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Climbing Aconcagua via Polish Traverse Route (20 days)

Climbing Aconcagua via Polish Traverse Route (20 days)
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Join a certified mountain guide for this once in a lifetime ascent of South America's highest peak. Spend 20 days climbing Aconcagua and enjoy an authentic Andean backcountry experience.

Group

Andes

20 Days

Jan, Feb, Dec

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery of western Argentina's Andes Mountains.
  • Conquer the tallest mountain in the Southern and Western Hemispheres.
  • Circumnavigate the mountain on the iconic Polish Traverse.

Description

Situated in western Argentina, along the border with Chile, stands the imposing peak that is Aconcagua.

Rising to 6,980 meters above sea level, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain outside of Asia.

In the native Quechua language, its name means stone sentinel, which is apt as this massif will be watching over us throughout the duration of our 20 day trip.

Over the course of our time together, we will be climbing the peak via the Polish Traverse 360 route, which circumnavigates the mountain before taking us to the top via the eastern slope. We then descend via the normal route.

For a complete and detailed itinerary, please see below.

While more physically involved than the normal one, this route is also not very technical, which means we will be able to hike up all the way to the summit without needing any rope or climbing equipment.

Overall, the Polish Traverse is a great and dynamic way to experience the mountain. As we go, we will enjoy plenty of stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountain scenery and have the chance to see native flora and fauna.

So what are you waiting for? Book now for this challenging but unforgettable 20-day ascent of Aconcagua via the Polish Traverse!

If you like the look of this trip, but would like to take a slightly different route up to the top of Aconcagua, then we think you may also enjoy our 20-day ascent via the normal route!

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Transport during the trip
  • Transportation start and back
  • Porters
  • Luggage transfer
  • Mules and horses
  • Tents

Itinerary

Day 1: Mendoza (760 m)

Upon arrival in Mendoza, you will enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in the city and then the city, and then begin with an orientation meeting (please note meeting time in your confirmation letter). At this meeting, we will perform a comprehensive gear check, an overview of the entire climb, and answer all questions. Guides will assist you with any gear rentals or purchases, if required. For the evening, you are free to walk the streets of Mendoza and enjoy the many great restaurants in the area (meals not included).

Day 2: Mendoza - Penitentes (2,725 m)

After registration with Aconcagua Provincial Park, we will drive to Penitentes to start our acclimatization. We
will have lunch in Uspallata and continue our journey. Upon reaching Penitentes, we will check in to our quaint
hotel at the base of the mountain. In the afternoon we will prepare loads for the mules at our Depot at Los Puquios for the following day. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Penitentes - Pampa de Lenas (3,100 m)

AMG will transport the group to the entrance of the park in our private van, where we will begin the trek to Pampa de Leñas Camp. Mules will carry our equipment (each climber carries a day pack) and our staff will set up camps upon arrival. (B, PL, D)

Day 4: Pampa de Leñas - Casa de Piedra (3,600 m)

After breakfast, we will pack gear and head off on our trek to Casa de Piedra Camp. This is a gradual walk along the Vacas River for about five to six hours. One of the most beautiful days on the trek, we will see the magnificent East Face of Aconcagua with the Polish Glacier that runs directly to the summit. As in the previous day, staff will set up tents, giving you the opportunity to rest waiting for dinner to be ready. (B, PL, D)

Day 5: Casa de Piedra - Plaza Argentina base camp (4,000 m))

The trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp is our longest trekking day (six to seven hours). Once at Plaza Argentina, we will stay in our own private campsite with the necessary comforts so as to make your stay as nice as possible. (B, PL, D)

Day 6: Plaza Argentina Base Camp

Rest day and perhaps short walks in the area. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Plaza Argentina - Camp 1 (4,950 m) - Plaza Argentina

Each team member will carry their own food and equipment to Camp 1. About 5 hours of climbing. We will eat packed lunch here at Camp 1, then return to Plaza Argentina. Carries such as these are an important aspect of our acclimatization process. (B, PL, D)

Day 8: Plaza Argentina Base Camp

A day in Plaza Argentina to rest, acclimatize, and prepare gear for our move to Camp 1. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Plaza Argentina - Camp 1

Move to Camp 1, approximately six hours. During the climb, each client will be responsible for carrying personal equipment and additional supplies. Porters will carry sleeping tents. We will stop for lunch along the way. Once there, guides will help team members set up the tents. (B, PL, D)

