Argentina
Argentina – Aconcagua (6,962m)
Ascent of the highest peak in South America – Aconcagua (6,962 m), Normal Route
- Departure
- January 31 – February 17, 2028
- Duration
- 18 days / 17 nights
- Highest point
- 6,962 m
- Difficulty
- T2 K4 V3 Highest grades on the tour, Mountaineering Association of Serbia scale. T2: demanding trail; K4: over 9 hours walking; V3: 1,000 to 1,300 m ascent.
- Time difference
- −4 h When it is 12:00 in Belgrade, it is 8:00 in Argentina. Tip: for a few days before departure, go to bed and get up half an hour to an hour later each day, so the time change is easier on you.
- Price per person
- 2,950 EUR
About the expedition
Aconcagua (6,962 m) is the highest peak outside Asia, the highest point of both Americas and an essential destination for every passionate mountaineer. Climbing this impressive mountain is not technically demanding, but it requires experience in winter ascents and living in the mountains in winter conditions under a tent. Our expedition takes you along the Plaza de Mulas (4,300 m) route, known as the Normal Route, with the acclimatisation camps Nido de Condores (5,400 m) and Colera (5,900 m).
We pay special attention to acclimatisation, which ensures a high success rate (about 85%). With professional cooks, logistical support and experienced guides, this journey promises a unique experience in the mountains of Argentina.
Itinerary
Day 1Mendoza750 m
- Altitude
- approx. 750 m
Arrival in Mendoza at 08:10. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Expedition briefing and packing equipment for the mules. Overnight stay.
- 3★ hotel
- Bed and breakfast
Day 2Mendoza – Confluencia3,300 m
- Route
- Mendoza → Penitentes → Horcones → Confluencia
- Altitudes
- approx. 2,950 m → 3,300 m
- Walking time
- 3–4 hours
- Elevation gain / loss
- ▲ approx. 350 m
- Grade (PSS)
- T1 K1 V1
Breakfast. Obtaining the climbing permits. Transfer to Penitentes, then a trek to the Confluencia camp. Accommodation in camp with three meals a day.
On the way to the Confluencia camp.
- The Confluencia camp
- Full board
Day 3Confluencia (3,300 m)
A rest day in camp for acclimatisation. A day without walking, for the body to adjust and for preparing equipment.
- The Confluencia camp
- Full board
Day 4Confluencia – Plaza Francia – Confluencia4,000 m
- Route
- Confluencia → Plaza Francia → Confluencia
- Altitudes
- 3,300 m → 4,000 m
- Walking time
- 7–8 hours
- Elevation gain / loss
- ▲ approx. 700 m
- Grade (PSS)
- T1 K3 V2
An additional acclimatisation day. Ascent to Plaza Francia (4,000 m), with a view of the imposing south face of Aconcagua, one of the greatest walls in South America. Return to the Confluencia camp.
- The Confluencia camp
- Full board
Day 5Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas (4,300 m)4,300 m
- Route
- Confluencia → Playa Ancha → Plaza de Mulas
- Altitudes
- 3,300 m → 4,300 m
- Walking time
- 8–10 hours
- Elevation gain / loss
- ▲ approx. 1,000 m
- Grade (PSS)
- T1 K4 V3
Arrival at base camp. This is the longest day of the approach – a long stage across the wide Horcones valley, where wind and sun are a greater challenge than the trail itself. Rest. Dinner.
The Plaza de Mulas camp.
- Plaza de Mulas base camp
- Full board
Note Although the trail is technically undemanding, this is the physically hardest day of the approach – a combination of great length, exposure to wind and an ascent of about 1,000 m.
Day 6Plaza de Mulas (4,300 m)
Medical check-up (pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation…). A day for rest and preparing equipment for the continuation of the ascent. Based on the results of the check-up, an acclimatisation and ascent plan is made.
The Plaza de Mulas camp.
— EXPEDITION PHASE —
- Plaza de Mulas base camp
- Full board
Days 7–15Aconcagua (6,962 m)6,962 m
- Grade (PSS)
- T2 K4 V3
Ascent of the highest peak in South America through the high camps. The number of rotations, the length of stay in the camps and the schedule of activities are adapted to the weather, the state of the mountain and the assessment of the expedition leader.
Nido de Condores (5,400 m) – the first high camp above base camp, reached by a climb of about 1,100 m of altitude difference. The first more serious contact with the conditions that prevail above five thousand metres.
