19 Day Aconcagua Climb

Aconcagua Climb Argentina

DESCRIPTION

Aconcagua, located in the Andes mountain range in the Mendoza Providence, Argentina. Its name translates to "Sentinel of Stone" and its peak rises 22,841 feet above sea level, making it the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and South America. This spectacular mountain is surrounded by numerous peaks towering over 20,000 feet with surrounding lowlands of up to 13,000 feet. Its beautiful desert landscape offers a large diversity of flora and fauna. The Normal Route of Aconcagua is an easy trek and perfect for beginner mountaineers. The route does not require ice axe or ropes, however depending on mountain conditions you may need to use crampons and fixed ropes for your security.

CLIMB ACONCAGUA: WHAT’S IT LIKE?

aconcagua_climb_argentina

ITINERARY
19 Day Aconcagua Regular Route

DAY 1
Arrive Mendoza
Elevation (ft): 2,493 ft

Upon arriving in Mendoza, Argentina our tour operator will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in there will be free time to explore the city or relax. In the evening we will have a mandatory climb orientation meeting. Overnight in Mendoza.

DAY 2
Mendoza
Elevation (ft): 2,493 ft

After breakfast we will depart from the hotel and head to the permit office to obtain climbing permits for our expedition. With permits secured the rest of the day is free. This is a good time to rent any gear not already packed, i.e. plastic boots, crampons, etc. In the afternoon we will have a climb briefing and meet & greet. Overnight in Mendoza.

DAY 3
Drive to Penitentes
Elevation (ft): 2,493 ft to 8,900 ft
Drive Time: 2-3 hours

Today we head west towards Aconcagua. The drive is approximately 4 hours and takes us through beautiful wine country and into the mountains, reaching Los Penitentes, the center of activity for climbers. Here we will make our final our preparations for the expedition. Overnight in Los Penitentes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4
Penitentes to Confluencia Camp
Elevation (ft): 8,900 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast we transfer to Horcones and sign in with the park service and then make our way into the heart of the Andes as we ascend the gentle, winding trail of the Vacas Valley. Once at camp the remainder of the day is free, this is a good opportunity to rest and allow our bodies to acclimate. Overnight Confluencia Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5
Confluencia Camp to Plaza Francia
Elevation (ft): 11,300 ft to 13,287 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

We make our way to Plaza Francia, base camp of the imposing Aconcagua South Wall. This section of the expedition offers breathtaking views of Aconcagua. Once at camp we will prepare for the next day of our trek which will be a long one. Overnight Plaza Francia. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6
Plaza Francia to Plaza de Mulas
Elevation (ft): 13,287 ft to 14,500 ft
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 8-9 hours

With an early start, we begin our long trek towards Plaza de Mulas. The trail follows the Valley de Los Horcones along rocky terrain as we slowly climb gaining altitude throughout the day. Lunch will be on the trail at Refugio Ibanez an unused campsite. After approximately 12 miles we will reach Plaza de Mulas. Overnight Plaza de Mulas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7
Plaza de Mulas – Acclimatization Daya
Elevation (ft): 14,500 ft

Today is a rest and acclimatization day at Plaza de Mulas. We'll soak up the views and rest while enjoying more creative meals prepared in the dining tent. Overnight Plaza de Mulas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8
Plaza de Mulas to Cerro Bonete to Plaza de Mulas
Elevation (ft): 14,500 ft to 16,417 ft
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

On this second day of rest we will ascend Bonete Peak for additional acclimatization. From camp the trail leads up into the hanging valley below Bonete Peak, switchbacks climb up a broad, scree slope to the summit. This is an out and back hike and offers outstanding views Aconcagua and prepares our bodies to climb higher in the coming days. Overnight Plaza de Mulas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9
Plaza de Mulas to Camp Canada to Plaza de Mulas
Elevation (ft): 14,500 ft to 16,568 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

We climb up past Camp Canada and progress to a higher elevation to further acclimatize and return to Plaza de Mulas for the night. Overnight – Plaza de Mulas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10
Plaza de Mulas - Acclimatization day
Elevation (ft): 14,500 ft
Today is a dedicated rest day where we will spend one last night in Plaza de Mulas before our summit push. We encourage a day hike for those who are feeling strong. All meals will be in the dining tent. Overnight – Plaza de Mulas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11
Plaza de Mula to Camp Canada
Elevation (ft): 14,500 ft to 16,568 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast we climb up the scree slopes to the pinnacles surrounding the flat outcrop of Camp Canada. The trail is well-defined yet steep and winds up to our camp for the night. The remainder of the day will be spent preparing for the next. Overnight Camp Canada. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 12
Camp Canada to Nido de Condores
Elevation (ft): 16,568 ft to 18,241 ft
Distance: 3 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

We make our way up the switchbacks before making it to Nido de Condores. Camp for the night is an area made up of rocky peaks and unusual shapes which provide shelter from the strong blowing winds. To the south the view is of the “Gran Acarreo,” (the huge scree) and reveals the famous Canaleta Couloirs and the summit of Aconcagua. Overnight Nido de Condores Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 13
Nido de Condores to Camp Berlin
Elevation (ft): 18,241 ft to 19,455 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Today’s hike is a short distance but altitude will influence breathing, making travel slow. With every turn the northern view becomes more stunning. This will be our last high altitude camp before attempting to summit. Overnight Camp Berlin. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 14
Camp Berlin to Aconcagua Summit to Camp Berlin
Elevation (ft): 19,455 ft to 22,841 ft
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours

Summit day begins around 4-5 am in the morning. As we climb the Northwest ridge we pass the highest refuge in the world, Refugia Independencia which sits at approximately 21,400 feet. We continue climbing up and to the right, crossing the Cresta del Viento (windy crest). We traverse the upper part of the Gran Acarreo which leads to the Canaleta, an 800-foot couloir that leads to the summit ridge. Finally, the Guanaco Ridge offers an easy traverse to the summit where an aluminum cross marks the highest point in the Western Hemisphere. The panoramic views of the Andes Mountains, consist of several 20,000 foot peaks, including Mercedario, another of the highest peaks in South America. To the west is Chile and the Pacific Ocean and to the east are the plains of Argentina. Overnight Camp Berlin. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 15 & 16
Spare weather days

These days are extra in case of bad weather. Overnight Camp Berlin. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 17
Camp Berlin to Plaza de Mulas
Elevation (ft): 19,455 ft to 14,500 ft
Distance: 25 km
Hiking Time: 3-7 hours

We descend roughly 5,000 feet from Camp Berlin to Plaza de Mulas through the Horcones Valley. Once at camp we will enjoy a celebratory dinner, a hot shower and rest before we make our way back to Penitentes. Overnight Plaza de Mulas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 18
Return to Mendoza

Anyone who wishes to hike the remaining 25 km back down the mountain will depart at 8:30 am with a guide and will meet the party back at the trailhead around 3:30 pm. Alternatively, you can take a 30 minute helicopter ride that departs around 3:00 pm and drops you off at the trailhead. Overnight in Mendoza. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 19
Depart

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for flights back home. (Breakfast)

END OF SERVICES

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INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers
  • Ground transportation
  • Accommodations
  • All meals during expedition (excluding Mendoza)
  • Expert guides and porters

EXCLUDED

  • Airfare
  • Park entrance fee ($800 per person)
  • Meals in Mendoza
  • Beverages
  • Tips

Argentina Trips

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