Ascent to Mount Aconcagua, Extended Route
Join a 20-day program to the top of Aconcagua including a previous ascent to Cerro Bonete (5000 m). Ideal for climbers that want to make sure they acclimatize right.
Group
Andes
20 Days
Jan, Feb, Dec
Very high
Intermediate
Highlights
- Take advantage of extra acclimatization days, including a Mt Bonete ascent
- Join a highly skilled guide with extensive experience in Aconcagua
- Reach the top of the highest mountain in the world outside Himalaya
Description
Would you like to climb to the top of the highest mountain in South America? Then join us on this inspiring 20-day trek to the summit of one of the world’s seven summits!
At 6,960.8 m (22,837 ft), Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America. It is located in Mendoza and belongs to the beautiful Andes Range. On this program, we will get to the summit of Mount Aconcagua via the “Normal Route” and enjoy a prior acclimatization climb to the stunning Cerro Bonete (5000 m).
The Aconcagua “Normal Route” does not present technical difficulties. However, altitude is usually an important obstacle and good acclimatization is therefore key. This program’s main goal is to increase the chances of summit success and it’s the ideal choice for climbers who want to obtain some extra acclimatization.
On this unforgettable adventure, we will set off on a 40-km long trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp which will take three days. Once there, we’ll head up to the top of Cerro Bonete (5000 m) and enjoy magnificent views of Aconcagua. After that, we’ll start climbing towards our main objective: the Aconcagua summit. The last part of the expedition consists of going a little higher each day, spending the night in different high camps.
This program has been thought to take into consideration the real demands of an Aconcagua trek, including some extra rest days in case the weather is bad or we need more time to recover. A type of white wind is very common in Aconcagua and can make the ascent more difficult. If this happens, we’ll use our extra days to increase our chances of reaching the summit.
For further information, you can find the complete itinerary and the next departure dates for this trip below this description.
So, are you ready for an unforgettable Aconcagua trek? Then contact me and join me on this amazing 20-day expedition to the highest summit in South America!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Porters
- Mountain guide expenses
- Luggage transfer
- Mules and horses
- Tents
- Cooking utensils
- Clean drinkable water
- Hot shower
Price details
- SERVICES INCLUDED, in detail:
- Professional mountain guide. Experienced and qualified to operate in Aconcagua.
- Assistance with the procedures to obtain the permit to enter Park Aconcagua.
- Ground transportation in private vehicles. Transport IN Airport – Hotel in Mendoza /Transport INOUT Mendoza – Penitentes – Park Entrance
- Two (2) nights of accommodation in a 3* hotel in Mendoza City (Sharing room, Double/Triple occupancy), Breakfast included.
- One (1) night of accommodation in Penitentes (Sharing room, Double/Triple occupancy). Breakfast & dinner included.
- Transportation by freight mules of your personal equipment without limits in kg INOUT Penitentes-Base Camp
- Lodging at base camps in mountain tents or dormitory tents for 4 or 8 persons and high camps in mountain tents.
- All meals are included on the mountain.
- Drinking water (hot and cold) in all our camps (base camps and high camps)
- Fully equipped dining dome at base camps. Exclusive restrooms for our clients.
- Internet and charge of your device for free at base camps.
- Hot shower for free at base camps.
- Facility for the storage and care of equipment.
- Full porter service to carry double tents, garbage and human waste and part of common equipment
- Communications between high camps, base camp, Penitentes and Mendoza.
- Medical equipment is available at base camps and high camps.
- Dining domes at high camps equipped with benches and tables. Restroom tents exclusive for our clients.
- The following items are not included in the price:
- Lunch and dinner in Mendoza.
- Aconcagua Park climbing fee (tax charged by Mendoza government, according to dates).
- Rescue or all other costs due to the abandonment of the expedition.
- Personal equipment.
- Rescue or all other costs due to the abandoning of the expedition.
- Extra nights in the hotel.
- Any other item not listed as included.
- Out of the total amount, USD400 are a nonrefundable deposit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Mendoza (760 m)
Our expedition starts in Mendoza, Argentina. A representative of INKA Expediciones will be waiting for you at the airport.