Colera (5,900 m) – the last high camp and the starting point for the final ascent. We spend as little time here as possible, carefully monitoring the weather and the physical condition of all expedition members.
The summit of Aconcagua (6,962 m) – the final ascent takes 10 to 14 hours and covers more than 1,000 m of altitude difference. The last section leads through the famous Canaleta, a steep scree slope just below the summit, where a steady pace and maximum concentration are essential.
Between rotations we return to base camp for rest, recovery and additional acclimatisation.
- Personal tents in the high camps
- Full board at base camp
Note Although the Normal Route is not a technically demanding route and no climbing rope or fixed protection is used, crampons are mandatory on the higher sections and on the traverse below the summit, with movement over snow and ice, which is why the expedition phase is graded T2.
Day 16Plaza de Mulas – Confluencia4,300 m
- Route
- Plaza de Mulas → Confluencia
- Altitudes
- 4,300 m → 3,300 m
- Walking time
- approx. 6 hours
- Elevation gain / loss
- ▼ approx. 1,000 m
- Grade (PSS)
- T1 K2 V1
Return to the Confluencia camp. Accommodation in camp. Overnight stay.
- The Confluencia camp
- Full board
Note The day is entirely descent. Since only ascent counts towards the V grade, the day carries the grade V1, even though about 1,000 m of altitude difference is covered downhill.
Day 17Confluencia – Horcones – Mendoza3,300 m
- Route
- Confluencia → Horcones
- Altitudes
- 3,300 m → approx. 2,950 m
- Walking time
- approx. 2 hours
- Elevation gain / loss
- ▼ approx. 350 m
- Grade (PSS)
- T1 K1 V1
Trek Confluencia – Horcones. Return by minibus to Mendoza (3.5 hours) from Horcones. Arrival in Mendoza. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay.
- 3★ hotel
- Bed and breakfast
Day 18Departure from Mendoza
Departure from Mendoza on the participants’ own flights.
Expedition facts
- Tour operator: Top Holidays Travel DOO Beograd, Ogranak EST Adventure
- Destination: Argentina
- Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
- Dates: January 31 – February 17, 2028
- Meeting point: Mendoza
- Highlights: Mendoza, Penitentes, Horcones, Confluencia, Plaza Francia, Plaza de Mulas, Nido de Condores, Colera, Aconcagua (6,962 m)
- Highest point: Aconcagua – 6,962 m
- Base camp: Plaza de Mulas – 4,300 m
- High camps: Nido de Condores – 5,400 m, Colera – 5,900 m
- Route: Normal Route (Plaza de Mulas)
- Type of trip: High-altitude expedition
- Grade (PSS): highest grade on the expedition T2 K4 V3 (grades for each day are given with every walking day)
Transport
- Transfer Mendoza – Penitentes – Mendoza
- Transfer Penitentes – Horcones – Penitentes
- Transport of equipment by mule from Puente del Inca to Plaza de Mulas and back (30 kg per expedition member)
Accommodation
- Accommodation in a 3* hotel in Mendoza, in twin rooms, 2 nights with breakfast
- Accommodation in personal tents at the Confluencia camp – full board, 3 nights on the way up and 1 night on the way back
- Accommodation in personal tents at Plaza de Mulas base camp – full board, 5 nights
- Accommodation in personal tents in the high camps Nido de Condores and Colera
- Free Wi-Fi at the Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas camps
- Free showers and towels at Plaza de Mulas base camp
Expedition price
Meeting Mendoza: 2,950 EUR (without flights)
Note: In case of bad weather, there is no limit on the number of days at Plaza de Mulas base camp. Additional days at base camp, where we have full board, are also not charged extra.
The price includes:
- Transfer Mendoza – Penitentes – Mendoza
- Transfer Penitentes – Horcones – Penitentes
- Accommodation in a 3* hotel in Mendoza, bed and breakfast x 2
- Full board at the Confluencia camp, 3 nights on the way up and 1 night on the way back
- Full board at Plaza de Mulas base camp, 5 nights
- Free Wi-Fi at the Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas camps
- Free showers and towels at Plaza de Mulas base camp
- Accommodation in personal tents at Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas
- A permit for climbing Aconcagua (6,962 m)
- National park entrance fee
- Transport of equipment by mule from Puente del Inca to Plaza de Mulas and back (30 kg per expedition member)
- UIAA-licensed guide on the ascent
- Organisation of the entire expedition
The price does not include:
- International flights to and from Mendoza
- Mandatory insurance for climbing peaks above 6,000 m, including the costs of helicopter evacuation
- Personal expenses (taxi rides, museum tickets, drinks, etc.)
