Explore-Share logo and link to home

Group Aconcagua Expedition via the Normal route, from Mendoza

Group Aconcagua Expedition via the Normal route, from Mendoza
Group Aconcagua Expedition via the Normal route, from Mendoza
IMG_7144
Group Aconcagua Expedition via the Normal route, from Mendoza
20190219_150506

Follow an IFMGA certified mountain guide in the Andean Raju Expedition team and conquer the roof of the Andes on this 12-day expedition to Aconcagua from Mendoza.

Group

Andes

12 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

Very high

Advanced


Highlights

  • Climb the tallest mountain in the American Continent.
  • Spend 12 days exploring the Andes, in Mendoza.
  • Admire dazzling views of the range from the summit.

Description

With its 6,962 meters of altitude, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Andean Range and the American Continent. That is why it is one of the main goals for climbers from all over the world.

Situated in the Argentinean province of Mendoza, very near the border with Chile, this impressive peak belongs to the Aconcagua Provincial Park, in the Arid Andes.

The big massif presents two main summits, north and south. At the base of the mountain, there are various valleys, such as Quebrada de los Horcones and Quebrada de las Vacas.

On this 12-day expedition, we will take the normal route to the top. Although this route is not very difficult technically, keep in mind that the climb is demanding and requires and excellent physical condition. Below, you can take a look at our itinerary.

Are you ready to conquer the top of the Andes? Get in touch with us by sending your request now.

Looking for more 6,000-meter peaks in the Andes? Check out this program that I lead to Huascaran, in Peru.

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Transport during the trip
  • Transportation start and back
  • Mountain guide expenses
  • Mules and horses
  • Tents
  • Cooking utensils
  • Snacks
  • Clean drinkable water

Price details

  • A minimum of 6 participants is required. Also included: baths in base camp, communication devices, wifi in Plaza de Mulas, help with permits, first aid kit, hot water, last day dinner, taxes. Not included: flights, permits (about USD 800900), personal equipment, personal porters, personal insurance, cancellation insurance, last lunch, personal expenses, sleeping bag, extra accommodation, meals and drinks not listed, extra transfers.
  • OPTIONAL: 3Day acclimatization plan, USD 300 + 5% service fee:
  • We will meet 3 days before the tour starts in Mendoza, then we will travel to Penitentes. In the next 2 days, we are going to acclimatize in 2 peaks of 4 thousand that are in the area of Penitentes (Cruz de Caña and Cerro Leñas). On the next day the tour itself begins.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mendoza - Penitentes

Our journey begins in Mendoza, where we’ll provide private transportation to pick you up directly from your hotel. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic westward drive lasting approximately three hours to reach Penitentes. Once we arrive, we’ll settle into a comfortable mountain refuge situated at an altitude of 3,194 meters above sea level.

Key details:

  • Lodging: refuge
  • Meals provided: dinner
  • Estimated car time: 3 hours

Day 2: Penitentes - Confluencia Camp

On this day, we’ll depart from the refuge in Penitentes at 10 a.m. and take a bus to the entrance of Aconcagua National Park. Here, we’ll process the necessary permits before beginning a 4- to 5-hour hike to Confluencia Camp. Once at the camp, we’ll take time to rest, enjoy meals, and explore the surroundings.

Key details:

  • Lodging: 4-season mountain tents
  • Meals provided: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
  • Estimated hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Elevation gain: +206 m (3,194 m to 3,400 m above sea level)

Day 3: Confluencia Camp - Plaza de Mulas

On this day, we’ll leave Confluencia Camp at 7 a.m. and begin a challenging 6- to 8-hour trek to Plaza de Mulas. This long and demanding hike will reward you with stunning views as we ascend to one of the main base camps of Aconcagua. Upon arrival at Plaza de Mulas, we’ll submit the required permits to the Aconcagua Provincial Park authorities."

Key details:

  • Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Hiking duration: 6 to 8 hours
  • Elevation gain: +900 m (from 3,400 m to 4,300 m above sea level)

Day 4: Rest day in Plaza de Mulas

Take the day to relax, enjoy a meal, and explore the camp surroundings at your leisure. Additionally, you'll undergo a mandatory medical checkup required for all climbers to proceed further on the ascent. This health assessment ensures your safety and readiness for the challenges ahead.

