ACONCAGUA

ITINERARY - ACONCAGUA CLIMB

Every year on average 5,400 people visit the Aconcagua Provincial Park and 3,650 try reaching the summit, with about a 60% success rate.

Our mountain guides are qualified professionals of the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) and the EPGAMT (Provincial School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides). The latter qualification takes 2 years. We believe that to succeed in our expeditions, professionals with experience and the ability to offer security should guide our teams.

The expeditions are led by a mountain guide and an assistant for every 3 or 4 clients. Their equipment includes: VHF radio, a first‑aid kit. We use porters to enable our clients to move with less weight on their way to the summit and to keep all their energy for the day that they are going to get the summit. For every 3 to 4 clients there will be a porter who will be in charge of transporting the shared equipment of the expedition.

Day 1: Mendoza (760m)

We will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to the hotel. On this day our guide will check your mountain equipment and accompany you to hire the necessary things. You will lodge and enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in Mendoza city. (Food is not included)

Day 2: Mendoza / Puente del Inca (2725m)

Before going to Puente del Inca, the whole group will apply for the climbing permit with the guides’ assistance. You will have lunch and spend the night in Puente del Inca hostel. In the afternoon, the mules are loaded and prepared for the following day. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Puente del Inca / Confluencia (3300m)

The group will be taken to the entrance of the Park in a private van. There permits will be presented and you will start with the trekking to Confluencia Camp. The equipment will be carried by mules. At arrival, you will set up your tent with your partner and will be able to rest. (B, PL, D)

Day 4: Confluencia / Plaza Francia (4000m) / Confluencia

Trek to Plaza Francia, base of the south face of Mt. Aconcagua. Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a spectacular view. Then you will return to Confluencia. This trekking is considered part of the acclimatization process, fundamental in our expedition. (B, PL, D)

Day 5: Confluencia / Plaza de Mulas (4260m)

The trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp lasts around 8 hours. You will stay in our own base camp with the necessary commodities for you to be as comfortable as possible. (B, PL, D)

Day 6: Plaza de Mulas

Resting day. You will make a short trek to the glacier so as to improve your use of crampons. These kinds of activities facilitate your success in the mountain. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Plaza de Mulas / Camp 1 “Canada” (4910m) / Plaza de Mulas

Acclimatization Trek to Camp 1 “Canada” where you will have lunch and then return to the Base Camp. This trek lasts around 5 hours. (B, PL, D)

Day 8: Plaza de Mulas / Mt. Bonete (5100m) / Plaza de Mulas

Acclimatization trekking to Mt. Bonete summit and return to Plaza de Mulas. This trekking will take about 6 hours and you will reach 5.100 m of altitude. This activity will definitely turns on all the acclimatization mechanisms. (B, PL, D)

Day 9: Plaza de Mulas

Resting and acclimatization day. On this day you will make sure that your equipment is ready and you will rest to be strong for the next days that demand more effort. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Plaza de Mulas / Camp 1 “Canada”

After a 3-hour trek, you will reach Camp 1. The group will have lunch and set up tents. You will begin feeling the effects of altitude on your body. (B, PL, D)

Day 11: Camp 1 “Canada” / Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores” (5250m)

Climb to Camp 2. This trek lasts 4 hours. As on the previous days, you will set up tents with the guides’ help. You can rest after this. (B, PL, D)

Day 12: Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores” / Camp 3 “Berlín” (5900m)

Climb to Camp 3 “Berlin”. This will be a short hike, around 3 hours, but all your strength is needed due to the characteristics of this part of the route. This is the last altitude camp before the summit. (B, PL, D)

Day 13: Camp 3 “Berlin” / Summit (6962m) / Camp 3 “Berlin”

Climb from Camp 3 to the summit and return to Camp 3. The great day! The group will get up very early in the morning, have breakfast and start climbing. You will get to the summit, where you will live an unforgettable experience, and return to Berlin. You will sleep that night with the satisfaction of having reached your aim. (B, PL, D)

Day 14: Camp 3 “Berlín”/ Plaza de Mulas

You will descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. The group will have the day free to share those emotions experienced throughout the expedition. (B, PL, D)

Day 15: Plaza de Mulas / Puente del Inca / Mendoza

Descent to Puente del Inca and last trek in the expedition. Your belongings will be carried by mules so you will only take a light bag pack with a jacket and your packed lunch.

Transfer to Mendoza city. Lodge in the hotel. (B, PL)

Day 16: Mendoza

Breakfast. End of services. (B)

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

Day 18: Extra day for contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the program.

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Difficulty

Very long days with steep paths, boulders , rock and ice. Glaciers and snow will be encountered at high altitude. Increased presence of rocky glacial moraines and ice ridges. Climb entails some technical sections where ropes, crampons and ice picks may be needed. No prior Technical experience is helpful but not required. Snow gullies and ridges of around 45 degrees. Altitudes up to 6000m. High risk of altitude sickness.

Strenuous physical effort at extreme altitudes are required along with a high level of fitness, endurance and mental stamina. Several months of endurance training are required. Trek weight loss in the region of 5-9 kg.