We will stay at the hotel in the city. A group meeting will follow and you will meet me and the team members.
-Accommodation: Hotel double or triple room.
Day 2: Mendoza - Penitentes (2700 m)
We will obtain individual entrance and ascent permits. You will be personally assisted in this procedure.
After this, we’ll travel to Villa de Penitentes, where we’ll stay at a hotel in the mountain.
There, we’ll get the equipment ready for transportation to the base camp, by mule.
-Accommodation: Hotel
-Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.
Day 3: Penitentes - Confluencia (3368 m)
We drive you to Horcones Park Entrance, where we’ll get our first view of the mountain.
We will get our permits checked at the Ranger station. Then, we’ll head off to Confluencia by walking 4 or 5 hours.
-Accommodation: tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Acclimatization trek to Plaza Francia (4200 m)
We’ve included this day in order to acclimatize better and give you more chances to summit.
We’ll trek for about 5 hours until we arrive at Plaza Francia, the base camp of the impressive Aconcagua South Wall. This is one of the nicest points of the expedition.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 5: Trekking from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas (4250 m)
After 8-9 hours hiking acrossPlaya Ancha and climbing up through a very steep path, we’ll reach Plaza de Mulas, the biggest base camp in Aconcagua Park.
By the end of the day, most of us will feel the altitude.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 6: Rest day at Plaza de Mulas
The first day in Base Camp is always a rest day and a good occasion to take a bath and explore the local terrain.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Ascent to Mt Bonete at 5000 m
We’ve included this climbing in order to acclimatize better, and give you more chances to summit. Also you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the west face of Aconcagua.
-Accommodation: Tents
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 8: Rest day at Plaza de Mulas
We’ll stay in Plaza de Mulas to rest from the climbing of Bonete.
Then, we will divide expedition loads to carry to the high camps (community gear, fuel and food).
We double carry to keep pack weight down and help ensure good acclimatization.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 9: Carry equipment to Camp 1: Plaza Canada (5050 m) and return to Base Camp.
This is a challenging day where we’ll gain almost 700 m with a heavy load on easy terrain. Then we’ll return to Base Camp. It’s important to take advantage of the comfort and lower altitude at Base Camp.
-Accommodation: Tents .
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 10: Rest day at Plaza de Mulas
This is a day we’ll mainly use to recover energy, to rest, to hydrate ourselves and for abundant meals.
-Accommodation: Tents. -Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 11: Base Camp to Camp 1: Plaza Canada (5050 m)
The following morning we’ll finally start the ascent to Aconcagua.
We’ll move to Camp 1, called Plaza Canada. Until now, we were working on getting an optimal acclimatization. We want everyone to have the best possible chance to summit.
-Accommodation: Tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 12: Move to Camp 2: Nido de Condores (5560 m)
Camp 2, called Nido de Condores (meaning Condor Nest), is located in a high pass at 5560 m and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.
-Accommodation: Tents
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 13: Carry equipment to Camp 3: Camp Colera (6000 m) - Return to Camp 2
This day, we carry equipment to Camp 3 called Camp Colera. After carrying the equipment up, we return to Camp 2 to sleep, to give our bodies more chances to acclimatize.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 14: Camp 2 to Camp 3: Camp Colera (6000 m)
We’ll start a 4 hour walk to Camp 3, located on the North Ridge. We will prepare our tents and eat and rest, to be ready to get the summit.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 15: Summit day! (6961 m)
It is the most demanding day of the expedition.
We’ll climb the North Ridge to Independencia Refuge at approximately 6500 m. We’ll ascend through the Portezuelo del Viento, climb La Canaleta, and the Filo del Guanaco, which leads us to the summit. The prize is waiting for us, a 360° view and the experience of overcoming, that you only finally understand once you reach it.
At the end of this experience, we descend to Camp 3.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 16 to 17: Spare days
We have three extra days set aside on our itinerary to attempt summit.
These extra days are built in to provide the best possible conditions for each participant to summit.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 18: Return to Base Camp
Return from Camp 3 to Base Camp. We’ll enjoy a great dinner to celebrate the experience.
