Aconcagua (6962m) is the highest peak in the world, not counting the Himalayas. Why do mountaineers want to climb this peak? Due to not requiring any special technical climbing knowledge, only winter climbing experience and being familiar with sleeping in a tent. Having this experience, climbers can reach an altitude of almost 7000m. Also, it is beneficial to know how to use an ice axe, trekking poles, and being familiar in climbing with mountaineering crampons. Our experience so far confirms that the best period for ascent is from the beginning of December to the end of February due to weather being most stable, with the least snowfalls. The ascent to Aconcagua (6962m) is organized via Plaza de Mulas BC (4200m), Via Normale route. There are also two additional altitude camps: Nido de Condores (5400m) and Colera (5900m).
Unlike others, we pay special attention to acclimatization, so our expedition takes a little bit longer. Still, our success rate is over 85%, mainly thanks to our careful preparation and acclimatization. In the Plaza de Mulas base camp, we’ll have two professional chefs who’ll take care of the team’s nutrition needs. Apart from a kitchen, we also have a dining tent, a warehouse tent for equipment, sleeping tents, and restrooms. All the equipment from Penitentes to base camp is brought by mules, while we focus on our acclimatization in Confluencia, arriving fresh to the Plaza de Mulas BC. The day of ascent is determined on the basis of satellite forecasts and arrangements with local rangers. The climb to the summit from the Berlin Camp takes about 8h and the return around 4h.
Summit information:
Name: Cerro Aconcagua – Mount Aconcagua
Elevation: 6962 m
Location: Andi, Argentina, South America
Latitude: 32˚ 39 ′ South
Longitude: 70˚ 14 ′ West
The best months to climb: December, January, February
First successful climb: Matthias Zurbriggen, 1897.
Itinerary
Mendoza
Arrival to Mendoza and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Mendoza
Breakfast. Obtaining the necessary climbing permits. Climb preparation, equipment packing, and regulation of necessary permits. Overnight stay.
Mendoza - Penitentes
Minibus transport to Penitentes (2600m). Overnight stay in the hostel.
Horkones – Confluensia
Horcones – Confluencia (3300m) trek, about 4 hours. Accommodation in the camp with beds.
Confluensia
Day intented for acclimatization. Climb to Plaza Francia (4000m) and return to the camp.
Confluensia – Plaza de Mulas
Hike to BC Plaza de Mulas (4300m), about 8 hours. Arrival to the base camp. Dinner. Overnight stay.
Plaza de Mulas
Plaza de Mulas – Medical examination (pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level…). Based on the results of the examination, an acclimatization and climbing plan is made.
Aconcagua (6962m)
Climbing to the highest summit of South America, Aconcagua (6962m). Return to BC Plaza de Mules.
Plaza de Mulas – Penitentes
Descent from Base Camp Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes (about 8h hike). Gala dinner. Overnight stay.
Penitentes - Mendoza
Returning to Mendoza by minibus (3h drive). Arrival in the city in the afternoon.
Mendoza
Free time for sightseeing and gift shopping. Departure day.