Trekking to Plaza de Mulas – Aconcagua
The trekking tour to Plaza de Mulas is your opportunity to reach the base of Mount Aconcagua in an expedition designed for mountaineers who seek to approach the “Colossus of America”.
It is a way to experience Aconcagua with professional guides who will provide you with safety and personalized attention during the entire tour.
You will reach 14,108 ft. / 4,300 mt. above sea level, to visit Plaza de Mulas base camp: the iconic place from where mountaineers from all over the world set off to reach the highest summit in the continent.
What does the trekking tour to Plaza de Mulas, Aconcagua consist of?
We offer a base 5-day itinerary, during which we will ascend progressively to achieve a good acclimatization, until we reach our destination: Plaza de Mulas, at 14,108 ft. / 4,300 masl.
In addition, we offer the possibility of extending this itinerary to add more customized experiences. You can add 1, 2 or 3 extra days, to go a little higher in the ascent and reach Plaza Canadá (the first high altitude base camp of Aconcagua). Or, you can choose to reach the summit of Cerro Bonete at 16,404 ft / 5,000 masl, close to Plaza de Mulas.
And if you like to enjoy a relaxing time in the mountain, or you want to improve your acclimatization, you can also add a previous day in a comfortable lodge, with beautiful views.
Who is this experience recommended for?
We recommend the trekking to Plaza de Mulas for mountaineers who wish to get to know the Aconcagua Provincial Park, accepting the challenge of reaching its base.
The physical demand of the expedition is high. That is why it is ideal to have mountain experience, although it is not required to have experience in high altitude (>13,124 ft. / 4,000 masl). We will have long days of up to 10 hours of trekking in difficult terrain, in addition to the challenge of exposure to low temperatures and altitude.
The trekking to Plaza de Mulas is for you if, in addition to the above, you have an excellent physical condition: that is, very good aerobic capacity and leg endurance.
About the place
Aconcagua is a large 71,000 ha protected area, with great flora, fauna and water resources, such as important glaciers. These cover about 20 mi2 / 32 km2, within the natural landscape that was declared Provincial Park in 1983.
It has a rich and diverse ecosystem (ecosystem (vegetal and animal), which is very valuable for the whole area. And the postcard-like view is completed with the incredible landscapes that the altitude offers us.
The main attraction of the Park is the great Mount Aconcagua: the Colossus of America, which is part of the world’s “7 summits”. With its 22,842 ft / 6,962 masl, it is the highest peak in the continent.
Personalized itinerary options:
- Base 5-day itinerary + previous day of acclimatization in a lodge.
- Base 5-day itinerary + 1-day ascent to Cerro Bonete or Plaza Canada.
- Base 5-day itinerary + 1-day ascent to Cerro Bonete or Plaza Canada + rest day at “Plaza de Mulas”.
- Base 5-day itinerary + previous day of acclimatization in lodge + 1-day ascent to Cerro Bonete or Plaza Canada + rest day at “Plaza de Mulas”.
- Base 5-day itinerary + previous day of acclimatization in lodge + 1-day ascent to Cerro Bonete or Plaza Canada.
- Professional trekking guide.
- Communication and first aid kit.
- General equipment (tents, heaters, etc).
- Transportation of general equipment on mules.
- Mules for personal equipment from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas (for groups that meet the quota of 4 participants and 10 kg per person).
- Transportation, Mendoza – Aconcagua in/out.
- First aid trained staff.
- Internet in the base camps (One hour per day)
- Full board.
- Dinners in domes
Doesn’t include
- Personal equipment.
- Aconcagua entrance fee.
- Personal accident insurance.
- Any other service not mentioned.
Day 0 – Arrival at Mendoza city.
Your Aconcagua base camp experience begins. There you can rest and we have to start Aconcagua entrance permit.
Max. altitude: 2,494 ft / 760 masl. Night in: your lodging.
Day 1 – Toward Confluencia
We start with enthusiasm. Early in the morning (7:30 am) we will pick you up to go to the Aconcagua Provincial Park. There we will check in and start a 4.34 mi. / 7 km. trek to Confluencia, our 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 – Trekking to Plaza Francia
We will see the incredible sights at the viewpoint of the South Wall of Aconcagua. On day 2, after our first sunrise in the mountain, we will start the day with a nutritious breakfast. And then, with a 4 / 5 hour hike we will arrive at Plaza Francia. During the ascent we will acclimatize step by step, and when we reach 13,616 ft. / 4,150 masl, we will be amazed by the privileged viewpoint of the great south wall of Aconcagua.
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 – Our goal: ascent to Plaza de Mulas
We prepare for a day as exciting as it is demanding: we ascend to our maximum altitude to achieve our objective. We will walk for 8-9 hours, from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas. On the way we will visit Playa Ancha and Cuesta Brava. And when we reach 14,110 ft. / 4,300 masl we will celebrate at the base camp.
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 4 – A well-deserved rest in Plaza de MulasOn this day we will recover our energy: we will enjoy the place, and we will take the opportunity to nourish ourselves, hydrate and get to know what life is like at Aconcagua’s base camp.
Max. altitude: 14,110 ft. / 4.300 masl. Night in: Plaza de Mulas.
Day 5 – Return to MendozaWe will wake up at dawn and after breakfast we will start preparing to descend. We will say goodbye to the mountain and after a 7-hour, we will arrive again at the entrance to the Aconcagua Park, where the vehicles that will take us back to Mendoza city will be waiting for us. With all the satisfaction for the experience we will have lived, we will go to rest, and hope to meet again in a future adventure.
Max. altitude: 14,110 ft. / 4.300 masl. Distance: 15.5 mi. / 25 km.
Elevation loss: 4,265 ft. / 1.300 m. Night in: your lodging.
Optional 1 – Previous day at lodge
If you are seeking to enjoy an extra day in the mountain, you can add an extra day in a comfortable mountain lodge to your itinerary, before entering Aconcagua Park. It includes dining service, bedroom and beautiful views of the mountain to relax. It is an ideal option to acclimatize better, since you will spend one more day at altitude, but without great physical demands.
Optional 2 – Ascent to Cerro Bonete
If you decide to crown your trip with a summit, we can guide you to the ascent to Cerro Bonete, which rises at 16,404 ft. / 5,000 masl near Plaza de Mulas, offering panoramic views of the whole area: Cerro Cuerno and incredible glaciers.
If you choose this option, you will be able to add an extra day of rest after the summit day.
Optional 3 – Ascent to Plaza Canadá
You can take the ascent to the next level: we offer you the possibility of adding a day to your itinerary to reach Plaza Canadá (16,240 ft / 4,950 masl), the first high altitude camp on Mount Aconcagua. This way you will be able to challenge yourself to get even closer to the summit, to experience high altitude.
If you choose this option, you will be able to add an extra day of rest after the ascent if you wish.
What does full board include?
Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and hiking snacks on all expedition days.
We will have dinner in domes, provided by Aconcagua Park services.
The menus will be defined according to the logistics of each day, but some of the meals 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 are the loads transported?
The load of general equipment and up to 10 kg of personal equipment will be transported on mules throughout the expedition.
How many people sleep in a tent?
We offer 3-person tents, in order to facilitate the logistics and the weight to carry. But if you prefer a 2-person tent, you will have to request it as an additional service.
As this is a demanding journey, the entire load will be measured to optimize our efforts to the maximum.
Is it necessary to have experience in high altitude?
It is not a requirement, but we recommend it. It is essential that you are in excellent physical condition: we will have to endure long days and unevenness at high altitude.
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.
