Climb Aconcagua Normal Route: Highest Peak in the Americas

ACONCAGUA NORMAL ROUTE ITINERARY

DAY 1 – MENDOZA (760m)
Upon arrival in Mendoza, team members will enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in the city. At the time noted in your confirmation letter, we will host an orientation meeting. At this meeting, we will perform a comprehensive gear check, an overview of the entire climb, and answer all questions. Guides will assist you with any gear rentals or purchases, if required. For the evening, you will be free to walk the streets of Mendoza and enjoy the many great restaurants in the area (meals not included).

DAY 2 – MENDOZA / PENITENTES (2,725m)
After registration with Aconcagua Provincial Park, we drive to Penitentes to start our acclimatization. Upon reaching Penitentes we will check in to our quaint hotel at the base of the mountain and have lunch. In the afternoon, staff will prepare the mule’s loads at our depot at Los Puquios for the following day. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 – PENITENTES / CONFLUENCIA (3,300m)
After breakfast, we take a short drive in a private van to the entrance of the park where we will present permits and begin our 3.5-hour trek to Confluencia Camp (3,300 m). We have light backpacks and the walking is on a well-worn, picturesque trail. Upon arrival to Confluencia you will be greeted by the staff with some refreshments and a tour of camp. After a good rest, staff will set up tents and take some time to explore the surrounding area and view the beautiful rock formations. The group will spend two nights in Confluencia with full meals and hot drinks available throughout the day. It is a lovely camp and our staff is there to assist you. (B, PL, D)

Aconcagua camp

DAY 4 – CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA FRANCIA (4,000m) / CONFLUENCIA
Today we trek to Plaza Francia and back to Confluencia. At Plaza Francia, we will eat lunch and view the spectacular South Face of Aconcagua while further acclimatizing. The South Face of Aconcagua is famous for its difficult ascents, where many of the best climbers in the world come to test their skills. After exploring the area, we descend back to Confluencia Camp for the night. Six to seven hours (B, PL, D)

DAY 5 – CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA DE MULAS (4,260m)
We make our way to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (seven to nine-hour trek). Guides ensure we walk at a moderate pace so everyone arrives feeling well. The trek follows the Horcones Superior River and then rises up onto a lateral moraine next to the Horcones Glacier. Upon arrival, team members can relax in the dining tent with hot drinks and snacks. Our Base Camp is a full-service camp, complete with full meals and Wi-Fi. Hot showers are available upon request. Seven to nine hours. (B, PL, D)

Aconcagua normal route

DAY 6 – PLAZA DE MULAS
Rest day. This will be a leisure day starting with a good breakfast, and then a nice walk in the surrounding area, which has many stunning vistas. In the afternoon, we will have an orientation and then prepare our gear for the next day’s climb of Mt. Bonete at 5,100 m. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 – PLAZA DE MULAS / MT. BONETE (5,100m) / PLAZA DE MULAS
This is an exciting day as we climb Mt Bonete, 5,100 m. For many climbers, this will be their first summit over 5,000 m. From the top there are great vistas of Aconcagua and the surrounding mountains. The climb of Mt. Bonete also gives team members essential acclimatization experience, which will be necessary to climb Aconcagua. Following our climb, we will return to Plaza de Mulas and enjoy a nice evening in Base Camp. six to seven hours. (B, PL, D)

DAY 8 – PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 “CANADÁ” (4,910m) / PLAZA DE MULAS
Acclimatization trek to Camp 1, or Camp Canadá. We will carry food, fuel, and other supplies to use in camps higher on the mountain. This walk begins through a field in Penitentes, with two- to five-foot tall pinnacles of ice, and then follows switchbacks that lead us steadily up to Camp Canadá. Once we reach camp, we will cache our gear, have a packed lunch, and then return to Base Camp. Three to four hours. (B, PL, D)

DAY 9 – PLAZA DE MULAS
Rest and acclimatization day. On this day team members will make sure that equipment is ready and all are well-rested to make the move to a camp higher up the mountain. (B, L, D)

DAY 10 – PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 “CANADÁ”
This morning we will move to Camp Canadá. Team members will carry personal gear and additional supplies. Porters will carry sleeping tents. Once at Canadá, the group will enjoy lunch and set up tents. Three to four hours. (B, PL, D)

