Aconcagua Expedition
To reach the summit of Mount Aconcagua is to touch the roof of America: at 22,841 ft. / 6,962 masl, it is the highest peak in the continent. And also, one of the most important milestones for those who pursue the goal of climbing the Seven Summits (the seven highest mountains in the world).
The Mount Aconcagua Ascent with Destino Montaña is a personalized service: groups are small, because our priority is to provide each mountaineer with permanent attention and flexibility in our ascent plan.
Our 18-day expedition will put your physical and mental capacity to the test. To ascend Mount Aconcagua is to connect with the mountain at a level as high as its summit. It implies getting to know the mystique of the Andes Mountains in an experience to live mountaineering to the fullest. Are you ready? Here we tell you everything you need to know.
Normal ascent route to Aconcagua
The one known as “Normal Route” is one of the multiple routes to climb to the summit of Aconcagua. It is one of the most popular routes among mountaineers, because in addition to being the simplest, it does not present any technical difficulty. That is to say, it is not necessary to have experience in rock or ice climbing to do it.
However, although it does not present technical difficulty, it does pose considerable difficulty in terms of altitude. Sleeping in its high altitude camps at between 18,050 ft. / 5,500 and 19,700 ft. /6,000 masl represents an enormous challenge for anyone who intends to reach its summit.
Previous experience at altitude -above 19,700 ft. / 6,000 masl- is one of the key factors to achieve this objective.
When planning the expedition, there are different itineraries, and one of the main differences among them is the number of days and the acclimatization method. The program we propose focuses on base acclimatization: this ensures that later, when we begin the ascent to the high altitude camps, the body’s response will be optimal to continue advancing.
Our Aconcagua ascent itinerary was planned based on our experience, and with the objective in mind: to achieve the best acclimatization, in an efficient time, which includes some extra days to increase the chances of reaching the summit.
We guarantee the ascent to Mount Aconcagua:
- Small groups, with a maximum of 6 people. In this way, we ensure that you have all the personalized attention you need for a complex ascent. In addition, we gain flexibility in making decisions that adapt to your pace.
- Personalized assistance: a professional guide will be in charge of providing you with complete information about the previous training, the necessary equipment and where to get it, the weather conditions, the itinerary, and you will also have talks with the guides to start the expedition 100% prepared.
- Constant communication: from the moment you make your reservation and throughout the entire process, to advise you on every detail. And during your journey, you will be able to share your progress from a remote website through the “In Reach” system.
- We provide a safe, comfortable and humane experience. As this is a long and demanding expedition, we prioritize preserving exclusivity and generating a bond of trust with each mountaineer over selling more. This way you will have a flexible itinerary and the full attention of the guides.
- All meals are provided every day (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and hiking snacks). Nutritious and healthy food for a balanced diet: fruit with cereal bars for the hike, and dishes with vegetables, legumes, ham, meat and quality carbohydrates for the main meals.
- 2 professional mountain guides, with great experience and qualified to operate in Aconcagua. There will be 1 guide every 3 people.
- 2-day accommodation for acclimatization in a comfortable mountain hut in Villa Las Cuevas, for a better base acclimatization before entering the Park.
About the challenge
You will cover 85 km, facing adverse weather conditions, during days and nights in which your focus will be to reach the summit and ours, to accompany you to achieve it. These are some of the things to keep in mind:
Weather: Temperatures in high mountains are very variable, and it is a very exposed mountain. During the journey we can expect temperatures from 77° F. / 25° C. to -13° F. / -25° C. In addition to possible wind storms, snow, cold and intense sunshine.
Physical demand: The physical difficulty required for Aconcagua is considerable. You will need to be prepared for 14 hours of trekking and 3,280 ft / 1,000 m. of elevation gain. It will be very demanding for your body, because although there is no technical difficulty, the altitude represents the greatest challenge.
Altitude: Going over 16,400 ft. / 5,000 masl can be very demanding for your body. It is very important that you have previous experience in mountains over 18,050 ft. / 5,500 masl, because that will allow your body to adapt more easily. Summit day is strenuous and requires excellent acclimatization in order to reach the summit.
Mental challenge: the expedition will consist of 18 days of being active, pushing your own limits and being exposed to adverse weather conditions. We will also have rest days -which can generate impatience- but it is important to keep calm while the body acclimatizes. All of this will require strength and mental balance on your part, to enjoy the challenge and stay focused on the goal.
Location: despite being a technically easy mountain, the location presents some challenges from the weather to the services. Although all the logistics are guaranteed, the services in the high altitude camps are more limited than in other of the seven summits, so you will have to give up certain comforts.
