Aconcagua 360°, 19-day expedition from Valle de Vacas

Join a certified mountain guide on a 19-day expedition to Aconcagua, the highest summit in America at 6962 m. This route ascends through Valle de Vacas and descends by the Normal Route, providing a panoramic view of this majestic Andean peak.

Group

19 Days

Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec

Extremely Fit

Intermediate

Description

Aconcagua (6962 m) is the highest peak in South America and the second of the Seven Summits. There are several routes to reach this giant of the Andes. This time, I propose a 19-day expedition called ‘Aconcagua 360°’.

Starting from Valle de Vacas and descending by the normal route, this expedition is a combination of routes which provides a panoramic view of the iconic Argentinian summit.

The first three days consist on a trekking to a base camp called ‘Plaza Argentina’. Then, we’ll get all our things ready and begin the ascent to Camp 1, through the first section of the ‘Polish Route’. Our next step is a traverse on Ameghino peak that will lead us to Camp 2. From there, we’ll ascent Camp 3 through a section of Valle de los Guanacos route. Finally, we approach Aconcagua’s summit by taking the last section of the Normal Route.

The descent is via the Normal Route. We’ll arrive to Plaza de Mulas, Aconcagua’s biggest base camp. Then, we’ll do some trekking to Laguna de Horcones, exploring a different scenery and views of this colossal Andean peak.

One of the advantages of this route is that it allows a great acclimatization and therefore, increases the chances of reaching the summit. Besides, this route is less crowded, so you will find more flora and fauna, being able to observe stunning landscapes of the Andes mountains and incredible views of the Polish Glacier.

Also, the 360 route has more ups and downs and deeper rivers to cross. Of course, we will be there to help you them on mules.

Keep in mind that the camps are not set up before reaching Plaza Argentina, so we will have to set our own tents.

Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Argentina’s highest mountain? Check out our next departure dates and the complete itinerary below, and send a request to book this trip!

If you want to climb Aconcagua by a different route, see our programs on the normal route (18 days) or the extended route (20 days).

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Luggage transfer

- Group porters

- Mules and horses

- Clean drinkable water

- Mountain guide expenses

- Camping equipment tents

- Camping equipment cooking utensils

Price details

SERVICES INCLUDED, in detail:

Professional mountain guide. Experienced and qualified to operate in Aconcagua.

Assistance with the procedures to obtain the permit to enter Park Aconcagua.

Ground transportation in private vehicles. Transport IN Airport – Hotel in Mendoza /Transport IN-OUT Mendoza – Penitentes – Park Entrance

Two (2) nights of accommodation in a 3* hotel in Mendoza City (Sharing room, Double/Triple occupancy), Breakfast included.

One (1) night of accommodation in Penitentes (Sharing room, Double/Triple occupancy). Breakfast & dinner included.

Transportation by freight mules of your personal equipment without limits in kg IN-OUT Penitentes-Base Camp

Lodging at base camps in mountain tents or dormitory tents for 4 or 8 persons and high camps in mountain tents.

All meals are included on the mountain.

Drinking water (hot and cold) in all our camps (base camps and high camps)

Fully equipped dining dome at base camps. Exclusive restrooms for our clients.

Internet and charge of your device for free at base camps.

Hot shower for free at base camps.

Facility for the storage and care of equipment.

Full porter service to carry double tents, garbage and human waste and part of common equipment

Communications between high camps, base camp, Penitentes and Mendoza.

Medical equipment is available at base camps and high camps.

Dining domes at high camps equipped with benches and tables. Restroom tents exclusive for our clients.

The following items are NOT included in the price:

-Aconcagua Park climbing fee (tax charged by Mendoza government, according to nationality, dates and route). We'll assist you with this. Last year was: USD950 on high season per person.

-Personal equipment.

-Rescue or all other costs due to abandon of expedition. We recommend you to take out an insurance to cover this expenses.

-Personal expenses.

-Extra accommodation nights.

-Meals in Mendoza.

