Embark on an extraordinary journey to not only witness but conquer the summit of Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the continent, soaring to nearly 7,000 meters. Our program is meticulously crafted to enhance your success rate, blending adventure, safety, and optimal acclimatization at every stage.
Known as the Normal Route, this path is perfect for both seasoned mountaineers and those aiming for their first major summit. Over 20 days, we will traverse breathtaking landscapes, from the plains of Mendoza to majestic glaciers and high-altitude camps, consistently accompanied by a team of professionals and porters who handle the group's equipment.
Beyond the physical and mental challenges, this expedition offers the opportunity to connect with individuals from around the globe who, like you, seek a deeper connection with the mountains and themselves. Reaching the summit is just one part of the experience: every step is a profound learning journey.
We invite you to uncover the full Aconcagua experience, a genuine gateway to the realm of extreme mountaineering and an ideal preparation for even more formidable challenges, such as the Himalayan peaks.
Take this leap and entrust us with providing the finest experience of your life. Aconcagua awaits you!
Tour Description
Day 1: Mendoza (760 m.a.s.l.)
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you'll be welcomed and accommodated in a 4-star superior hotel. Our expert guides will review your gear and assist you in renting or purchasing any necessary items. In the afternoon, we'll attend an informative session about Mount Aconcagua, covering the itinerary, technical advice, and safety measures for the expedition.
Day 2: Mendoza/Penitentes - Puente del Inca (2,725 m.a.s.l.)
In the morning, we'll complete the required procedures to obtain climbing permits. Following this, we'll travel from Mendoza to Penitentes, where you'll be staying. In the afternoon, we'll prepare the loads for the mules to transport the next day. This time will also be used to review equipment details and rest. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Penitentes/Confluencia (3,300 m.a.s.l.)
After breakfast, we'll head to the Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance to present climbing permits and start our trek to Confluencia, the first approach camp. The approximately 4-hour journey offers breathtaking landscapes. You'll carry a light backpack with essentials like a coat, camera, and lunch, as mules will transport personal equipment. We'll overnight in Confluencia, with breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner provided.
Day 4: Confluencia/Plaza Francia (4,000 m.a.s.l.)/Confluencia
We'll embark on an acclimatization trek to Plaza Francia, a stunning viewpoint of the imposing south face of Aconcagua. This 6-hour round trip offers spectacular views of glaciers and rock faces. After having lunch there, we'll return to Confluencia camp to rest. Includes breakfast, hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 5: Confluencia/Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
We will start a long trek to Plaza de Mulas, Aconcagua's base camp. The 7- to 9-hour trek traverses diverse landscapes, including Playa Ancha and Cuesta Brava. Upon arrival, we'll set up camp and relax. Meals include breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 6: Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
This day is reserved for rest and acclimatization. We'll take a short trek to the Horcones glacier to practice using crampons and also check our equipment, preparing materials for the upcoming ascent days. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Plaza de Mulas/Cerro Bonete (5,091 m.a.s.l.)/Plaza de Mulas
For acclimatization, we'll hike to Cerro Bonete, reaching 5,091 m.a.s.l. The 6-hour trek offers unrivaled views of Aconcagua and its surroundings. In the afternoon, we'll return to Plaza de Mulas to rest. Includes breakfast, hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 8: Plaza de Mulas/Camp 1 Canada (4,910 m.a.s.l.)/Plaza de Mulas
We'll undertake an acclimatization trek to Camp 1, known as "Canada". This day will also be used to transport materials to the camp. After a light lunch, we'll return to Plaza de Mulas for rest. Includes breakfast, hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 9: Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
A day dedicated to rest and acclimatization at Plaza de Mulas. We'll conduct a final gear check and prepare for ascents to the high-altitude camps. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 10: Plaza de Mulas/Camp 1 Canada (4,910 m.a.s.l.)
The ascent to Camp 1 Canada begins, where we'll set up tents and spend the night. You'll carry personal gear while porters handle tents and group equipment. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 11: Camp 1 Canada/Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores (5,250 m.a.s.l.)
Our journey continues to Camp 2, "Nido de Cóndores". This 4 to 5-hour segment allows significant altitude gain. We'll establish our tents and rest. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 12: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores (5,250 m.a.s.l.)
A day for rest and acclimatization at Nido de Cóndores. It's an opportunity to recover and assess team and group conditions. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 13: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores/Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera (6,000 m.a.s.l.)/Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores
We'll embark on an acclimatization trek to transport food and cooking supplies to Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera. After lunch there, we'll return to Nido de Cóndores for the night. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 14: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores/Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera (6,000 m.a.s.l.)
We'll ascend to Camp 3, setting up tents and making final preparations for the summit attempt. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 15: Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera/Summit (6,962 m.a.s.l.)/Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera
Today's the pinnacle of the expedition. We'll depart before dawn to aim for the Aconcagua summit, a challenging 8 to 12-hour journey. After taking in the views from the "Roof of America", we'll descend to Camp 3 for rest. Includes breakfast, hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 16: Camp 3 Berlin-Cólera/Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
We'll commence our descent to Plaza de Mulas. Although less physically demanding, this section requires focus. We'll rest at the base camp. Includes breakfast, hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 17: Plaza de Mulas/Penitentes
Descending from Plaza de Mulas to the Provincial Park entrance at Penitentes, our mules will carry personal gear, allowing us a light backpack. We'll then transfer to the Lodge for the night. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 18: Penitentes/Mendoza
Following breakfast, we'll return to Mendoza. Optional arrangements for airport transfers or additional city activities can be made.
