Argentina 🇦🇷 – Aconcagua (6.961m) [2027]
Ascent of South America’s Highest Peak – Aconcagua 6,962m
View of Aconcagua summit – 6,962m.
START DATE: 31.01.2027 – Mendoza, Argentina
END DATE: 17.02.2027 – Mendoza, Argentina
EXPEDITION DESCRIPTION
Aconcagua (6,962m) is the highest mountain outside the Himalayas and an essential destination for every passionate mountaineer. While not technically demanding, climbing this impressive peak requires winter mountaineering experience and camping skills. Our expedition follows the Plaza de Mulas (4,300m) route, known as Via Normale, with acclimatization camps at Nido de Condores (5,400m) and Colera (5,900m).
We prioritize acclimatization, ensuring a high success rate (~85%). With professional cooks, logistical support and experienced guides, this journey promises a unique experience in Argentina’s mountains.
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
Day 01: MENDOZA.
Arrival in Mendoza at 08:10. Hotel transfer and check-in. Expedition briefing and equipment packing for mules. Overnight.
Day 02: MENDOZA – CONFLUENCIA.
Breakfast. Obtaining climbing permits. Transfer to Penitentes, then trek to Confluencia camp. Accommodation with beds and three meals daily.
En route to Confluencia camp.
Day 03: CONFLUENCIA (3,300m).
Rest day at camp for acclimatization.
Day 04: CONFLUENCIA (3,300m).
Additional acclimatization day. Hike to Plaza Francia (4,000m) and return to camp.
Day 05: CONFLUENCIA – PLAZA DE MULAS (4,300m).
Arrival at base camp. Rest. Dinner.
Plaza de Mulas camp.
Day 06: PLAZA DE MULAS.
Medical check-up (pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation…). Rest day and equipment preparation for the ascent. Acclimatization and ascent plan tailored based on medical results.
Plaza de Mulas camp.
Days 07–15: ACONCAGUA.
Ascent of South America’s highest peak, Aconcagua (6,962m).
Day 16: PLAZA DE MULAS – CONFLUENCIA.
Return to Confluencia camp (~6h). Overnight.
Day 17: CONFLUENCIA – HORCONES – MENDOZA.
Trek from Confluencia to Horcones (2h). Minibus return to Mendoza (3.5h). Hotel check-in. Overnight.
Day 18: MENDOZA.
Departure from Mendoza.
EXPEDITION COSTS
Total expedition cost: 2,950 EUR
Our partner in Argentina: Grajales Expeditions, the oldest and most reputable agency on Aconcagua.
Note: In case of adverse weather, there are no limits on days spent at Plaza de Mulas base camp. All additional days with full board are included in the price at no extra charge.
Included in expedition organization:
- Transfer Mendoza – Penitentes – Mendoza
- Transfer Penitentes – Horcones – Penitentes
- 3* hotel accommodation in Mendoza (2 nights, breakfast included)
- Full board at Confluencia camp (3 nights on ascent & 1 night on descent)
- Full board at Plaza de Mulas base camp (5 nights)
- Free Wi-Fi at Confluencia & Plaza de Mulas camps
- Free showers & towels at Plaza de Mulas BC
- Personal tent accommodation at Confluencia & Plaza de Mulas
- Aconcagua climbing permit (6,962m)
- National park entrance fee
- Mule transport of equipment from Puente de Inca to Plaza de Mulas and back (30 kg per member)
- UIAA-certified guide during ascent
Note: Optional upgrade for beds with mattresses and bedding at Confluencia & Plaza de Mulas camps is available for $300 USD.
Not included:
- Mandatory insurance for climbs above 6,000m
- Personal expenses (taxis, museum tickets, drinks etc.)
- Additional nights in Mendoza
- Food for high camps prepared on stoves (purchased in Mendoza, ~$70 USD)
- Anything not listed under “Included”
Additional days surcharge:
- Hotel in Mendoza – $50 USD per night with breakfast
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
- Backpack (~60L) and waterproof duffel (90-120L)
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Trekking pants
- Gore-Tex jacket and pants
- Down jacket
- Mountaineering boots (trekking and climbing)
- Socks (thermal and regular)
- Cotton t-shirts (5)
- Base layers (2 sets)
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sun hat
- Fleece jacket
- Gloves (fleece and down)
- Towel and toiletries
- Sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Crampons
- Trekking poles
- Tent
- Stove, cookware, eating utensils (gas purchased in Mendoza)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2) and thermoses (2)
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Applicants must submit climbing resume, insurance and passport scan. Open to those who’ve summited peaks above 5,000m. Participants must be physically capable of hiking 15-20 km with 1,000m elevation gain, regularly practice aerobic sports, and have winter climbing experience with crampons. Skills required include tent setup in strong winds and winter camping with independent food preparation.
Participation requirements:
- Successful ascent above 5,000m
- Medical examination and stress test
- Winter mountain autonomy skills
- Mandatory attendance on two winter ascents above 2,000m
Application deadline:
- 90 days before expedition departure
Payment terms:
- 10% deposit upon registration
- 40% due 60 days before departure
- 50% due 30 days before departure
Cancellation policy (participant):
- Cancellation ≥60 days before departure: 100% refund
- Cancellation 30-59 days before departure: 50% refund
- Cancellation ≤29 days before departure: No refund
Cancellation by organizer:
If canceled due to insufficient participants, notice will be given 45 days prior. Full refund.
Additional information: We’ve guided over 150 climbers to the Americas’ highest peak. On February 13, 2008, we achieved our largest expedition with 100% success rate – all 22 members summited Aconcagua (6,961m), a standing record. We’ve organized annual Aconcagua ascents since 2005.
CONTACT
For inquiries and applications: info@extremesummitteam.com