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Prices
for - Argentina Trekking and Adventures
Scheduled Expedition
to Mount Aconcagua 6.962 m
POLISH GLACIER TRAVERSE ROUTE
An alternative and beautiful path. Aconcagua
will express its most rustic side, as an adventurous spirit will enlighten the
trail with every step. Crossing the mythic base of the Polish Glacier, in the
last stretch we will approach and then follow the common trail.
The Best of the Expedition
Difficulties
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Physical difficulty:
Like in the Normal or Northeast route, the process of acclimatization is
really important in order to succeed in reaching the summit. As this is a
very important factor on any of our expeditions, the only previous
requirement would be to follow a program of training adapted to the activity
that you are going to do. The rest of the program is planned in order to
make you enjoy and get to know one of the most beautiful traverse in the
Aconcagua Mountain.
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Other types of difficulties:
The biggest problem that you
have to face on your expedition is the effects of the altitude on
your body. These can be overcome with a previous and correct
acclimatization, which is covered in any of our programs. Another difficulty
is the low temperatures on the mountain, the effects of which are reduced
with a high-quality clothing and equipment
The most important
Changing your modern lifestyle for an
adventure requires imagination and energy. Being mentally prepared to accept the
difficulties and inconveniences will be the key to your success.
Itinerary
(Height in meters)
Day 1: Mendoza (760)
We’ll be waiting for you at the airport to
take you to the hotel. On this day our guide will check your mountain equipment
and accompany you to hire the necessary things. You will enjoy the comforts of
the best hotels in Mendoza city. (Food is not included)
Day 2: Mendoza / Puente del Inca (2.725)
Before going to Puente del Inca, the whole
group will apply for the climbing permit with the guides’ assistance. You will
have lunch and spend the night in Puente del Inca hostel. In the afternoon, the
mules are loaded and prepared for the following day.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Puente del Inca / Pampa de Leñas
(3.000)
The group will be driven to the entrance of
the Park in a private van and you will start with the trek to Pampa de Leñas
Camp. The equipment will be carried by mules. At arrival, you will set up tents
and you will be able to rest. (B,
PL, D)
Day 4: Pampa de Leñas / Casa de Piedra
(3.600)
After breakfast and pitching the tents, you
will walk to Casa de Piedra. This trek lasts 6 hours. Like in the previous day,
the tents will be set up and you will be able to rest waiting for dinner to be
ready. (B, PL, D)
Day 5: Casa de Piedra / Plaza Argentina
Base Camp (4.000)
The trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp lasts 6
hours. You will stay in our own campsite, with the necessary comforts so as your
staying in our camp, is as nice as possible. (B, PL, D)
Day 6: Plaza Argentina Base Camp
You can rest during the whole day or just go
sightseeing around the area, and contemplate the beauty of the mountain. (B, L,
D)
Day 7: Plaza Argentina / Camp 1 (4.950) /
Plaza Argentina
You will take part of the altitude equipment
to Camp 1, where you will enjoy your packed-lunch and then return to Plaza
Argentina. This walk will help you to get a better acclimatization. (B,PL,D)
Day 8: Plaza Argentina Base Camp
Resting and acclimatization day in Plaza
Argentina. On this day, you will make sure that your equipment is ready that and
you will rest so as to be strong for the next days that demand more effort. (B,
L, D)
Day 9: Plaza Argentina / Camp 1
After a 4-hour trek, you will reach the Camp
1. On the way, the group will have lunch and once you arrive, you will set up
the tents with the guides´ help. You will start to feel the altitude effects on
your body. (B, PL, D)
Day 10: Camp 1 / Camp 2 (5.800) / Camp 1
As in day 7, part
of the material will be taken to Camp 2 and after lunch, you will come back to
Camp 1. (B, PL, D)
Day 11: Camp 1
Resting and acclimatization day. It will be
useful to get your head organized and to think that with every step, you are
closer to the summit. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Camp 1 / Camp 2
To get to camp 2, you will have to walk around
6 or 7 hours. The group will set up the tents and will be able to rest and
recover for the “Summit day”. (B, PL, D)
Day 13: Camp 2 / Summit (6.962) / Camp 2
Climb from Camp 2 to the Summit and return to Camp 2. This is the
great day!! You will get up very early in the morning, have a breakfast and
start climbing, making a traverse to the Normal Route. You will get to the
summit, where you will live an incredible experience, and return to Camp 2. That
night, you will rest with the satisfaction of having reached your aim.
