Climb Aconcagua via the Normal Route
Join us on a captivating expedition to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas! This is a challenging experience that will take you through diverse landscapes including the Andes mountain range and the glaciers descending from the top of the summits.
Group
Andes
18 Days
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Climb the highest summit of South America
- Enjoy base camp life at its highest standard
- Live an unforgettable experience under professional guidance
Description
Mount Aconcagua - the highest summit of America, is without a doubt a unique challenge for every mountain lover. This titanic formation is considered as one of the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent with a summit elevation of 6,961 meters (22,838 feet).
Explore the heart of the Central Andes in Argentina accompanied by a professional guide and enjoying the highest quality of base camp service and logistics.
The adventure will start once you arrive at Mendoza Airport, where we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Later that day we'll discuss the itinerary, clear any doubts, and check your equipment with the help of our expert guide.
This challenging multi-day adventure will take us from 16 to 18 days to complete. The route will begin at the Horcones Valley, located at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,200 feet). From there, we will ascend to Base Camp at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet).
The journey up Aconcagua is a remarkable journey that traverses diverse landscapes, tests physical and mental limits as it uncovers some of the most mesmerizing sights that Argentina has to offer.
Aconcagua is a popular challenge for mountaineers of all experience levels. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of climbing at high altitude. We must be mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. Good physical condition and mental strength will be essential tools as we face the obstacles of the climb. With our trusted guide by our side and the proper safety measures in place, we can be confident of a safe and memorable experience.
Join us and live an exciting experience in the colossus of America and marvel at the amazing views of the Andes mountain range and the glaciers descending from the top of the summits!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Porters
- Mountain guide expenses
- Luggage transfer
- Tents
- Cooking utensils
Price details
- Accommodation in 3star hotel in Mendoza at arrival and before departure.
- Porters included in the price are considered only for carrying group equipment (camp and cooking equipment, food).
- Price does not include dinner in Mendoza on the first and last days of the trip.
- Price does not include costs in the case of evacuation or personal decision to abandon the trip.
- It does not include personal traveling and rescue insurances, but we strongly recommend getting them.
- Does not include entrance permit, but we can do the paperwork for you.
- Does not include personal porter service.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Mendoza Airport
We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you’ll have a talk with our guide in order to clear any doubts and check your equipment. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the guides in a local restaurant. Max altitude: 750 m / 2460 ft Lodging: Hotel in Mendoza Meals: Dinner at restaurant (not included in price)
Day 2: Drive to Las Cuevas
Driving from Mendoza to Las Cuevas, once installed in the cabins, the equipment of each participant will be delivered to the pack mules. Max altitude: 3557 m / 11669 ft Lodging: Cabins
Day 3: Hiking to Confluencia
This day we will start early in the morning with a hike from Horcones to Confluencia (3,390 m). Rest and spend the night at Confluencia. You can expect approximately 4 hours of activity. Max altitude: 3390 m / 11122 ft Lodging: Tent
Day 4: Acclimatization hike to Plaza Francia
Acclimatization hike to Plaza Francia to admire the imposing south wall of Aconcagua, return and spend the night at Confluencia. Max altitude: 4200 m / 13779 ft. and back to 3390 m Lodging: Tent
Day 5: Arrival at Base Camp, Plaza de Mulas
We continue the ascent towards the Base Camp at Plaza de Mulas (4,300 m) where we will spend the night. 6 hours. of activity approx. Max altitude: 4300 m / 14100 ft Lodging: Base camp tent
Day 6: Rest Day
A rest day to recover energy before our first acclimatization summit on the following day. Max altitude: 4300 m / 14100 ft Lodging: Base camp tent
Day 7: Carry day Camp 1 Plaza Canada
Acclimatization and carry day to Camp 1 Plaza Canada (5050 m), return and spend the night at Plaza de Mulas. Max altitude: 5050 m / 16417 ft Lodging: Base camp tent
Day 8: Rest Day Plaza de Mulas
A rest day to recover energy before starting the approximation of higher camps. Max altitude: 4300 m / 14100 ft Lodging: Base camp tent
Day 9: Ascent to Camp 1 Plaza Canada
Ascent to Camp 1 Plaza Canada. Set camp and rest. Max altitude: 5050 m / 16417 ft Lodging: Tent
Day 10: Ascent to Camp 2 Nido de Condores
Ascent to Camp 2 Nido de Condores. This day marks the beginning of the high-altitude adventure, putting our acclimatization to the test. Set camp and rest. Max altitude: 5450 m Lodging: Tent
Day 11: Rest Day Nido de Condores
Rest day at Nido de Cóndores. On this day, we'll give our bodies the chance to adapt to the new altitudes, walking around the area and enjoying the beautiful views. Max altitude: 5,450 m Lodging: Tent
Day 12: Ascent to Camp 3, Berlin
Ascent to Camp 3, Berlin (5,950 meters above sea level).
