What's included
- A licensed mountain guide for the whole route
- 8–10 weeks of pre-expedition preparation with a coach
- Climbing permits
- Group equipment (tents, ropes, communication gear)
- Meals on the route
- Transfer from the group meeting point to the trailhead and back
What's not included
- International flights to Argentina
- Personal gear and clothing
- Insurance covering high-altitude climbing
- Accommodation before and after the expedition
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Mendoza
Airport pickup, transfer to the hotel. Processing the permit required to enter Aconcagua Provincial Park — no one starts the route without it. In the evening, a briefing with the guide: the 18-day plan, a gear check, and meeting the rest of the group.
Transfer to Puente del Inca
Drive up into the mountains to Puente del Inca (2,700 m) — a natural bridge formed by hot springs. A short walk, then a night at a hotel at the foot of the range — the last night under a roof for the better part of a week.
Aconcagua National Park → Confluencia
Entry into the national park, start of the trek. Mules carry the group gear and up to 30 kg per person — we walk in light to the first camp, Confluencia (3,200 m). Tents come with real beds, and there's a spacious mess tent with tables and electricity. In the evening, a short acclimatization walk around camp.
Acclimatization: Plaza Francia viewpoint
A hike up to the Plaza Francia viewpoint (4,200 m), with a full view of Aconcagua's south face — more than 2,700 meters of vertical relief. 4-5 hours round trip, another night at Confluencia.
Transfer to Plaza de Mulas base camp
The longest day of the approach — 7-9 hours across a wide valley to the main base camp, Plaza de Mulas (4,250 m). This is where we have individual tents for the rest of the climb, a shower, internet, a doctor, and medical oxygen on site.
Rest day at Plaza de Mulas
A full day for acclimatization and recovery. Gear fitting, short walks around camp, resting up before the higher pushes.
Acclimatization: Plaza Canada
A push up to Plaza Canada (around 4,850 m) — if the group is feeling strong, we sometimes go a little higher, up to 5,000 m. 5-6 hours round trip, another night at base camp.
Move up to Nido de Condores camp
We climb up with an overnight stay at Nido de Condores camp (5,350 m). Porters carry the group gear. Accommodation in tents shared by 2-3 people; guides prepare hot water for thermoses.
Descend to Plaza de Mulas
We return to base camp. The rest of the day: a shower, rest, and dinner with the group.
Rest day before the summit push
One more recovery day before heading seriously higher. Free time at camp, sorting gear for the upper camps.
Back to Nido de Condores
A second climb up to the 5,350 m camp — this time carrying some personal gear for the summit push. Overnight.
Move up to Colera high camp
We climb to the last camp before the summit — Colera (5,850-5,950 m). 4-5 hours of climbing. This is where tomorrow's summit push begins.
Summit day
The main day of the expedition. 7-8 hours to the summit (6,962 m) — the highest point in South America and the Western Hemisphere. Return to the high camp.
Reserve day
In case of bad weather on summit day — the most common scenario on Aconcagua. If the weather held the day before, we use this day to descend or rest.
Reserve day
A second buffer day in case the weather blocked the summit twice. If neither reserve day is needed, the free time can be spent on excursions around Mendoza.
Descend to base camp
We descend to Plaza de Mulas (4,250 m). The first hot shower in days, a warm meal, and the sense that the hardest part is behind you.
Exit the park, transfer to Mendoza
We hike out to the edge of Aconcagua National Park, hand in waste and gear, and collect the clean clothes left in storage. Transfer to Mendoza, hotel check-in, free evening in the city.
Flight home
Transfer to the airport, departure. Eighteen days, one summit, a story for a lifetime.
Route
The route passes through several high-altitude camps with gradual elevation gain for acclimatization. The guide adjusts pace and schedule based on the group's condition and weather — the final timetable is confirmed at the pre-departure briefing.
Altitude profile
A schematic elevation-gain profile by route day — exact figures depend on the chosen ascent variant.
Fitness requirements
Determined individually during the consultation before you apply.
Experience requirements
Determined individually based on the mountain and route.
How preparation works
Preparation lasts 8–10 weeks and includes a personal training plan, regular online sessions, and progress monitoring — details are discussed during the video interview.
Online / in-person training
1–3 online training sessions a week with your coach, plus in-person sessions where available. Every session is logged and reviewed weekly.
Medical and fitness monitoring
Heart rate, recovery, and overall condition are monitored throughout preparation, with final medical approval before departure.
Equipment
Photo gallery
Questions about this expedition
Can I rent equipment locally?
Yes, some technical gear (crampons, ice axe, helmet) can be rented in Mendoza — we help arrange it in advance.
What if I don't reach the summit?
Safety matters more than the summit. The guide can call a turnaround at any stage — joining the expedition doesn't guarantee a successful climb.
How is the group formed?
Groups are small and formed by expedition date — the exact lineup is known a few weeks before departure.
Do I need a visa for Argentina?
It depends on your nationality — we'll confirm the requirements individually during your application.