(B, PL, D)
Day 14: Camp 2 / Plaza Argentina
After 4 or 5-hour trek, you will get to Plaza
Argentina base camp. The group will have the day free to share those emotions
experienced throughout the expedition.
(B, PL, D)
Day 15: Plaza Argentina / Pampa de Leñas
Descent from Base Camp to Pampa de Leñas. Your
belongings will be carried by mules, so you will only take a light bag pack with
a jacket and your packed lunch. Once you arrive at Pampa de Leñas, the tents
will be set up and you will enjoy the rest of the day. (B, PL, D)
Day 16: Pampa de Leñas / Puente del Inca /
Mendoza
Descent from Pampa de Leñas to Quebrada de
Vacas, where the transfer will be waiting for you to take you to Puente del
Inca. There, you will get your belongings and continue your trip to Mendoza
city, to stay one more night. (B, PL)
Day 17: Mendoza
Breakfast. End of
the services. (B)
Day 18:
Extra day for contingencies that may prevent
the normal development of the program.
Day 19:
Extra day for contingencies that may prevent
the normal development of the program.
Note
The above itinerary is intended as
a guideline only. Although every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes
may be caused due to weather conditions, transport failure or other unforeseen
events. Please be flexible if necessary.
Included Services in the expedition
Transfer Airport / Hotel
We’ll be waiting for you at the airport to
drive you to the hotel, allowing you to enjoy your trip fully.
Hotel in Mendoza
You will stay in a comfortable hotel for two
nights, both when arriving in Mendoza and when returning from the mountain. The
rooms included in our program are double (each passenger will have to share
his/her room with one of his/her expedition partners) and breakfast and taxes
are included in the price.
If you prefer a single room, please do not
forget to let us know in your Booking Form. For this service, you will have to
pay some extra money.
Assistance to buy the climbing permits
Mount Aconcagua is located in a provincial
Park, managed by the Government of Mendoza.
To get into the Park, you should get a permit, the price of which will depend on
the activity that you are going to participate in (climbing, long trek, short
trek). This working paper must be done personally, as a government rule. That is
why each passenger should go to the Park’s office with his or her own passport.
The guide will assist you with the payment of
the permit, and with the working paper.
Transfer Mendoza / Puente del Inca /
Mendoza
We will pick you up from your hotel and take
you to Puente Del Inca in our own vehicles. We will drive over 180 kilometers,
which separate Mendoza City from Puente Del Inca. The scenery throughout this
journey is boasted as one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Central
Andes.
Meals
Throughout the expedition
you will enjoy all meals (B: breakfast / L:
lunch / PL: packed-lunch if you are on the move / D:
dinner), that are carefully planned by professionals to have a balanced diet
during those days on the mountain.
Our cooks always prepare
every meal, with fixed menu from day nº 3, except at the high altitude camps,
where our guides will be in charge of the cooking.
Those meals mentioned in
the itinerary are included.
If you are
vegetarian or celiac, or if you need a special diet, please let us know in your
Booking Form. It will be a pleasure for us to prepare a special menu for you.
For this service, you will have to pay extra money.
Lodging in Puente del Inca
Puente del Inca hotel was built here and it is the only lodging
in this strategic zone at five kilometres far from the Aconcagua Park trailhead.
You will spend one night in this place
at the beginning of the expedition, in rooms for three to six people (according
to the number of members in the group) and with private toilet.
Complete breakfasts and dinners in the restaurant of the hostel are also
included.
Assistance for the arrangements of loads to
be transported by mules
Our mountain guides will advise you on what to
include in your luggage and the way in which it should be arranged on the mules.