Max altitude: 5,950 m Lodging: Tent
Day 13: Summit Day
We’ll start early morning (3 AM approx.) to push for our final goal - the Aconcagua summit (6,962 m)! For sure, this is the hardest day in our expedition. On this day we will see how the previous acclimatization process pays off in order to endure this challenging ascent. We’ll be ascending 1,000 meters to reach the summit and descend back to the Berlin camp. Max altitude: 6.962 m / 22841 ft Lodging: Tent Meals: Breakfast, box-lunch, dinner.
Day 14: Descent to Basecamp Plaza de Mulas
After a reach breakfast, we will take down camp and descend to celebrate at Plaza de Mulas (4,300 m). 4 hours. of activity approx Altitude: Descent to 4300 m / 14100 ft Lodging: Base camp tent
Day 15: Descend to Las Cuevas
Descent from Plaza de Mulas towards Horcones and Las Cuervas, where we will pick up our vehicle and return to Las Cuevas to wait for the luggage brought by the pack mules. 6 hours. of activity approx. Altitude: Descent to 3557 m / 11669 ft Lodging: Cabins
Day 16: Travel back to Mendoza
We will leave the mountains behind and drive to Mendoza. Altitude: Descent to 750 m / 2460 ft Lodging: Hotel in Mendoza
Day 17: End of Trip
After breakfast we will transfer the group to the airport (if needed). Altitude: 750 m / 2460 ft Lodging: No
Day 18 to 19: Contingency days
We plan these 2 extra days for the summit push in the case of possible modifications due to e.g. weather conditions.
Details
More info
The listed price applies to groups with a minimum of three participants. An additional fee is required for a private 1 on 1 expedition.
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Poles
Equipment rent on site
**Please contact us for a complete equipment list **
FAQs
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The most significant challenge of climbing Aconcagua is its high altitude. At 6,960 meters (22,837 feet), altitude-related health problems can occur. Therefore, it is crucial to have good cardiovascular fitness, endurance, strength, and overall health. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, hiking, cycling, and stair climbing can help prepare your body for the altitude and physical demands of the climb.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Accommodation will be provided in a 3-star hotel in Mendoza, cabins in Las Cuevas, and tents in Base Camp and higher camps. A dormitory booking at Base Camp is also available for an additional fee.
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain?
Although Aconcagua is not as technically challenging as some other high peaks, it is still a high-altitude expedition that requires a certain level of mountaineering experience. Prior experience with multi-day trekking, high-altitude exposure, and basic climbing skills is beneficial, but not essential.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Carlos
Mountain Guide
My name is Carlos Fouilloux and my passion for the mountains has been driving me for more than 20 years, the same passion that led me to choose the profession of mountain guide, to help others to fulfill their dreams. I am a certified professional mountain guide EPGAMT (Argentina) and ANGM (Chile). My vocation to know and discover new places has led me to travel across the Andes, both in a sportive and professional way, reaching summits such as Aconcagua, Ojos del Salado, Nevado Tres Cruces, Sajama, Parinacota, Tocllarraju, Alpamayo, among more than 200 other summits, as well as organizing and leading scientific expeditions to Northern and Southern Ice Fields with renowned international scientific groups.
Languages
Spanish | English
Certificates
EPGAMT | ANGM
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
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Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
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Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
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