Itinerary
Aconcagua Climbing Expedition Itinerary
Aconcagua Expedition - 18 Days
DAY 1 – Arrival in Mendoza – Elevation: 900 meters
Upon arrival at the airport, our team will warmly welcome you and arrange transportation to your hotel. In the evening, there will be a group meeting, followed by a delicious dinner. Depending on your arrival time, we can assist with purchasing or renting any necessary equipment.
Includes: Transportation and hotel accommodation.
DAY 2 – Permit Processing & Transfer to Penitentes – Elevation: 2300 meters
In the morning, we will have a comprehensive briefing covering all logistics related to the expedition, answering any questions you may have. Personal gear will be checked, and we will assist with any rentals or purchases. We will also ensure all necessary permits for the Aconcagua climb are in place.
Includes: Transportation, hotel accommodation, and dinner.
DAY 3 – From Penitentes to Confluencia – Elevation: 3300 meters
After packing early in the morning, we’ll transfer our gear to Confluencia. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll enjoy lunch at Puente del Inca, followed by a 3-4 hour trek to the entry point of Aconcagua Provincial Park, called Horcones. The team will offer a welcoming meal at the dining tent, followed by dinner in the evening at the campsite.
Includes: Private transportation, breakfast, lunch at Puente del Inca, welcoming meal at Confluencia, and dinner.
DAY 4 – Round Trip from Confluencia to Plaza Francia – Elevation: 4150 meters
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. We will carry only the essentials such as water, jacket, gloves, trekking poles, and sunscreen, and hike slowly to the base of Aconcagua’s grand south wall. The views are spectacular, and if lucky, we may even see avalanches coming down the steep slopes.
Includes: Double tents and mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 5 – From Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas – Elevation: 4300 meters
Today involves one of the longest treks of the expedition. The 18km journey to base camp (BC) will take about 5-8 hours. Carrying only light backpacks, we’ll stop for lunch near prominent rock formations known as Iván's Rocks. As we reach the end of the vast Horcones Valley, we’ll arrive at Plaza de Mulas, the base camp for the Aconcagua climb.
Includes: Double tents and mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 6 – Rest Day – Elevation: 4300 meters
Enjoy a comfortable rest day at Plaza de Mulas. If the group is feeling well, there is an option for a short walk to a nearby glacier.
Includes: Double tents and mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 7 – Acclimatization Walk to Plaza Canada – Elevation: 4900 meters
We will take a 4-hour acclimatization walk to 4900 meters, carrying some personal climbing equipment. Afterward, we return to base camp for the night.
Includes: Double tents and mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 8 – Rest Day – Elevation: 4300 meters
Another rest day at Plaza de Mulas. Please take it easy and avoid strenuous activity, ensuring you’re fully rested for the journey ahead.
Includes: Double tents and mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 9 – From Plaza de Mulas to Plaza Canada – Elevation: 4900 meters
After a satisfying breakfast at base camp, we’ll embark on a 4-hour trek to Plaza Canada.
Includes: Double tents, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 10 – From Plaza Canada to Nido de Condores – Elevation: 5600 meters
A 5-hour trek takes us to Nido de Condores. During this trek, we’ll be staying in double tents, and meals will be provided as usual.
Includes: Double tents, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 11 – Rest Day at Nido de Condores – Elevation: 5600 meters
Take this day to further acclimatize at Nido de Condores. You may also join a short walk around the camp area.
Includes: Double tents, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 12 – From Nido de Condores to Colera – Elevation: 5950 meters
We’ll depart for a 3-4 hour trek to Colera, which is nearly at 6000 meters, our final high-altitude camp.
Includes: Double tents, breakfast, and lunch.
DAY 13 – From Colera to Summit and Back to Colera – Elevation: 6962 meters
We prepare for an early departure around 2 or 3 AM for our first summit attempt. After a sufficient hydration break, we’ll set out for the summit, which is a 12-hour round-trip trek (average duration). Afterward, we return to Colera for the night.
Includes: Double tents, water melting facilities, breakfast, and dinner.
DAY 14 – From Colera to Plaza de Mulas – Elevation: 4300 meters
After summiting, we’ll pass through all the camps and arrive at base camp (Plaza de Mulas) around 4 PM.
Includes: Double tents and mattresses, breakfast, lunch, and celebratory dinner.
DAY 15 – From Plaza de Mulas, Confluencia, to Mendoza – Elevation: 4300 meters
After breakfast, we’ll begin the 8-hour trek, sending our duffel bags by camel to Horcones. Along the way, we’ll have a meal at Confluencia, followed by transport to Mendoza. During the journey, you’ll also enjoy a steak dinner at Uspallata.
Includes: Breakfast, packed lunch, snacks at Confluencia, private transportation, hotel accommodation, and celebratory steak dinner.
DAY 16 – Departure Flight – Elevation: 900 meters
We’ll arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight departs.
Includes: Breakfast and private transportation.
DAY 17 – Contingency Acclimatization or Rest Day
This day is reserved in case of bad weather or if additional acclimatization is needed.
DAY 18 – Contingency Summit Day (In Case of Bad Weather)
This day is reserved for a second summit attempt in case of adverse weather. This allows flexibility in the schedule, giving you another opportunity to reach the summit under better conditions. Whether or not to use this day will be decided in consultation with the experienced guides, prioritizing safety and maximizing the chances of success.