DAY 11 – CAMP 1 “CANADÁ” / CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES” (5,250m)
Today we move from Camp Canada to our Camp 2, or “Nido de Cóndores,” where we will spend the next three nights for rest and acclimatization. On this day, each climber will be responsible for carrying personal equipment only. Porter staff will carry expedition equipment, food, and sleeping tents. After reaching Nido de Cóndores, we will set up tents with the guides and move our sleeping gear inside before settling down for the night. Guides will serve dinner in tents. three to four hours. (B, PL, D)

climbing Aconcagua

DAY 12 – CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES”
Today is a rest day and an opportunity to further acclimatize and enjoy the comfort of our camp. Resting on this day will improve your performance on summit day and greatly increase your chances for successfully reaching the summit. (B, L, D)

DAY 13 – CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES” / CAMP 3 “CÓLERA” (6,000m) / CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES”
Carry to High Camp, or “Camp Cólera.” All climbers will carry expedition food, fuel, and some camp equipment that we will need in Cólera and for our summit attempt. This will be a short hike, but we will move slowly to acclimatize and prepare for summit day. Once at Cólera, you will have lunch and then return to Nido de Cóndores. Four hours. (B, PL, D)

DAY 14 – CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES” / CAMP 3 “CÓLERA”
Climb to Camp 3, “Cólera.” We will carry our personal equipment and any extra gear needed for the summit attempt. Porters will carry sleeping tents. At Cólera Camp, staff will strategically position the campsite for protection in case of high winds. While climbers rest, guides will check each team member’s summit gear for the next day and give an orientation on the summit climb. We will have an early dinner and go to bed to get a good night’s rest for the early morning start the next day. Three hours. (B, PL, D)

DAY 15 – CAMP 3 “CÓLERA” / SUMMIT (6,962m) / CAMP 3 “CÓLERA”
Climb from Cólera to the summit and return to Camp 3.
We will wake up early in the morning and dress for our summit attempt. Guides will serve hot drinks and a quick breakfast. They will let us know what time to leave our tents so we all rise together and start moving toward the summit. This keeps us warm and moving together as a team. The climb is gradual as we follow switchbacks for two hours until we reach a small A-frame hut called “Independencia.” From here we will traverse across the North Face of Aconcagua until we reach the Canaleta, a low-angle gully that leads us up towards the summit ridge. As we ascend the Canaleta, we can look down on the surrounding mountains, which begin to drop away from as we go higher. A few hundred meters below the summit, the route traverses east and leads us directly the summit! A cross proudly stands on top to mark the summit. There is plenty of room for everybody to take personal and group photos. It is a time for celebration! Time of day and the weather often determine the amount of time we spend on the summit. After we’ve all taken photos and absorbed the views, we will begin our descent back to Cólera Camp. eight to twelve hours. (B, PL, D)

Aconcagua summit

DAY 16 – CAMP 3 “CÓLERA”/ PLAZA DE MULAS
We head down to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. We will take our time moving downhill with our climbing equipment and personal gear. Porters will carry sleeping tents and human waste. Once in Plaza de Mulas, the group will have the rest of the day free to celebrate our climbing experience and enjoy a great meal. Four hours. (B, PL, D)

DAY 17 – PLAZA DE MULAS / HORCONES / MENDOZA
We descend to Horcones, the entrance to the Park, on the last trekking day of the expedition. Mules will carry belongings so team members will only take light backpacks with jackets and packed lunches. Transfer to Mendoza City. Lodge in the hotel. Guides and climbers often get together for dinner to celebrate the climb. Six to seven hours. (B, PL) (Mendoza dinner not included)

DAY 18 – MENDOZA
Breakfast. End of services. (B)

DAY 19 – EXTRA DAY
Extra day for weather.

DAY 20 – EXTRA DAY
Extra day for weather.

NOTE: THE ABOVE ITINERARY IS INTENDED AS A GUIDELINE ONLY. ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ADHERE TO IT, CHANGES MAY BE CAUSED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, TRANSPORT FAILURE, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS. PLEASE BE FLEXIBLE IF NECESSARY.

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about CLIMBING ACONCAGUA

How difficult/challenging is Aconcagua?