-Any other item not listed as included.

Out of the total amount, USD400 are a non-refundable deposit.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mendoza (760 m).

Our expedition starts in **Mendoza, Argentina.** A representative of INKA Expediciones will be waiting for you at the airport. We will stay at the hotel in the city. A group meeting will follow and you will meet me and the team members. \-Accommodation: Hotel double or triple room. \-Transport from the Airport to hotel in Mendoza.

Day 2: Mendoza / Penitentes (2700 m).

After breakfast, we will head to the permits office to obtain individual entrance and ascent permits. You will be personally assisted in this procedure. After this, we’ll travel to **Villa de Penitentes**, where we’ll stay at a hotel in the mountain. There, we’ll get our equipment ready. Equipment will be transported by mule to the base camp. \-Accommodation: Hotel in Penitentes. \-Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 3: Penitentes / Pampa de Leñas (2950 m).

Trasfer to Punta de Vacas, at the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park. The park rangers will check our permits. Then we’ll begin a 4/5 hour trek to Pampa de Leñas. This is the beginning of our 3-day trek towards Base Camp. \-Transport: Penitentes/Horcones. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Acclimatization trek to Casa de Piedras (3240 m).

We’ll continue a gradual ascent to an intermediate Camp via Quebrada de Vacas, called Casa de Piedra. This will take 6 to 7 hours. From this point we’ll get our first view of the beautiful east face of Aconcagua. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Plaza Argentina base camp (4190 m).

A 5/6 hour trek ascending Cuesta del Relincho will take us to the low section of Plaza Argentina. There, we’ll observe Andean flora and follow the route towards the glaciers, where we’ll find Plaza Argentina base camp. Accommodation: double tent / bedroom doms. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6: Rest and acclimatization in Plaza Argentina (4190 m).

Rest & acclimatization in Plaza Argentina. This is a good opportunity to explore the base camp and take a shower. We’ll also do a health check, organize the equipment and prepare the loads we’ll transport the following day. Accommodation: double tent / bedroom doms. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7: Transport equipment and food to Camp 1 (5000 m).

We’ll transport part of our equipment and food so that our backpacks are lighter the day of the ascent and also to get gradually used to altitude. In Camp 1 we’ll reach an altitude of 5000 m. Then, we’ll go back to Plaza Argentina. \-Accommodation: double tent / bedroom doms. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8: Rest and acclimatization in Plaza Argentina (4190 m).

This day we’ll use it to recharge our energy level, rest, hydrate and have very good meals. The following day we’ll begin the ascent. \-Accommodation: double tent / bedroom doms. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9: Ascent to Camp 1 (5000 m).

We’ll begin our ascent to Camp 1, taking the first section of the Polish Route. After a 5/6 hour trek on an easy terrain we’ll get to Camp 1 (5000 m). There we’ll find the equipment we left before. We’ll set up the campsite and then divide the loads that will be taken to Camp 2 the following day. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10: Transport loads to Camp 2 (5500 m).

We’ll continue our gradual acclimatization. On camp 2 we’ll reach an altitude of 5500 m. This will be a hard day: a 6 hour trek on easy terrain will take us to Camp 2. Then we’ll return to Camp 1 to spend the night. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 11: Rest day at Camp 1 (5000 m).

This day we’ll use it to recharge our energy level, rest, hydrate and have very good meals. We’ll prepare ourselves for the last part of this ascent. We’ll have a meeting and agree a group strategy to approach the summit. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 12: Ascent to Camp 2 (5500m).

We’ll begin the ascent from Camp 1 to Camp 2 using the Ameghino route. There we’ll find the loads we left before. We’ll set up the campsite and divide the loads we’ll take to Camp 3. Rest and dinner. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 13: Ascent to Camp 3 (Plaza Cólera, 6000m).

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we’ll begin our 4-hour ascent. We’ll take the last section of the Valle de Guanacos Superior route. Camp 3 is located at the same height than Refugio Berlin (by the Normal Route), strategically located to withstand strong winds. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 14: Summit! (6961 m).

This is the most demanding day of the entire expedition. We’ll climb the north ridge to Independencia mountain hut, at 6500 m. Then, we’ll ascend through “Portuezuelo del Viento”, follow through “La Canaleta” and then “Filo del Guanaco”, that will lead us to the summit. The big reward is awaiting for us. A 360° view and a feeling of overcoming that you can only understand once you experience it. Then, we’ll descend to Camp 3. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 15 to 16: Extra days

Our itinerary includes three possible summit days. This days allow more chances to reach the summit. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 17: Return to base camp (Plaza de Mulas, 4250 m).

We’ll descend from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas, the biggest base camp in Aconcagua. We’ll enjoy a special dinner to celebrate the experience and admire the imposing view of the west face of Aconcagua. \-Accommodation: double tent. \-Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 18: Descent to Penitentes and transport to Mendoza

After breakfast, we’ll descend from Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes. A private transfer will be waiting for us and take us to the hotel in Mendoza city. Transport: Horcones / Penitentes / Mendoza. \-Accommodation: Hotel in Penitentes. \-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 19: Mendoza

Breakfast at the hotel. End of our services. \-Accommodation: not included. \-Meals: breakfast.

Details

More info

Basic required equipment: a) Clothing: Light Weight Long Underwear. Expedition Weight Long Underwear. Fleece Jacket. Fleece Trousers. Parka. Jacket. Waterproof/breathable. Wind Pants. Waterproof/breathable. b) Headgear: Sun hat. Balaclava. Wool or pile ski hat. Head lamp. Glacier glasses. c) Hands: Synthetic gloves. Mittens. Gore-Tex over mitts. d) Footwear: Light hiking boots or trekking shoes. Climbing double (or triple) plastic or synthetic boots. Gaiters. Wool socks. Liner socks. e) Climbing Equipment: Ice axe. Crampons. Ski poles. f) Camping: Backpack. -20°C Sleeping bag. Ridge Rest sleeping pad. Therma rest pad. Dish, glass, knife, spoon and fork. Pocketknife. Water bottles. Pee bottle. Pee Funnel (for women). Sunscreen. Lip screen. Personal first aid kit. g) Traveling: Large duffel bag with lock. Smaller duffel with lock. Plastic bags. Travel clothes. Toiletry bag. Camera gear. _____________________________________________ 1) NON-STOP FLIGHT OPTIONS FROM LONDON TO MENDOZA (*) From London to Buenos Aires: - Airline: Norwegian Air UK LGW-EZE (13 h 40 m) US$774 round trip - Airline: British Airways LHR-EZE (13 h 50 m) US$1,216 round trip From Buenos Aires to Mendoza: - Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas AEP–MDZ (1 h 55 m) US$115 round trip - Airline: LATAM Operated by Latam Airlines Argentina AEP–MDZ (1 h 52 m) US$117 round trip 2) NON-STOP FLIGHT OPTIONS FROM NEW YORK TO MENDOZA (*) From New York to Buenos Aires: -Airline: United EWR–EZE (11 h 5 m) US$1,005 round trip - Airline: American - LATAM Operated by American Airlines for Latam Airlines Argentina JFK–EZE (10 h 44 m) US$1,083 round trip - Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas - Delta JFK–EZE (10 h 55 m) US$1,270 round trip From Buenos Aires to Mendoza: - Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas AEP–MDZ (1 h 55 m) US$115 round trip - Airline: LATAM Operated by Latam Airlines Argentina AEP–MDZ (1 h 52 m) US$117 round trip (*) Total price includes taxes + fees for 1 adult. Additional bag fees and other fees may apply.

Meeting point

Mendoza city, Argentina.

FAQs

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?

You will need to bring your trekking gear, which list we'll send you upon confirmation. You are responsible to bring the appropriate equipment and clothes.

Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?