- Any additional nights in Mendoza
- Food prepared on stoves in the first and second high camps (bought in Mendoza, about 70 USD)
- Anything else not listed under “The expedition price includes”
Extra charge for additional days:
- Hotel in Mendoza – 80 USD per night with breakfast
Departures
- January 31 – February 17, 202818 daysThis page2,950 EUR
There is one scheduled departure for this tour right now. If the date does not suit you, write to us and we will let you know when we open a new one.
Booking conditions
Booking conditions:
Applying for the expedition means submitting:
- A short mountaineering CV
- A copy of a valid passport, for obtaining permits
Applications are accepted no later than 90 days before departure for the expedition.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION TERMS
Payment terms:
- 10% upon booking / non-refundable
- 40% no later than 60 days before departure
- 50% no later than 30 days before departure
If a participant cancels:
- If you cancel 59–30 days before departure, 50% of the total amount paid up to that point is refunded
- If you cancel 29 days or fewer before departure, the amount paid is not refunded
This programme is subject to the General Terms of Travel (PDF, in Serbian). Licence, travel guarantee and complaints: Agency information.
If the organiser cancels:
If the expedition is cancelled because too few participants have signed up, the organiser will notify applicants no later than 45 days before departure, with a refund of all payments made.
Requirements for participation
Anyone who has climbed a peak above 5,000 m can apply for the expedition. Participants should be fit enough to walk 15–20 km with 1,000 m of ascent in our mountains, exercise aerobic sports regularly (running, cycling and the like) and have experience in winter ascents using crampons. Skills are needed in pitching a tent in strong wind and spending nights in a tent while preparing food independently on a stove.
- A successful ascent of a peak above 5,000 m
- A medical examination and a sports-medicine test – a stress test
- The skills to stay independently in the mountains in winter
- Compulsory attendance on two winter ascents of peaks above 2,000 m
- Travel health insurance that covers activities above 6,000 m, including the costs of helicopter evacuation
- Previous experience on tours graded at least T2 K3 V3, according to the classification of the Mountaineering Association of Serbia
Based on the mountaineering CV submitted and previous experience, the organiser reserves the right to assess whether the programme suits the experience of the applicant.
Recommended gear
- Backpack (about 60 l) and a waterproof transport bag (90–120 l)
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Trek trousers (twill or similar)
- Gore-Tex jacket and trousers
- Down jacket
- Hiking boots (trekking and climbing)
- Socks (thermal and ordinary)
- Cotton T-shirts (5 pcs)
- Base layers (2 sets)
- Wool hat (or fleece)
- Sun hat
- Fleece sweatshirt
- Gloves (fleece and down)
- Towel and personal hygiene items
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (factor 50)
- Crampons
- Trekking poles
- Tent
- Stove, dishes, cutlery (gas is bought in Mendoza)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 pcs) and thermos (2 pcs)
Difficulty grading
All tours and ascents in our programmes are graded according to the Rulebook on the Safe Conduct of Mountaineering Activities (P 120), Article 22, of the Mountaineering Association of Serbia. The grade is always given in the same order: first the technical difficulty of the trail (T), then the length of walking in one day in hours (K), and finally the altitude difference covered in one day (V), for example T2 K4 V3.
The grades refer to a single day, not to the expedition as a whole, and are given with each day of the programme that includes walking. Please check before booking that your mountaineering experience matches the grades given in this programme.
T – Technical difficulty of the trail
- T1 – Easy trail. Walking without using the hands. The trail has no technically difficult sections or sharp changes in gradient, and is wide and well kept enough for less experienced hikers to move safely. Care and basic physical fitness are required. Trekking poles are recommended.
- T2 – Demanding trail. Leads through technically more difficult sections with a more pronounced gradient, where the hands are occasionally used for safety. Safety equipment and fixed aids are not necessary, but great care, good physical and mental fitness and mountaineering experience are required.