How will we do it?
We will progressively ascend Mount Aconcagua from Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas base camps, passing by Canadá, Nido de Cóndores, and Cólera high altitude camps, until we reach the summit of the great Aconcagua.
Our itinerary begins with 2 days of accommodation in a comfortable mountain hut in Villa Las Cuevas -at 10,430 ft. / 3,180 masl- to acclimatize in a pleasant environment. Unlike other itineraries, instead of spending a day to acclimatize by ascending to Plaza Francia, we will do it in Las Cuevas, where we can spend an extra night in the comfort of a mountain hut.
Why do we do it this way? Because on the sixth day, we will ascend to the base camp, Plaza de Mulas, and we will need to face the strenuous day by having had a good rest. Climbing up to Plaza Francia the day before would be an unnecessary physical effort, and our priority is to optimize our energy to reach the summit.
- Small groups of 6 people maximum.
- 2 qualified professionals for every 6 people: a mountain guide who will lead the expedition, and a trekking guide who will provide assistance.
- 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Mendoza City based on double occupancy (two persons in a room)
- 2 nights at a mountain hut in “Villa las Cuevas”.
- Communication with park rangers and rescue patrol if necessary.
- Satellite communication (so that others can follow your route remotely, through a website).
- General equipment (tents, heaters, cooking pots, etc.)
- Transfer from Mendoza to Aconcagua and back.
- Transfer from the airport to Mendoza City one way.
- Transportation of general equipment at all times (tents, heaters, pots) and the waste generated.
- Transportation of up to 20 kg. of personal equipment (on mules) to the base camp “Plaza de Mulas”.
- First aid trained staff and complete first aid kit.
- Full board from day 3 (see “FAQ” for details).
- Services at Confluencia camp: lunch, dinner, and breakfast in domes.
- Services at Plaza de Mulas base camp: lunch, dinner, breakfast in domes, toilet use, and shower.
- Domes at high camps for lunch and dinner.
- Toilets at high camps.
- Internet at base camps and high camps.
- Assistance to obtain the entrance permit to the Park.
Doesn’t include
- Personal equipment.
- Rental and return of personal equipment.
- Personal accident insurance required by the Provincial Park. We recommend hiring the “Global Rescue” service. You can contact us for advice.
- Transportation of personal equipment beyond Plaza de Mulas. From that point we will progressively carry the equipment during the acclimatization hikes. We recommend hiring a porter if you do not wish to carry any weight.
- Costs of rescue and/or abandonment of the expedition. Whatever the reason, abandoning the expedition itinerary early has many extra costs, such as guides, transfers, etc. We recommend that you take out trip cancellation insurance.
- Entrance fees/permits for Aconcagua Provincial Park. We can provide assistance so that you do not have any inconvenience when you enter the park.
- Meals in Mendoza City.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, extra food and beverages).
- Tent pitching.
- Any other service not mentioned
Optional
- Full porters for personal gear. Highly recommended.
- Upgrade of the hotel in Mendoza to 4 or 5 stars.
Itinerary. What you will experience day by day:
The organization of the activities during the 18 days of the expedition is designed to accompany our acclimatization times, and thus make the Mount Aconcagua Ascent an efficient and enjoyable experience.
Day 1: Arrival at the airport / Transfer to your accommodation
Your Aconcagua experience begins. You will land in Mendoza, where our shuttle will be waiting for you to take you to your lodging. There you can rest and get ready for the beginning of the journey.
Max. altitude: 2,494 ft / 760 masl. Night in: hotel in Mendoza.
Day 2. Welcome and preliminary preparations
The guide will visit you at the hotel to introduce himself to the whole group and check the necessary equipment. In addition, we will answer any questions that may arise, to give you security about every detail. Then we will go to the equipment rental house to rent any necessary gear.
Max. altitude: 2,494 ft / 760 masl. Night in: hotel in Mendoza.
Day 3. Toward Villa Las Cuevas. We arrive at the mountain
First of all, we will pick you up at your hotel in Mendoza. Then, we will go to Villa las Cuevas, where we will arrive in the afternoon. There we will spend the night in comfortable accommodations.
This will be the beginning of our acclimatization: the key is not to ascend to high altitude too quickly. That is why the first night will be in a nice, low altitude mountain hut.
Max. altitude: 10,368 ft. / 3.160 masl. Night in: Villa las Cuevas.
Day 4. Let’s get moving…
We begin to acclimatize: we will make an acclimatization trek in the area, to get to know the surroundings and get used to the altitude. We will sleep again in “Villa las Cuevas”.
