Aconcagua (6,962 m) expedition with acclimatization

Question 1

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Answer

On the first and last night we will stay in a hotel in Mendoza city, and on the second night at a hotel in Penitentes. Throughout the rest of the expedition, our accommodation will be in tents.

Question 2

Can I join a group?

Answer

There is only 1 open group set for January 23rd and the price for joining is EUR 3700 + 5% of the service fee. Please note I need 6 climbers to keep this price so once you are booked, I'll be sending regular info about this. Last year we managed to get 6 climbers so I am positive about this year too.

Question 3

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain?

Answer

Climbing Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, is a challenging endeavor that requires a certain level of experience, physical fitness, and preparation. Prior experience with multi-day trekking, exposure to high altitudes, and basic climbing skills is beneficial. Focus on building leg strength, core stability, and aerobic fitness. Training should include a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance activities.

Question 4

Where will we meet at the start of the trip?

Answer

We'll meet in Mendoza city in western Argentina

Question 5

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own?

Answer

You should bring the following equipment:

Helmet, ice axe, backpack, crampons, sunglasses, leather high mountain boots, Trekking boots, Sneakers, 2–3 pairs of mountain socks, 1-2 long trekking pants, 1 fleece jacket or similar, waterproof jacket, gore-tex type, Warm summit jacket, down recommended, Summit pants : waterproof (gore)+inner or warm primaloft type, 2 thermal T-shirts, Lala underwear or similar (long pants and T-shirt if you have them), thin gloves, another pair of thicker gloves and mittens for summit, sun hat, sleeping bag, sunscreen, lip balm, flashlight, Knife, lighter, personal first aid kit, cutlery, glass and plate.

The technical equipment and some clothing can be rented in Mendoza.

Question 6

What's included in the price?

Answer

The price includes:

-Mountain Guide.

-An Assistant guide when the group size is 5 or more climbers.

-Group transportation from the airport to the hotel in Mendoza.

-Two nights' accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Mendoza, inclusive of breakfast.

-Assistance in obtaining climbing permits.

-Transportation from Mendoza to Penitentes.

-One night's hotel accommodation in Penitentes, providing both breakfast and dinner.

-Transportation from Penitentes to the entrance of Aconcagua Park at Horcones.

-Equipment transfer by mules from Penitentes to Plaza Aconcagua.

-Two days at Confluencia Camp with meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

-Six days of full board at Plaza de Mulas Camp, including meals.

-Equipment transfer by mules from Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes.

-Transportation from the entrance of Aconcagua Park in Horcones to Penitentes.

-Private transportation from Penitentes to Mendoza.

-Group transportation from the hotel in Mendoza to the airport.

-Double high-altitude tents, designed to accommodate 2 to 3 people per tent.

Question 7

What's NOT included in the price?

Answer

Not included in the price:

-International flights to Mendoza-Madrid.

-Aconcagua Park entrance permit (approximately 700 euros).

-Meals and other high-altitude services (approximately 4-5 days).

-Additional expenses incurred if the climber terminates the expedition.

-Meals while in Mendoza.

-Beverages in Mendoza and Penitentes.

-Personal gear, medications, aerial or land evacuations, laundry, personal communications charges, and any personal insurance.

-Personal insurance, hospitalization, medication, and other personal expenses.

-Any services, items, or expenses not expressly mentioned in the "Includes" section.

Question 8

Is there a permit needed to access Aconcagua Park? If so, what's the cost and how do I go about obtaining it?

Answer

Yes, a permit is required for entry into the park. The permit is personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable. The expense varies based on your nationality and chosen route. Government-set permit fees are typically disclosed in November.