- T3 – Very demanding trail. Contains one or more very difficult technical sections with a steep gradient, where using the hands is necessary and wearing a helmet and other protective equipment is mandatory. On the harder sections a climbing rope, ice axe and crampons are used. Intended only for very experienced and physically and mentally well-prepared hikers. Not suitable for people who suffer from vertigo.
K – Length of walking in one day
- K1 – Easy: less than 5 hours of walking
- K2 – Moderately hard: 5 to 7 hours of walking
- K3 – Hard: 7 to 9 hours of walking
- K4 – Very hard: more than 9 hours of walking
V – Altitude difference covered in one day
- V1: less than 500 m
- V2: 500 to 1,000 m
- V3: 1,000 to 1,300 m
- V4: more than 1,300 m
Note on the V grade: the grade refers to the altitude difference covered on the ascent during one day. The descent is not counted in this grade, however large it is.
Important: To take part in this tour, participants must meet all three grades together. The PSS classification describes the technical, physical and altitude demands of a single day, but does not cover additional factors typical of high-altitude expeditions – staying at almost seven thousand metres, living in a tent for several days, the extremely strong wind and low temperatures for which Aconcagua is known, and preparing food independently in the high camps. For this reason the grades on this expedition must be read together with the stated requirements for participation. In line with weather conditions, the state of the mountain and the assessment of participants’ preparedness, the expedition leader reserves the right to adjust the plan or call off the ascent, with safety always taking priority.
Why EST Adventure?
- More than two decades of experience in organising high-altitude expeditions.
- UIAA-licensed mountain guides with extensive experience of climbing Aconcagua.
- Carefully planned acclimatisation and proven logistics, with a high rate of successful ascents (about 85%).
- Small expedition groups and an individual approach to every participant.
- Safety, responsibility and team spirit as the core values of every EST Adventure expedition.
So far we have taken more than 150 mountaineers from the ex-Yugoslav region to the highest peak of both Americas. On 13 February 2008 we had the largest expedition with a 100% success rate on Aconcagua – all 22 members reached the summit, which is still the record. Since 2005 we have organised an ascent of Aconcagua every year.
Important notes
- Travellers must give the agency a valid passport and a working phone number. The traveller is responsible for the validity of the travel document. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of return and have enough blank pages for entry into the country.
- Travellers must familiarise themselves with the regulations and entry requirements of the country they are travelling to, on the official websites of its authorities or of the country’s diplomatic and consular missions. They must also obtain all necessary travel documents and visas for themselves and their children and comply with the regulations of the countries they travel to, depart from or pass through.
- The organiser reserves the right to change individual elements of the programme in the event of unforeseen circumstances (weather conditions, safety reasons, changes in the work of local partners, flight schedules and the like), without affecting the overall quality of the trip.
- Travellers must have suitable travel health insurance, as well as insurance that covers high-altitude activities above 6,000 m, including the costs of helicopter evacuation.
- Visa and entry requirements depend on the country of your citizenship. Each traveller is responsible for checking the current entry, transit and visa rules for their own passport well before departure and for obtaining all the necessary visas and travel documents.
- Travellers must respect the local laws and customs of the country they are visiting, as well as the instructions of the guide and the agency’s representatives during the programme.
- The signatory of the contract or the group representative must inform the other travellers about the travel programme, the payment terms and the General Terms of Travel of EST Adventure.
- Minors travelling without one or both parents must have a certified parental consent for crossing the border, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
- By signing the travel contract, the traveller confirms that they are familiar with the travel programme, the payment terms and the General Terms of Travel of EST Adventure.
- The strength of the Wi-Fi signal depends on the quality of the signal provided by the local provider chosen by the owner of the accommodation and on the number of users on the network at the time. The organiser cannot influence the quality of the Wi-Fi connection and is not responsible for it.
- In some accommodation the third and fourth beds may be extra beds. The size and appearance of an extra bed depend on what the accommodation can offer.
- Some additional facilities of the accommodation are available for an extra charge (safe, parking, minibar, TV, air conditioning…).
Tour operator
Please read the General Terms of Travel carefully. The tour operator is the travel agency Top Holidays Travel DOO Beograd, Ogranak EST Adventure, Varovnička 4a, 11406 Mladenovac, registration number: 21715182, licence OTP 22/2026, category A. The General Terms of Travel of the tour operator apply to this programme.
Book or ask us anything
The tour and date are already filled in: Argentina – Aconcagua (6,962m), January 31 – February 17, 2028. No payment is needed to sign up.
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