With the right acclimatisation schedule and some hard training, it's a very achievable mountain. In addition you don't really need any technical climbing skills in order to tackle it successfully. The climb is an extreme high-altitude trek of fifteen days or more on challenging mountain terrain. The routes are steep and the wind and weather conditions apt to change very quickly. The winds can vary from light to what they call, white winds, where you cannot see a thing. In fact this can be one of the things that stop people getting to summit. Aconcagua is generally considered to be the second hardest of the seven summits after Everest.

Can I arrange a private climb or do I have to go in a group?

We are always ways willing to accommodate our clients wishes. Our guides enjoy working with families and groups of friends and look forward to working with you to design a private climb program that best suits your needs. This way you can

Climb with your friends and family only.
Choose the starting date you prefer.
Shorter Climbs for those who would like to climb faster.
Customize your itinerary and services to suit your specific needs.

Bear in mind however that the smaller the group the higher the cost.

When is the best time or months to climb Aconcagua?

Being in the southern hemisphere, the climbing season is best from December , January and February and can be extended into March. The final day to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park is the last day of February. Since December and January are the months with the most favorable weather, this is when most expeditions take place.

Often early December trips can be a bit colder, but again not necessarily better then January or February.

How difficult is Aconcagua compared to Kilimanjaro?

Compared to Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua is in a different league. For a start it is a lot higher at 6962m compared to 5895m. In addition the weather conditions especially the wind are more unpredictable on Aconcagua. Finally, there are at least 3 days on the climb that are much harder than the Kilimanjaro summit day. Summit day can be on average a 15 hour round trip. Finally, remember that Kilimanjaro is what we call 'slack packing' where you gear is carried by porters. On Aconcagua not only do you carry your own gear and sleeping bag but you also do load carries meaning you need to be able to climb carrying heavy pack weights.

That said, with the correct training, gear and acclimatisation, it is possible.

What gear do I need for the climb?

Before setting out we will provide you with a full equipment list.

FOOTWEAR

LIGHT HIKING BOOTS OR TREKKING SHOES For any approaches across the dry trail. Lightweight, high comfort, plenty of room in the toe box, and good support should be stressed here.

WOOL OR SYNTHETIC SOCKS 4 pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks. These must fit over your liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.

WOOL OR SYNTHETIC SOCKS 3 pairs of lightweight liner socks. These must fit snugly and beneath your wool socks.

HIGH-ALTITUDE DOUBLE BOOT Aconcagua is a cold, high-altitude peak that requires extremely warm footwear. Three types of boot can work well: 8,000-meter all-in-one boots (La Sportiva Olympus Mons, Scarpa Phantom 8,000, Millet Everest), 6-7,000-meter double boots (La Sportiva Spantik, La Sportiva G2 SM, Scarpa Phantom 6000), or plastic double boots with high-altitude liners (Koflach Arctis Expe, Asolo AFS 8000, Scarpa Inverno). For those who own plastic boots equipped with low-altitude liners (Koflach Degre, Lowa Civetta), you must purchase new high-altitude liners (Intuition Denali Liner) as your low-altitude liners will not provide sufficient insulation. Having proper footwear is absolutely critical for climbing Aconcagua- please inquire with any questions.

GAITERS Full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit snugly over your mountaineering boots. Short trekking gaiters do not offer sufficient protection. Note that these are not needed if your boots have integrated gaiters.

SPORT SANDALS / WATER SHOES For river crossings. Crocs, Teva-style sandals, or similar footwear will work well.

BOOTIES (OPTIONAL) Synthetic or down camp booties for comfortable wear around camp.

TECHNICAL CLOTHING (Lower body)

SHORT UNDERWEAR Two to three pairs based on personal preference. Synthetic or wool fabrics only; bring a comfortable athletic style for any top and bottom underwear.

BASELAYER BOTTOM 1 to 2 non-cotton base layer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction.

BINSULATED SYNTHETIC PANTS A synthetic insulated pant with full-length separating side zips. Ski pants are typically not appropriate for this layer.

SOFTSHELL PANTS Stretchy, comfortable, non-insulated soft-shell pants which should fit comfortably with or without your base layer bottoms. Please note that “zip-off”-style trekking pants are too light to be considered soft-shell pants.

HARDSHELL PANTS Non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over your base layer bottoms and soft-shell pants. Full-length separating size zippers are preferred; shorter side zippers are allowed if you can put on and take off your pants without removing your boots.

