Climbers ascending Aconcagua | Angel Armesto
Climbers ascending Aconcagua  | Angel Armesto
Ideal weather conditions on Aconcagua  | Angel Armesto
Amazing scenery as we ascend Aconcagua  | Angel Armesto
Climbing towards the summit of Aconcagua  | Angel Armesto
At 6960m, Argentina's Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere  | Angel Armesto
Clear weather conditions on Aconcagua  | Angel Armesto
Stunning views from the summit of Aconcagua  | Angel Armesto
Climbers celebrate on Aconcagua's summit  | Angel Armesto

Aconcagua Expedition

Summit the highest point in the Americas

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 3 reviews

20 Days from

$6990 USD

Trip Code: ACE
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Private Porter
$730 USD

Duration

  • 20 Days

Activities

  • 17 day trek/mountaineering

Accommodation

  • 2 nights hotel
  • 17 nights refugio/camping

Meals

  • 17 Dinners
  • 16 Lunches
  • 19 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

9 / 10

Intermediate Mountaineering Expedition

Technical Grading  

Basic

Trip highlights

  • Climb Aconcagua, South America's highest mountain, and one of the Seven Summits
  • Undertake a fully supported expedition including all services above base camp
  • Be guided by a highly experienced, suitably qualified leader
  • Spend time in delightful Mendoza, heart of the wine country in the north of Argentina
  • Climb the normal route via the North West face with a higher summit success rate on a longer trip than most to allow for ample acclimatisation
  • Enjoy quality services including all meals on the mountain, dome tents and hot showers in some campsites
  • Excellent safety equipment including radios communication to base camp medical teams and access to portable altitude chamber and emergency oxygen if required

Overview

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America and the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia, rising 1000m above its neighbours and visible from the Pacific coast 100 kilometers away. Our itinerary allows time for acclimatisation and establishing higher camps before attempting the summit via the 'normal route'. While this is not a technical climb, the combination of extreme altitude, volatile weather and the need to complete up to 12 hours of sustained climbing on summit day ensures a very challenging expedition. Our mountaineering guides have led many climbers to the summit of Aconcagua and their knowledge of the mountain along with excellent base camp services and support will ensure your best chances of success.

Itinerary

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On arrival on day one, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the designated group hotel, which will be confirmed prior to departure. In the evening there will be a detailed expedition briefing at about 6pm. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have of your expedition leader. Later we will dine at one of Mendoza's many enjoyable outdoor restaurants. Argentinians like to eat late - 11pm is quite normal, but we will start dinner before that!

Meals: Nil

In the morning we will finalise our climbing permits and then leave for the mountains, stopping en-route for lunch at the small town of Uspallata. Our final destination is the small mountain refuge at Las Cuevas on the Chile/Argentina border. We will take a quick detour to view the natural bridge and hot springs at Puente del Inca. We stay in a comfortable mountain refuge for a few nights of acclimitisation before our hike to Base Camp

Meals: B,D

It is a 4 – 5 hour round trip, following the abandoned narrow gauge rail road. We will visit the ruins of the former rail station, which connected the Argentinean system, based on a Diesel Propelled locomotive, to the Chilean standard gauge electric one. We first climb along the debris of a glacier avalanche. It's a gorgeous combination of huge black-brown-red boulders, in contrast to the green high altitude grass. The glacier named “Glaciar del Hombre Cojo” literally translates as "One Leg Men Glacier", due to it's shape which resembles a mutilated looking man from the distance. It's one of the only glaciers in the Argentinean Andes. Overnight at Las Cuevas.

Meals: B,L,D

From the refuge, we follow a road towards what used to be the international customs pass to Chile before the tunnel was built. There is a large monument of Jesus on the top, made of cast bronze, using melted bullets from a territorial conflict in 1978 between the two countries. The aim of this memorial is to celebrate the cooperation among Argentina and Chile in solving the territorial differences. Today is another important day for acclimatisation, prior to entering Aconcagua National Park. Return to our refuge in the late afternoon.

Meals: B,L,D

A relatively easy hike today from the Aconcagua Park Gate at Horcones to our campsite at Confluencia. It takes approximately 4 hours to get there, on a reasonably gentle slope, following the Horcones Valley. There are great views of the sheer south face of Aconcagua, ample running water, and views of the huge Horcones Conglomerate towers raising above the cliffs.

Meals: B,L,D

From Confluencia, we will follow the Lower Horcones River Valley, towards Plaza Francia, base camp for expeditions undertaking climbs on the highly technical south face. This is a great day for photography, with some of the best views of the mountain available towards the end of this valley. It's also another valuable day for acclimitisation, preparing you for your arrival at base camp tomorrow. We will return to Confluencia in the afternoon.

