Ojo’s Del Salado (6893m) and Aconcagua (6962m)

Transfer to hotel, meeting with guide and question time. 45 mins drive, Hotel 3*

In the morning we can make a small trek in the area before moving camp to Laguna Verde we head out for the drive up to the Alitplano. Our drive today takes us through an incredible landscape that leads us to Laguna Verde (4200m) during the drive we pass Laguna Santa Rosa, a lake where we can see bird life and salt flats. Later we join the international route to Argentina. We have a short drive today and this will give us time enjoy a dip in the hot springs near Laguna Verde. 3 - 4 hour drive (BLD) camping

Today we drive up to base camp. The road follows the dried out river beds. We cross sand flats and steep rock, which are sometimes snow-covered slopes. At base camp there is a small hut (Atacama refuge). This place will be our base camp for the next days. 1 - 2 hour drive (BLD) camping

We use this day to rest and recover, before we go up to camp I and give the final push to the summit, which will be physically demanding. We will prepare our gear for the summit day. This day could be a reserve day in case we have bad weather. (BLD) camping

Starting very early in the morning, we climb 8 to 9 hours up to the summit. The route follows a small zig zag trail up to around 6400m. From here the trail becomes loss on pomes stones making the terrain loos, the ground that may be snowy or dry. This part will take us to the carter rim and from here we can see the true summit. From the carter rim there is a small track in the rock where we reach the final rock climb to the summit. Normally there is a fixed rope in this section to help with this part. From this amazing summit we will see all the major summits of the area, including Tres Cruces, Pissis just to name a few. Depending on our time we can walk back down to Refugio Atacama. 12 - 16 hour climb (BLD) camping

We want to leave early for the long drive to Mendoza. We drive along the Andes heading south. Scenery is changing all the time from dry canyons to lush rivers. We can stop for lunch in Villa Union, before the last stretch to Mendoza. 7 - 8 hour drive, times include some stops (B) Hotel 3*

A small transfer by car to Puente de Vacas, from where we start our hike up to Pampa Lena. We follow the river up the valley. Along the way we can see green, yellow and black lizards lurking from the sun backed rocks. We want to take today’s walk at an easy pace, as it will help with the acclimatizing. 4 - 5 hour trek (BLD) camping

Today is our last day of walking to reach base camp, the walk is up a different valley called the Relinchos. We follow the river coming from base camp, we also have a lot of climbing. We really feel the altitude. In front us we have great views of the south and east face. This is one of our most important days for acclimatizing. If you feel good arriving to base camp, it will help a lot. 7 - 8 hour trek (BLD) camping, Base camp services

Today we move up to camp 1. The walk follows a small trail through the moraine. There are some steep sections along the way. Once at camp 1 we set up camp. 5 - 7 hour trek (BLD) camping

Later start as we can really start to feel the cold mornings. Small zig zag track up to a long travers. Another small zig zag to reach our camp. 4 - 6 hour trek (BLD) camping

Today is our big day, to try for the summit! We leave around 6 am. It’s going to be cold on the mountain, so this means we want to dress well. The trail is well defined as it zig zags its way up the mountain. The first mayor place is Independencia (6200m) a small wooden hut, which is almost destroyed. This is a good place for a break as it’s has some protection from the wind. After Independencia we climb up to the traverse Paso el viento (windy pass). This is going to be the coldest place on the mountain and can reach up to -45°C. We going to be moving slow through here to try and conserve energy for the last part, the Canaleta! After the traverse we reach the bottom of the Canaleta. From here the summit looks really close, but it’s still 2 more hours minimum. The Canaleta can have ice and snow and this means we need to use our ice axe an crampons. The Canaleta is also the steeper part of the route so pacing is a must if you’re going to reach the Summit. Next stop is the summit! We made it! From the top we have amazing views all around us. After some rest and photos, we head back down the same way. Going down through the Canaleta can be a little tricky, so this means we want to take it easy. Once we are below the Canaleta the trail gets easier. A few more hours and we are back at camp. Time for a rest and to rehydrate. 10 - 18 hour climb (BLD) camping

The last day 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 more, from where we take a transfer to the hotel. 6 - 8 hour trek (BL) Hotel 2*

Transfer to airport from hotel. 30 minutes (B) END of SERVICES