Key details:

  • Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
  • Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Plaza de Mulas - Cerro Bonete summit - Plaza de Mulas

Our acclimatization journey continues as we ascend beyond 5,000 meters, with Bonete Peak as our next destination. This short and manageable hike offers a stunning vantage point to admire the breathtaking Aconcagua massif.

Key details:

  • Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
  • Hiking duration: Approximately 5 hours ascending and 3 hours descending
  • Elevation gain: +750 m (from 4,300 masl to 5,050 masl)"

Day 6: Plaza de Mulas - Nido de Condores - Plaza de Mulas

Today, we’ll transport essential supplies and food to High Camp II at Nido de Cóndores. After securing the deposit, we’ll descend back to Plaza de Mulas to rest and recover our strength for the climb ahead.

Key details:

  • Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
  • Hiking duration: Approximately 6 hours ascending and 2 hours descending
  • Elevation gain: +1,250 m (from 4,300 masl to 5,550 masl)

Day 7: Plaza de Mulas - Nido de Cóndores

We begin the climb towards the summit with a trek to our first high-altitude camp, Nido de Cóndores. After approximately 6 hours of hiking, we’ll reach the campsite, where you can rest, enjoy a meal, and prepare for the challenges of the following day.

Key details:

  • Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
  • Hiking duration: 6 hours
  • Elevation gain: +1,250 m (from 4,300 masl to 5,550 masl)

Day 8: Nido de Cóndores - Campo Cólera

Today, we’ll ascend to our final high-altitude camp at Colera, marking the starting point for the summit attempt. Spending the night at 6,000 meters is a crucial step in acclimatizing to the extreme altitude.

Key details:

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Hiking duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Elevation gain: +450 m (from 5,550 masl to 6,000 masl)

Day 9: Aconcagua Summit

The most challenging and rewarding day of the expedition has arrived. We’ll ascend the North Ridge to the Independencia Refuge at 6,500 meters before continuing through Portezuelo del Viento. From there, we’ll take the route leading up La Canaleta and Filo del Guanaco, ultimately reaching the summit. At the top, enjoy breathtaking 360° views and the unforgettable sense of accomplishment. After a brief rest to capture photos, rehydrate, and regain energy, we’ll descend back to Colera High Camp.

Key details:

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Climbing duration: 8 hours to ascend, 3 hours to descend
  • Elevation change: +962 m, -962 m (from 5,550 masl to 6,000 masl and return)

Day 10: Campo Cólera - Plaza de Mulas

After enjoying breakfast, we will pack up and disassemble the camp before starting our descent to Plaza de Mulas. This downhill journey marks the conclusion of an incredible adventure, offering one last opportunity to enjoy the mountain scenery.

Key details:

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Descent duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • Elevation change: -1700 m (from 6,000 masl to 4,300 masl)

Day 11: Plaza de Mulas - Penitentes - MEndoza

On the final day in Aconcagua Provincial Park, we’ll embark on a long descent to the park’s entrance and control point. Here, our transport will be ready to take us back to Penitentes. After collecting our belongings, we’ll continue the journey by car to Mendoza, bringing an unforgettable expedition to a close.

Key details:

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Hiking duration: Approximately 7 hours descending
  • Transfer by car: 3 hours
  • Elevation loss: -3,554 m (from 4,300 masl to 746 masl)

Day 12: Extra Day

Extra day reserved in case of bad weahter. It can be used as an extra acclimatization and rest day on Nido de Condores camp.

 

Details

More info

We strongly recommend to arrive 2 days before the departure date and return 2 days after the end date to allow time for permits, briefing, equipment check/rental, and extra days that may be needed to reach the summit or to address any logistical issues on the way back.

Meeting point

Mendoza Airport.

Equipment you will need to bring

Ice axe

Harness

Water bottle

Backpack

Helmet

Poles

Sunglasses

Boots, trekking pants and shoes, socks, hat, sleeping bag, jacket, warming and waterproof clothes, flashlight, personal first aid kit, towel.


FAQs

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

We do advise our clients to train before the expedition. It is important to go to the gym to strengthen muscles, walk 12 to 15 km in mountain areas in your country, run, and swim.