Day 10: Camp 1 - Camp 2 "Upper Guanacos" (5,500) - Camp 1

Carry to Camp 2 will take four to five hours. As part of our acclimatization, team members will carry the necessary food and fuel. We will begin by ascending moderate switchbacks that make the climbing easier, and then ascend 18,000 ft. (5,500 m) elevation gain to Camp 2. Throughout the climb, the surrounding mountains open up revealing wide vistas and a magnificent view of the Polish Glacier. At Camp 2 we will cache our supplies and rest while enjoying lunch, then descend back to Camp 1. (B, PL, D)

Day 11: Camp 1 - Camp 2

The group will climb to Camp 2 at 5,500 m (five hours of climbing) and set up camp. Again, each client will be responsible for carrying personal equipment and additional supplies. Porters will carry sleeping tents. At camp we will pitch tents, then rest and recover. (B, PL, D)

Day 12: Rest day

Rest day in Camp 2. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Camp 2 - Camp 3 "Colera" (6,000 ft) - Camp 2

Carry to Camp 3. Carry expedition equipment and food that you will need in Cólera (about four to five hours of climbing). Once at Cólera Camp, we will have lunch, then return to Camp 2. This trek will continue helping with your acclimatization process. (B, PL, D)

Day 14: Camp 2 - Camp 3

We begin with breakfast and an early start, ascending toward the Normal Route. On this day, each client will be responsible for carrying personal equipment and additional supplies. Sleeping tents will be carried by our porter staff. At Cólera Camp we will settle our campsite, which will be strategically located for its altitude and protected from strong winds. The team guide will check each member of the group and orient climbers to summit day plans. (B, PL, D)

Day 15: Summit day (6,962 m)

Our planned summit day will begin with a pre-dawn start. This is the great day! Our goal is to reach the summit, where we will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience, and then return to Cólera.
(B, PL, D)

Day 16: Camp 3 - Plaza de Mulas (4,260 ft)

After a long trek, you will get to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. On this day, each client will be responsible for carrying personal equipment and the expedition equipment assigned to him. Porters will carry sleeping tents and waste. Once in Plaza de Mulas, the group will have the afternoon to enjoy the lower altitude and reflect on our experience. (B, PL, D)

Day 17: Plaza de Mulas - Horcones - Mendoza

Descend to Horcones (six to seven hours) on the last trekking day of our expedition. Mules will carry our belongings so team members will only take a light bag pack with a jacket and packed lunch. Transfer to Mendoza city. Lodge in the hotel. (B, PL) (Mendoza dinner not included)

Day 18: Mendoza

Breakfast. End of services. (B)

Day 19: Extra day for weather.

Day 20: Extra day for weather.

 

Details

More info

Please contact us for a complete equipment list.

Meeting point

Mendoza, Argentina

Equipment you will need to bring

Harness

Water bottle

Backpack

Helmet

Sunglasses

Belay device


About the guide

Guide profile image

Aconcagua

1.0

(1)

Tour Operator

We are a team of highly experienced and certified guides. We have been leading expeditions in Aconcagua for many years. Mountaineering is our way of life and our goal is to offer the highest standard of service to each of our clients. We want to provide you with the best opportunity to experience a high-mountain environment, helping you reach the highest summit in the Americas in a safe and enjoyable way.

Several of our lead guides have ascended Aconcagua over 30 times. We guarantee our guides are well-trained and have a deep knowledge of the mountain. They all are certified by AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides), and the EPGAMT (School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides) — the two highest certifications in Argentina.

Safety is our main concern and we pride ourselves on our excellent safety record. Climbing mountains has inherent risks, but through careful planning we greatly reduce these risks and lead people into extraordinary environments and life changing experiences.

Climbing Aconcagua is a certainly a big challenge. Through our many years of guiding clients from all over the world to the Aconcagua summit, we have developed an excellent program that achieves this goal better than any other company. We provide an outstanding logistical service and each year we improve our services using the latest technology and innovations in the outdoor industry. We also make sure to provide clear and accurate descriptions of our service and refund policies to our clients.

Aconcagua Mountain Guides Works for the environment and natural resources protection. We transport all waste and trash from the mountain either by mules or helicopter out of the park for disposal, and we take great care of our animals, giving them plenty of rest between camps.

Contact us and let’s start planning your expedition. We look forward to experiencing Aconcagua with you!

Languages

English

Ask questions

What people are saying about Aconcagua

Sebastian

I will write you a longer mail why the trip was a disaster and why AMG was the reason for it. Best regards Sebastian Arnstedt


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