Plaza Francia Hike
Do you want to visit the south wall of Mount Aconcagua in just a 3-day trip? Plaza Francia hike is a great option to live an adventure around the highest mountain in America.
In Plaza Francia hike we will reach 13,616 ft. / 4,150 meters above sea level, at the viewpoint of the great south wall of Aconcagua: an imposing vertical wall with 9,842 ft. / 3,000 meters of vertical drop.
What does the activity consist of?
It is about experiencing up close all the magic of Aconcagua: 3 days in the Provincial Park that attracts mountaineers from all over the world because, in addition to its magnificent landscape, it is also one of the 7 highest peaks in the world.
We will visit some of the most iconic places in the Park. The Horcones Lagoon, the great water mirror that welcomes us at the entrance; and Confluencia, the first base camp, where the ascents to the summit begin. We will also see all the dynamics that make the ascent to this great mountain possible, with the mules and the constant movement of adventurers.
Anything else? Yes, the most impressive part remains! The highlight of the expedition is when we reach Plaza Francia Hike, the viewpoint of the south wall of Mount Aconcagua, with 9,842 ft. / 3,000 meters of vertical drop, views of glaciers and pure beauty.
Who is this tour recommended for Plaza Francia Hike?
Plaza Francia hike is ideal as a first approach to Aconcagua: for those who are looking to get to know this mountain in a short tour without major technical difficulty.
It is not necessary to have previous experience in high altitudes, but it is necessary to be in good physical condition, as some of the days will be demanding.
About Aconcagua
Aconcagua is an immense natural landscape that was declared a Provincial Park in 1983. It is a protected area with 71,000 hectares, and abundant flora, fauna, and huge glaciers. These water sources cover about 20 mi2 / 32 km2.
The diversity of its ecosystem (animal and plant) is surprising for its variety and represents great wealth for the whole area. The panoramic views from the high altitude are unforgettable.
The star of the Park? The great Mount Aconcagua, known as the Colossus of America. With its 22,842 ft / 6,962 masl, it is part of the world’s ” 7 summits” circuit: the highest summits of each continent.
- Professional trekking guide.
- Communication and first aid kit.
- General equipment.
- Internet in the base camps (One hour per day, depending on availability)
- Night in domes (Or in tents, depending on availability).
- Transportation in/out Mendoza city.
- Mules for general equipment.
- Breakfast and dinner in domes.
- Mules for personal equipment (for groups that meet the quota of 4 participants and 10 kg per person).
- Staff trained in first aid.
- Full board.
- Personal Insurance.
Doesn’t include
- Personal equipment.
- Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance fee/permissions (It’s important to know that the permit has to be done the day before the expedition starts).
- Any other service not mentioned.
Day 0 – Arrival at Mendoza city.
Your Aconcagua hike to Plaza Francia experience begins. There you can rest and we have to start Aconcagua entrance permit.
Max. altitude: 2,494 ft / 760 masl. Night in: hotel in Mendoza.
Day 1. We start the journey.
We set off early (8:30 am) towards Aconcagua Provincial Park. Upon arrival we check-in and get ready to hike with our backpacks loaded. We enter Aconcagua through a 4.34 mi. / 7 km. trek to Confluencia, the first base camp, at 11,319 ft. / 3,450 masl.
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 2. Our objective.
We start the day with a nutritious breakfast which prepares us for our trek toward our objective. We ascend 4 / 5 hours up to the viewpoint at Plaza Francia: we will be acclimatizing as we advance and gradually discovering incredible views of the landscape. When we reach 4,150 masl, the privileged panoramic view of the great south wall of Aconcagua will be unforgettable. We made it! After celebrations and pictures, we will descend again to Confluencia to spend the night.
Max. altitude: 13,616 ft. / 4.150 masl. Distance: 9.95 mi. / 16 km.
Elevation gain: 3,281 ft. / 1.000 m. Night in: Confluencia.
Day 3. We say goodbye to Aconcagua.
After breakfast, we break camp to start the descent to the “Quebrada de Horcones”, the entrance to the park. There, the shuttle will take us back to Mendoza city. With the great satisfaction of the adventure we have lived, we say goodbye…but only until our next adventure!
Max. altitude: 11,319 ft. / 3.450 masl. Distance: 4.34 mi. / 7 km.
Elevation loss: 1,313 ft. / 400 m. Night in: your lodging.
What does full board include?
Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner, and packed snacks on day 2. Day 1 includes the same, but no breakfast, and day 3, breakfast and packed snacks.
Menus will be defined according to the logistics of each day, but some meals that could be included are:
- Bacon Risotto.
- Meat sauce pasta.
- Pasta with mushrooms.
- 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.
What do I do if I lack equipment?
We can recommend equipment rental stores, and advise you in the process of choosing the right equipment for the activity.
How will we carry the loads?
All the loads are going to be carried by mules.
How many people sleep in a tent?
We offer a two-person tent, in order to facilitate logistics and the weight to be carried.
What physical condition do I need to be in?
For this activity, it is important that you do weekly physical training. Although the trekking is not demanding, we will reach 4,150 meters / 13,600 ft above sea level. It is not necessary for you to have previous experience in high altitude, though. This can be your first time!
How do I book and pay?
To book, you will have to make an advance payment of 10% of the total cost of the activity, by bank transfer to the U.S.A. or Western Union. You will pay the remaining amount the day before the beginning of the expedition.
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.
