We have therefore, put together a 20-day package designed to provide maximum safety on the mountain, the best possible acclimatization, and two extra days in case of bad weather or any other unforeseen circumstance they may delay your summit attempt.

 

You adventure starts in the city of Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range in Argentina.  Your itinerary has been specially developed to give you the greatest opportunity to acclimatise and achieve your goal, and so you will start slowly and make your way to the 6,962m peak of Mount Aconcagua at a gradual pace.

 

Itinerary Overview

 

Day 1: MENDOZA (760metres)

 

Arrive in Mendoza, and make your way to your hotel in Mendoza city. After a couple of hours to rest, you will meet with your guide for a mandatory climb orientation session including equipment checks.  If necessary, your guide will accompany you to hire any items you may need for your climb, before leaving you to enjoy an evening at your leisure – and an early night!

Overnight: NH Cordillera Hotel (or similar)

 

Day 2: MENDOZA / PENITENTES (2,725 metres)

After breakfast today, you will complete the permit process in the morning, before boarding your private bus to the town of Penitentes, where you will stop for lunch and spend the night in Penitentes hostel. In the afternoon, the mules are loaded and prepared for the following day. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: PENITENTES / CONFLUENCIA (3,300 metres)

After breakfast today, you will transfer to the entrance of the Park where you will present your permits and start your expedition trekking to Confluencia Camp, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way.  On arrival at the base camp, you will set up your tent and have a few hours to relax before dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4: CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA FRANCIA (4,000 metres) / CONFLUENCIA

Today you will trek to Plaza Francia at the base of the south face of Mt. Aconcagua. Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch and spectacular views, before returning Confluencia. This trekking is considered part of the acclimatization process, fundamental to your expedition. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5: CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA DE MULAS (4,260 metres)

After breakfast today, you will trek approximately eight hours to the Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Plaza de Mulas will be your base camp for the next five nights, and has all the necessary commodities to be as comfortable as possible.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6: PLAZA DE MULAS

Acclimatization Day. After a leisurely breakfast, you will take a short trek in Plaza de Mulas area to contemplate the beauty of the mountain.  You will spend the afternoon preparing your crampons and any other equipment that may be necessary at high altitude.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7: PLAZA DE MULAS / MT. BONETE (5,100 metres) / PLAZA DE MULAS

Another important day for acclimatization, today you will trek to Mt. Bonete summit at 5,100 metres.  This climb will take approximately six hours to complete, and is highly effective at turning on the “acclimatization mechanisms” in the body.  You will then return to Plaza de Mulas in time for dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8: PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 “CANADÁ” / PLAZA DE MULAS

Today, you will carry supplies to Camp 1 – Plaza Canada. Every member of the group will carry – without exception – a load weighing a maximum of 10kg.  This load will include food, altitude equipment, and any other necessities required for the rest of the expedition. You will enjoy a picnic lunch at Camp 1 before returning to Plaza de Mulas for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 9: PLAZA DE MULAS

Today you will spend a final day at Plaza de Mulas for acclimatization purposes. After a short walk around the area, you will prepare your equipment and rest-up, so you are mentally and physically prepared for the next few days.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10: PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 “CANADÁ”

After breakfast today, you will trek approximately three hours back up to Camp 1 – Canada.  You will carry only your personal equipment (detailed below), the porters will carry all the tents, sleeping equipment and cooking utensils.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy a nice picnic lunch before setting up your tents for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11: CAMP 1 “CANADÁ” / CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES” (5,250m)

Today, you will continue your ascent to Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores”, which will take approximately four hours. On this day, every member of the group will carry their own personal equipment and 5kg of supplies.  The porters will carry everything else.  Upon arrival in Nido de Cóndores, you will have a picnic lunch, set up your tents, and spend the afternoon relaxing.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 12: CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES” / CAMP 3 “BERLÍN” (5,900 metres)

