image

Why take this trip

The perfect mountain to practice high altitude skills in a non-technical climbing environment. While the climbing is easy (more of a hike than a climb), do not underestimate it as the altitude and weather make this an extremely challenging expedition.

image

Who is this for

This trip is for extremely fit individuals who have significant multi-day trekking experience and high altitudes. If the Seven Summits are a challenge you wanna complete or want more experience on altitude, then this trip is definitely for you.

image

What’s next

Once you’re back from Aconcagua you’ll be experienced enough to embark on another big expedition such as Mount Nun, Mount Vinson or Mount Tetnuldi, or even continue your quest for the rest of the Seven Summits!

Now that we’re here, a Wild Guanabana rep will be waiting outside the airport gates to take us to our hotel in Mendoza. After checking in, we can head out to explore this stunning city and its countless quaint sidewalk cafes. The trip guide will contact you to see about next day’s schedule
We’re taking a three-hour drive in a private vehicle from Mendoza to Penitentes where we’ll be spending the night in a mountain lodge at 2,580 m.
After breakfast, we ride the van for a few minutes to the Horcones Valley (2.950 m / 9,678 ft). Here we get our climbing permits stamped at the rangers check point and begin the approach to base camp. After a relaxed hike we arrive at our first camp, Confluencia (3390 m / 11,300 ft). For the entire hike in to BC you will be carrying only a day pack with some essentials, as the mules take care of the heavy duties. 3-4 Hours
We take a detour to admire the imposing South face of Mt. Aconcagua. The main objective of the day is acclimatization. After a 7-hour hike we spend the night in the first camp. 6-7 Hours
After a demanding 7-hour hike we arrive at our well-equipped Base Camp (4.350 m / 14,500 ft). 7-9 Hours
Sleeping, reading in the dining tent or trying the yoga mats in our heated domo; whatever you do, get hydrated!
An acclimatization hike to the neighboring Cerro Bonete: an awesome view of the West Face of Aconcagua and a 5.000 mt peak bagged. 5-6 Hours
The team climbs to the first altitude camp to carry part of the gear and then returns to Plaza de Mulas. 5-6 Hours
Today is a rest day where you can treat yourself to a hot shower (a reward after completing the first stage of the climb). 3-4 Hours
he team leaves base camp and moves to the first camp. First step of the summit push. 2 1⁄2 - 3 hours
The team moves to the second camp. (expect to carry a 18-22 kg backpack). 3-4 Hours
Move to the the highest camp of the trip. You’ll have dinner at almost 6.000 m... It’s higher than most places in Earth! 2-3 Hours
We leave early to get the most of the (long) day. You will be carrying a very light backpack (water, snacks, some clothing, camera). 8-12 Hours
To secure the success of the expedition we have added two additional summit days in case of bad weather.
Extra reserve day in case of bad weather
Back to the comfort of the base camp and a well-deserved celebration dinner. 2-4 Hours
The hike out takes approximately 6-7 hours. Most of the gear goes in the mules, so you walk light. From the trailhead at Horcones our van drives us to Mendoza, after picking up the gear at Penitentes. Hotel check-in (not included), end of the program. 6-7 Hours
image

Terrain

Long hikes in valleys between dramatic mountain scapes and snow capped peaks. The trails are rocky, challenging, and require full focus.

image

Weather

Aconcagua is climbed in the summer of Argentina (Nov - March) with the best weather window to be during January and February. Rain is rare but precipitation in terms of snow is common and sometimes turns into blizzards. The first few days could be slightly warm but the higher up you go the colder it gets especially during night time and reaches up to -10 at high camp.

B

Overall Difficulty

B

Technical Skills

/5

Days

/5

Fitness level

/5

Altitude

Technical Skills

No experiences is needed: Anyone can join this trip.
Minimal experience: You should probably have some hiking experience to join this trip. It is advisable to have gone on a hike for at least 2 days prior to joining this trip.
Moderate experience: You should have some climbing experience to join this trip. It is advisable to have been on at least a 4-day climb before joining this trip.
Technical experience: You should have technical climbing experience before joining this trip. It is recommended that you have experience with crampons, skis, ropes and belays.
Advanced technical experience: You should have technical climbing experience to join this trip. Depending on the climb, you will need a specific set of skills.

fitness level

Occasional workout, no fixed routine.
Workout routine with at least 2-3 workouts a week, overall in good shape. Trekking days on this trip are around 3-4 hours long each day with little elevation.
Workout routine with at least 4-5 workouts a week, overall in great shape. Trekking days on this trip are around 4-5 hours long each day with moderate elevation.
Workout routine with at least 5 workouts a week. Trekking days on this trip are around 5-7 hours long each day with high elevation.
Specified workout routine with at least 5 workouts a week as well as technical training. Trekking days on this trip are 8 hours long each day with extreme elevation.

Altitude

1,500m - 2,999m
3,000m - 4,499m
4,500m - 5,999m
6,000m - 7,499m
7,500m - 8,999m

Climbing Days

0 - 4 Days
5 - 9 Days
10 - 12 Days
13 - 15 Days
16+ Days

PRICE

$4,400

best time to travel:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

PRICE INCLUDES

    • This price is based on a minimum of 6 participants.
    • Meals as mentioned above (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) 
    • Consultation on every aspect of preparation (physical and mental) 
    • Hotel accommodation in Mendoza as based on a double occupancy basis. Climbers descending early will incur extra charges.
    • 1 night of lodging in Penitentes (breakfast and dinner included)
    • Full board accommodation during the expedition (on the mountain)
    • Bilingual and professional certified guide and assistants.
    • All shared equipment for the expedition (tents, stoves, cooking gear, radio, etc.).
    • Complete base camp services (dining tents, bathrooms, meals, storage, etc.).
    • all transport in a private (non-A/C) van.
    • Mule transportation of the equipment to and from base camp.
    • Permanent VHF radio communication.
    • We provide all our guides with a professional first aids kits and a pulse oximeter for daily updates of acclimatization progress.
    • High altitude porters for common gear carries – one for every four people.
    • Assistance with climbing permit procedure.
    • Satellite coverage and tracking during the expedition through an InReach device. 

PRICE EXCLUDES

    • International flight to/from Argentina and domestic flight to Mendoza.
    • Aconcagua State Park climbing permit.
    • Personal medical & travel insurance.
    • Argentina visa fee.
    • Tips & gratuity.
    • Personal porters (please let us know if this is something you require).
    • Personal equipment (gear list will be sent separately).
    • Costs associated with loss or delay of luggage during flight.
    • Meals in Mendoza.
    • Drinks in Mendoza and Penitentes.
    • Any cost if the climber abandons the trip.
    • Personal gear, medication, ground or air evacuations, room service, laundry, beverages, phone communications and items of personal nature, hospitalization or medication of any kind, any other service not included.