Aconcagua 17-day guided ascent via Normal Route
Join Eduardo, a certified mountain guide, and enjoy this unforgettable mountaineering expedition to the summit of Aconcagua, South America's highest peak.
Andes
17 Days
Jan, Feb, Dec
High
Intermediate
Description
At 22,837ft. (6,962.m) above sea level, Aconcagua attracts climbers from all over the world. This fabulous 17-day mountaineering expedition is your opportunity to reach its summit under expert guidance. Don’t miss it!
Cerro Aconcagua is the highest point in America and the second peak in the world, only behind Mount Everest. It is located in the province of Mendoza, Argentina, and it is the unquestionable icon of the Andes Mountain Range.
The Normal Route is the most popular way to get to the top of Aconcagua. It was used by the first expedition to scale the peak, in 1897. It follows the mountain’s north-west ridge and has no technical difficulty. Also, Aconcagua has one of the best logistics in the world, what makes it very accessible even to beginner climbers.
However, this tour should not be underestimated: the route gains almost 13,000ft. (4,000 m.) from the park entrance to the summit. Furthermore, it is known that weather and altitude in Aconcagua can be very dangerous. So I propose a complete and flexible acclimatization process, running daily medical checks.
My priority is you to have fun and reach safely and healthy to the top of Aconcagua. I am prepared to most medical emergencies we might encounter during the expedition. In addition, a very large and complex medical kit is available in every single camp, as well as oxygen and Gamow bag if necessary.
The requirements for joining this expedition are:
– International Rescue Insurance, please use this link for GLOBAL RESCUE.
– A flexible flight
– Multi-day altitude trekking experience
– Good health and fitness
So, if you are up for this once-in-a-lifetime mountaineering adventure to the summit of Aconcagua, please contact me! I will guide you and help you to make it an amazing and unforgettable tour!
And if you are looking for an easier mountaineering expedition before climbing Aconcagua, check out my 11-day ascent to Cerro Plata in Central Andes.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transportation start and back
Price details
- There is the possibility to organize a private trip, but take into account that the price will be higher.
- Included:
- Help on purchasing and equipment rental in Mendoza;
- Transport from/to airport;
- 5 days of full pension at Plaza de Mulas (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tents, dining tent, mattresses, etc);
- 2 days of full pension at Confluencia (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tents, dining tent, mattresses, etc);
- 2 nights in a 3star hotel with breakfast included in Mendoza – rooms are shared by every 2 clients;
- Transport from/to Penitentes;
- 1 night in a 3star hotel at Penitentes;
- Lunch at Puente del Inca;
- Transport from/to Horcones;
- Mule transport of a 20kg load to/from base camp;
- Transport/assembly of tents, pots, gas, food, water in all camps in Aconcagua;
- Steak dinner at Uspallata;
- Usage of dining dome tent, toilets tents, personal tents, mountain tents, medical oxygen, gamow bag and medical kit in all camps;
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, packed lunch, treated water in the whole Aconcagua;
- Gas stoves and pots and cups in all camps;
- We even include Malbec wine for dinner at Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas!
- /////////////////
- Not included:
- Climbing permit (it varies according to the time of the year and your nationality)
- Flights from/to Mendoza
- Personal climbing equipment (check equipment)
- Money return in case you abandon the expedition
- International travel insurance
- Any costs caused by excess luggage (over 20kg)
- Porters for you personal equipment
- Lunch and dinner in Mendoza
- Reimbursement for loss or damage of your personal equipment.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Mendoza – 900m
One member of our staff will welcome you at the airport and bring you to the hotel. In the evening all expedition members will meet for dinner. Depending upon your arrival time, we will assist you to buy or rent all equipment you need. Included: Transport and hotel.
Day 2: Permissions and drive to Penitentes – 2300m
We will have morning meeting about logistics and all expedition aspects as well as answering any questions you might have. We will also check all your personal equipment, assist you for rentals and purchases and sort out all climbing permits so you can legally climb Aconcagua. Included: Transport, hotel, and dinner.
Day 3: Penitentes – Confluencia – 3300m
Our luggage is carried by mules at 5am to Confluencia so we will have everything packed in the previous night. After taking breakfast at our hotel in Penitentes we’ll take a private transport to Horcones where we entry Aconcagua Provincial Park. We’ll stop for lunch at Puente del Inca and at 2pm we’ll start the 3-4 hour trek to Confluencia. Our staff will wait for us with a reception meal at our dining tent. In the evening we will have dinner and sleep in tents. Included: Private transport, breakfast, lunch at Puente del Inca, reception meal in Confluencia and dinner.
Day 4: Confluencia – Plaza Francia – Confluencia – 4150m
This is one of our acclimatisation days. We’ll walk carrying a basic rucksack with water, jacket, gloves, trekking poles, sunscreen, etc. and walk very slowly to the base of the south face of Aconcagua. The views are absolutely stunning! We might even see some avalanches falling from the southern steep slopes of Aconcagua. Included: Double tents with mattress, Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas – 4300m
Today is the longest day. The 18km walk to BC might take us from 5 to 8 hours. We’ll carry a very light rucksack and have lunch at the base of a huge rock named Ibañez. The landscape here is very dry so you might want to bring a good hat. At the end of the huge open valley named Horcones, we will arrive in Plaza de Mulas, our basecamp. Included: Double tents with mattress, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Rest – 4300m
Rest day at Plaza de Mulas. Depending on the state of the entire team, we can take a short walk to a nearby glacier. Included: Double tents with mattress, Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Acclimatization Walk to Plaza Canada – 4900m
About 4 hour walk to 4900 metres (600 metre altitude gain) taking part of our personal climbing equipment. We’ll return to sleep at BC in the same day. Included: Double tents with mattress, Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8: Rest – 4300m
Rest day at Plaza de Mulas. We recommend you to do absolutely nothing today. Included: Double tents with mattress, Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9: Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canada – 4900m
Four-hour walk to Plaza Canada after a nice breakfast at BC. Included: Double tents, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 10: Plaza Canada – Nido de Condores – 5600m
Five hour walk to Nido de Condores, our second camp. Included: Double tents, Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 11: Rest at Nido de Condores – 5600m
Light walks around camp to improve acclimatisation. Included: Double tents, Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 12: Nido de Condores – Colera – 5950m
3 to 4-hour walk with carrying climbing equipment (wearing most of it) to Colera, our last camp at almost 6000 metres. Included: Double tents, Breakfast, and lunch.
Day 13: Colera – Summit – Colera – 6962m
Early start to the first summit attempt (2 or 3am). We’ll hidrate as much as we can and leave camp at around 4am for the 12 hour round trip to the summit (average time) Included: Double tents and water melting
Day 14: Colera – Plaza de Mulas – 4300m
We’ll walk down through all camps arriving at BC at around 4pm. Included: Double tents with mattress, Breakfast, lunch and celebration dinner.
Day 15: Plaza de Mulas, Confluencia, Mendoza – 4300m
After an 8am breakfast, we’ll pack our duffels and send them to Horcones on mules and start the 8 hour walk to Horcones. On the way, we’ll stop at Confluencia for food and a short break. Our private transport will wait for us at Horcones and take us to Penitentes so we can take another private transport to Mendoza. On the way, we’ll stop at Uspallata for a steak dinner. Included: Breakfast, pack lunch, snack food in Confluencia, private transport, hotel and celebration steak dinner.
Day 16: Flight out – 900m
You will be taken to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. Included: breakfast and private transport.
Day 17: Spare acclimatization day or weather day
Details
More info
You can easily rent or purchase all necessary mountaineering equipment in Mendoza: Bandana Balaclava Hat Ski goggles Sunglasses Sunscreen and lip balm Batteries (AA or AAA depending on your Headtorch) Headtorch Light down jacket Summit Down Jacket Snowproof jacket T-shirt Fleece jacket Trekking pants Gaiters Base layer pants Snowproof pants Fleece Pants Mittens Gloves Sandals or crocs Trekking boots Trekking socks Thick expedition socks Double boots Helmet Ice axe Crampons with antibott system Carbo gels Snacks Stuff sacks or bin bags Sleeping Bag Rucksack Altitude medicine (Ibuprofen and Loperamide) Personal Hygiene kit Sleeping mattress 1 litre thermos Water bottle Duffel Bag Freeze dried food Padlock Trekking poles
More information:
Aconcagua permits: http://www.aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=135&Itemid=497
Check out the weather in Aconcagua: http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Aconcagua/forecasts/6962
About the guide
-Andes Specialists
4.8
(6)
Mountain Guide
Andes Specialists is a guiding company founded in 2012 with a clear mission: to transform a passion for high-altitude mountaineering into a professional, adaptable, and reliable service. Created by Maximo Kausch, the company was born from his dream of turning a lifelong connection with the mountains into a project focused on deep knowledge, real guiding experience, and personalized service.
We operate exclusively in the Andes, not only in the most iconic mountains, but also in remote and rarely visited regions where few — if any — guides work. Our clients recognize us for our flexibility and ability to adapt to their goals, just like the mountains that inspire us.
All of our expeditions are led by certified guides, and we place special emphasis on a guide’s professional experience in the field — not just their personal climbing résumé. We believe that strong logistics, leadership, and group care are what truly define a world-class mountain guide.
Maximo Kausch, the founder, personally leads most of our expeditions. When he’s not available, clients are guided by handpicked members of his trusted team. Maximo has led over 10 expeditions to 8,000-meter peaks, several to 7,000-meter peaks, and more than 90 to 6,000-meter mountains. He has climbed over 250 extreme altitude peaks, reached the summit of K2, and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most 6,000-meter peaks climbed — with 89 summits officially recognized.
At Andes Specialists, guiding isn’t just about reaching the summit — it’s about going beyond the obvious, with safety, expertise, and genuine connection.
Languages
Portuguese | English
What people are saying about -Andes Specialists
Cal
The best food I've ever eaten, and it was in the remote desert. Incredibly skilled and helpful guides. Fantastic service and company, communication. Everything was 5 stars.
Renato
While we took coffee on the hood of the car, he took inside the hotel, he took more time than gave to us, leaving me and my wife waiting him to finish his meal
Delphine
Aleksander
The expedition was very professionally organised with a good guide to client ratio (between 2:1 and 3:1), great food (cook Charlie was absolutely amazing, the food was better than in restaurants although we were in a remote location in a desert at 4,300+ meters above sea level), the guides all spoke English very well (big plus!) and the communication from the guides before and during the trip was very clear and helpful (e.g. asking questions what equipment to bring etc). Would recommend to others for sure
Jerry
You People there at Explore have really put a great trip together. I don,t know how you could improve on this. Thanks forgiving me the chance to experience Chile!
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