Max. altitude: 12,500 ft. / 3.850 masl. Distance: 5 mi. / 8 km.
Elevation gain: 2,200 ft. / 670 m. Night in: Villa las Cuevas.
Day 5. First camp: Confluencia, we have already entered Aconcagua!
Finally the time has come: we will move to Aconcagua Provincial Park, where we will check-in. And in front of the first views of the great mountains we will walk between 4 and 5 hours: from the entrance -by Laguna de Horcones-, to Confluencia -the first base camp-.
Max. altitude: 11,319 ft. / 3.450 masl. Distance: 4.34 mi. / 7 km.
Elevation gain: 1,313 ft. / 400 m. Night in: Confluencia.
Day 6. We ascend to Plaza de Mulas. We increase the demand
We will be climbing and feeling the altitude on our Mount Aconcagua Ascent. This day will be the most demanding after the summit attempt. We will hike for 8-9 hours from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas. We will cross the famous Playa Ancha and Cuesta Brava: let’s pick up the pace.
Max. altitude: 14,110 ft. / 4.300 masl. Distance: 11.2 mi / 18 km.
Elevation gain: 3,281 ft. / 1.000 m. Night in: Plaza de Mulas.
Day 7. A well-deserved rest in Plaza de Mulas.
This day we will stay in Plaza de Mulas to replenish our energy, nourish, hydrate and continue to get our bodies used to the altitude. To achieve optimal performance, taking breaks is as important as pushing ourselves: the important thing is to be consistent.
Max. altitude: 14,110 ft. / 4.300 masl. Night in: Plaza de Mulas.
Day 8. Portering challenge to Canadá.
On day 8 we will walk with weight, to strengthen our body a little more: this will help us a lot to acclimatize. We will carry part of our equipment to Plaza Canadá, the first high altitude camp. Then we will return to Plaza de Mulas to spend the night there. It will be between 6 and 8 hours of walking.
Max. altitude: 16,240 ft. / 4.950 masl. Distance: 2.85 mi / 4.6 km.
Elevation gain: 2,132 ft. / 650 m. Night in: Plaza de Mulas.
Day 9. Rest or acclimatization in Plaza de Mulas
The objective of this day is to continue with the acclimatization process. We will have time to rest, and depending on the state of the group, we may do some hiking in the surroundings.
Max. altitude: 14,110 ft. / 4.300 masl. Night in: Plaza de Mulas.
Day 10. From Plaza de Mulas to Canadá. First night in a high altitude camp.
We are ascending towards the goal! We will move from Base Camp (Plaza de Mulas) to Plaza Canadá, Camp 1: our first high altitude camp. It will be approximately 5 hours of walking.
Max. altitude: 16,240 ft. / 4.950 masl. Distance: 1.4 mi / 2.25 km.
Elevation gain: 2,132 ft. / 650 m. Night in: Plaza Canadá.
Day 11. Moving to Nido de Cóndores. Getting closer and closer.
On to our second high altitude camp! We will ascend from Plaza Canadá to Nido de Cóndores, to spend the night there.
Max. altitude: 18,050 ft. / 5.500 masl. Distance: 1.55 mi / 2.5 km.
Elevation gain: 1,804 ft. / 550 m. Night in: Nido de Cóndores.
Day 12. Challenge acclimatization to Cólera
Another “portering” effort: this day we will ascend carrying some weight up to Cólera camp, to acclimatize and have lunch at the top. We will reach an altitude of 6,000 masl, enjoy the incredible panoramic views, and then return to Nido de Cóndores.
Max. altitude: 19,685 ft. / 6,000 masl. Distance: 2.05 mi / 3.3 km.
Elevation gain: 1,640 ft. / 500 m. Night in: Nido de Cóndores.
Day 13. Resting to recover
It will be time to replenish energy again. On this day we will stay at Nido de Cóndores. We will rest to regain strength and begin to prepare for our summit attempt. We are getting closer to our objective.
Max. altitude: 18,050 ft. / 5,500 masl. Night in: Nido de Cóndores.
Day 14. Close to our goal. Cólera
We are almost there. We will move on to Camp 3: Cólera, on the north ridge of Aconcagua. This is our last high altitude camp at 6,000 masl. / 19,685 ft. We will pitch our tents and prepare for the next day: our summit attempt.
Max. altitude: 19,685 ft. / 6,000 masl. Distance: 1.1 mi / 1.8 km.
Elevation gain: 1,640 ft. / 500 m. Night in: Cólera.
Day 15. To the summit. The milestone of the expedition.
