Aconcagua Climb

At more than 6970 m high, Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside Asia. Our ascent is via the North Ridge (normal route), which offers straightforward but very arduous climbing on mainly scree and snow, requiring minimal technical skill. With an altitude gain of over 3000m. in 7-8 days, acclimatization is essential in the days preceding the climb.

We begin by climbing a small trekking peak in Puente del Inca, followed by a 3-day approach trek to our base camp. The slower pace on the first few days is essential for a proper acclimatization. Porters will help us on the climb to establish our first camp, so that we can save our energy for the summit push.

Day 01 - Mendoza
Arrive in Mendoza in the morning. We will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel. Group meeting at hotel. Formal introductions of the group and guides. Review gear with guides. Time to go and rent the appropriate personal gear. Overnight at a Mendoza hotel. (D)

Day 02 - Mendoza - Puente del Inca
After breakfast permits are checked before departing by bus for Puente del Inca. Dinner and overnight accommodations at Mountain Hotel (Hotel Ayelen in Penitentes – 2500m). (B,L,D)

Day 03 - Confluencia
Hike to Confluencia at 3300 m (10,800 ft). After registering at the ranger station, we follow the Horcones Valley along a well traveled trail. It is a 3 to 4-hour walk to our camp. Optional hike up Cerro Banderitas (3,300m) in Puente del Inca. (B,L,D)

Day 04 - Plaza Francia/Confluencia
Hike to Plaza Francia at 4000 m (13500 ft). This is the base of the impressive South face of Aconcagua.
The huge walls drop more than 3000m. Hanging glaciers and rocky rims offer an amazing landscape. Approximate hiking time - 6-8 hours. Return to Confluencia Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 05 - Confluencia/Plaza de Mulas
Hike to Plaza de Mulas (4300 m / 14,000 ft). After an early start we continue along the western flanks of Aconcagua to arrive at our base camp. Here we will stay at the Plaza de Mulas Mountain Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 06 - Plaza de Mulas
Rest day. (B,L,D)

Day 07 - Plaza de Mulas
Today you will carry equipment approximately 4-5 hours to Camp I at 5150 m (17,000 ft). Return to Plaza de Mulas for dinner and overnight (B,L,D)

Day 08 - Camp 1
Climb to Camp 1. This camp, also known as Cambio de Pendiente or Camp Alaska is situated on a spectacular terrace. An ideal spot to capture the beauty of a sunset in the Andes. (B,L,D)

Day 09 - Camp 1
Rest day, light walks. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - High Camp
Climb to High Camp (Berlin) at 5900 m./19,500 ft. An early departure will allow us to arrive at Berlin early enough to rest, eat and hydrate before our bid for the summit. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Summit Bid
High Camp climb to the summit of Aconcagua (6,959m/22,900 ft).

Breakfast at 4:30 a.m. This is the longest day of the trip, for which you need to follow your guide's indications closely. You will follow a slow and steady pace to save energy for the last steep section known as the Canaleta. Climbing this section usually takes several hours due to the lack of oxygen. After our summit shots and short celebration we return to our high Camp, Berlin. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Plaza de Mulas
Return to Plaza de Mulas. Celebration dinner and overnight at mountain hotel (Plaza de Mulas). (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Plaza de Mulas/Puente del Inca
Hike out to Puente del Inca. The mules will carry all our loads and we'll enjoy the hike with only a day pack. We will stop to get our customary 'lomito and cerveza'. Possibility of staying one night in Penitentes lodge or straight return to Mendoza for a late dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Puente del Inca/Mendoza
Transfer to Mendoza Airport. (B)

Day 15 - Extra day
We count on this day in case there are delays due to unstable weather or other factors. Transfer to airport.

Note: This is a proposed itinerary and is subject to change due to weather conditions, mountain conditions, group characteristics and unforeseen circumstances. Taking this in consideration, we added “wildcard” days and layover days are a possibility. When planning your travel dates, please give yourself a couple of ‘wild card’ days for this reason. We are not be responsible for any extra costs for missed flights, extra ground transportation costs or extra hotel nights due to delays in returning to Mendoza.

Porters: we include a porter to take our group gear to Camp 1. Extra personal porters can be hired at base camp. Please let us know and we’ll provide you with the appropriate quotation and reservation for this service