Mules
Aymará Adventures & Expeditions owns more than
100 mules which carry people or belongings. The difference between mules that
carry people and mules that carry gear is that the ones for people are tamer.
These animals pasture during autumn, winter and spring, it means, from the
middle of March to the middle of November. Before starting with the summer
season, these animals are tested and given medicine by veterinarians. They are
treated with caution.
At the beginning of the Aconcagua season, they
are transported by lorries to Puente del Inca without shoeing, to avoid any
injury.
During the season, they are treated with a lot
of care and attention. It is important to take into account that after two trips
to Plaza de Mulas and one to Plaza Argentina, the mules rest 4 or 5 days, so as
to recover from this activity.
The negative aspect of these animals is their
untamed character. That is why we have selected a professional team of
muleteers, called “arrieros”, who have dedicated their lives to the country
animals. Experience has taught them how to deal with these animals.
From Puente Del Inca to the intermediate camps, Pampa de Leñas
and Casa de Piedra, from here to Plaza Argentina and in the return to Puente del
Inca, your belongings will be carried by mules. Each mule can carry up to a
limit of 180 kg, but our mules only carry 60 kg to move comfortably on the
mountain. Every client may transport on the mules a maximum of 30 kg on each
stage of the approach. We strongly recommend you to bring a strong duffel bag.
Transfer to the entrance of the Aconcagua
Park
You will be driven in our own vehicles for 16
kilometers, from our hostel in Puente del Inca to Quebrada de Vacas, in order to
start with the trek.
Camp
in Pampa de Leñas and Casa de Piedra
While you are gaining
height, your body needs some time to start with the process of acclimatization.
Therefore, it is extremely important to stop for a night in Pampa de Leñas and
the following day continue with the trek to Casa de Piedra.
In every stop, you will meet the Arrieros, who
will give you your gear to spend the night. The guides will help you to set up
the tents, and will prepare dinner and breakfast.
Plaza Argentina Base Camp
Once you have arrived at Plaza Argentina, you
will spend several nights in our own campsite, fully prepared to make the trip
around the magnificent South American Mountain, as comfortable as possible. With
tents for eating, another for the kitchen, a third tent for equipment storage,
and toilets. Here excellent workers, who will prepare delicious meals and
provide an excellent service, will attend you.
Our Guides
Our mountain guides are
qualified professionals of the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides)
and the EPGAMT (Provincial School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides). The
last qualification is the result of 2 years and a half of study. We believe
that, to succeed in our expeditions, professionals with experience and the
ability to offer security should guide our teams.
The expeditions are led by a mountain guide to
every 3 or 4 clients. Their equipment includes: VHF radio, a first‑aid kit,
complete with the appropriate drugs for altitude sickness, ropes, an altimeter,
and professional clothing and equipment. All these will provide security and
comfort.
Tents
Normally, during the summer high season,
Aconcagua is a mountain with good weather conditions. Yet, if you happen to have
a few stormy days, you will be responsive to nature’s whims at high altitudes.
Therefore, we will be sure to provide you with the highest quality tents at
these high altitude campsites. We use The North Face products, which have proved
to work well for our clients over the years. Usually, two climbers will sleep in
each tent, but if our guide considers it necessary, a maximum of three climbers
may sleep in one tent.
Remember that you will have to set up your own
tent with your partner. The guide will help you when necessary.
Extra days
Our expeditions include two extra days in case
of contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the itinerary.
Aymará takes the responsibility to develop the program as it has been described.
However, sometimes conditions are
out of our control, and our guides reserve the right to modify the schedule in
response to circumstances and safety of the group.
If this situation arises, the client will not
receive any sort of severance payment.
Communication
You will see that we keep track of where we
are at specific sites along the way. We take advantage of the VHF and BLU radio
lines that help us to stay in contact between the high‑altitude campsites, Plaza
Argentina, Puente del Inca and Mendoza. Therefore, we can respond almost
immediately to whatever issue that may arise.
