Aconcagua (22,841 ft/6,962 m) (trip)

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Aconcagua (22,841 ft/6,962 m)

  • Mendoza Airport, Mendoza, Argentina
  • Active & Adventure
Argentina, South America

To check availability or book,
contact Alaska Mountain Guides International & Climbing School:

Period offered: December-February. The provider (view their profile) can provide you with specific departure dates, final prices, and other information.


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from $4,400* per person20 DaysDecember-February
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Alaska Mountain Guides International & Climbing School 12 people max
Climb Aconcagua, join us on an expedition to the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere!

Aconcagua is located in the central Andes of Argentina near the border with Chile. It offers an incredible climbing experience for individuals seeking the challenges of a high altitude climbing expedition in a spectacular setting.

We offer expeditions on four different routes to climb Aconcagua, including ascents from the Upper Vacas valley on the mountains remote North side.  In the past this has proven to be a scenic and seldom traveled route.  It is a high quality, non-technical climb in a pristine environment.  We also lead technical climbs on the Polish Glacier.  We would be happy to talk with you about the different route options.

Our Aconcagua guides have extensive experience on the mountain. Their skill and knowledge insure a safe, successful, and fun trip. We also limit the size of our groups and maintain a small guest to guide ratio. The itineraries and camps that we use are designed to provide the best experience on this challenging and rewarding trip!

On January 12 2007, 15 members of the Canadian Heart Association reached the summit with Mountain Guides International (MGI), and raised over $120,000 for charity. Congratulations to everyone for making it the top! This is the second of the seven summits that MGI has led for the CHA. In 2005 they raised $50K for charity on Kilimanjaro.

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Locations visited/nearby

Argentina, South America

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Itinerary

DAY 1: Mendoza to Penitentes.

In the morning we will get our park service climbing permits. Then we travel by private passenger van for approximately 3 hours to the winter resort community of Penitentes where we will spend the evening. Penitentes, situated at approx. 9,000 ft., is a good elevation to begin acclimatizing. After getting situated in our rooms at the lodge we will do a check of everyone’s equipment, pack clothing and gear for the next morning, and pack bags for the mules. Dinner is in the lodge.

DAY 2: Penitentes to Pampa Lena.

After breakfast in the lodge, we will trek for approx. four hours up the Vacas valley to our first camp at Pampa Lena (9,200 ft.). The valley is spectacular and the hiking is in a warm, high Andean landscape.

DAY 3: Pampa Lena to Casa Piedra.

Hiking time is approximately six hours to our camp at Casa Piedra (11,000 ft.). The deep valleys open up as we travel forward, and we get our first views of the mountain.

DAY 4: Casa Piedra to Base Camp (Plaza Argentina at 13,800 ft).

Hiking time is approximately eight hours to our base camp (13,800 ft.). There is a lot of opportunity to see wild Guanaco, a relative of the Llama, throughout the day. We also have beautiful views of the Vacas Glacier and all of the glaciers in the upper Vacas valley.

DAY 5: Carry Equipment and Supplies to Camp 1 (16,200 ft.).

Hiking time is approximately six to eight hours round trip.

DAY 6:Rest / Acclimatization Day.  This is a key day to acclimate and prepare for moving up to higher camps on Aconcagua.

DAY 7:Move to Camp 1.(16,200 ft.)

Hiking time is approximately four to six hours. Camp one has spectacular views of the upper mountain.

DAY 8: Carry Equipment and Supplies to Camp 2 .(18,200 ft.)

Hiking time is approximately six to eight hours round trip.

DAY 9: Rest / Acclimatization Day at Camp 1.

DAY 10: Move to Camp 2.

Hiking time is approximately six to eight hours.

DAY 11: Carry Equipment and Supplies to Camp 3 (20,200 ft.) .

Hiking time is approximately six to eight hours round trip.

DAY 12: Rest / Acclimatization Day at Camp 2.

DAY 13: Move to our High camp at Camp 3. Hiking time is approximately six to eight hours round trip.

We use a high camp called White Rocks. It is one of the best-protected high camps on Aconcagua. It is less crowded and more sanitary than other high camps, and its placement saves an hour of travel time on summit morning, relative to the normal route’s regular high camp. This can be a big advantage on summit morning. Some groups try and camp higher on the mountain, but there are no protected spots until much further up, and it is too high to sleep well. White Rocks is an outstanding camp. Hiking time is approximately six to eight hours.

DAY 14: Summit Day!

We are up early to prepare. Summit day is usually eight to fourteen hours. It is a demanding day, but climbers are rewarded with stunning views across the Andes in all directions. Don’t forget your camera!

Day 15: High Camp to Plaza Mulas.

After climbing Aconcagua, we will descend from our high camp to Plaza Mulas, the base camp for the normal route. Mules will carry our equipment from here back to the trailhead. We will spend the evening here.

DAY 16: Plaza Mulas to Penitentes.

We hike for approximately eight to ten hours down the Horcones valley to the trailhead. The Horcones valley is quite different from the Vacas valley that we use for our approach. It is interesting to see both sides of the mountain. By hiking back out from the mountain this way we complete a circumnavigation of Aconcagua! There is a ranger station at the trailhead where we will check out of the park, and meet our ride back to lodge in Penitentes. We plan to stay the night at the lodge in Penitentes, but it is sometimes possible to arrange for transportation back to Mendoza that same evening.

DAY 17: Penitentes to Mendoza.

After a good breakfast in the lodge we will travel by private passenger van back to Mendoza. In the evening we like to have a last dinner in one of Mendoza’s many outstanding restaurants.

DAYS 18-20: Contingency Days.

These days are reserved to allow for additional weather, and rest/acclimatization days. They can be used at any point in the trip. Ample contingency days are important to accommodating changing individual and group needs and affording a successful Aconcagua climb.

More information from Alaska Mountain Guides International & Climbing School: