GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Aconcagua is the highest peak in the American continent, with 6962 mts (22.840 ft). It is one of the seven summits, the selected group of highest peaks of every continent. It´s placed in the province of Mendoza, Argentina, and it is part of the Andes mountain range. Because of its location it is an expedition into the heart of the Andes, the largest mountain range in the world. To approach to the base camp we will hike following large valleys, surrounded by several peaks with beautiful rock formations and glaciers.

Aconcagua´s base camps are small towns of colorful tents that people set up and down every season. The life in camp is very special, one of the most cosmopolitan places in the country. Several mountaineers from all around the world meet in the same place with camp´s staff, cooks, porters, “arrieros” and guides, making the place a mixture of very different people but getting together for a big reason, the mountain. After few nights in BC we will start climbing to the high camps.

We left behind the comfort of the big tents, chairs and excellent food to get into a deep experience of high altitude mountaineering, living in expedition tents and moving our camp every day to get to the next one. Life in the high camps is very simple, climbing up slowly, setting up the camps, drinking a lot of tea and soup and resting long hours into the tent to acclimatize. From the high camps we will enjoy the fantastic views of the several peaks that surround Aconcagua all around.

The landscape is endless and the cold sunsets are breathtaking. The northwest route, known as “the normal route” and the Polish glacier traverse are accessible for most of the people with a very good physical condition. The challenge is not only physical, but also mental and spiritual. Big goals involve a full commitment with it. We will be pleased to have you in our groups, to share with enthusiasm one of the biggest adventures on the planet!!

Day 1: I will pick you up from the airport to Mendoza city. After you have done the check in at the hotel I will check your mountain gear for the expedition. If necessary we will rent gear at a mountain shop. Then, we will buy the permit entrance for Aconcagua Provincial Park at their office in downtown.

Day 2: We will drive 4 hours to Penitentes, a small mountain village. We will spend the night at Ayelén hotel. After the check in we will start to get ready for the expedition. Part of the gear will be carry by mules, so we will need to pack it separately.

Day 3: We will drive a short distance to Horcones, the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park, where we will hike for around 3 to 4 hours to Confluencia (3400 mts), the first camp. In Confluencia we will set up our tents and a camp service company will provide us a big tent as a dining room and food service.

Day 4: We will do an acclimatization hike to Plaza Francia (4000 mts), base camp of Aconcagua´s south face. It will take us around 7 hs to go and came back to Confluencia. Night at Confluencia camp.

Day 5: Early in the morning we will start a long trekking to Plaza de Mulas (4300), Aconcagua´s Base Camp. In Plaza de Mulas we will set up our tents and a camp service company will provide us a big tent as a dining room and food service.

Day 6: Rest day in Base Camp. We will do just a short hike to acclimatize and to get energy for the next days.

Day 7: After breakfast we will hike to camp 1, Plaza Canadá (4900 mts) to acclimatize. It will take us 4 hours to get there and 2 hours to return to base camp.

Day 8: Hike to camp 1. Night at camp 1.

Day 9: Hike to camp 2, Nido de Condores (5500 mts). It will take us around 4 to 5 hours. Night at camp 2.

Day 10: Rest day in camp 2. We will do short hikes nearby to see the landscape and acclimatize.

Day 11: Hike to camp 3, Berlín (5900 mts). After setting up the camp we will organize our gear for summit day. Night at camp 3.

Day 12: Attempt to summit!!! This will be the longest day; it will take between 8 and 10 hours to get to the top and 5 to 6 hours to return to Camp 3. Night at camp 3.

Day 13: Wild card day.

Day 14: We will descend from camp 3 to Base Camp. It will take around 6 hours. Night in Base Camp.

Day 15: A long trek to Penitentes. Night in Ayelen hotel. Celebration dinner!

Day 16: After a long breakfast we will drive back to Mendoza city. After lunch we will have a relaxed afternoon in the city, and maybe time to visit one of the famous Mendoza wineries! Salud!

Day 17: We will take you to the airport. Have a nice flight back! Fin.

Note: the altitude of the camps is just a reference. The estimated time to get from one place to another one it is also a reference. It might change depending on the weather conditions and physical conditions of the participants.

REQUIREMENTS

Level of fitness: high
Best time of the year to come: beginning of December to end of February
Duration: 17 days
Gear required: ask us to send you the list of the program.