Not Included Services
Climbing permit
The only way to enter the Aconcagua Park is by
getting the permit personally in Mendoza city. If the ticket is not used within
the dates established by the Park authorities, the money will not be refunded.
The ticket will be invalid in future years.
The entrance fee’s payment supports the
maintenance and care of Aconcagua Provincial Park and aids to preserve and
protect it. It also supports the maintenance of the medical services, the park
rangers and the rescue service. (Helicopter)
Drinks and other
personal costs not mentioned in the itinerary
Extra expenses like food
or drinks separate from those described in the itinerary should be paid by you,
as they are not included.
Expenses for giving up
the expedition
In order to have better but cheaper services,
the expedition is quoted taking into account the whole group. In any case that
you give up the scheduled itinerary because of personal problems, mountain
sickness, etc, you start taking private and individual services. The extra
expenses that you will pay for, if necessary, are: mules from Plaza Argentina to
Puente del Inca (around U$D 320.-), the transfer from Puente del Inca to Mendoza
city, etc. Once you give up the itinerary, the transfer in a regular bus is
included.
The night in Mendoza hotel when you return,
can be taken as soon as you get to the city.
There is a possibility that you be evacuated
by helicopter, and in that case your belongings will not travel with you. If you
do not wait for your belongings in Puente del Inca, in this case you have to pay
not only the mule to carry your equipment down, but also a transportation to
take your belongings to Mendoza.
Sleeping bag and
personal equipment
Neither the technical nor the mountain
equipment are included services, so you would have to buy it or rent it. Take
into account our guides if you need assistance.
If you rent equipment, you will be responsible
for it. Apart from that, you must give the equipment back to the mountain shop
in time.
Personal Insurance
Having a personal insurance is not a
fundamental requirement to climb Mt. Aconcagua. However, we suggest you to
contact an insurance company if you wish to take insurance out, taking into
account the risks involved in climbing a mountain.
Transfer Hotel / Airport
The transfer
from the hotel to the airport at the end of the expedition, is not included.
Porters
The porters to carry
the personal equipment or the ones that carry the ordinary gear of the
expedition (food, tents, etc.) are not included. So the whole group will have to
help to carry this equipment.
The porters may help
you to transport your belongings from one camp to another, one offering you a
better result on the mountain. So do not hesitate in letting us know, if you
decide to hire one. The price will depend on the stretch that your equipment
will be carried.
Problems with your
luggage (Loss or delay during the flight)
If your luggage is
lost during your flight, or it arrives later than you do in other flight, you
will have to work the problem out with the corresponding air line. Aymará is not
responsible for such an event.
In the same way,
if your luggage does not arrive in Mendoza in time for the departure of the
expedition group to Puente del Inca, the expedition will be carried out as
initially planned, and you will be responsible for those extra expenses caused
by this shortcoming.
Equipment and
Clothing
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- Feet
2 Pairs of synthetic inner socks
4 Pairs of thick socks for cold
(sky type)
1 Pair of comfortable trekking
boots
1 Pair of gaiters
- Legs
1 Pair of fine synthetic pants
1 Pair of thick shelter pants
1 Pair of rainproof pants
1 Pair of comfortable long pants
(trekking
type)
- Body
2 Synthetic underwear shirts
1 Turtleneck of synthetic material
1 Fleece jacket of alike
1 Shelter jacket (down or
synthetical)
1 Rainproof jacket
- Head
Sun cap or hat
Shelter hat (wool or fleece)
Light balaclava
A good pair of sunglasses with UV
filter and
nose and side protection
A pair of sky goggles
A handkerchief for the neck |
- Hands
2 Pairs of light inner gloves
2 Pairs of rainproof gloves for
shelter (mitten
type)
- Expedition material
Book, music or anything that helps
to be
distracted in the tent
Sunscreen (never less than factor
20)
A 1 liter water bottle
A stainless steel thermo of one
litter or half a litter
Personal crockery (bowl, cup, fork
and spoon)
6 Pairs of hand warmers
Sleeping mattress for high
mountain
Personal care elements
Front lamp with extra batteries
A synthetic or duvet sleeping bag
for –20ºC
- Technical equipment
1 Comfortable backpack of 70
liters or more
1 Pair of boots for high mountain
(suitable for
7.000 m and – 40º temperature)
Semi - automatic crampons
1 Pair of telescopic pools
1
Strong duffel bag
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E.A.P.