-Accommodation: Tents.
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 19: Base camp-Penitentes-Mendoza
We’ll have breakfast and then start the descent from Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes.
There is a private transport waiting for us to take us to the hotel in Mendoza City.
-Accommodation: Hotel double or triple room
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 20: Mendoza - End of services
We have breakfast at the hotel. Check out and end of services.
Details
More info
It is MANDATORY for foreigners to have rescue and evacuation insurance covering helicopter rescue. It is a formal requirement from Aconcagua Park in order to issue the climbing permit, and will also be asked when entering the Park. For a trusted recommendation, we advise exploring Global Rescue's offerings, because they have a direct collaboration with the company managing helicopter rescues in Aconcagua: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/
We also recommend having travel and medical insurance to cover extra expenses in case of evacuation (medicine, medial exams, hospitalization, etc.).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All departure dates are confirmed, regardless of the number of registered participants. NOV30 - DIC19: Guide Agustín Aramayo (speaks French). DIC07 - DIC26: Guide Heber Orona. FEB08 - FEB27: Guide Andrés Jones.
About the client-guide ratio:
Up to 3 clients: 1 Guide for the whole expedition 4 clients: 1 Guide for the whole expedition + 1 assistant for Base Camp-Summit-Base Camp From 5 to 8 clients: 2 Guides for the whole expedition 9 clients: 2 Guides for the whole expedition + 1 assistant for Base Camp-Summit-Base Camp From 10 to 12 clients: 3 Guides for the whole expedition
Basic equipment required:
a) Clothing: Light Weight Long Underwear. Expedition Weight Long Underwear. Fleece Jacket. Fleece Trousers. Parka. Jacket. Waterproof/breathable. Wind Pants. Waterproof/breathable.
b) Headgear: Sun hat. Balaclava. Wool or pile ski hat. Head lamp. Glacier glasses.
c) Hands: Synthetic gloves. Mittens. Gore-Tex over mitts.
d) Footwear: Light hiking boots or trekking shoes. Climbing double (or triple) plastic or synthetic boots. Gaiters. Wool socks. Liner socks.
e) Climbing Equipment: Ice axe. Crampons. Ski poles.
f) Camping: Backpack. -20°C Sleeping bag. Ridge Rest sleeping pad. Therma rest pad. Dish, glass, knife, spoon and fork. Pocketknife. Water bottles. Pee bottle. Pee Funnel (for women). Sunscreen. Lip screen. Personal first aid kit.
g) Traveling: Large duffel bag with lock. Smaller duffel with lock. Plastic bags. Travel clothes. Toiletry bag. Camera gear.
Should you hire the help of a porter? If you have never carried a backpack of 20kgs over 5000 or 6000 meters, you have to know that it's a very demanding physical activity. You need to be very well trained. Otherwise, we recommend you hire the services of a personal porter to have a better chance of reaching the top. It is very common to hire a porter.
Trash and personal waste It is mandatory to remove everything from the mountain. You can't leave food behind just because you are exhausted from carrying it. So please think about this carefully when organizing your backpack. The same happens with trash and personal waste: nothing can stay on High Camps.
