CLIMB ACONCAGUA

Itinerary:

Day 1:Depart the U.S. on your international flight.In Transit

Day 2:Arrive at the Plumerillos airport in Mendoza, Argentina. Transportation is provided to our hotel in Mendoza, the 5-star Hyatt Hotel. We’ll enjoy a pre-climb orientation and a great Argentinean asado. Hyatt in Mendoza, Dinner only

Day 3: After breakfast, we transfer to the Aconcagua Provincial Park permit office to obtain our climbing permits. We then head west to the village of Penitentes, situated at the foot of the valleys that access the mountain. Overnight at Hotel Penitentes. B, D

Day 4: We’ll drive to Punta de Vacas where we begin the first day’s trek towards the foot of Aconcagua through Vacas valley. This is a beautiful less traveled route with greener landscapes than the normal route. After 4 to 5 hours of hiking we reach our first camp called Pampa de Leña situated at an elevation of 9,330ft. Here we eat a delicious barbecue along with the muleteers while the animals graze. Tent camping. B, L, D

Day 5: Continuing along the same valley for 6 to 7 hours, we reach Casa de Piedra camp situated at an elevation of 10,665ft. From camp up through the Relinchos pass we can clearly see the Polacos glacier on Aconcagua. Tent camping. B, L, D

Day 6: Today we make an easy hike from Casa de Piedra that will help us adjust our bodies to the altitude. We had great results with this additional relax journey last season. Tent camping. B, L, D

Day 7: We climb up the steep and marvelous Relinchos valley to our base camp called Plaza Argentina situated at 14,000ft. This is a 7 hour day with an elevation gain of 3,300 ft. Our chef awaits us with hot drinks and a big dinner. Base Camp, tent. B, L, D

Day 8: Rest day at Plaza Argentina base camp. It is necessary to keep hydrated and rest in order to adapt well to the altitude before continuing on to the high camps and before summit day. Base Camp. B. L, D

Day 9: We’ll leave the mules and muleteers behind, and today we begin our first day of portage, carrying small personal and common gear to deposit it at Camp I, situated at approximately 15,000 ft. We return to base camp. It is crucial to take advantage of the comfort of our base camp and achieve a slow and safe acclimatization from the start. Base Camp. B, L, D

Day 10: Rest day at Plaza Argentina base camp. Base Camp. B, L, D

Day 11: Today we climb to Camp I with the rest of our gear. This climb is the beginning of the ascent to the summit leaving base camp behind. All unnecessary equipment will be left here at Plaza Argentina to be carried out on the mules. Tent. B, L, D

Day 12: We start our second load carry to Camp 2 at 18,000 ft and the connection with the Upper Guanacos route by crossing the Ameghino pass and a gentle traverse. We return later to Camp I. Tent. B, L, D

Day 13: Today we climb with our remaining gear and establish stay at Camp II. Tent. B, L, D

Day 14: Today is a rest and acclimatization day. Our bodies are in need of a rest, and this day has proven to make us stronger as we climb higher on the mountain. Tent. B, L, D

Day 15: We make a relatively light portage and acclimatization hike to our high camp, know as “Piedras Blancas” at 19,600 ft, and return to sleep at Camp II. Tent. B, L, D

Day 16: We climb from Camp II to Piedras Blancas. From this high camp we can reach the summit in one day. Tent. B, L, D

Day 17: Rest day in high camp. Tent. B, L, D

Days 18, 19, 20: From high camp, we are now ready to attempt the summit, at an elevation of 22,841 ft. We will wait for the best window in the weather and have three days allotted to attempt the sumitt. After reaching the summit, we will return to our high camp. Tent. B, L, D each day

Day 21: We will descend from our high camp along the Normal route to Plaza de Mulas, the base camp for climbers ascending the Normal route. Here our chef awaits us with an exquisite menu prepared for our celebration! And the base camp offers showers for our tired bodies. Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. B, L, D

Day 22: From Plaza de Mulas, we have mules to help carry our gear out, allowing for an easier trek through Playa Ancha and the Horcones Valley to the village of Penitentes. The hike will take approximately 6-7 hours. At the trail head, we’ll meet our transportation to take us to Mendoza and the Hyatt. After a hot shower, we’ll meet for a final celebration dinner at a local restaurant with all of the guides and assistants. Hyatt Hotel. B, L, D

Day 23: Transfer is provided to the airport to catch your departing flight. Or you can choose to extend your stay and explore Mendoza, Argentina’s wine growing capital. Breakfast only

Day 24: Arrive home in the U.S. on your international flight.

Download Detailed Description & Itinerary Files

• Aconcagua Detailed Trip Info.pdf