Overview
Climbing Aconcagua is an adventure of a lifetime, taking on the highest trekking peak in the world (6,960m), as you don’t need technical climbing skills. Trek for 18 days with a small group, guided by a team of mountain experts on a seriously strenuous but extraordinary journey. Located in the Principal Cordillera of the Andes, follow the Normal Route, which is the one with the highest success route. With plenty of acclimatisation days built in, stay at a mix of tent dorms and small tents, with views along the way such as from Plaza Francia (4,000m), Nido de Condores (5,560m) and of course the great summit itself.
Please note that the tour price does not include the park entrance fee, of approximately $800.
- Aconcagua summit
- Mendoza
- Aconcagua Provincial Park
Itinerary
Day 1: Mendoza
Arrive at the international airport in Mendoza and meet our local representative for a transfer to your hotel. Group meeting in the afternoon with your guides and other team members. Spend the evening exploring Mendoza, the centre of wine-making in Argentina.
Accommodation: Hotel Diplomatic or similar in Mendoza
Day 2: Mendoza (760m) – Penitentes (2,700m)
After breakfast, pay the entrance fee at the Aconcagua Park Office (if not already paid). Organise your luggage and transfer with the guides to our local representative’s office to meet the staff and finalise arrangements. From here, it is a 3h drive to the mountain hotel in Los Penitentes. In the afternoon, prepare equipment for transportation by mules to the base camp.
- Driving time: 3h
- Accommodation: mountain refuge in Penitentes
- Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 3: Penitentes (2,700m) – Horcones (2,950m) – Confluencia (3,390m)
Start the day with a transfer to the Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance (10mins) in Horcones, and take in the first view of the mountain. After permits are checked at the Ranger Station, start trekking to Confluencia. Once there, organise your personal gear, and enjoy dinner. Gear is divided into two loads: one for high altitude and one to remain with you in Confluencia. High-altitude gear is transported by mules to base camp and consists of your crampons, ice axe, high-altitude boots, etc.
- Walking for the day: 4-5h, ↑440m
- Accommodation: tents/dormitory tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box, dinner
Day 4: Confluencia (3,390m) – Plaza Francia (4,000m) – Confluencia (3,390m)
Today is an acclimatisation day and is included in order to help you adjust to the elevations which can greatly increase your chances of reaching the summit. Trek to Plaza Francia viewpoint, with a superb view of Aconcagua. Plaza Francia is also the base camp for expeditions undertaking climbs on the highly technical south face.
- Walking for the day: 7-8h, ↑610m, ↓610m
- Accommodation: tents/dormitory tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box, dinner
Day 5: Confluencia (3,390m) – Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m)
Early in the morning, start by walking across Playa Ancha, a deserted and windy valley. Slowly gain altitude while walking up to Horcones Superior Valley. After 8-9h hiking across Playa Ancha and climbing up through a very steep path, arrive at Plaza de Mulas. By the end of the day, you should start to feel the altitude. At base camp, meet the ascent team. A mess tent is set up for all meals, briefings and general use.
- Walking for the day: 8-9h, ↑910m
- Accommodation: tents/dormitory tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box, dinner
Day 6: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m) acclimatisation day
The first day in base camp is always a rest day, time to drink plenty of water and eat well. This is a good opportunity to familiarise yourself with the camp, take a shower and explore the area. Get together with the guides, do a medical check-up, reorganise and review the equipment, prepare the loads and organise food for transportation for the next day.
- Accommodation: tents/dormitory tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m) – Camp 1 Plaza Canada (5,050m) – Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m)
Begin the day by carrying some of the equipment and food to Camp 1, Plaza Canada. Keep your backpack light and carry as little as possible in order to be able to gradually adapt to the altitude.. Finally, return to Plaza de Mulas for the night.
- Walking for the day: 5-6h, ↑750m, ↓750m
- Accommodation: tents/dormitory tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box, dinner
Day 8: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m) acclimatisation day
Second acclimatisation day.
- Accommodation: tents/dormitory tents
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m) – Camp 1 Plaza Canada (5,050m)
After breakfast, start the ascent to Camp 1. After walking 5-6h on easy terrain, arrive at Camp 1. Meet with the supplies brought the day before, assemble camp and then divide the load for the following days walking.
- Walking for the day: 5-6h, ↑750m
- Accommodation: tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Camp 1 Plaza Canada (5,050m) – Camp 2 Nido de Condores (5,560m)
Today, move from Plaza Canada to Camp 2, named Nido de Cóndores (Condors’ Nest) at 5,550m. The trek heads towards what looks like a saddle, quickly gaining altitude before reaching Cambio de Pendiente. From here, the inclination of the trail decreases considerably. Finally, take a gradual traverse towards Nido de Cóndores, offering some of the most incredible views in the Andes.
