At 6962m Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Andes mountain range, and the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. Although not technically difficult, the high altitude and ice conditions can make this a very challenging climb. In this programme you will have 10 days from arriving at the base camp Plaza de Mulas, to make the summit. This time is essential to allow you to acclimatise to the high altitude, it also provides you with an opportunity to see some impressive views of Aconcagua before attempting to reach the summit yourself.

Please check the gear list to see what you will need to bring for the trip.

For further general information on Argentina please also look at our fact file.

Day 1: Airport – Mendoza

Reception at airport with guide and transfer to hotel, gear check and dinner
Hotel (D) 30 minutes to hotel

Day 2: Mendoza – Penitentes (2500m)

In the morning we will pay for our climbing permits. Transfer from Mendoza to Penitents where we drive along the Rio Mendoza. Along the way we can see white water rafting down the Rio Mendoza. A lunch stop along the way at the quite town of Uspallata, after lunch we have one more hour to the hotel at Penitentes.
Gear packing for the mules, for the next day.
3 – 4 hours (LD) Hotel

Day 3: Penitentes – Pampa Leña (2800m)

A small transfer by car to Punte de Vacas from where we start our hike to Pampa Leña. We follow the river up the valley. Along the way we can see green, yellow and black lizards lurking from the sun-baked rocks. We want to take today’s walk as easy as we can to help us acclimatize along the way.
4 – 5 hours (BLD)

Day 4: Pampa Leña – Casa de Piedra (3200m)

Not much altitude gain today, but we have a long walk up the valley. Following the Rio Vacas up stream we see a little wild life and if lucky we can spot wild Guanacos.
6 – 8 hours (BLD)

Day 5: Casa de Piedra – Plaza Argentina (4200m)

Today is our last day of walking to reach base camp, but not without a good day of climbing. Today we will really feel the altitude. This is one of our most important days for acclimatizing. If you fell good arriving to base camp today, it will help a lot.
7 – 8 hours (BLD) Base camp services.

Day 6: Base camp (4200m)

Rest day and medical check up by the medical staff in the base camp. Light activities in base camp.
(BLD) base camp services.

Day 7 to 16:

These days will be used for climbing the mountain. The programme will depend on the group’s ability and acclimatizing. There are 3 camps along the way. Altitudes of the camps and times:
Camp 1, 4900m, 5 hours from BC
Camp 2, 5400m, 3 to 5 hours from camp 1
Camp 3, (Cholera) 5850m, 3 to 5 hours from camp 2, or camp 3 can be at the bottom of the Polish glacier (for those trying the direct route on the polish glacier.)

Day 17: Cholera – Plaza de Mulas (4200m)

After our Summit bid, we will walk down to Plaza de Mulas. This side is where the real highway is. There are many tracks to follow, and people. On the way down we will pass the camp Nidos de Condor. From Nidos down it’s a large scree slope to the small city of tents called Plaza de Mulas. Tonight we can stop for some beers at various pubs in base camp.
3 – 5 hours (BLD)

Day 18: Plaza de Mulas – Penitentes

The last day of our trip on the mountain, we have an easy walk out. Most people run this section as there are hot showers and cold beers waiting for us in the hotel! We follow the infamous Playa ancha (the wide beach) and pass the camp site of Confluencia. From confluencia to the park entrance is one hour, from where we take our transfer back to the hotel.
7 - 8 hours (BLD) Hotel.

Day 19: Penitentes – Mendoza

Same drive back to Mendoza, and transfer to Hotel
(BLD)

Day 20: Mendoza - Airport

Transfer to airport
(B) End of Services