Aconcagua with RMI Guides

Day 1 - TRAVEL

Depart U.S.A. Travel to Mendoza, Argentina (MDZ) typically takes 18 - 27 hours from the U.S. depending on your departure city, available connections, and flight times.

Day 2 - MENDOZA • 2,449' | 746M

Upon arrival in Mendoza, we are picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel. After checking into your room, time is available to explore the city and its many beautiful parks, or simply relax by the pool. At 5:00 pm in the hotel lobby we gather for our first team meeting. Overnight in Mendoza.

Day 3 - LOS PENITENTES • 9,000' | 2,743M

We depart from the hotel and head to the permit office to obtain the climbing permits for our expedition. With our climbing permits secured, we depart Mendoza and head west towards Aconcagua. We drive out of the fertile wine country and into the mountains, reaching Los Penitentes at 9,000'. Los Penitentes is the center of activity for climbers heading up the mountain and it is here that we finalize our preparations for the expedition. Overnight in Los Penitentes. (B, D)

Day 4 - PAMPA DE LAS LEÑAS • 9,000' | 2,743M

We begin the approach to Base Camp at Plaza Argentina. We make our way into the heart of the Andes as we ascend the gentle, winding trail of the Vacas Valley. Team members carry 20 to 25 pounds in their packs; mules carry the remaining personal and group gear. Our first camp is at Pampa de Las Leñas (9,000'). (B, D)

Day 5 - CASA DE PIEDRA • 10,550' | 3,216M

We continue towards Base Camp as the Vacas Valley opens up and the surrounding mountains grow taller. We are greeted by impressive views of the Eastern Face of Aconcagua as we reach our second night's camp at Casa de Piedra (10,550'). (B, D)

Day 6 - PLAZA ARGENTINA BASE CAMP • 13,800' | 4,206M

We complete the approach to Base Camp by following the Relinchos Valley to Plaza Argentina. Base Camp (13,800') is on a glacial moraine overlooking the river valleys of our approach. We unpack our climbing gear carried by the mules and establish camp. (B, D)

Day 7 - REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY • 13,800' | 4,206M

We relax and adjust to the new altitudes while we focus on packing and organizing our gear for the mountain. (B, D)

Day 8 - CARRY TO CAMP 1 (16,200’) • 13,800' | 4,206M

Our trek ends and the climb begins with our first carry of the expedition. We climb to Camp 1, caching a portion of our supplies and equipment. We descend to Base Camp to sleep. (B, D)

Day 9 - REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY • 13,800' | 4,206M

We continue to build upon our acclimatization today with a hike outside of camp. We rest in the afternoon and make the final preparations for our move to Camp 1. (B, D)

Day 10 - MOVE TO CAMP 1 • 16,200' | 4,938M

We leave Base Camp with our remaining gear and climb up to occupy Camp 1. (B, D)

Day 11 - CARRY TO CAMP 2 (18,000’) • 16,200' | 4,938M

Today we get our first view to the north across the expansive scree fields above the Guanacos Valley. The snow covered peaks of the central Andes spread out in the distance. (B, D)

Day 12 - REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY • 16,200' | 4,938M

Day 13 - MOVE TO CAMP 2 (GUANACOS CAMP) • 18,000' | 5,486M

Shouldering the rest of our gear we climb to Camp 2. (B, D)

Day 14 - CARRY TO CAMP 3 (19,600') • 18,000' | 5,486M

We continue traversing high above the Guanacos Valley to our High Camp and leave a cache of gear before returning to Camp 2. (B, D)

Day 15 - REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY • 18,000' | 5,486M

In anticipation of our summit bid, we stay at Camp 2 resting and acclimatizing before moving higher. (B, D)

Day 16 - MOVE TO CAMP 3 (PIEDRAS BLANCAS CAMP) • 19,600' | 5,974M

We climb to our High Camp, setting up camp and preparing for our push to the summit. (B, D)

Day 17 - SUMMIT DAY (22,841' | 6962M) • 19,600' | 5,974M

Making an early alpine start, we climb out of camp to join the Ruta Normal. A gradual traverse along the mountain's northwest flank takes us past the abandoned Refugio Independencia and to the base of the Canaleta, a 1,000' high couloir leading to the summit ridge. Upon reaching the top of the Canaleta, a straightforward traverse leads to the summit. After celebrating on the summit, we descend to High Camp for the night. (B, D)

Day 18 - WEATHER DAY

This extra day is scheduled into the itinerary in case we encounter poor weather or need additional time for acclimatization. Having this extra day has proven to dramatically improve the team's success. (B, D)

Day 19 - WEATHER DAY

Another extra day. (B, D)

Day 20 - PLAZA ARGENTINA BASE CAMP • 13,800' | 4,206M

We leave High Camp and descend to our Base Camp at Plaza Argentina. (B, D)

Day 21 - PAMPA DE LAS LEÑAS • 9,000' | 2,743M

After we pack up Base Camp and prepare our loads for the mules, we begin our trek out. We descend the Relinchos Valley and continue down the Vacas Valley to Pampa de Las Leñas. We celebrate our last night in the mountains with a traditional Argentine-style BBQ. (B, D)

Day 22 - MENDOZA • 2,449' | 746M

We finish the trek, reaching Los Penitentes early in the afternoon. After packing our gear, we leave Los Penitentes and return to Mendoza. Our final evening in this beautiful city is the perfect place for our team celebration. Overnight in Mendoza. (B)

Day 23 - TRAVEL DAY

Depart Mendoza for scheduled flights back to the U.S. (B)

Day 24 - TRAVEL DAY

Arrive home.

Key: B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.