Aconcagua Expedition (14 Days)

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  • 14 days/ 13 nights
  • 6,962 m / 22,841 ft
  • High / Advanced High-Altitude Expedition
  • December – February

Overview

At 6,962 meters (22,841 ft), Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas and one of the greatest challenges in world mountaineering. Located in the Andes Range, within Aconcagua Provincial Park in Mendoza Province, Argentina, this Andean giant represents pure endurance, adventure, and personal achievement.

The Normal Route (Horcones Valley) is the classic way to reach the summit. It does not require technical climbing skills, but it demands excellent physical preparation and strong mental resilience. High altitude, freezing temperatures, and powerful winds—known locally as “white wind”—make this a demanding and authentic high-altitude expedition.

The program combines proper acclimatization with a gradual ascent through strategically located high camps. During the approach, you will trek through breathtaking Andean landscapes until reaching Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. From there, we begin the final push to the summit with a carefully designed strategy to maximize your chances of success.

  • Duration: 14 Days
  • Maximum Elevation: 6,962 m / 22,841 ft
  • Season: December – February (official climbing season)
  • Difficulty: High / Advanced High-Altitude Expedition

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Mendoza – 760 m / 2,493 ft
  • Day 2: Penitentes – 2,580 m / 8,465 ft
  • Day 3: Penitentes – Confluencia Camp – 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
  • Day 4: Confluencia – Plaza Francia (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) – Return to Confluencia (3,400 m / 11,155 ft)
  • Day 5: Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas – 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
  • Day 6: Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas – 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
  • Day 7: Plaza de Mulas – Cerro Bonete Summit (5,050 m / 16,417 ft) – Return to Base Camp
  • Day 8: Plaza de Mulas – Camp Canadá – 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
  • Day 9: Camp Canadá – Nido de Cóndores – 5,550 m / 18,209 ft
  • Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Nido de Cóndores – 5,550 m / 18,209 ft
  • Day 11: Nido de Cóndores – Berlin Camp – 5,950 m / 19,521 ft
  • Day 12: Berlin – Aconcagua Summit (6,962 m / 22,841 ft) – Return to Berlin
  • Day 13: Berlin – Plaza de Mulas – 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
  • Day 14: Plaza de Mulas – Penitentes (2,580 m / 8,465 ft) – Mendoza (760 m / 2,493 ft)

FYI:

  • The Aconcagua itinerary is a guideline and may be subject to changes. Weather conditions (including white wind), route conditions, decisions by Aconcagua Provincial Park authorities, government regulations, safety closures, natural events, social unrest, or any force majeure situation may require adjustments to the schedule.

  • Group safety and the best summit strategy will always be our top priority.

Itinerary description

Day 1: Mendoza - 760 m / 2,493 ft

Group arrival in the city of Mendoza. Welcome meeting, detailed review of personal and technical equipment, explanation of the ascent plan, and final recommendations. Overnight at a hotel for proper rest before starting the adventure.

Day 2: Penitentes - 2,580 m / 8,465 ft

Transfer to Penitentes, the gateway to Aconcagua Provincial Park. Organization of loads, distribution of duffel bags for mule transport, and logistical preparation. Rest and initial adaptation to altitude.

Day 3: Penitentes - Confluencia Camp - 3,400 m / 11,155 ft

Start of the trek through the Horcones Valley. Gradual hike while enjoying the arid and majestic Andean landscapes. Arrival at Confluencia Camp, set up at the established campsite, and first night in the mountains.

Day 4: Confluencia - Plaza Francia (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) - Return to Confluencia (3,400 m / 11,155 ft)

Key acclimatization day. Approximately a 5-hour hike to Plaza Francia, a natural viewpoint of Aconcagua’s impressive South Face. Return to Confluencia to rest, enjoy a warm meal, and enhance acclimatization. Mandatory medical check.

Day 5: Confluencia - Plaza de Mulas - 4,300 m / 14,108 ft

Long and demanding hike to Plaza de Mulas, the main base camp for summit attempts. The landscape opens into vast high-altitude valleys. Accommodation in dome tents, time for recovery, relaxation, and rest. Approximate hiking time: 8 – 9 hours.

Day 6: Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas - 4,300 m / 14,108 ft

Essential recovery and acclimatization day. Physical condition and personal equipment check. Organization of gear for the high-altitude phase and optional short acclimatization hikes around base camp.

Day 7: Plaza de Mulas - Cerro Bonete Summit (5,050 m / 16,417 ft) - Return to Base Camp (4,300 m / 14,108 ft)

Acclimatization ascent to Cerro Bonete, an excellent natural viewpoint of the impressive Aconcagua massif. This effort helps the body adapt before moving to higher camps. Return to Plaza de Mulas. Mandatory medical check.

Day 8: Plaza de Mulas - Camp Canadá - 5,050 m / 16,568 ft

Beginning of the high-altitude phase. Steady ascent to Camp Canadá, the first high camp. Tent setup and rest.

Day 9: Camp Canadá - Nido de Cóndores - 5,550 m / 18,209 ft

Progressive ascent to Nido de Cóndores, one of the largest and most strategic camps on the route. The views become more dramatic as the air gets thinner.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Nido de Cóndores - 5,550 m / 18,209 ft

Strategic day to improve acclimatization. Possible load carries to higher elevations or active rest depending on weather conditions and group status.

