Aconcagua Expedition - 18-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Mendoza – 900m
Upon your arrival at the airport, one of our team members will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, there will be a group meeting followed by a delightful dinner. Depending on your arrival time, we can assist you in purchasing or renting any necessary equipment. Included: Transportation and hotel accommodations.
Day 2 – Permits and Transfer to Penitentes – 2300m
In the morning, we will conduct a comprehensive logistics briefing, addressing all expedition aspects and answering any queries you may have. We will also inspect your personal equipment, offer assistance for rentals or purchases, and ensure all climbing permits are in order for your Aconcagua ascent. Included: Transportation, hotel accommodation, and dinner.
Day 3 – Penitentes to Confluencia – 3300m
Our mules will transport our luggage to Confluencia early in the morning, allowing us to have everything packed the night before. After enjoying breakfast at our hotel in Penitentes, we will take private transportation to Horcones, the entry point to Aconcagua Provincial Park. We will pause for lunch at Puente del Inca and commence a 3-4 hour trek to Confluencia at 2pm. Our team will be waiting with a welcome meal in our dining tent. In the evening, we will dine and spend the night in tents. Included: Private transportation, breakfast, lunch at Puente del Inca, a reception meal at Confluencia, and dinner.
Day 4 – Confluencia to Plaza Francia and back – 4150m
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. Carrying only essential items such as water, a jacket, gloves, trekking poles, and sunscreen, we will embark on a leisurely walk to the base of the awe-inspiring south face of Aconcagua. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and if we're lucky, we may witness avalanches cascading down the steep slopes. Included: Double tents with mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5 – Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas – 4300m
Today, we embark on the longest trek of our expedition. The 18km journey to Base Camp (BC) may take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours. Carrying only a light rucksack, we will have lunch near a prominent rock formation called Ibañez. As the landscape here is quite dry, it is advisable to bring a good hat for sun protection. At the end of the expansive Horcones Valley, we will reach Plaza de Mulas, our basecamp for the Aconcagua ascent. Included: Double tents with mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6 – Rest – 4300m
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day at Plaza de Mulas. If everyone in the team is feeling up to it, there is an option for a short walk to a nearby glacier. Your accommodations for the day include double tents with mattresses, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7 – Acclimatization Walk to Plaza Canada – 4900m
Embark on a 4-hour acclimatization walk to Plaza Canada, reaching an altitude of 4900 meters with a gain of 600 meters. You'll carry some of your personal climbing equipment during this walk. Afterward, you'll return to sleep at Base Camp. You'll be provided with double tents with mattresses, and meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8 – Rest – 4300m
Take full advantage of a rest day at Plaza de Mulas. It is highly recommended that you relax and avoid any strenuous activities. Your accommodations for the day include double tents with mattresses, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9 – Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canada – 4900m
After a satisfying breakfast at Base Camp, embark on a four-hour walk to Plaza Canada. Once again, you'll be provided with double tents, along with meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 10 – Plaza Canada – Nido de Condores – 5600m
Continue your journey with a five-hour walk to Nido de Condores, which serves as your second camp. Throughout this leg of the trek, you'll be accommodated in double tents and provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 11 – Rest at Nido de Condores – 5600m
Take the opportunity to rest and engage in light walks around the camp at Nido de Condores to further enhance your acclimatization. Your accommodations for the day include double tents, and you'll be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 12 – Nido de Condores – Colera – 5950m
Embark on a 3 to 4-hour trek, carrying your climbing equipment (wearing most of it), as you make your way to Colera, our final camp situated at nearly 6000 meters. You'll stay in double tents and enjoy breakfast and lunch.
Day 13 – Colera – Summit – Colera – 6962m
Prepare for an early start as you embark on your first summit attempt, commencing around 2 or 3 am. After hydrating adequately, you'll leave camp at approximately 4 am for the challenging 12-hour round trip to the summit (average time). Your accommodations will be in double tents, and water melting facilities will be provided.
Day 14 – Colera – Plaza de Mulas – 4300m
Descend through all the camps, reaching Base Camp (Plaza de Mulas) around 4 pm. You'll be accommodated in double tents with mattresses and provided with breakfast, lunch, and a celebratory dinner.
Day 15 – Plaza de Mulas, Confluencia, Mendoza – 4300m
Following an 8 am breakfast, pack your duffels which will be sent to Horcones on mules. Embark on an 8-hour trek to Horcones, making a stop at Confluencia for food and a short break. Private transportation will be waiting at Horcones to take you to Penitentes, where you'll transfer to another private vehicle for your journey to Mendoza. Along the way, you'll enjoy a steak dinner in Uspallata. This day's package includes breakfast, a packed lunch, snack food in Confluencia, private transportation, hotel accommodation, and a celebration steak dinner.
Day 16 – Flight out – 900m
You will be transported to the airport 2-3 hours prior to your flight departure time. Breakfast and private transport are included.
Day 17 – Spare acclimatization day or weather day.
This day is reserved as a spare day for acclimatization or in case of inclement weather conditions.
Day 18 - Spare Day for Second Summit Ascent (Weather Contingency)
This day is reserved as a contingency for a second summit ascent if necessary, particularly in the event of unfavorable weather conditions. It allows flexibility in the itinerary, ensuring that you have an additional opportunity to reach the summit under more favorable circumstances. The decision to utilize this spare day will be made in consultation with our experienced guides, prioritizing safety and maximizing the chances of a successful ascent.