Before starting the expedition it is important to acclimatize.

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

From December to March

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

There will be one guide for every ten climbers.

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

This Aconcagua climb is physically challenging and requires good physical fitness. Aconcagua is located at a high altitude, so it is important to get acclimatized to the altitude before you attempt the summit. This can be done by climbing gradually higher peaks in the weeks leading up to your ascent. Cardio exercises will help you build up your stamina, while strength training will help you build muscle and bone density.

Can I join a group?

You can join a group for the scheduled dates.

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

The equipment list will be sent once the customer makes the reservation but it is basically the following: double boots (for example G2SM, Phantom 6000, among others), down jacket, -30 degrees sleeping bag, harness, ice axe, helmet, and thermal pants.

What is included in the price?

The following are included in the final price:

-Baths in base camp

-Communication devices

-Wi-Fi in Plaza de Mulas

-Help with permits

-First aid kit

-Hot water

-Last day dinner

-Taxes

What is NOT included?

Not included:

-Flights

-Permits (about USD 800-900)

-Personal equipment

-Personal porters

-Personal insurance

-Cancellation insurance

-Last lunch

-Personal expenses

-Sleeping bag

-Extra accommodation

-Meals and drinks not listed

-Extra transfers

Where will we meet at the start of this trip? When should I arrive to Mendoza?

Our expedition will start at the Mendoza Airport, where we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. We strongly advise all poarticipants to arrive to Mendoza 1 or 2 days before the starting day of the expedition.

I'm looking for insurance to cover my climbing trip of Aconcagua. Do you have any recommendations?

Explore-Share partners with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive coverage including cancellation, rescue, and medical insurance. This ensures that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your climbing adventure of Aconcagua. To learn more about Global Rescue and to purchase your insurance, please visit: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/

Feel free to explore the link for detailed information about their coverage options and benefits.

Do I need evacuation and rescue insurance for Aconcagua?

Yes, evacuation and rescue insurance is MANDATORY for Aconcagua. Explore-Share partners with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive coverage including cancellation, rescue, and medical insurance. This ensures that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your climbing adventure of Aconcagua. To learn more about Global Rescue and to purchase your insurance, please visit: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/

Feel free to explore the link for detailed information about their coverage options and benefits.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel & Spa Hacienda Los Lingues Cauquenes Chile
See rooms
Termas de Cauquenes Hotel Cauquenes Chile
See rooms
Hotel Diego de Almagro Cauquenes Chile
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

Andean Raju

4.7

(14)

Tour Operator

We are a team of young IFMGA and UIMLA-certified mountain guides and leaders, with extensive experience. We offer hiking and mountain expeditions in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash in Perú, our main adventure destinations. We also offer ascent expeditions to the most emblematic mountains of Argentina, Ecuador and Bolivia.

In Andean Raju Expeditions we are proud of our work. Our priority is always the satisfaction and safety of our customers, always taking care of the conservation and protection of the environment. Our mission goes beyond adventure, we offer our clients a personalized experience and our friendship, sharing our culture, knowledge and love for nature and mountains to ensure every visitor an unforgettable experience.

Languages

English

Certificates

IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

Cynthia

Excellent service! Thank you for making my trip to Huaraz one of the best experiences ! !!! Highly recommended , your staff is highly professional and trustworthy , you will feel very safe and enjoy your tours to the fullest , as I did.

Antonio

Excellent service, nice people and a lot of experience - totally recommended!

Fernando

I recommend 100% with Andean Raju Expeditions and my best wishes for this company!

Stefany

For adventure lovers, for those who enjoy traveling. Always look for the best and the connoisseurs.

Edouard

An extraordinary expérience with Pablo and Alex, two fantastic guides (and now friends for life) from Huaras, Peru, who are at the same time extremely professional and incredebly flexible. We reached the summit on day 8 to benefit from a good weather window. My heurt is full of gratitude for the who le expérience and the magical encounters I was blessed with during that expedition. Probably amongst the very best memories in my entire life. Thank you si much, guys! And see you soon for new adventures 😛🔥❤️😊


You may also like

Join our newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.