Day 11: Nido de Cóndores - Berlin Camp - 5,950 m / 19,521 ft

Ascent to the final high camp (Berlin or Colera). Technical and mental preparation for summit day. Early rest.

Day 12: Berlin - Aconcagua Summit (6,962 m / 22,841 ft) - Return to Berlin (5,950 m / 19,521 ft)

Early morning departure. Gradual ascent passing Independencia, the Traverse, and the Canaleta before reaching the highest summit in the Americas. A unique and unforgettable moment. Careful descent back to Berlin Camp.

Day 13: Berlin - Plaza de Mulas - 4,300 m / 14,108 ft

Long but rewarding descent to base camp. Celebration of the achievement and well-deserved rest.

Day 14: Plaza de Mulas - Penitentes (2,580 m / 8,465 ft) - Mendoza (760 m / 2,493 ft)

Exit from the park and return to Mendoza. Official end of the expedition.

Includes:

  • Private transportation according to the program (Mendoza – Penitentes – Mendoza)
  • Airport transfers (Airport – Hotel – Airport)
  • Certified mountain guide authorized to operate on Aconcagua
  • Assistance with Aconcagua Park climbing permit procedures
  • Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance logistics support
  • Two (2) hotel nights in Mendoza (double/triple shared room, breakfast included)
  • One (1) night in Penitentes (shared double/triple room, breakfast and dinner included)
  • Unlimited mule transport of personal equipment (in/out) between Penitentes and Base Camp
  • Accommodation at Base Camp in mountain tents or dorm-style tents (4–8 people) and mountain tents at high camps
  • All meals during the expedition in the mountain
  • Hot and cold potable water at all camps (Base Camp and High Camps)
  • Fully equipped dome dining tent at Base Camp and exclusive bathroom facilities for our clients
  • Equipment storage facilities
  • Communication between high camps, Base Camp, Penitentes, and Mendoza

Not included:

  • Aconcagua climbing permit fee (government fee set by Mendoza authorities; approximately USD 1170 per person during high season – subject to change)
  • Rescue or any additional expenses due to expedition abandonment
  • Extra hotel nights in Mendoza
  • Meals in Mendoza
  • Any item not specifically listed as included
  • International or domestic airfare to/from Mendoza
  • Personal mountain insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal climbing equipment (harness, double boots, crampons, ice axe, technical clothing, sunglasses, backpack, sleeping bag, personal medication, etc.)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on the last day
  • Evacuation, rescue, or medical assistance costs
  • Personal expenses (laundry, showers, snacks, additional drinks)
  • Staff tips
  • Services not specified in the program

Prices & Dates

This Aconcagua expedition is organized privately to provide a more personalized, safe, and flexible experience. Our certified high-altitude guides and experienced local logistics team specialize in the Normal Route.

For available dates, updated pricing, and detailed program information, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you and answer all your questions.

Gear List Aconcagua

  1. CLOTHING (Layering System)

    • Passport
    • Climbing permit
    • Rescue & evacuation insurance
    • Cash (USD or Argentine pesos)
  2. FOOTWEAR

    Base Layer

    • 2 – 3 thermal tops (merino or synthetic)
    • 2 thermal bottoms
    • Thermal underwear

    Mid Layer

    • Heavy fleece jacket
    • Softshell jacket

    Insulation Layer (Summit Essential)

    • Expedition down jacket
    • Down pants (highly recommended for summit day)

    Outer Layer (Wind/Snow Protection)

    • Waterproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
    • Waterproof shell pants
  3. FOOTWEAR

    • Double mountaineering boots (required)
    • 3 – 4 pairs of thermal socks
    • Camp shoes or lightweight sneakers
    • Gaiters
  4. TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT (Normal Route – Non-technical but demanding)

    • 60 – 75L backpack
    • 90 – 120L expedition duffel bag
    • Trekking poles (very important)
    • Crampons
    • Classic ice axe
    • Helmet (recommended for the Canaleta section)
    • Harness (depending on operator requirements)
    • Category 4 glacier sunglasses
    • Ski goggles (for high winds/whiteout conditions)
  5. HAND & HEAD PROTECTION

    • Liner gloves
    • Insulated gloves
    • Expedition down mittens (for summit day)
    • Warm beanie
    • Buff or balaclava
    • Sun cap
  6. CAMPING GEAR

    • Sleeping bag rated -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F)
    • Two sleeping pads (inflatable + foam recommended)
    • Headlamp + extra batteries
    • Two 2L wide-mouth water bottles
    • 1L thermos
  7. PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT

    • Personal medications
    • Sunscreen SPF 50+
    • Lip balm with SPF
    • Basic pain relievers
    • Anti-chafing cream
    • Wet wipes

NOTE:

  • Special discount for groups of more than 6 participants.
  • Additional information available upon request.
  • During trekking days, we provide energy snacks such as sweet and salty cookies, dried fruits, fresh fruits, and candies to maintain energy levels at altitude.

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