- Walking for the day: 3-4h, ↑510m
- Accommodation: tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores (5,560m) acclimatisation day
Today is another acclimatisation day.
- Accommodation: tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores (5,560m) – Camp 3 Plaza Cólera (5,970m)
Early in the morning, after breakfast and striking camp, begin the ascent to Camp 3, where camp is set up prior to the summit attempt. From here you get a chance to take in views of the highest peaks of the Central Andes. Cólera is strategically located and well protected from strong winds. Generally this is just a one night stay prior to attempting the summit, but you may stay one or two additional days here if required. The guide individually reviews each member of the group and gives his final recommendations, working together to plan the final strategies for the last day of ascent to reach the summit.
- Walking for the day: 3-4h, ↑410m
- Accommodation: tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13: summit day Camp 3 Plaza Cólera (5,970m) – North Summit (6,962m) – Camp 3 Plaza Cólera (5,970m)
The day begins at 05.00. This is the most demanding day of the expedition. Continue on the Normal Route up to Independence Refuge (6,380m), before ascending the Portezuelo del Viento, where strong winds can be experienced even on calm days. Pass by the superior part of the Western Face and climb La Canaleta, a 300m col that reaches the edge of the summit. From here, head across Filo del Guanaco, the ridge joining the South Summit (6,930m) to the North Summit (6,962m). Here, the Southern Wall of Aconcagua is directly under your feet, considered one of the largest faces in the world. Reach the summit at 6,962m, taking time to enjoy the view, and celebrate your achievement then return to Camp 3.
- Walking for the day: 10-12h, ↑992m, ↓992m
- Accommodation: tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 14 and 15: contingency days
These spare two days included in case of bad weather or acclimatisation issues. Your guides assess all these factors and make decisions regarding timing and route as best suits this particular expedition. Any attempt is made under optimum conditions but it’s important to accept that weather on Aconcagua is volatile and decisions are made accordingly and entirely at the discretion of the guides. If these days are not used, you can stay at base camp to rest and enjoy the mountain landscapes.
- Accommodation: tents
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 16: Camp 3 Plaza Cólera (5,970m) – Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m)
Return from Camp 3 to base camp for a special reception and celebration dinner.
- Walking for the day: 5-7h, ↓1670m
- Accommodation: tents/dormitory dorm
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 17: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,300m) – Penitentes (2,700m)/Mendoza (760m)
After breakfast, start the descent from Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes. You are then transferred to the hotel in Mendoza.
- Walking for the day: 7h, ↓1,600m; driving time: 3h
- Accommodation: Hotel Diplomatic or similar in Mendoza
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box
Day 18: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
- Meals: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a 5* hotel in Mendoza and a mountain refuge in Penitentes. At base camps, accommodation is in small tents or dormitory tents for four or eight people, with men and women in separate tents when possible. During the treks in the high mountains, accommodation is in two-person tents.
Click here to view default hotels
- Hotel Diplomatic (Mendoza)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All meals are included on the mountain. At base camp meals are prepared daily by the cooks with fresh ingredients, thanks to having logistics for transporting supplies and to food storage facilities in the camp, such as freezers and refrigerators. The menu includes, among other things, fresh fruit, meat, chicken, vegetables, fresh eggs, bread and much more. Meals are well balanced and high in energy to meet energy requirements for the ascent. Dietary requirements and allergies can also be considered, please note these on booking.
Difficulty and terrain
This trip is graded strenuous. You should be in excellent physical condition and have solid experience of multi-day high mountain trekking (we might ask you to prove your experience before confirming your booking). Mountaineering experience is preferred but not essential. Sometimes even if you are fit, the weather conditions will not allow us to complete the trek – as safety is our primary concern, the decision whether to continue or not is entirely at the discretion of our tour guide. The effect of altitude should not be underestimated (read more about difficulty grades).
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a significant concern when trekking above 3,500m and although our itinerary is designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from AMS by providing enough acclimatisation days before the actual trek and ensuring a gradual increase in altitude, each individual is affected differently. If you have any pre-existing health conditions that you think may make you more susceptible to AMS, we recommend that you consult your doctor before booking this trip.
When to go
This trip is available from November until February on selected dates. Private departures can be arranged.
