Trip duration
18 days
Trip level
Sustained
Max people per guide
3 people
Mountain range
Andes
Best period
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec

Description

Aconcagua summit 360-degree circuit is the right way to climb this impressive mountain!

Mount Aconcagua (6962 m) is the highest peak outside the Himalayas. It’s also the second highest peak of the “Seven Summits Circuit” and a big “check” in climbers’ check-lists around the world.

This expedition is recommended as an introduction to big heights since its elevation, geographical and weather conditions are perfect for a moderate demand. Also it’s good preparation for bigger challenges, such as eight thousand meter peaks and other mountains in the Himalayas.

The feature that makes this route so special is that we’ll start with a three day trekking approach from the southeast. We’ll hike through Vacas Valley up to Plaza Argentina Base Camp. Then we’ll attack the summit from the northeast. And the descent will be through the Normal Route, that runs from the west down south. This will allow us to enjoy this mountain in all its magnitude, from every perspective.

So please contact me to make this Aconcagua summit 360-degree circuit happen. And send me all your requests so I can make the proper arrangements to speed up the process.

And if you’d like to check out some of my other programs in Patagonia, please take a look at my Lanin Volcano, Patagonia, 4 day Guided Climb or my Cerro Plata guided expedition in Mendoza.

Itinerary

Day 1	Mendoza – Hotel (800 mts. / 2.493 ft.) Arrival in Mendoza, transfer airport-hotel lodging. Assistance with climbing permit procedure. After lunch, we will have an equipment check and briefing for the climb.
Day 2	Mendoza – Penitentes (2.600 mts. / 8.465 ft.) Transfer in private vehicles from Mendoza to Penitentes where the group will spend the night. Hotel Ayelen / Dinner (without drinks).
Day 3	Penitentes – Pampa de Leña (2.950 mts. / 9.678 ft.) We will drive from Penitentes to Vacas Valley entry, where the approach begins. Around 4 hours later we’ll be arriving to Pampa de Leñas, our first trekking camp. Tents /Asado.
Day 4	Pampa de Leña – Casa de Piedra (3.240 mts. / 10.630 ft.) We continue hiking up the Vacas River, 11 miles to the Camp Casa de Piedra. There we may receive our first view of Aconcagua perched at the head of the Relinchos Valley. Tents /Asado.
Day 5	Casa de Piedra – Plaza Argentina (4.200 mts. / 13.800 ft.) After a 5-6 hours hike we arrive at our base camp, Plaza Argentina. Tents / Camp services.
Day 6	Plaza Argentina (4.200 mts. / 13.800 ft.) Rest day in Plaza Argentina. Medical Check. Tents / Camp services.
Day 7	Plaza Argentina – Camp 1 (4.800 mts. / 15.750 ft.) – Plaza Argentina Equipment carrying to camp 1 and return to base camp. Tents / Camp services.
Day 8	Plaza Argentina (4.200 mts. / 13.800 ft.) Rest day in Plaza Argentina. Medical Check. Tents / Camp services.
Day 9	Plaza Argentina – Camp 1 (4.800 mts. / 15.750 ft.) Move up to the Camp 1 where we will spend the night. Tents / Meals.
Day 10	Camp 1 – Camp 2 (5.350 mts. / 17.552 ft.) – Camp 1 Equipment carrying to camp 2 and return to camp 1. Tents / Meals.
Day 11	Camp 1 – Camp 2 (5.350 mts. / 17.552 ft.) Move to camp 2, Chopper Camp on the Guanacos valley side. Tents / Meals.
Day 12	Camp 2 (5.350 mts. / 17.552 ft.) Rest day in Camp 2. Tents / Meals.
Day 13	Camp 2 – Camp Cólera (6.000 mts. / 19.685 ft.) We move to Camp 3. The Polish Traverse crosses north and west on slopes up to 35 degrees and joins the Normal Route at Camp Cóera. Rest and get ready for summit push. Tents / Meals.
Day 14	Camp Cólera – Summit (6.962 mts. / 22.841 ft.) – Camp Cólera Summit day begins at 4:00 am. After breakfast we generally leave camp at 6:00 am and climb the North Ridge to Black rocks and finally to the Refugio Independencia. From there, we traverse the West Face and climb up into the Canaleta, a couloir that leads to the summit ridge. Finally, the Guanaco Ridge poses an easy traverse to the summit. On the top we have a spectacular 360° view. All around you will see the Andes Mountains, with several six thousands peaks, including another of the highest peaks in South America, Mercedario. To the west lies Chile and the Pacific Ocean, and to the east, the plains of Argentina. Tents/Meals.
Day 15 to 16	Extra Summit days Extra Summit days
Day 17	Camp Cólera – Plaza de Mulas (4.350 mts. / 14.500 ft.) We descend from high camp to Plaza de Mulas. Once at base camp we will relax and enjoy dinner. Tents / Camp services.
Day 18	Plaza de Mulas – Horcones – Mendoza (800 mts. / 2.493 ft.) Trek out from Plaza de Mulas. This walk takes approximately 6/7 hours to the park entrance at Horcones Valley, from where we will be driven to Mendoza by vehicle, after picking up our gear in Penitentes.

Price per person

Group of 3	3650USD

Price includes

Guiding fee
Accommodation
All meals during trip
Transport during the trip
Luggage transfer during the trip
Group equipment

Other details

Skill level required	Intermediate ?
Fitness level required	Fit
Meeting point	Mendoza International Airport.
Accommodation	- 2 nights of lodging in Mendoza (dinner not included) - 1 night of lodging in Penitentes (dinner included without drinks) - Complete base camp services
More info	Items included in the price: - Permanent VHF radio communication. - Mule transportation of the equipment. - Permanent VHF radio communication. - First aids kits and pulse oximeter for daily updates during acclimatization progress. - Medical oxygen. - Assistance with climbing permit procedure.