Aconcagua Expedition

Climb to the highest peak of South America - Aconcagua (6962m)

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

Day 1

Mendoza

Arrival to Mendoza and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 2

Mendoza

Breakfast. Obtaining the necessary climbing permits. Climb preparation, equipment packing, and regulation of necessary permits. Overnight stay.

Day 3

Mendoza - Penitentes

Minibus transport to Penitentes (2600m). Overnight stay in the hostel.

Day 4

Horkones – Confluensia

Horcones – Confluencia (3300m) trek, about 4 hours. Accommodation in the camp with beds.

Day 5

Confluensia

Day intented for acclimatization. Climb to Plaza Francia (4000m) and return to the camp.

Day 6

Confluensia – Plaza de Mulas

Hike to BC Plaza de Mulas (4300m), about 8 hours. Arrival to the base camp. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 7

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.

Day 8 - Day 15

Aconcagua (6962m)

Climbing to the highest summit of South America, Aconcagua (6962m). Return to BC Plaza de Mules.

Day 16

Plaza de Mulas – Penitentes

Descent from Base Camp Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes (about 8h hike). Gala dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 17

Penitentes - Mendoza

Returning to Mendoza by minibus (3h drive). Arrival in the city in the afternoon.

Day 18

Mendoza

Free time for sightseeing and gift shopping. Departure day.

Dates & Prices

February 1st, 2024
Spots available: 7 2980 €, Per Person

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.