Finally, with much excitement, weather permitting, we will ascend to the summit. After taking pictures (and sometimes shedding some tears), with the incredible sensation of having reached our goal, we will conclude the day resting at our camp in Cólera.
Max. altitude: 22,841 ft. / 6,962 masl. Distance: 4.35 mi / 7 km.
Elevation gain: 3,156 ft. / 962 m. Night in: Cólera.
*It is always possible that weather or physical conditions may not allow us to reach the summit. Our guides will evaluate each situation to preserve the safety of the participants.
Day 16. We made it. Time to start the descent
After an intense summit day, we will have breakfast and walk to Plaza de Mulas to celebrate with a great meal and a good rest. It will be a well-deserved reward.
Max. altitude: 19,685 ft. / 6,000 masl. Distance: 4 mi / 6.55 km.
Elevation loss: 8,733 ft. / 2.662 m. Night in: Plaza de Mulas.
Day 17. From Plaza de Mulas to Mendoza city. The end of our expedition.
We have reached the end of our expedition. We will start the descent from Plaza de Mulas after breakfast, and with a 7-9 hour hike, we will arrive at Laguna Horcones, the entrance to the Park. We will then travel back to Mendoza City.
Tired but happy after the experience we have shared, we’ll say goodbye until we meet again on our next expedition.
Max. altitude: 14,110 ft. / 4.300 masl. Distance: 15.5 mi. / 25 km.
Elevation loss: 4,265 ft. / 1.300 m. Night in: hotel in Mendoza.
Day 18. Backup day.
This extra day will be a backup day to attempt the summit. In case weather conditions have not allowed us to ascend the previous days, we will have an extra day as a backup to increase our chances of reaching the summit. The goal is that everyone can achieve the Mount Aconcagua ascent.
Important: At all times we will try to follow the planned itinerary, but it will always depend on weather conditions and internal conditions of the group. For this reason, and to preserve the safety of the participants, the guides may modify the plan at any time.
What does the full board include?
Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and hiking snacks during the 16 days in the mountain. The food will be nutritious and healthy, taking into account the energetic needs of each day. We provide the best possible preparation adapted to the conditions of the area.
- At Villa Las Cuevas accommodations (days 1 and 2) meals will be prepared “restaurant” style (with only one set course option).
- At Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas, meals will be provided by a local Aconcagua provider, in domes.
- Hiking snacks will be sandwiches, fruit, nuts, etc.
- From Plaza de Mulas onwards, all lunches and dinners (not hiking meals) will be served in tents.
The menus will be defined according to the logistics of each day, but some dishes that could be included are:
- Bacon risotto.
- Meat sauce pasta.
- Mushroom pasta.
- Sandwich with homemade bread, cold cuts, tomato, and avocado.
- Rice with sautéed vegetables.
- Barbecue.
- Charcuterie plates.
- Fajitas.
- Fresh fruit, nuts, cereal bars, oatmeal cookies, etc.
Important: In case you are vegetarian, or have any food preference/restriction, we will adapt the menu without any problem. Just let us know upon booking.
How can I get my equipment?
In addition to our personalized advice to answer any questions you may have, we provide you with a complete list of what you will need. You will have to bring certain items of personal clothing, but there are others that you can rent in Mendoza. We will accompany you in the process: The guide will check all your equipment the day before the expedition. Before leaving, we will stop by the rental house to get what you need.
How are the loads transported?
At the beginning, up to Villa Las Cuevas, the loads will be transported by vehicle. Then, from Horcones to Plaza de Mulas, the general equipment and up to 20 kg / 44 lbs of personal equipment will be transported by mules.
From then on, the transportation of personal equipment is not included (general equipment is). The itinerary is designed for us to “porter” our personal equipment: we will carry the load distributed in several steps. However, you will have the possibility of hiring additional porters to reduce your load. We recommend doing so in order to have a better expedition, since the weight of your personal equipment will be between 15 and 20 kg (33 and 44 lbs).
Is it advisable to hire porters for my personal equipment?
Yes, we recommend 100% that you hire the service of porters for your personal equipment. This will allow you to save effort, and thus have a better chance of reaching the summit. To hire a porter to lighten your load, you must let us know in advance. The price of the complete rounds (the whole expedition, round trip) is 1,150 USD per 44 lbs / 20 kg.
How many people sleep in a tent?
Although we have 3-person tents, only 2 people will sleep in each one, for greater comfort. The model is North Face’s VE25.
Are base camp services included?
In Confluencia, lunch, dinner, and breakfast are included (1 night). In Plaza de Mulas, services include lunch, dinner, breakfast, toilet use, and one shower (5 nights max). If you need any additional service in these camps, the cost will be covered by you.