After breakfast today, you will climb to Camp 3 “Berlin”, which will be the last altitude camp before the summit. This will be a short hike, around 3 hours, but you will need all your strength due to the characteristics of this part of the route. You will carry your personal equipment and 5 kg of supplies, the porters will carry the sleeping tents and the rest of the expedition equipment.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 13: CAMP 3 “BERLIN” / SUMMIT (6,962 metres) / CAMP 3 “BERLIN”

Today is the day you have been dreaming about, and after a very early morning wake-up call and breakfast, you will begin your ascent from Camp 3 to the Summit of Mount Aconcagua.  Each member will carry just a small backpack with essential supplies (water, gloves etc.), and you will trek very slowly to Aconcagua’s highest peak at 6,962 metres above sea level. After taking a moment to catch your breath (literally), you can begin to enjoy the view and celebrate your amazing achievement!  You will have plenty of time to take photos and videos before you descend back down to Camp 3 for a well-deserved lunch at the base camp. A tough day, but one with untold rewards, you will be more than ready for bed tonight!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14: CAMP 3 “BERLÍN”/ PLAZA DE MULAS

After a leisurely breakfast, you will descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp – a trek that will take approximately 3 hours. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please in and around the camp.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 15: PLAZA DE MULAS / PUENTE DEL INCA / MENDOZA

Today, you will make your final descent to Puente Del Inca – the last trek of the expedition. Your belongings will be carried by mules, so you will only take a light backpack with a jacket and your packed lunch. After departing the National Park Gates, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Mendoza city for a much-needed shower! The evening is yours to do as you please.

Overnight: Mendoza

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

 

Day 16: MENDOZA - Extra day for contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the program

After breakfast today, you have a free day to enjoy the beautiful city of Mendoza. We recommend taking a full-day wine / olive tasting tour. 

Overnight: Mendoza

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 17: MENDOZA - Extra day for contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the program

With another full day to enjoy Mendoza, we recommend visiting the hot pools of Thermas Cacheuta.

Overnight: Mendoza

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 18: Departure

After breakfast today, you will check out of the hotel and make your way to Mendoza airport for your return flight home.

 

NOTE: THE ABOVE ITINERARY IS INTENDED AS A GUIDELINE ONLY. ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ADHERE TO IT, CHANGES MAY BE CAUSED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, TRANSPORT FAILURE OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS. PLEASE BE FLEXIBLE IF NECESSARY.

 

 

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY

 

Aconcagua’s Normal Route is not technically difficult and you do not need to have any previous climbing experience on rock or ice, but it should not be underestimated. A good level of physical fitness, determination, and experienced mountain crew will help you reach the summit, but you should be prepared for freezing temperatures, long days on the mountain, and you may have to use crampons and fixed ropes for your security, depending on the conditions of the route.

 

 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL PREPARATION

 

As with any expedition of this kind, preparation is key, and so we strongly recommend you prepare physically and mentally to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes, learn some basic technical skills (crampon, ice axe, rope use), and complete two or three multi-day trips carrying your backpack so you are in peak condition for your climb. Mount Aconcagua is not to be likened with Mount Kilimanjaro, the trek is much longer, the terrain is different, and it is almost 1,000metres higher! 

 

The biggest problem that you will face on your expedition is the altitude effects on your body and the low temperatures on the mountain. Such effects can be reduced with the correct training and high-quality clothing and equipment (please see our Mount Aconcagua Packing Guide), but mental preparation will be the key to your success.

 

 

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

 

Please note that from Plaza de Mulas, you will be responsible for carrying your own equipment to the next base camps, so pack wisely and take only the necessities.  Should you require the services of a porter to help you transport your luggage (rather than carrying it yourself), please let us know at the time of booking.  The cost of a porter depends on the amount of days required and will be quoted accordingly.

 

 

Prices from: £3285.00 per person

 

Please complete our no-obligation contact form for further information and scheduled departure dates.