The best time for climbing in the Aconcagua region is from December to March. The weather then is relatively stable but be warned the weather can still change quickly. The winds can be very strong on Aconcagua, especially higher up. High winds on summit day are a common feature of this mountain. It can also get extremely cold on the upper slopes of the mountain, temperatures can drop to ‐20C degrees or more with the wind chill factor. It is essential that you are suitably prepared for the climb. Mendoza, at 760m, enjoys a Mediterranean style climate in summer, as a result of a rain shadow effect from Aconcagua and other Andean peaks that separate it from the Pacific Ocean and prevailing weather.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
The recommended arrival and departure airport is Mendoza Airport (MDZ).
Departure from Mendoza:
- Mendoza International Airport is easily reachable by taxi from your hotel (10-15mins, $4-6).
Inclusions
Included
- Professional mountain guide. Experienced and qualified to operate in Aconcagua
- Assistance with the procedures to obtain the permit to enter Aconcagua Provincial Park
- Ground transportation in private vehicles. Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel in Mendoza / return transfer Mendoza – Penitentes – park entrance
- Two nights accommodation in Mendoza
- One night accommodation in Penitentes
- Transportation by mules for personal equipment Penitentes Base Camp-Penitentes
- Lodging at base camps in mountain tents or dormitory tents for four or eight persons and in high camps in mountain tents. Hot showers available
- All meals and drinking water included on the mountain
- Fully equipped dining dome at base camps. Exclusive restrooms for our clients
- Internet and device charging at base camps
- Facility for the storage and care of equipment
- Full porter service to carry double tents and waste
- Communications between high camps, base camp, Penitentes and Mendoza
Excluded
- International or local flights
- Airport transfer on departure day
- Visa fees and park entry fee. Park entry fee is currently $800, subject to change. Prices for permits are released a few weeks before the climbing season and can be accessed here: www.aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Rescue costs or other costs due to the abandonment of the expedition (riding mule, pack mule, individual transfers, extra nights, meals, extra costs for changes in your flight ticket, personal porter service, etc.) – It is highly recommended to take travel insurance to cover these expenses
- Extra nights in a hotel – in case you decide on an early return to the city
- Transfer Penitentes – Mendoza – in case of early return
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary. E.g. lunches/dinners in Mendoza. Lunch on day two of the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Tips for guides and porters
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own (only applies to nights in Mendoza and Penitentes).
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Private porters
Additional trekking information
Baggage transfers
In Penitentes and Plaza de Mulas you can leave your equipment in storage with peace of mind as luggage is supervised during the ascent.
Trekking gear
We recommend bringing three types of bags for your Aconcagua expedition: a large duffle bag (80-90l), an expedition rucksack (70l-90l) and a light daypack (30-35l). Specialist gear is required for this expedition and a comprehensive gear list will be provided in the pre‐departure information pack.
- For the hike into base camp, we use mules to carry most gear and supplies. You only carry your daypack (water, snacks, camera, jacket, sunscreen, etc)
- From base camp to high camps you can expect to carry all of your personal gear plus a share of the common gear (although we provide porters for group equipment). On average, a fully-loaded Aconcagua backpack weighs 18-24 kg.
We offer our own reliable team of porters to carry gear up and down the mountain. Each porter carries up to 20kg from base camp to any given camp and down from high camp or other camps to base camp. On our trips we include one porter for every four climbers, to carry common gear only when the group moves from one camp to the next. Porters don’t assist in the cache and carry trips on day seven (i.e. not when the group carries gear to a cache and comes back to camp).
Personal porters can be booked upon request, please make sure you enquire within plenty of time. We offer a personal porter service at a convenient price, it includes transportation of personal gear to high camps of up to 20kg. Note that the personal porter carries the equipment on the day the group is moving to the next camp, he does not go with you or set up tents or melt snow.
Guide to trekker ratio
Our groups are small (up to 12 people) and our departures are always guaranteed for the dates provided. You can also book a private departure.
- 1 to 3 clients: one guide for the entire expedition
- 4 to 5 clients: one guide for the entire expedition plus one assistant guide from base camp – summit – base camp
- 6 to 8 clients: two guides for the entire expedition
- 9-10 clients: two guides for the entire expedition plus one assistant guide from base camp – summit – base camp
- 11 to 12 clients: three guides for the entire expedition
- If we reach 13 climbers in a group, we split the group
Camping equipment provided :
- Tents: we use the best mountain tents available at base camps. We also have exclusive dormitory tents for four or eight persons, with bunk beds, electric lights and carpet. At high camps we provide double tents – The North Face Ve25 or similar.
- Dining tents: The dining domes are completely equipped with tables, chairs, dishes and electricity, to provide the highest comfort and quality service.
- Restroom: You have the use of exclusive restrooms for our clients.There are also traditional toilets in Confluencia and in Plaza de Mulas.
- Showers: We include hot showers at base camps, using hot water from solar water heaters in Aconcagua Provincial Park.