Is it necessary to have experience in high altitude mountaineering?
Yes, having experience in high-altitude mountaineering is absolutely essential. The higher we climb, the more important the experience in altitude mountaineering becomes even more so than physical fitness (although it is still relevant). Because your body’s memory of acclimatization will make it much easier for you to adapt to the conditions of the environment if you have experienced it before.
Your physical condition should also be excellent. You are able to climb Mount Aconcagua if you have climbed at least two five-thousanders and one six-thousander, as well as if you have done mountaineering or other cardiovascular and muscular training activities in the last year.
What will my backpack consist of?
On the first days, at the base camp, you will carry in your backpack what you need for the day: warm clothes for the hikes, water and food. The rest of the equipment will be carried on mules. It will weigh between 6 and 8 kg (13 and 17.5 lbs).
Then, from Plaza de Mulas onwards, when we start the ascent to the high-altitude camps, the weight and content of your backpack will depend on whether you want to hire porters or not. In case you do, your load will continue to be 6 to 8 kg (13 to 17.5 lbs) each day, and a 45 L backpack will be enough for the whole trek. And in case you do not hire porters, your load will weigh between 15 and 20 kg (33 to 44 lbs) from the base camp onwards. We strongly recommend hiring at least 1 porter for each person.
How do I get a Park entrance permit?
We will assist you in the process of getting the permit, so that you can do it without problems. On day 1, once you arrive in Mendoza you will be able to give us the money to pay for it. We will take care of it and give it to the guide in charge of the expedition.
The entrance permit to Aconcagua currently has a promotional price of around 650 USD, if you purchase it before July 31. After that date the price will vary between 800 and 1000 USD, depending on the month you wish to come.
How much money should you bring to Argentina?
In our experience, about 2,000 USD will be enough to hire porters, pay for meals in Mendoza city, and have some extra for any unforeseen eventuality.
Keep in mind that in Argentina, it is not convenient to use credit cards, because you will receive 70% of the real exchange rate.
If for any reason you have to abandon the expedition, and you do not have cash, the costs may be up to 100% more than if you had it.
What happens if I abandon the expedition or have to be rescued?
Expedition abandonment and/or rescue costs are not included in our service. If for medical reasons you need to use the helicopter, the insurance will cover the costs (we recommend Global Rescue), as long as Aconcagua’s doctors authorize the rescue.
If you leave the group by your own decision, you will have to pay for the guide who will accompany you out of the park, the transportation from Aconcagua to Mendoza and the lodging you choose on your own (either in Aconcagua or in Mendoza). These services, depending on the point at which you leave the itinerary, can cost up to 1,000 USD.
We recommend hiring trip cancelation insurance so you can recover the costs.
Why don’t we go to Plaza Francia?
We opted for a base acclimatization in a more comfortable place, and this will have several advantages. One of them is to spend the first days at altitude -while the acclimatization process begins- in a comfortable environment. The other advantage is that by avoiding the ascent to Plaza Francia, we avoid making a great physical effort on the day prior to one of the longest days, which is the trek to Plaza de Mulas.
Can I do the expedition if I have excellent physical condition but no experience in high-altitude mountaineering?
This is a very common question. We do NOT recommend making the ascent without experience in high-altitude mountaineering. Because even if you are in excellent physical condition, you will lack knowledge concerning the most important area, which is acclimatization. When the body is exposed to altitude, it builds up a memory that makes the subsequent acclimatization processes much faster and more efficient. This point is 100% necessary to reach the summit of Aconcagua.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes, the itinerary is an ideal and approximate plan. However, it will be subject to climatic and human contingencies. Therefore, with the aim of improving the chances of reaching the summit, or to ensure the safety of the group, our professional guides may make decisions that change the planned itinerary. This can happen at any time and without prior notice.
What does the internet service included consist of?
Internet use is included in the contracted services for one hour per day at the Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas base camps. The time you will be able to use it will depend on the demand at the time, and will be assigned by the camp managers. In case you wish to use extra time, you can hire it without any problem.
Can I get a customized itinerary on another date?
Yes, we can tailor the expedition to your preferences and personal acclimatization times. You only have to let us know the dates and your needs, so that we can prepare a customized budget.
Will we have access to water at the high-altitude camps?
Water in Aconcagua may be scarce in some seasons. Normally this only happens in the first high altitude camp, so in this case you should carry (or add to the load of your porter) 2 liters of water the portering day. We will take care of the rest. And if there is a lack of water in another camp, the load of water will have to be shared equally by the company and each one of the participants.
