An 18-day expedition to Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, departing from and returning to Mendoza. The programme is built around gradual acclimatisation: the approach to Confluencia and the Plaza Francia viewpoint, the climb to Plaza de Mulas base camp at 4,300 m, and the load-carries and rest days that prepare the group for altitude.
From Plaza de Mulas the route continues along the Normal Route through the high camps of Plaza Canadá, Nido de Cóndores and Plaza Cólera to summit day at 6,962 m. The itinerary includes two reserve days for the summit attempt. Accommodation, most meals and transport are included, with high-mountain guides, mule logistics and equipped camps.
Highlights
Aconcagua summit day at 6,962 m via the Normal Route
Approach to Confluencia and the Plaza Francia viewpoint below the South Face
Plaza de Mulas base camp at 4,300 m
High camps Plaza Canadá, Nido de Cóndores and Plaza Cólera
Two reserve days for the summit attempt
Entry to Aconcagua Provincial Park via Horcones and Puente de Inca
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza
The expedition begins in Mendoza. On arrival at the airport a representative meets you and transfers you to a central hotel. After time to rest, a group meeting introduces the guide and the other expedition members. Altitude: 760 m. Accommodation in a double or triple room; airport–hotel transfer included.
Day2
Day 2: Mendoza / Puente de Inca
After breakfast we call at the office to collect the pre-arranged entry permits and, if needed, finalise payments and hand over vouchers. A minibus then takes us to the logistics centre at Puente de Inca, where we organise the loads to be carried by mule and stay overnight. Altitude: 2,700 m. Meals: breakfast and dinner; transfer Mendoza–Puente de Inca.
Day3
Day 3: Puente de Inca / Confluencia
We are transferred to the park entrance at Horcones, present the permits at the ranger station and begin a 4-to-5-hour trek to Confluencia, with the imposing south face of Aconcagua in view for most of the way. Altitude: 3,390 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent or dorm dome; meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner; transfer Puente de Inca–Horcones.
Day4
Day 4: Trek to the Plaza Francia Viewpoint
A day included for better acclimatisation and to improve the chances of reaching the summit. We walk about 5 hours to the Plaza Francia viewpoint, from where we take in the impressive South Face of Aconcagua. Altitude: 4,000 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent or dorm dome; meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
Day5
Day 5: Trek to Plaza de Mulas
After an early breakfast we leave Confluencia for an 8-to-9-hour hike, crossing the Playa Ancha and climbing the steep Cuesta Brava to reach Plaza de Mulas, the largest camp in the park. The staff welcome us with a meal on arrival. Altitude: 4,300 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent or dorm dome; meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
Day6
Day 6: Rest at Plaza de Mulas
The first day at base camp is a rest day, with time for a shower and to explore. Together with the guides we divide the shared equipment and food to be carried up to the high camps the following day. Altitude: 4,300 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent or dorm dome; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day7
Day 7: Load-carry to Camp 1
We take on the challenge of gaining almost 700 m of altitude while carrying a load on easy terrain, then return to rest at base camp. Carrying equipment and food in stages lightens the packs higher up and aids acclimatisation. Altitude: 5,050 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent or dorm dome; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day8
Day 8: Rest at Plaza de Mulas
A day to recover energy, stay hydrated and eat well at base camp. Altitude: 4,300 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent or dorm dome; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day9
Day 9: Ascent to Camp 1 "Plaza Canadá"
We begin the ascent to the high camps, moving to Camp 1, called "Plaza Canadá". We now make use of the acclimatisation gained to give the group the best possible chance of reaching the summit. Altitude: 5,050 m. Accommodation in a double tent; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day10
Day 10: Ascent to Camp 2 "Nido de Cóndores"
We ascend to Camp 2, called "Nido de Cóndores", at 5,550 m, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We will spend the next two nights at this camp. Altitude: 5,550 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day11
Day 11: Acclimatisation at Camp 2
A day dedicated to improving acclimatisation to altitude. The guide may suggest activities according to the group's condition, with time to rest and give the body more chances to adapt. Altitude: 5,550 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day12