- NON-STOP FLIGHT OPTIONS FROM LONDON TO MENDOZA (*)
From London to Buenos Aires:
- Airline: Norwegian Air UK LGW-EZE (13 h 40 m) US$774 round trip
- Airline: British Airways LHR-EZE (13 h 50 m) US$1,216 round trip
From Buenos Aires to Mendoza:
- Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas AEP–MDZ (1 h 55 m) US$115 round trip
- Airline: LATAM Operated by Latam Airlines Argentina AEP–MDZ (1 h 52 m) US$117 round trip
- NON-STOP FLIGHT OPTIONS FROM NEW YORK TO MENDOZA (*)
From New York to Buenos Aires:
-Airline: United EWR–EZE (11 h 5 m) US$1,005 round trip
- Airline: American - LATAM Operated by American Airlines for Latam Airlines Argentina JFK–EZE (10 h 44 m) US$1,083 round trip
- Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas - Delta JFK–EZE (10 h 55 m) US$1,270 round trip
From Buenos Aires to Mendoza:
- Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas AEP–MDZ (1 h 55 m) US$115 round trip
- Airline: LATAM Operated by Latam Airlines Argentina AEP–MDZ (1 h 52 m) US$117 round trip
(*) Total price includes taxes + fees for 1 adult. Additional bag fees and other fees may apply.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To climb Mount Aconcagua, you need to be in excellent physical condition and have mountaineering experience. You need to be able to hike for long periods of time with a heavy backpack, and you need to be able to withstand the high altitude. You need to know how to use a harness, crampons, and an ice axe. You should also be familiar with the dangers of high altitude, such as altitude sickness. This is a challenging climbing trip. Therefore, it's not suitable for either children or older people.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
You should start training at least 6 months in advance. This will give you enough time to gradually build your fitness and endurance. Focus on building general fitness with exercises such as running, swimming, and strength training. Aim to hike for at least 2 hours per week, carry a weighted backpack (10-20 kg), and start training at altitude if possible. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your hikes. Aim to hike for at least 3 hours per week, and carry a weighted backpack (20-30 kg).
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
You will need to bring your trekking gear, which list we'll send you upon confirmation. You are responsible for bringing the appropriate equipment and clothes.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
Personal porters can be hired and the price for a 20kg load from Base Camp to Base Camp is about USD 1000-1300.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
2 nights of lodging in a 3-star hotel in the city of Mendoza. Beverages are not included.
1 night at Mountain Hotel in Penitentes. Beverages are not included.
The welcome dinner, breakfast, and taxes are included.
Double tents or dormitory domes during the expedition.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
We try to reach the summit anyway as we have two extra days included in the itinerary.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
Every 6 climbers there will be 1 guide and 1 guide's assistant.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
Late November to early March.
What's included in the price?
Services Included in the price:
Professional mountain guide experienced and qualified to operate in Aconcagua.
Assistance with the procedures to obtain the permit to enter Aconcagua National Park.
Ground transportation in private vehicles, including airport to hotel in Mendoza, Mendoza to Penitentes to park entrance, and Penitentes to Mendoza (at the end of the expedition)
Two (2) nights of accommodation in a 3* hotel in Mendoza City (shared room, double or triple occupancy), with breakfast included.
One (1) night of accommodation in Penitentes (shared room, double or triple occupancy), with breakfast and dinner included.
Transportation of your personal equipment by mules from Penitentes
Lodging in mountain or dormitory tents
All meals on the mountain
Dining room fully equipped
Drinking cold and hot water at all camps
Free internet and device charging at base camps
Free hot shower at base camps
Facility for the storage and care of equipment
Full porter service to carry double tents, garbage, human waste, and part of common equipment
Communications between Penitentes, Mendoza, high camps, and the base camp
Medical equipment
Dining domes at high camps equipped with benches and tables, with exclusive restroom tents for our clients
What is NOT included in the price?
The following are not included in the price:
Lunch and dinner in Mendoza
Aconcagua National Park climbing fee (tax charged by Mendoza government, according to dates)
Rescue or any other costs due to the abandonment of the expedition
Personal equipment
Extra nights in the hotel
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Inka
4.7
(27)
Guide Agency
Mendoza based company specialized in expeditions and trekkings to Mt. Aconcagua. All the trips are run by the best certified and professional guides, with unrivalled logistics and infrastructure.
Languages
English
What people are saying about this trip
Chloe
My friend Marc and I hired Inka for their logistics, know how, and reputation (we were self guided). Our initial email communication with Inka was very encouraging - extremely responsive, knowledgeable and helpful! They helped us plan our itinerary, execute it, and were always available for help. The Inka staff at Hotel Ayelyn, Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas were none other than amazing! We had an absolutely great experience, and I would highly recommend them to others - whether you are looking for a guided service or just logistical help along the way, give them a chance! A special shout out to Hilda (coordinator), who was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Thanks! Aaron
You may also like
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.