The Aconcagua with its 6962 m, is the highest mountain of the American continent and one of the Seven Summits.
From the natives referred to as “The Stone Sentinel”, rises in the west of Argentina in the province of Mendoza. He is also part of the Andean mountain chain that separates Argentina and Chile and is surrounded by beauteous landscape.
But its significance is not just of geographical and historical nature: The Incas, the most powerful of the Andean dwellers, considered the Aconcagua as temple which is demonstrated by the abundance of art pieces, religious items and even mumies found that show a relation to the mountain.
Relatively early, the Aconcagua became also relevant in mountaineering: In 1882 the first expedition to the so called “Roof of America” was launched and until today, the Aconcagua is a popular target for mountaineers and adventurers from all over the world. Especially ist relative technical simplicity paired with its high altitude of almost 7000 m, makes the Aconcagua a perfect preparation mountain for the easier 8000ers of the Himalaya.
It is quite busy at the Roof of America. But for those who can refrain from its well-trodden paths and wander its thoughts over the unending expanses of the Andes, the Aconcagua hasn’t lost much of its appeal and beauty that must have already compelled the Incas.
See also our Aconcagua Flash Expedition (Aconcagua in only 2 weeks) and the exclusive Direct Polish Glacier Route (in only 2 weeks).
Highlights:
- The highest mountain of the American continent
- Modern infrastructure in basecamp
- Local partner with over 40 years of experience in organizing Aconcagua expeditions
- Popular normal route with fixed departures.
- Route ‘Polish Traverse’ on request!
- Discover our Flash version and the exclusive Direct Polish Glacier Route!
Itinerary
Day 1 - 5: Journey to basecamp
Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza (760m)
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. During the day your mountain guide will contact you to check the equipment and get you to know the team. You can use the rest of the day to explore the city and take a rest.
Hotel, (-/-/-)
Day 2: Mendoza – Penitentes (2.580m)
This morning we receive our climbing permits at the ‘Park office’ in Mendoza. Then transfer in a private shuttle from Mendoza to Los Penitentes, where the group spends one night in a lodge. The storage and the mules are located in this small mountain village.
Drive: 3 hours (h), Lodge, (-/-/D)
Day 3: Penitentes – Camp Confluencia (3.390m)
After breakfast we drive by van to the Horcones valley (2.950m), where we will get our permits stamped. Then we’re finally off to basecamp! After a pleasant hike we reach our first ‘Confluencia’. All you have to do is carry your daypack with the most important things, the rest will be taken care of by the mules.
Trek: 3-4 h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 4: Confluencia – Viewpoint (4.050m) – Confluencia
Today we make a small hike to a nice viewpoint from where we have an impressive view of the south side of Aconcagua. The main goal of today’s hike is a good acclimatization. After the hike we return to the camp where we spend the night.
Hike: 6-7h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 5: Confluencia – Basecamp Plaza de Mulas (4.350m)
After a demanding seven-hour trek we reach our well-equipped basecamp today.
Trek: 7-9h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 6 - 13: Acclimatization and ascent
Day 6: Rest day
A rest day is also important for acclimatization! You can spend the day exploring the basecamp, reading, sleeping or maybe even doing yoga in the heated community tent. But the most important thing: drink a lot!
Tent, (B/L/D)
Day 7: Cerro Bonete Trek (5.004m)
Another acclimatisation hike to the neighbouring Cerro Bonete, from where the view of the western flank of the Aconcagua awaits us. Besides, we have the first 5.000m summit in our pockets!
Tent, (B/L/D)
Day 8: Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canadá (5.050m) – Plaza de Mulas
Today we bring some equipment to the first high camp at 5.050m. So we will have to tow less later and improve our acclimatization at the same time. Sleeping’s back at base camp.
Trek: 3-4h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 9: Rest day
Another rest day in the Basecamp Plaza de Mulas to recharge your batteries before we start tomorrow.
Tent, (B/L/D)
Day 10: Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canadá (5.050m)
Today the team leaves basecamp and aims for the first high camp.
Trek: 2,5 – 3h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 11: Plaza Canada – Nido de Cóndores (5.560m)
Further ascent to the second high camp. Prepare for your backpack to weigh between 18-22kg!
Trek: 3-4h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 12: Nido de Cóndores – Cólera (5.970m)
Today we reach the highest high camp of our expedition! You will enjoy your dinner at almost 6.000m above sea level. . . This is higher than most places in the world!
Trek: 2-3h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 13: Summit day! (6.962m)
A long, exhausting but at the same time impressive summit day awaits us! We start very early to take full advantage of the day and carry only a light daypack with water, snacks, some clothes and the camera. After enjoying our summit moment, we return to the high camp Cólera.
Trek: 8-12h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 14 - 18: Spare days, descent and return journey
Day 14-15: Buffer days for the weather
In order to reduce the risk of bad weather, we have planned two extra summit days.
Day 16: Cólera – Plaza de Mulas
Today we descend back to basecamp, where we enjoy the comfort and celebrate the summit success with a dinner together.
Trek: 2-4h, tent, (B/L/D)
Day 17: Plaza de Mulas – Horcones – Los Penitentes
We’re going back to”civilization” today. Most of the luggage is carried by the mules again, leaving only a light daypack for us. In Horcones the van picks us up, we drive to Los Penitentes to pick up the rest of the luggage and from there to Mendoza. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the time at your disposal.
Trek: 6-7h, journey: 3-4h, hotel, (B/-/-)
Day 18: Hasta luego Argentina!
Today is goodbye. With many exciting memories in our luggage we start our return journey today. Transfer to the airport and individual return flight.
