Climbing Mount Aconcagua, 18 days

4.7

(14)

Overview Description Groups Included Itinerary FAQ Guide Reviews

Join one of the Andes mountains' top certified guides on an 18-day mountain climbing trip to the summit of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in South America!

Group

Andes

18 Days

Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec

Very high

Intermediate

Highlights

Join one of the most experienced guides of the Andes to the top of Aconcagua.
Live a truly unforgettable experience in the Andes mountains.
Climb one of the world's Seven Summits!

Description

Climbing Aconcagua is a mountaineering feat you will never forget! Join me on this 18-day program and discover the most iconic mountain of the Andes!

Mount Aconcagua (6961 m) is the highest summit in Argentina and also in the Americas. It’s located in the Andes Mountains, 112 kilometres away from the city of Mendoza.

This is an 18-day expedition via the Normal Route. During the first days, we’ll do acclimatization trekkings to Plaza Francia. Then, we’ll trek 40 kilometers in three days and reach Plaza de Mulas while enjoying the beautiful Andean landscapes. After that, we’ll be ready to start climbing Aconcagua. For further details about this trip, you can find the itinerary and the next departure dates below.

Keep in mind that one of the advantages of this route is that it offers a medical service in Confluencia, which provides wider medical support. Also, the approaching camp is set permanently and the distance between high camps is very regular and short in comparison with other routes. Therefore, acclimatization will be easier. Furthermore, white wind is one of the most common obstacles during the climb. We have taken this into account and scheduled in extra days to increase the chances of reaching the summit.

So, are you ready for the rush of climbing to the top of the highest mountain in all of the Americas? Then contact me now and let’s start planning an adventure of a lifetime! I will be happy to be your guide to the top of this iconic peak!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Porters
Mountain guide expenses
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 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 available at base camps and high camps.
Dining domes at high camps equipped with benches and tables. Restroom tents exclusive for our clients.
These items are not included in the price:
Aconcagua Park climbing fee (tax charged by Mendoza government, according to dates. Last season, the permit fee costed USD800 on high season per person).
Personal equipment.
Rescue or all other costs due to the abandoning of the expedition.
Extra nights in the hotel in Mendoza.
Meals in Mendoza.
Any other item not listed as included.
Out of the total amount, USD 400 are a non-refundable deposit.

Meeting point

Mendoza

Itinerary

Day 1: Mendoza

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 the team members.

Accommodation: Hotel double or triple room.

Day 2: Penitentes

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’ll drive you to Horcones Park, 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: 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 to Plaza Francia, 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: Confluencia / Plaza de Mulas (4250 m)

After 8-9 hours hiking across Playa 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: Carry equipment to camp 1

This is a challenging day where we’ll gain 1.000 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 8: Rest day at Plaza de Mulas

This is a day we mainly use to recover energy, to rest, to hydrate ourselves and for abundant meals.

Accommodation: Tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 9: Ascent to Camp 1 (4900 m)

The following morning we’ll start the ascent to Aconcagua.

We’ll move to Camp 1, called Plaza Canada. Until now, we were working on get an optimal acclimatization. We want everyone to have the best possible chance to do summit.

Accommodation: Tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 10: Move to Camp 2 (5400 m)

Camp 2, called Nido de Condores (meaning Condor Nest), is located in a high pass at 5.400 m. and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.

Accommodation: Tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 11: Carry equipment to Camp 3

This day, we’ll carry equipment to Camp 3 called Camp Colera. After carrying the equipment up, we’ll return to Camp 2 to sleep, to give our bodies more chances to acclimatize.

Accommodation: Tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 12: Ascent to Camp 3 (6000 m)

We’ll start a 4 hours 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 13: Summit day (6961 m)

It is the most demanding day of the expedition.

We’ll climb the North Ridge to Independencia Refuge at approximately 6.500 m. We’ll ascend through the Portezuelo del Viento , climb La Canaleta, and the Filo del Guanaco, that 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’ll descend to Camp 3.

Accommodation: Tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 14 to 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: Mendoza

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.).

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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 (you can rent it on site)

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 (around 1000USD). If you do that, you'll carry a backpack of around 35-60 liters.

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.

FAQs

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

Late November to early March.

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

Every 6 climbers there will be 1 guide and 1 guide's assistant.

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 the Aconcagua Base Camp to Base Camp is about USD 1000-1300.

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 to the ascent to Aconcagua. We'll send a list of the equipment needed once you confirm your booking. You are responsible to bring the appropriate equipment and clothes.

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Accommodation on the mountain in tents or dormitory tents for 4 or 8 people in camps and tents at altitude.

All meals included during the expedition

Drinking water (hot and cold) in all our Base Camps

Fully equipped dining tents at Base Camp

Exclusive restrooms for our clients

Internet and device charging free of charge at base camps

Free hot showers in base camps

Personal equipment deposit and storage

What happens in the event of bad weather?

