Aconcagua Expedition

What’s included in the price?

What’s included in the price?
To maximize convenience, we include as much as possible, so you can just relax and think about climbing. Here’s what’s included:

• Airport transfers from Mendoza to hotel
• Transfers Mendoza – Penitentes –Mendoza
• Transfer Penitentes – Horcones – Penitentes
• Accommodation in 3* hotel in Mendoza (3 nights / BB)
• Breakfast and dinner in the camp – Penitentes (2 nights)
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner in the camp – Confluencia (2 nights)
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner at the base camp – Plaza de Mulas (5 nights)
• The climbing permit for Aconcagua ascent (6962m)
• Entrance fee for the National Park
• Transportation of the equipment on mules to/from Plaza de Mulas (30kg/person)
• UIAA professional English-speaking guide during the climb

Price doesn’t include the following:

• Flight ticket to & from Mendoza
• Food and beverages prepared on primuses in the first and second altitude camps / These foods are bought in Mendoza and cost an average of about 50 – 80 $.
• Personal equipment (including tents, sleeping bags, climbing gear, etc.)
• Insurance covering peaks over 6000m
• Personal expenses such as telephone, internet access, souvenirs, laundry, etc

Important note:

Food, burners & gas will be transported on the Mulas to Camp Confuensia and then to the Plaza de Mules Base Camp, along with other equipment.

You will need to cover flights; insurance and extra spend. You’ll need to book your flights to and from Mendoza, travel insurance and cover other personal expenses (etc. drinks, souvenirs…). Also, you can rent most of the equipment in Mendoza, and buy food and drinks for high camps (around 50-80 USD per person).

Conditions for participation in the expedition:

• Successful climb to a peak of 5000m or more
• Physical examinations and sports medicine test
• Having experience in winter stay in the mountain (sleeping in tents, use of walking poles, mountaneering crampons, ice axe)

What’s the mountaineering like?
The climbing is strenuous to very strenuous. The first day is a hike, that lasts 3 to 4 hours, with an easy pace. You will walk on a mountain trail. It is safe and solid. It can be windy and cold because it is more than 3.000 above sea level. The second day the hike is moderate, but you should walk slowly because it is more than 4000 above sea level. Third day you will walk 8 hours to the Plaza de Mules. The fourth day is for rest and acclimatization. During the acclimatization period on Aconcagua, your trekking day is approximately 6-8 hours. Summit day can be a difficult climb, with 8 hours trek to the summit and 3-4 hours back.

What’s the city tour like?

All-day city tour is organized with our guide and transportation. We will see the most important cultural and historical monuments in Mendoza.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?

You need a high level of fitness. The previous hiking experience at altitudes up to 4000 above sea level is mandatory. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start.

What do I need to bring with me?

1. Backpack (about 60l) and transportable waterproof bag (100-150l)
2. Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
3. Track pants (twill or something similar)
4. Gore-tex jacket and gore-tex pants
5. Feather jacket
6. Hiking Shoes (Trekking + Climbing)
7. Socks (thermal + regular)
8. Cotton T-Shirts x5
9. Active underwear x2
10. Woolen hat (or polar)
11. Cap (sun protection)
12. Polar sweatshirt
13. Gloves (Polypropylene + Polar + Gore-tex)
14. Towel and hygiene accessories
15. Sunglasses + Sunscreen (factor 50)
16. Crampons
17. Hiking poles
18. Tent
19. Primus, dishes, cutlery (gas is bought in Mendoza)
20. Headlamp with spare batteries
21. Water bottles x 2 and thermos x 2

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and professional UIAA guide.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know when you fill in your travel documents.

When can I go on this trip?
Book on to our pre-set dates above. If you are considering alternative dates, the perfect time for this adventure is between December and February.

Which flights should I book?
You should book flights to/from Mendoza airport.

How do I meet the transfer?
At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before traveling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 12. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or canceled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Can I customize the trip?
Of course! For private groups of six or more, the trip can run on any days you wish, be extended or changed to suit your needs. Enquire now for a private trip.