Day 12: Ascent to Camp 3 "Plaza Cólera"
A four-hour hike to Camp 3, on the North Ridge — the last camp before the summit attempt. We set up the tents, eat and rest; the guide checks each member individually and we plan the strategy for the final ascent. Altitude: 5,970 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day13
Day 13: Aconcagua Summit
The day begins very early, before dawn. Following the Normal Route we reach the Refugio Independencia (6,380 m), continue to the Portezuelo del Viento and along the upper western face to La Canaleta, a 300-metre slope leading to the summit ridge, then along the Guanaco Ridge to the summit at 6,962 m, with a 360° panorama including the South Face. We then begin the descent to Camp 3. Accommodation in a double/triple tent; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day14
Day 14: Reserve Day
A reserve day held for the summit attempt, giving more opportunities to reach the top in case of adverse weather or acclimatisation needs. Accommodation in a double/triple tent; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day15
Day 15: Reserve Day
A second reserve day held for the summit attempt, with more opportunities to reach the top in case of bad weather or acclimatisation needs. Accommodation in a double/triple tent; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day16
Day 16: Return to Plaza de Mulas
We return from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas to enjoy a dinner and celebrate the climb in the comfort of base camp. Altitude: 4,300 m. Accommodation in a double/triple tent or dorm dome; meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day17
Day 17: Descent to Puente de Inca and Mendoza
After breakfast we begin the descent from Plaza de Mulas to Puente de Inca, where a private transfer takes us back to the hotel in the city of Mendoza. Accommodation in a double or triple room in Mendoza; meals: breakfast and packed lunch; transfer Horcones–Penitentes–Mendoza.
Day18
Day 18: Mendoza — End of Services
Breakfast at the hotel and end of our services. Accommodation not included; meal: breakfast.
What's included
Included: Professional high-mountain guides certified for Aconcagua (EPGAMT / AAGPM / AAGM, some with a UIAGM licence)
Included: Two (2) nights in a 3-star hotel in Mendoza, double or triple room, with breakfast
Included: One (1) night in shared accommodation at Puente de Inca, with dinner and breakfast
Included: Tents or dorm domes at base camps and double or triple tents at high camps, with sleeping pads
Included: All transfers in private group vehicles: airport–hotel in Mendoza, round trip Mendoza–Puente de Inca and round trip Puente de Inca–Horcones
Included: Cargo transport by mule of up to 15 kg of personal equipment, round trip Puente de Inca–Plaza de Mulas/Confluencia
Included: All meals in the mountain, freshly prepared at base camps and by the guides at high camps; special diets on request
Included: Dining domes with tables, chairs and electricity at base camps, and insulated dining domes at high camps
Included: Assistance with obtaining the Aconcagua Provincial Park entry permit (permit cost not included)
Included: Client-only toilets at Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas and all high camps
Included: Hot showers heated by solar tanks
Included: Potable hot and cold water at all base camps
Included: Relax areas at base camps
Included: Satellite internet and device charging at base and high camps, subject to availability
Included: Secure gear storage at Puente de Inca and Plaza de Mulas
Included: Carry service for common loads (shared equipment and waste)
Included: VHF/UHF radio and satellite communications between base camp and the high camps
Included: Medical support at base camps (medical kit, hyperbaric chamber, oxygen, oximeters); guides carry a kit at the high camps
What's not included
Not included: International and domestic airfare
Not included: Airport and tourism taxes and visa fees
Not included: Aconcagua Provincial Park entry permit (climbing fee), which varies by nationality and route
Not included: Mandatory insurance covering rescue and helicopter evacuation
Not included: Personal mountain equipment
Not included: Mule riding, personal load transport by mule, private vehicle transfers, extra accommodation nights and personal porters
Not included: Extra expenses arising from abandoning the expedition or from unused reserve days due to bad weather
Not included: Meals and drinks not specified in the programme (for example, lunches and dinners in Mendoza City or Uspallata)
Not included: Administrative charges, taxes or surcharges, including credit-card or electronic-payment fees
Not included: Outbound hotel–airport transfer
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, extra showers, etc.)
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included