OPTION
(Extra Acclimatization Program)
With this optional program, you have the
chance to get a much better acclimatization. It basically means leaving two days
before the rest of the group.
Day 1:
Transfer airport / hotel. (Food not included)
Day 2:
Obtaining of permits. Puente Del Inca.
Lodging in hostel. (B, L, D)
Day 3:
Trek to Pampa de Leñas. (B, PL, D)
Day 4:
Trek to Casa de Piedra (B, PL, D)
Day 5:
Trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp. (B, PL, D)
Day 6:
Resting and acclimatization day. (B, L, D)
Day 7:
Trek for acclimatization. This day, you join the rest of the expedition group.
(B, PL, D)
Included services in the EAP
The EAP option includes all the services mentioned before and two
additional nights in the Plaza Argentina base camp and a trek for
acclimatization near the base camp.
If there are less than 4 passengers in the EAP group, the
transportation from Mendoza to Puente del Inca will be in the regular bus.
Note
Anyone who wishes to participate in the climb
with their own groups or cannot join in the scheduled expeditions can take a
private expedition.
The itinerary to develop is the same as in the
scheduled expedition, but with changes in the included services and in the date
of departure, which can be chosen by the passenger.
USEFUL INFORMATION ACONCAGUA
Mount Aconcagua (22,841ft) is located entirely in the province
of Mendoza, in western Argentina. Aconcagua is one of the highest peaks in the
world and the very highest outside Asia.
The first climber to successfully reach the summit was Mathías
Zurbriggen of Switzerland. He reached the highest point on Aconcagua on 14
January 1897, following the northwest trail (Normal Route), which has since
become the most popular path to Aconcagua’s zenith.
Over the years, the number of expeditions arriving at
Aconcagua Provincial Park, eager to face the challenge of height, strong winds
and extreme temperatures, have increased steadily, making it one of the most
popular destinations among mountain climbers the world over. Aconcagua is part
of the "seven summits" circuit.
According to some international expert mountaineers that have
climbed the Himalayas, the almost 23,000 feet of Aconcagua represent an even
greater physiological distance. This phenomenon is due to several factors. The
Himalayas, for instance, have vegetation up to 16,400 feet, while in the Central
Andes Mountain range the vegetation reaches only to 11,500 / 13,000 feet. The
relative ambient humidity is very low and the atmosphere of the Earth is thinner
in this region of the globe. All of this makes Aconcagua a terrain appropriate
to test and prepare for later expeditions to mountains higher than 8,000 meters.
The East Ridge, (the Polish Glacier), the South West Ridge, as
well as the Western Face, all present an opportunity for visitors to demonstrate
their ability. The North West Slope of the mountain, where the normal route lies
permits the rapid ascension of heights without technical difficulties.
Confront Aconcagua only under the direction of guides.
Climbers attempting to climb Aconcagua must properly equipped and in excellent
physical condition.
With regard to the Southern Face, it is a desolate and severe
area, with poor quality rocks, constant dangers of avalanches of seracs and
snow, falling rocks, great unevenness, significant altitude, the threat of
brusque climactic changes, plus true and complete isolation. All these are the
factors that give it its savage condition
From the technical point of view, Aconcagua presents all types
of difficulties on rock, ice and snow. And he who confronts the ascent should
have a good climbing technique, excellent physical fitness, considerable
experience, and most importantly, a lot of enthusiasm and perseverance.
MENDOZA
The City of Mendoza was founded on 2 March 1561 by the Spanish
Don Pedro del Castillo in an area originally inhabited by the Huarpe Indians.
Three centuries later, in 1861, an earthquake completely
destroyed the colonial town. Those who survived the earthquake rebuilt a city
destined to become one of the most important metropolitan areas in the country.
