International Mountain Guides is the oldest and most respected high-altitude guide service in the world and has been operating successfully since 1975. The partners at IMG, Phil Ershler, Eric Simonson, and George Dunn, have lead and organized hundreds of expeditions worldwide. Each is an AMGA certified alpine guide with Himalayan experience including Mt. Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Shishapangma, and Cho Oyu. IMG's Aconcagua programs are organized and directed by Phil Ershler. Phil has led and organized literally hundreds of international expeditions including dozens to Aconcagua.
In choosing International Mountain Guides for your Aconcagua climb, you are choosing the highest quality expedition, the most capable and qualified guides, and a highly personalized guide service that strives to limit risk and maximize success as our two main priorities. Of course, we'll have some fun, too!
International Mountain Guides has been guiding on Aconcagua continuously for longer than any other guide service. In fact, we were one of the first companies to pioneer the Relinchos Valley route more than thirty years ago when there was almost no one on Aconcagua. We also had some of the first guides in the Guanacos Valley.
Over the course of almost 40 years IMG has had one of the highest, if not the highest success rates for reaching the top. The reason our success rate is so high is not an accident. We intentionally do not run dozens of Aconcagua expeditions a year, nor do we run hundreds of clients through our program. We focus on a personalized, professional experience. We want to build a relationship with our clients and give them the best possible service, with the highest chance of success. Also, our guides simply love to summit! There IS a difference between our expeditions and those of other guide services.
We have an impeccable record of client care and an unmatched success rate due to the expertise and professionalism of our IMG leadership and guides. We feel that our guides are an integral part of our program and help to create an unforgettable experience for you. Thus, IMG employs only world-class guides who adhere to strict American and International guiding standards. IMG is an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited guide service.
Day 01 Depart the United States, this is the date listed as the start date of your program.
Day 02 Arrive in Santiago, fly to Mendoza. Hotel night included.
Day 03 Additional day in Mendoza to secure the permit, pack and enjoy Mendoza.
Day 04 Early departure for Los Penitentes. Day spent packing loads, resting and getting ready to start our approach.
Day 05 Drive to Punta del Vacas and begin approach march. Our first night on the trail will be at Pampa de Lenas.
Day 06 Continue approach march and spend the night at Casa de Piedras.
Day 07 Reach the Plaza Argentina basecamp (13,800').
Day 08 Rest day at Plaza Argentina.
Day 09 Carry to Camp I (16,372').
Day 10 Move to Camp I
Day 11 Carry to Camp II(17,953') via the Ameghino col.
Day 12 Move to Camp II
Day 13 Carry to Camp III/Cholera (19,587')
Day 14 Rest/acclimatization day at Camp II
Day 15 Move to High Camp/Cholera
Day 16 1st Potential summit day. Spend night at High Camp after summit.
Day 17 Contingency Summit Day
Day 18 Contingency Summit Day
Day 19 Descend to Plaza de Mulas base camp (Normal Route) from High Camp
Day 20 Hike out from Plaza de Mulas base camp to Penitentes
Day 21 Drive from Penitentes to Mendoza and go out for a farewell dinner
Day 22 Fly from Mendoza, Argentina
Day 23 Arrive home
- Guide fees
- Double accommodations in hotels (3 total nights in
- Mendoza, 1 in Penitentes)
- Shared accommodations in tents
- Group transportation
- Group equipment including stoves and fuel, ropes, cooking gear, group first aid kit, technical climbing equipment, radios, etc.
- Mule support for Plaza Argentina approach and final exit day
- One shared porter from C1, C2, and C3 to carry down group garbage and human waste
- Meals while climbing except for snack items. Check out what guides prefer to eat in the mountains: guide snack tips. Mendoza has a wide variety of food shopping options but bring your favorite items from home.
- International airfare including airport taxes
- Aconcagua climbing permit estimated to be $900
- Meals while not climbing
- Airport transfers in Mendoza
- Personal porters
- Personal clothing and climbing equipment included in the Aconcagua gear list.
- REQUIRED Insurance: IMG requires that all international trip participants purchase Travel Insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses for the duration of their IMG program. Trip
- Cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended. Trekking and mountaineering programs are true "adventure travel."
- Guide gratuities
This was an amazing expedition in all regards. Guides Mike, Josh, and Leo were top-flight. Everyone had lots of fun--before, during, and after the climb. Logistics were handled perfectly--we could enjoy ourselves and take in the spectacular scenery, rather than worry about nuts & bolts. Food was fabulous. And even when conditions were serious on summit day, everyone was well tended to and safe. I cannot recommend this expedition highly enough--definitely more fun than doing the usual Plaza de Mulas way, this was a fun traverse from the Plaza Argentina side.
This trip was organised perfectly from the moment we met in the hotel to the summit of Aconcagua. Excellent food. Great Guides (Mike Hamill / Josh McDowell). Great support all the way and some amazing last minute weather forecasting which saw us thread the needle and get to the summit between storms. IMG deliver once again.
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