Climb Aconcagua

Degree of difficulty

• Whilst a non-technical ascent, a successful climb to the summit of Aconcagua is a significant undertaking. 
• Participants should have a high level of fitness, with experience of mountaineering. 
• No technical climbing is required, though experience using an ice axe and crampons is requisite.
• Mental resilience is essential, as conditions at high altitudes can be very testing. 

Accommodation on Aconcagua

• Low-level accommodation before and after the adventure will be taken in comfortable twin rooms with private bathrooms in 2* or 3* hotels.
• High-quality, high-altitude mountain tents are used throughout the adventure. These are designed to withstand the rigours of mountaineering expeditions, so will not offer excess space and comfort. 
• Meals are taken in a separate mess tent, which will offer a degree of comfort, with space to relax and take food. 

Eating and drinking

• Meals before and after the climb will be taken at the hotel or small adjoining restaurants. 
• A team of porters and cooks join the expedition, to provide hearty and delicious meals each day. 
• On the expedition, the water provided is pre-filtered. It's recommended to bring purification tablets as an addition, but they are not essential. Bottles can be refilled each morning, and there will be the opportunity to refill bottles at lunch if required. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Aeropuerto Internacional El Plumerillo - Mendoza
Acceso A Aeropuerto Internacional Gabrielli F. J.
Las Heras
Mendoza
Argentina

Getting to Mendoza

• Fly to Mendoza Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, The airport code is MDZ.
• Flights to Mendoza will connect through Buenos Aires, Santiago or Panama City. From the UK, British Airways have direct flights to Buenos Aires.
• A representative will be at the airport to welcome passengers and show them to the transfer.

Aconcagua Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Argentina

  Fly to Mendoza, transfer to the hotel. Remainder of the day to explore the city. 

• Day 2 | Mendoza to Penitentes

  Private vehicle transfer to Los Penitentes.

• Day 3 | Los Penitentes to Confluencia

  Starting from the Horcones Valley at 2950m, trek to Confluencia at 3390m.

• Day 4 | Plaza de Francia

  An acclimatisation day trekking to Plaza de Francia, to uncover the first views of Aconcagua, before returning to Confluencia to overnight.

• Day 5 | Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas

  Trek to base camp at Plaza de Mulas. Toughest day so far, climbing 1000m. 

• Day 6 | Acclimatisation at Plaza de Mulas

  A rest day to acclimatise to the altitude.

• Day 7 | Cerro Bonete

  Acclimatisation exercise, climbing to Bonete Peak at 5004m. 

• Day 8 | Equipment carry to Plaza Canadá

  Carry equipment and supplies to Plaza Canadá at 5050m, before returning to Plaza de Mulas.

• Day 9 | Rest day

  Final rest day before commencing the ascent. Final gear check and preparation. 

• Day 10 | Plaza Mulas to Plaza Canadá

  Ascent to Camp 1 at Plaza Canadá. 

• Day 11 | Plaza Canadá to Nido de Condores

  Climb to Camp 2, the Nido de Condores at 5560m. 

• Day 12 | Nido de Condores to Colera

  Further ascent, pushing on to Camp 3 at Colera, at 5970m. This is the final camp before the summit bid. 

• Day 13 | Summit day

  Starting early in the morning, climb the North Ridge to the Independiencia Refuge at 6250m, following the route to the base of the canaleta, and a 300m scree climb leading to the summit ridge. From here, an hour of demanding progress leads to the Cresta del Guanaco, the ridge joining the south and north summits of Aconcagua, where the final push leads to the summit at 6960m. Time to appreciate the achievement and take photos, before returning to Camp 3 to celebrate. 

• Day 14 | Contingency day

  One of two spare days. The lead guide will use these days to the best effect in securing summit success for the team.

• Day 15 | Contingency day

  One of two spare days. The lead guide will use these days to the best effect in securing summit success for the team.

• Day 16 | Colera to Plaza de Mulas

  Descend from Camp 3 to Base Camp. 

• Day 17 | Plaza de Mulas to Mendoza

  Continue the descent to the ranger station, taking a transfer to Mendoza. 

• Day 18 | Departure

  Transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

Included

• Hotels as per your itinerary
• Transfers to and from Mendoza airport
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing a tent and a twin/ double room
• Aconcagua park entry fees
• All the meals during the expedition (except in Mendoza)
• Aconcagua climbing permit
• Qualified mountain guides, assistant guides, porters and cooks
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• Permanent VHF radio communication

Not Included

• Flights
• Airfares and departure taxes
• Tips for your crew
• Personal travel insurance to include trekking to 7000m
• Personal hiking/trekking gear
• Snacks or personal medicine
• Meals and drinks not specified
• Personal porters
• Entry visa for Argentina (if travelling from the US)

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

At each stop, the staff and services, cooking, water, hygiene, etc., was a cut above the other companies. But well beyond that, and most importantly, our guide, Vicente 'Micki' Lopez, was absolutely spectacular in every fashion. Professional, experienced, thorough, friendly and even an EMT! The other guides, even from different camps, deferred to his knowledge and leadership.

And, now I can speak for each in our group, at all times we felt his first priority was our safety. Indeed, when it became apparent that two of our team should go no further, he made the right decision, got them to a stable environment and continually monitored their status. And to be quite frank, I don't think I either could have summited if not for his guidance nor been permitted to do so if my health became of any concern. In fact, all the Grajales guides and staff shared this common philosophy. And trust me, from some of the stories and occurrences we witnessed, this was not as common throughout the camps as one might expect. | Bill