TREKKING PANTS Lightweight, breathable trekking pants are recommended for the approach to base camp. Many choose to use zip-off versions for versatility.

SHORTS (OPTIONAL) Comfortable, non-cotton athletic shorts can be nice during the trek, at base camp, or during river crossings.

TECHNICAL CLOTHING (upper body)

BASELAYER TOP 2 or 3 long-sleeved base layer tops. Base layers must be constructed of a non-cotton material such as merino wool or polyester. Note that many guides prefer light-colored, hooded base layers for sun protection.

MIDLAYER TOP A mid-weight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over base layers or as a base layer in cold conditions. Hoods are optional but recommended.

LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATED JACKET We recommend a lightweight insulated jacket to serve either as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate. This may be filled with down or synthetic insulation.

EXPEDITION DOWN PARKA An 8000-meter rated, expedition ready parka. This parka must be in excellent condition, fully baffled, and should be brought recently cleaned with Nikwax Down Wash to ensure maximum loft.

SOFTSHELL JACKET This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and base layer top.

HARDSHELL JACKET A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. We recommend durable 3-layer fabric. Gore-Tex Pro Shell or a similar eVent fabric will offer the most durability and long-term weather protection. This layer must fit comfortably over your base layer, midlayer, soft-shell, and potentially a lightweight insulated layer. Helmet-compatible hoods are required.

WIND SHELL (OPTIONAL) Used to block wind without adding insulation, many turn to a wind shell or wind shirt for protection. Wind shells typically weigh less than 8 ounces and are incredibly packable, which makes them an excellent addition to your layering system.

T-SHIRTS Bring a small selection of t-shirts as well, for use around town and for the trek into base camp.

HANDWEAR

LIGHTWEIGHT LINER GLOVES 2 pairs of very lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves that offer a snug, comfortable fit. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection. Black or dark-color gloves are also acceptable.

SOFTSHELL GLOVES Midweight, lightly insulated gloves for use when mittens are too warm and liner gloves are not warm enough. Leather-palm construction is always ideal for the sake of durability.

INSULATED SHELL GLOVES One pair of warm shell gloves with insulated removable liners. Excellent for use when conditions are too cold for soft-shell gloves, but too warm for expedition mittens.

EXPEDITION MITTENS Expedition-rated mittens with an insulated removable liner. Please be sure this mitten is the warmest model available by any manufacturer.

LEATHER GLOVES (OPTIONAL) One pair of light leather gloves is strongly recommended for this trip. Tents are setup using large rocks to anchor guy lines, and moving rocks can destroy your climbing gloves. Cheap or non-technical leather gloves are sufficient for this item.

HEADWEAR

BUFF 2 buffs are must-have for Aconcagua. The UV Buff is a versatile replacement for the bandana and serves a multitude of purposes.

SUN HAT Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well. Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.

WOOL / SYNTHETIC SKI HAT A non-cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

BALACLAVA SYSTEM Two full balaclavas, one heavyweight and one lightweight, that will comfortably layer together. These items are not replaced by a Buff.

GLACIER GLASSES High-quality glacier glasses offering full coverage around both eyes and across the nose. Removable side-shields are not required provided eye coverage is sufficient.

SKI GOGGLES High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude. The lens should offer visible light transmission (VLT) of no more than 30%. Those with light-sensitive eyes may wish to use a darker lens. Photo chromatic models are ideal for use in changing conditions.

DUST MASK (OPTIONAL) For those that are sensitive to dust. Can be left at Base Camp.

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

CRAMPONS General mountaineering crampons. We recommend modern steel 12-point crampons with anti-balling plates. 10-point, aluminum, or single-piece rigid crampons are not recommended.

TREKKING POLES Collapsible trekking poles. A large variety of poles can work well. 3-section models are preferred, however, as they are collapsible for easy carrying in steeper terrain. Trekking baskets are OK. The Black Diamond Trail Poles are sufficient, but more expensive, lighter-weight models such as the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles offer greater weight advantage.

CLIMBING HELMET A lightweight climbing-specific helmet. This must fit comfortably over your bare head, hat, and/or balaclava, and your headlamp must be able to strap securely to the outside of the helmet.