Meals: B,L,D

Following the Horcones Valley, we will walk along a long flat moraine toward the end of the valley, where the “Cerro Dedos” rise above the others. It's a long walk and reasonably demanding. Close to Plaza de Mulas we will climb the “Cuesta Brava”. In those old days, mules would struggle over the ice in this location, however nowadays it's a broad and easy trail.

Meals: B,L,D

Today is set aside as a rest day while we acclimitise. Sleep in, prepare your pack for the climb and eat a lot, we normally enjoy a huge brunch, having pancakes, spring rolls, eggs, fruits, and salads. A good day to laze around. This is all part of acclimatisation and is essential for your well being.

Meals: B,L,D

The 'normal route' is shorter in distance than other routes in Aconcagua, meaning the trail is necessarily steeper in sections. It is a non-technical trail, with minimal exposure, and is generally snow free later in the season. From Plaza de Mulas, we gain 700m along a rather steep and winding trail to Camp Canada. There is a good chance of running water from a nearby stream, so it's a perfect place to stay for a few days if needed. The itinerary during this period is flexible and subject to change dependent on the normal range of variables such as group health and weather that are encountered in the mountains. Expedition members must remain flexible, patient and ready to climb when conditions allow.

Meals: B,L,D

Heading towards what looks like a saddle, we will quickly gain altitude until we reach “Cambio de Pendiente”. Literally it means Change of Slope, as the inclination of the trail decreases considerably from that point. Further above Cambio de Pendiente, there is a gradual traverse towards Nido de Condores, a flat spot offering some of the most incredible views in the Andes. This is a magical spot, with memorable sunrises and sunsets from high on the mountain.

Meals: B,L,D

We follow the trail towards the Berlin Refuge's area, it will take us 3 - 3.5 hours to gain 500 meters to reach Camp Cholera, where we will establish our campsite prior to our summit attempt. Cholera is a flat yellowish sulphur area reasonably well protected from strong winds, and often clear of snow. It's generally just a one night stay prior to going for the summit, but we may spend one additional day here if required.

Meals: B,L,D

During this period we will make our summit attempt. As you probably appreciate there is no set schedule during this period. There are many factors involved which include your own personal rate of acclimatisation, weather and snow conditions. Your guides will assess all these factors and make decisions regarding timing and route as best suits this particular expedition. Any attempt will be made under optimum conditions but it should be realised that the weather on Aconcagua is volatile and decisions are made accordingly. If conditions suit we will go to Camp 3 at Piedra Blanca (5900 m) which is a three to five hour steady climb from Camp 2. Or we may find it better to go to the summit straight from Camp 2. The Summit bid - after breakfast and tea are served to you in your tents, we leave at around 4 or 5 am. It is very important to be ready on time. It is a very long way and the summit sometimes disappears in afternoon clouds so that is why it is necessary to leave early. By walking slowly and steadily, we eventually reach the Canaleta, which is the last obstacle between you and the summit. This is a big day at very high altitudes and a lot of determination and effort is needed to reach your goal. (10 to 15 hours walking - carrying only lunch and water)

Meals: B,L,D

We return from High camp to Base Camp in one day, loaded up with everything so our packs are heavy. Porters will help us in carrying group gear.

Meals: B,L,D

Walking feels wonderful in the soft warm air after the colder nights on the mountain. Today is a 26km trek from Plaza de Mulas back to the roadhead. We arrive at Punta de Vacas early in the afternoon where transport will be waiting to drive us back to Mendoza. We should arrive in Mendoza sometime in the early evening after a long days travel. Final celebration dinner in Mendoza this evening!

Meals: B

After breakfast and a departure transfer to the airport our trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • Outstanding English speaking professional mountain guide
  • 19 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 17 dinners
  • 2 nights in good quality accommodation in Mendoza
  • 17 nights in twin share mountain refuges (except Las Cuevas where it may be necessary to multishare) and camping on the mountain
  • Group camping equipment - including tents and cooking equipment
  • Pack animals to carry all group and personal gear (20kg) to and from base camp
  • Group medical kit
  • All group food supplies (except lunch) and tents/group camping equipment are carried by porters for the group whilst on the mountain.
  • Excellent safety equipment including radios communication to base camp medical teams and access to portable altitude chamber and emergency oxygen if required
  • Airport transfers for those arriving on day 1 and departing on day 20

Not included

  • Aconcagua Provincial Park climbing fee, currently US$800 subject to change
  • Trekking and climbing equipment of a personal nature (See gear list provided)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional nights in Mendoza beyond those listed
  • Additional nights in Base Camp beyond those listed (approx US$120 per night, subject to change)
  • Private porter above base camp (available for additional charge)
  • All costs associated with early departure from the expedition
  • Items of a personal nature ie excess baggage costs, beverages, laundry and phone calls
  • International flights and departure taxes
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel Insurance and Emergency evacuation charges
  • Visas

About your guide

Your leader will be highly experienced, suitably qualified and well versed supporting climbers in high altitude environments meet their goals safely.

Reviews (3)

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