Personal porters can be hired and the price for a 20kg load from Base Camp to Base Camp is about USD 1000-1300

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

- Accommodation on the mountain in double tents or dormitory domes for 4 or 8 people during the expedition.

- All meals included during the expedition

- Drinking water (hot and cold) in all our Base Camps

- Fully equipped dining tents at Base Camp

- Exclusive restrooms for our clients

- Internet and device charging free of charge at base camps

- Free hot showers in base camps

- Personal equipment deposit and storage

What happens in the event of bad weather?

We try to reach the summit anyway as we have two extra days included in the itinerary.

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

Every 6 climbers there will be 1 guide and 1 guide's assistant.

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

Late November to early March.

How will accommodation be handled in Mendoza City?

Two nights of lodging in a 3-star hotel in the city of Mendoza. Beverages are not included.

One night at Mountain Hotel in Penitentes. Beverages are not included. The welcome dinner, breakfast, and taxes are included.

Double tents or dormitory domes during the expedition.

What kind of logistics services do you offer for moving equipment?

To ensure safe and timely delivery of loads, we deploy transport mules, with each animal capable of carrying up to 60 kg. Loads must be balanced by 30 kg on each side. At Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, and Plaza Argentina, camp supervisors arrange equipment and radio communication for returning mules. It is important for us to add that we were recognized by the Cullunche Foundation (animal welfare program) for the care of the mules in Aconcagua Park.

I am vegan (not eating meat, fish, milk, eggs, or honey). Is there a solution for my diet?

For the moment, we have a vegetarian menu during the expedition, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You will get enough protein from:

Grains: chickpeas, lentils, beans , peas , quinoa, and soy

Seeds: sunflower, mustard, sesame, couscous, rye, fennel, almonds, nuts, and peanuts.

Vegetables: broccoli, tomatoes, green pepper, spinach, cucumber, parsley, cauliflower, fungus.

Please note that in our country, there are no manufactured products for sale in markets such as vegan cheeses, vegetal milk, vegan creams, vegan yogurts, vegan candies, vegan "meats", etc. In our menus, You will eat animal ingredients indirectly. You will find eggs, honey, cow milk, jelly, dyes, or fake strawberry flavor as well.

In case you prefer bringing some extra food, remember to bring it always well labeled, and all the packages must be vacuum sealed, otherwise, the sanitary authorities will take it from you at the airport.

Do I need some kind of pass to enter Aconcagua Park? How much does it cost? How is it processed?

A permit is required for entering the park, which is personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable. The cost depends on the visitor's nationality and chosen route. An authorized agency can save on the permit cost. Permit fees are set by the government and published in November.

The cost of the permit is not included in the expeditions, but we'll assist you in obtaining it. Persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter the park unless they have a special permit issued by a lawyer or notary.

How do I get the pass to access Aconcagua Park?

To process the permit, you must first contract the services (either scheduled/private expedition or logistical support), then you'll have to send some documents online in advance (copy of passport, complete a form with personal data) and once you arrive in the city and visit the service provider company you can pay for the permit and pick it up.

About the guide

Inka

4.75

(8)

Guide Agency

Mendoza based company specialized in expeditions and trekkings to Mt. Aconcagua. All the trips are run by the best certified and professional guides, with unrivalled logistics and infrastructure.

Languages

English

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What people are saying about this trip

Tony

5.00

The expedition was great. Andy was a great guide who was very attentive to all the climbers and was constantly checking how we were feeling both physically and emotionally. He was always focused on one objective, to get us all to the summit and back down safely. In this regard he would always go the extra mile! Andy is the best guide i have climbed with by far and all guides should be as professional and attentive as him. The food was fine for a non meat eater but there is only so much cheese someone can eat no matter how well it is served:grinning: The huts and tents were all good. The mountain was hard, the summit was harder! I was totally exhausted but felt great after the summit. The Hotel was good with a nice pool and Mendoza was a really nice place to be with very nice people. All in all a great trip with a great group of climbers and two of the best guides. Would I recommend this trip? simple answer is..... Hell yeahh!!