PACKS

EXPEDITION CLIMBING PACK A 75-105 liter climbing pack designed with climber-specific features and an internal frame. The volume you choose depends on experience level packing and gear quality. If opting for a pack smaller than 100 liters, practice packing to be sure you can efficiently use a smaller sized pack.

EXPEDITION DUFFEL BAG An approximately 150-liter expedition-ready duffel bag used to transport all gear.

SMALL DUFFEL This item can double as carry-on luggage for your flight, and is used to store any items you do not plan to take into the mountains. Think light and simple, with 40-50 liters of total capacity. Bring a travel lock for peace of mind.

TREKKING PACK (OPTIONAL) A small, simple pack of approximately 35-40 liters. Useful for the trek into base camp.

SLEEPING GEAR

-20F DOWN SLEEPING BAG This sleeping bag should be rated to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and must be down-filled rather than synthetic filled for the sake of weight and bulk. Be sure to include a correctly sized compression stuff sack.

INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD A full-length, modern inflatable sleeping pad is recommended. Older-style three-quarter length pads have been superseded by ultra light full-length pads. We recommend bringing a valve repair/body patch kit.

FOAM PAD This pad should be either 3/4 or body length. Cut pieces of closed cell foam or industrially-crafted pads are both acceptable.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

HEADLAMP A modern outdoor LED headlamp offering 90-200 lumens of output. Fresh, installed batteries plus spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred.

WATER BOTTLES (Two to three 1-litre capacity bottles) Bottles should be wide mouth made of copolyester (BPA free plastic). No water bag or bladder systems, they freeze or are hard to fill and no metal bottles as lips have a tendency to stick.

WATER BOTTLE PARKAS Two total. Fully insulated with zip opening. Neoprene ‘cozy’ style does not provide enough insulation and is not recommended.

MUG One insulated outdoor-style mug with a removable lid. Your mug should retain heat well and be spill resistant. 12-20 ounce models are acceptable.

BOWL One two-cup capacity packable bowl. Models with a lid (like a Tupperware) work well, as do lidless bowls and flatter “deep plate” models. Collapsible models can suffice, but must be handled very carefully to avoid unintended collapsing.

KNIFE Medium size. Keep it simple and light.

SPOON & FORK One fork and one spoon, designed for backcountry pursuits.

THERMOS A fully vacuum-insulated thermos is recommended for hydration, comfort, and safety on cold days on the mountain. 1-liter sizes are strongly preferred.

TOILETRY BAG Include toilet paper (one roll stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and some wet wipes if desired.

SUNSCREEN Several 1-2 ounce tubes of SPF 30+ sunscreen. Zinc-oxide added versions are preferred. One ounce is typically sufficient per week, but several tubes. Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen.

LIPSCREEN Several tubes of SPF 30+ lip screen. As with sunscreen, be sure your lip screen is new. Recommended: Aloe Gator Medicated 30 SPF Lip Balms.

WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS One set of chemical water treatment drops or tablets. We recommend AquaMira. Lightweight Steri-Pens with extra batteries can suffice, but do not work well in the event of very cold conditions. Be sure your system will be sufficient for the entire duration of your trip- some packages of tablets treat only a very small amount of water! As a general guideline, allow for 4-6 liters of water per day when treating water is necessary.

SMALL PERSONAL FIRST-AID KIT Basic medical supplies in a compact package- we recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.

MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTIONS Bring any personal prescriptions, plus a broad spectrum antibiotic, pain killers, tablets for constipation, diarrhea, throat lozenges, Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 2 per day at altitude, etc.

HAND SANITIZER Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well. Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.

HAND AND TOE WARMERS Bring 3 sets of each. Please note that toe warmers are different than hand warmers.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

CAMERA Optional. Small point-and-shoot cameras (including compact SLR’s) are ideal & work well at altitude. Alternatively, many opt to use a smart phone camera. Due to weight & care in the mountain environment, large dSLR cameras are discouraged.

PEE BOTTLE (1-1.5 LITER) One wide-mouth, clearly marked collapsible container or wide-mouthed bottle for use overnight.

PEE FUNNEL (FOR WOMEN) Practice is critical for the use of this item.

HYDRATION RESERVOIR For lower altitude/warmer climate use. Does not serve as a sufficient substitute for water bottles.

FOOD We recommend that you bring approximately 12 energy food items, like bars, Gu packets, etc.