Day 19: Extra day for contingencies
This day serves as a buffer for potential weather or logistical issues that might delay the schedule. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 20: Extra day for contingencies
A second contingency day reserved for unforeseen events that could affect the program's progress. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What’s included?
What’s included:
3 nights outside the Park (Mendoza City/Penitentes)
Assistance for recovery of lost luggage
Group transfer Airport/Hotel
Hotel in Mendoza (breakfast included)
Transfer Mendoza/Penitentes round trip
Meals in Penitentes (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Accommodation in Penitentes
Luggage care
Assistance in loading
Loading of mules round trip
Transfer to the start of the Aconcagua trail round trip.
Meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Services at Confluencia Base Camp
Trekking to Plaza Francia
Services at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
Trekking to the Horcones Glacier
Trekking to the Summit of Cerro Bonete
Porters for high altitude camps
Professional guides
2 extra days in case of bad weather
Tents/Domes/Bathrooms
Electricity at Base Camp
Radio communication
First aid kit (including oxygen tube)
Assistance in the city of Mendoza in case of any eventuality.
Aconcagua Medal
Aconcagua Summit Certificate
What’s NOT included:
Meals and extra nights in the city of Mendoza
Park entrance permit and rescue insurance.
Personal equipment (sleeping bag, inflatable mat, boots, etc.)
Abandonment fees*
Porters for personal equipment
*Expenses arising from abandoning the planned itinerary: The itinerary includes group services in order to have more and better services at a lower price. When you abandon the itinerary for any reason (personal reasons, illness, etc.), you begin to have private services. When you abandon the itinerary, the company includes transportation from Puente del Inca to the city of Mendoza by regular bus. The return hotel night included in the expedition can be used at this time. In case you need extra nights, private transfers or other services arising from abandoning the expedition, these will be considered additional services not included in the price of the expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal season for an expedition to the summit of Aconcagua (6,962 m) runs from mid-November to March, with more stable weather between December and February. A standard mountaineering itinerary via the Normal Route typically requires 15 to 20 days, including the approach trek via Horcones, the Confluencia camp, the Plaza de Mulas base camp, and high-altitude camps (such as Canadá, Nido de Cóndores, and Cólera). This schedule prioritizes gradual acclimatization and increases the chances of success. The trip begins in Mendoza, Argentina, where permits from Aconcagua Provincial Park and pre-ascent logistics are arranged.
The Aconcagua expedition is a demanding adventure trip. It requires excellent aerobic fitness, lower body strength, endurance for 6- to 12-hour days, and altitude tolerance. Prior experience in high-altitude trekking and bivouacking/camping in cold and windy conditions is recommended. Having completed previous ascents of 4,000–5,000 meters improves acclimatization. Although the Normal Route does not require advanced technical climbing, it traverses rocky and snowy terrain, with the occasional use of crampons and ice axes. Training 10–16 weeks in advance (cardio, strength, backpack carrying) and undergoing a pre-trip medical check-up increase the safety and success of the trip.
For trekking and summiting Aconcagua, high-altitude mountaineering equipment is required: double or expedition boots, gaiters, down parka, thermal layers, waterproof pants, technical gloves and mittens, hat, buff, category 4 sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, crampons, ice axe, trekking poles, helmet, headlamp, -20/-25°C sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. A 60–75 L backpack, hydration system, and personal first-aid kit are also necessary. In Mendoza, it is common to rent boots, crampons, ice axes, trekking poles, and sleeping bags, depending on availability. Transport of gear to Plaza de Mulas is usually done by mules; porters are optional at higher altitudes.
A typical Aconcagua expedition package includes: a certified mountain guide, logistical support in Mendoza, transfers to Horcones, base camp (Plaza de Mulas) with dining and kitchen tents, high-altitude tents, meals on the mountain, radios/satellite communication, and support from muleteers/mules on the approach. It generally does not include: the Aconcagua Provincial Park climbing permit, flights, accommodation and meals in the city, rental of personal technical equipment, high-altitude porters, travel insurance with rescue and evacuation coverage, medical expenses, or tips. Check with the agency for final details, weather/contingency policies, and assistance with obtaining the permit.
Safety is based on a progressive acclimatization plan (ascending high, sleeping low), rest days, daily health checks, and monitoring for symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Guides assess weather, pace, and workload; they may modify the itinerary or cancel the summit attempt if wind or visibility compromises mountaineering. VHF/satellite communication is used, and evacuations are coordinated with Aconcagua Provincial Park. Travel insurance with rescue coverage and a pre-climb medical consultation are recommended. Hydration, proper nutrition, sun protection, and technical clothing are key to reducing risks and optimizing the experience.
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Expedition To The Summit Of Aconcagua
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