Mendoza is located in western Argentina, some 690 miles (1,100
kilometers) west of Buenos Aires and at 2,500ft (760 meters) above sea level. It
has a population of one million and it is home to numerous industries among them
wineries, food processing companies, oil refineries and manufacturers of
industrial machinery. Tourism is also an important economic activity in Mendoza.
Climate: The province has a semi-arid climate. The mountain range on the west of
Mendoza works as a natural barrier to humid winds blowing in from the Pacific.
Local Time Mendoza (as well as the rest of Argentina): is
located 4 time zones west of the Greenwich meridian.
Getting to Mendoza: Mendoza's airport also offers excellent
connections to international flights from Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Santiago de
Chile.
The city is an important hub for land transportation. The
city's bus station has several daily services to all Argentinean provinces, as
well as to Chile.
Language: Argentina's official language is Spanish. English is
spoken at most travel agencies, hotels and tourist information offices.
Power Supply: 220 volts, 50 hertz.
AIRLINES
The usual way to Mendoza is by flying to either Buenos Aires
(Argentina) or Santiago (Chile) and then a connecting flight or bus to Mendoza.
From Buenos Aires there are 2 hours by plane or 13 hours by bus to Mendoza,
while from Santiago 50min by plane or 6 hours by bus.
WHEN TO CLIMB ACONCAGUA
Officially, the climbing season is between November 15th and
March 15th of every year. Our suggestion is to climb Mount Aconcagua between
late November and late February. This is mainly because of two factors, first
because of weather conditions. It is within this period when weather is warmer
in the Austral Hemisphere and climate more stable on Aconcagua. Secondly,
because it is when there is availability of all necessary logistics to go ahead
with the climbs (mules, base camps supplies, porters, etc). Before and after,
the lack of visitors might make highly probably that you find no logistics.
Regarding weather, large snowfields, strong winds and major snowstorms are a
possibility.
CLIMATE
Aconcagua generates its own weather. Between late Nov and late
Feb there is a wide range of temperatures, from warm days to freezing nights;
snow and winds (some strong) is the usual on Aconcagua. The humidity is
extremely low. Mount Aconcagua is some 160 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean
(which it is possible to be seen from the summit in sunny days). Humid winds
blowing from the sea generate most of the bad weather of Aconcagua. Temperatures
to be expected between early Dec and late Feb are around:
Base Camps of Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina Max. 10ºC /
15ºC (50ºF /69Fº) Min. 0ºC / -5ºC (32ºF /23Fº)
Nido de Condores / Camp 1 (Polish Glacier Traverse) Max. 5ºC /
10ºC (41ºF / 50ºF) Min. -10ºC / -15ºC (14ºF / 5ºF)
Berlin / Camp 2 (Polish Glacier Traverse) Max. 0ºC / 5ºC (32ºF
/ 41ºF) Min. -20ºC / -25ºC (-4ºF / -13ºF)
During the winter in the Austral Hemisphere, most of the area
is snow covered and is extremely windy. Major snow storms are quite frequent
above 4,000m.
PARK PERMITS
Permits are issued only at Direccion de Recursos Naturales
Renovables, located in the Park San Martin (Mendoza City). Office hours are:
8:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays, and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays (on
December 25th, and January 1st, this Office will be closed. Acquire your permit
one day ahead). Permits must be shown to Park Rangers based at the stations of
Horcones (Normal Route) and Pampa de Lenas (Polish Glacier Traverse). Please
note that some years ago it was possible to obtain the permit at the trailhead,
or even outfitters could do it in Mendoza in the name of their customers and
send them to the trailhead. Be warmed this is not available any longer. Permits
must be acquired in person as compulsory in Mendoza City only.
To obtain the permit it is necessary to complete an
application with personal information and general details of the trip.
Types of permits are: Climbing: valid for 20 days after
entering the park Long Trekking: valid for 7 days after entering the park Short
Trekking: valid for 3 days after entering the park
There are 3 seasons, high, mid and low.
Prices
for - Chile Trekking and Adventures
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