We try to reach Aconcagua's summit anyway as we have two extra days included in the itinerary.

How will accommodation be handled in Mendoza City?

2 nights of lodging in a 3-star hotel in the city of Mendoza

Breakfast included

Beverages not included

1 night at Mountain Hotel in Penitentes

Beverages not included

The welcome dinner, breakfast, and taxes included

What kind of logistics services do you offer for moving equipment?

To ensure safe and timely delivery of loads, we deploy transport mules, with each animal capable of carrying up to 60 kg. Loads must be balanced by 30 kg on each side. At Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, and Plaza Argentina, camp supervisors arrange equipment and radio communication for returning mules. It is important for us to add that we were recognized by the Cullunche Foundation (animal welfare program) for the care of the mules in Aconcagua Park.

I am vegan (not eating meat, fish, milk, eggs, or honey). Is there a solution for my diet?

For the moment, we have a vegetarian menu during the expedition, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You will get enough protein from:

Grains: chickpeas, lentils, beans , peas , quinoa, and soy

Seeds: sunflower, mustard, sesame, couscous, rye, fennel, almonds, nuts, and peanuts.

Vegetables: broccoli, tomatoes, green pepper, spinach, cucumber, parsley, cauliflower, fungus.

Please note that in our country, there are no manufactured products for sale in markets such as vegan cheeses, vegetal milk, vegan creams, vegan yogurts, vegan candies, vegan "meats", etc. In our menus, You will eat animal ingredients indirectly. You will find eggs, honey, cow milk, jelly, dyes, or fake strawberry flavor as well.

In case you prefer bringing some extra food, remember to bring it always well labeled, and all the packages must be vacuum sealed, otherwise, the sanitary authorities will take it from you at the airport.

Do I need some kind of pass to enter Aconcagua Park? How much does it cost? How is it processed?

A permit is required for entering Aconcagua Park, which is personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable. The cost depends on the visitor's nationality and chosen route. An authorized agency can save on the permit cost. Permit fees are set by the government and published in November.

The cost of the permit is not included in the expeditions, but we'll assist you in obtaining it. Persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter the park unless they have a special permit issued by a lawyer or notary.

How do I get the pass to access Aconcagua Park?

To process the Aconcagua Park permit, you must first contract the services (either scheduled/private expedition or logistical support), then you'll have to send some documents online in advance (copy of passport, complete a form with personal data) and once you arrive in the city and visit the service provider company you can pay for the permit and pick it up.

Do I need rescue insurance to climb Aconcagua?

Yes, 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. You can book it from this page 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.).

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Termas Valle de Colina San José de Maipo Chile

See rooms

Cabañas Cascada de las Animas San José de Maipo Chile

See rooms

Hostal de Antiguo San José de Maipo Chile

See rooms

About the guide

-Inka

4.6

(32)

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

Hendrik

Generally the group is too large for the number of guide. I am not the only hiker who felt that there are politics throughout the trip in the guide trying to reduce the group number. Some people were called in to additional medical checks in what felt like an attempt to reduce numbers. Earlier in the track a hiker passed medical and yet got asked to turn around. On my summit attempt I had gloves with hand warmers. However, the hand warmers didn't kick in and my index finger was becoming numb. I asked to stop to put on mittens, the guide reluctantly stopped and assisted with putting in mitten, except that he shoved the mittens on my hand and my thumb was not in the glove properly. I was unable to hold on to my walking stick and was effectively fumbling around with the walking stick. later I was behind another hiker we were both told to follow the guide for 15min and if we were too slow we'd have to turn back. I have enough to speed up at the time, even with my hand not being able to hold the poles. However, by then I'm really disappointed with the way the tour was being run and made no attempt to argue - I was stuck behind a slower hiker (i can't go any quicker) and my mittens were not on properly. Really at that altitude, how you feel does play a big factor in motivation, when the guide asked me and the other hiker to turn back, I'm really over the experience and wanted to get out. Not because of being fatigue but will all the politics that goes on I've had enough. I'm on holiday in the mountains - if i want to play politics, I'd stay in the office. made a point of helicoptering out the next day. What is frustrating is that our groups is so fast that we caught up with another group also from Inka and summited 2 hours before the cut off time. And yet hikers were turned around prematurely. I had enough energy on the hike down on the same day I was running down the chute section. I think you'd seen many negative comment about not client focused. I have to say I agree. I can't blame the guides for this but the lack of guide to hiker ratio. Maybe consider that for someone like me to even get into Argentina, it took months of effort. Summit is not really the point, is more to that I'm not even pushing myself to breaking point and was denied this - this is all a mountaineer wanted, to test the limits and sometimes we make the summit sometimes we don't and I get that. All I can say is taht logistics wise, food, supplies, porters, everything was well run. I would not recommend anyone that I know on this tour, if anything I learnt from other hikers to run a private expedition using Inka as Logistics.

Eliza