TRASH COMPACTOR BAGS Three bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. Compactor bags are made from a heavy plastic and stand up well to prolonged mountain use.

EARPLUGS Several pairs of disposable foam earplugs are highly recommended to aid sleep- this is especially important on windy nights when a flapping tent can easily keep you awake.

TRAVEL CLOTHES Clean ‘town’ clothing is recommend for use traveling as well as pre-and-post trip. We recommend bringing a comfortable variety of clothing for peace of mind, including some t-shirts, and swimsuit.

TRAVEL POWER ADAPTER Type C (two round prongs) and Type I (three flat prongs, two of which are angled) are most common. Please research what adapters are necessary to plug in your devices.

What are the temperatures like on Aconcagua?

The low humidity, low oxygen percentage and strong winds are only some of the most outstanding characteristics of the weather of Mount Aconcagua. The winds can be severe stopping people from reaching summits and mountain can also get electric storms. Temperatures are severe, regularly dropping below -20°C (-4°F). The wind (and subsequent windchill) can be relentless.

Even in good weather (summer) the temperature at night above 5000 meters is about -20° C (-0,4º F). In the summit the usual temperature is -30° C (-22º F).

How will the altitude affect me ?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People, who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly.

What are load carries?

Essentially these are days above base camp where you have to help carry gear and supplies from one camp to the next and then return to camp that night, climbing again the next day with your own gear. Porters can be hired to help with your back pack but must be arranged before you depart for the mountain. For load carries, you will have multiple days carrying loads between 25 lbs. (11kg.) and 40 lbs. (18kg.) and ascending as much as 3,000 ft. (950 m) in a particular day.

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Aconcagua?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

Which permits do we need?

In order to climb Aconcagua or even do a shorter walk or climb in Aconcagua Provincial Park you need a permit. Permits for Aconcagua Provincial Park are only issued in Mendoza. Our team will assist you with the paperwork to acquire a climbing permit. On the day of our departure to the mountain, our group will go to park headquarters where each climber must pay and sign for their personal permit. Park authorities require all non-Argentinean climbers to have evacuation insurance.

The permit cost depends on the season but you need to budget around $500 extra to climb.

Do we use porters on Aconcagua?

Yes we do, and we also use Mules. Note that porters are not there to carry personal gear though.

Mules are used to transport our gear and sometimes people on the approach to Base Camp. Mules move gear three times during our climb. First, from Los Puquios (Puente del Inca) to Confluencia; second, from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas; and finally, from Plaza de Mulas back to Los Puquios. Every climber may transport a maximum of 30 kg on each stage of the approach and descent to base camp by mule. We recommend you bring a strong duffel bag to protect all your personal gear during transport.

For the Normal Route, porters carry our sleeping tents from Plaza de Mulas to all the higher camps on the mountain. In addition, porters carry expedition equipment and food between Plaza Canadá and Nido de Cóndores. Porters also carry all human waste and trash down to Base Camp.

Why do we need contingency days?

These are built in, in case of bad weather or heavy snow fall that may delay your summit, either from Khare or even up to Mera La or High Camp. If you do not need them you can return to Kathmandu earlier but the cost of the extra days in a hotel will not be covered by the climb cost.

What happens if I cannot continue my climb or have to turn back?

Unfortunately this is something every trekker has to consider. Anything from a stomach bug to altitude sickness can quickly stop a trekker in their tracks. If you are ill and need to turn back or even too tired to continue. Emergency evacuation insurance is a requirement and is mandatory.

What is base camp like?

Base camp, as well as Confluencia, we have dining tents where you can eat and relax, read, or play cards. They are warm from the sun and keep you out of the weather. Well-trained chefs will prepare all your meals and provide hot drinks as desired in our kitchen tents. We have two-man VE25 sleeping tents along with clean toilet facilities for your use.

What is the toughest part of Aconcagua?

Apart from the steep slopes and altitude it is probably the Canaleta. The Canaleta is a rocky gully that is the crux of the ascent and is comprised of a steep scree slope at around 6,700m (21,981ft) on summit day. It is a mixture of loose gravel and rocks among these loose rocks becomes slow especially when combined with high winds and cold temperatures.

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ACONCAGUA NORMAL ROUTE ITINERARY

bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about CLIMBING ACONCAGUA

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