Named ‘Acconcahuac’ (the stone sentinel) by the Incas, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern and Western hemispheres, the second highest of the Seven Summits and the world’s highest summit outside of the Himalaya.

Our approach to Aconcagua Base camp will be from the North East through the Vacas Valley (the sunny side of Aconcagua). This is a much more scenic and less frequented approach than the normal and very cold Horcones Valley, giving you a far better experience away from the crowds.

The Vacas valley route of Aconcagua offers the strong mountain walker, with prior winter walking experience the opportunity to ascend one of the world’s highest trekking summits. Although you will not require any previous climbing experience, the ascent is at very high altitude and therefore requires a high level of fitness, commitment and determination.

The climb is very weather dependent but our high guiding ratios, small group size and levels of support generally gives us a big advantage and improves our summit success. We provide leaders/guides on a ratio 1:4 on the initial 4 and then 1:3 throughout the expedition allowing time for you and your guide to get to know each other and the team is limited to 9 or 10 climbers. Our aim is to reduce the physical hardship and create maximum flexibility to give you the best chance of summit success as we can more easily deal with clients varying walking speeds/fitness and weather. Mountain Porters carry any group gear (tents, stoves, shovels, fuel) and we will work with you in the months preceding your expedition to help you identify the very lightest kit possible to further reduce your load to around 14kg. Your guide will assist you with tent placement, cooking and water preparation at the high camps. The expedition will still be physically challenging (all 7000m peaks are!) and you will still have to work hard to reach the summit but you will probably have the lightest load and the best guiding ratio on the mountain throughout the expedition.

Why climb Aconcagua with Adventure Peaks

Up to 4 days set aside for a summit attempt
Ascent via the Vacas Valley, a far more beautiful and less crowded approach than the normal Horcones route allowing more time to acclimatise.
High-altitude porters to carry group equipment (tents, stoves, shovels and fuel)
Expedition leaders from the UK who are supported by our regular team of local Argentinian mountain guides to give a 1:3/4 ratio throughout your climb above base camp. Many operators only increase their ratio to this level on summit day allowing little or no time to bond or get to know you! Maximum 9 or 10 clients
Quality food, our guides prepare or assist with all meals at Camp 1 using a variety of ingredients, to avoid the use of freeze dried food at this stage
All National Park permit fees are included in the price
Adventure Peaks has been operating successfully on Aconcagua for over fifteen years and we have gradually developed what we see as the best provision on the mountain, giving you the best chance to acclimatise and retain strength for your summit bid.

Or choose the Highly Guided upgrade

You can choose to upgrade to a 1:1 leader/guide on summit day (standard 1:3) and also have 7 kg of personal kit carried between camps giving you the ultimate chance of summit success. With this option, we can more easily deal with clients varying levels of fitness and walking speeds.

Previous experience/fitness

The climb up Aconcagua is non-technical. It is thus suitable for mountain walkers with previous winter walking experience. The route can sometimes be free of snow throughout or can have a solid covering of snow. Clients should have prior experience climbing to around 6000m before attempting Aconcagua. Previous experience of carrying 13-14kg would be advantageous, even though porters carry all group equipment.

Although the ascent of Aconcagua is not technically difficult it is quite a long summit day (from 5900m at high camp to the 6962m summit). This could take 7-10 hours to ascend and 2-4 hours to descend and can prove to be extremely tiring. You should make sure you are fit and used to long mountain days.

The route

On approach we avoid the normal and somewhat busier route from the Horcones valley and opt for the more remote and exciting approach up the Vacas Valley which also provides an additional day of acclimatisation. Mules will be used to support the trek into the base camp. We take the False Polish traverse using Camp 3 Guanacos & Camp Colera joining the Normal Route for the final summit day. Our Itinerary provides upto 4 summit day giving you the best chance of success . One of the continental ‘Seven Summits’. The team will have use of a radio whilst on the hill.

Weather conditions

In Mendoza and on the walk in, it can be very hot. Wearing shorts and t-shirts with sunhats and plenty of suncream is the norm. However, there can also be torrential rain on the walk in so full waterproofs are essential. From Base Camp upwards there can be heavy snowfalls and from Camp 1 up, the wind makes for severe wind chill. At high camp and on summit day the temperature can drop to -15 Celsius. So down jackets, good mitts and double boots are essential.

What to carry

On the trek you should aim to carry a very light rucksack. A 35L sac is ideal and this should contain 1-2L of water; waterproofs; a spare warm layer; camera; mini first aid kit; sun hat, sun-cream and sun-glasses; a warm hat and gloves. The rest of your gear can go in your kit bag and/or larger rucksack to be carried by the mules. On the mountain you will need a 60-65L sac to allow for the movement of your personal bulky gear such as sleeping bag, thermo-rest and down jackets. Porters carry group gear

Health

All our leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for medical emergencies. However you should bring your own supplies of plasters, blister prevention pads (compeed), paracetamol etc. and any medication you are taking. Consult your GP or a vaccine specialist for professional advice.

Water including that from non-sealed bottles should never be drunk without first sterilizing with chlorine tablets or by boiling. There is a doctor at base-camp who will perform a basic medical check before your climb, including blood pressure 02 Saturation and Heart-rate.

INSURANCE

Insurance which covers rescue, medical expenses and helicopter evacuation is essential for all expeditions. We will require a copy of your insurance prior to departure.

USEFUL TIPS

Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots are more difficult to replace.

EQUIPMENT

A detailed equipment list is provided on booking. Specialist items such as sleeping bags and down jackets can be hired or purchased with 15% discount from the RRP of clothing and gear from our shop

BAGGAGE

For your own comfort, travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 22kg, but you will be wearing boots and one set of trekking clothes. Some items can be left at the hotel for your return. A suitable kit bag is provided but important items should also be packed in plastic bags.

ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

We ask that you ensure that all your rubbish is carried back to base camp where we will pay for it to be removed back down to the valley by mules. You will be handed a bin liner by the Park Ranger upon entry into Aconcagua National Park and this will be numbered and counted in and out and fines issued if necessary.

VISAS AND PERMITS

No visa is required for UK and US Citizens and many other countries. For non-UK citizens, you may need to pay a Reciprocity fee before you enter Argentina.
Aconcagua Climbing Permits are included in our expedition price but we must all go to the Park Office in Mendoza to register and pick them up.

CURRENCY

The currency in Argentina is the peso. Cash is preferred but Credit Cards Visa and Mastercard are accepted but surcharges of 10% are common. Ensure the magnetic strip is in good condition.

TIPPING

The average tip is generally 10%. For exceptional service you may wish to consider a higher amount. You should allow around $100

Aconcagua with Adventure Peaks

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