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 Prices for - Argentina Trekking and Adventures

Scheduled Expedition to Mt. Aconcagua 6.962 m

NORMAL ROUTE (North – West Side)

In order to reach the highest peak in America, our professional mountain team has developed a complete program offering you security on the mountain with the best acclimatization.

You have the opportunity to participate in our expeditions and enjoy this wonderful experience.

The Best of the Expedition

• A program that gives you the opportunity to succeed.

• The Aconcagua Mountain is the highest mountain in America and is part of “The 7 Summits Circuit”. This consists of climbing the highest mountain in each continent.

• An excellent opportunity to test yourself at an altitude of up to 7.000 m, and it is a great stepping stone for climbing the Himalaya mountains of 8.000 m.

• Porters: We count on the help of the “porters”, in order to give all the participants the chance to move with less weight on their way to the summit and to keep all their energy for the day they get the summit. There will be one porter for every 3 passengers, who will be in charge of transporting the shared equipment of the expedition. 

Difficulties

• Technical difficulty: The Northeast or Normal route climbing the Mt. Aconcagua does not present any technical difficulties; this means that the participant does not require any previous climbing experience on rocks or ice. This route may be just by walking. You may have to use crampons and fixed ropes for your security, depending on the conditions of the route. These decisions will be taken by guides during the expedition.

• Physical difficulty: In order to avoid any kind of inconveniences in the process of acclimatization and to succeed in reaching the summit, we suggest you to follow a training program adapted to the activity that you are going to do, as well as eating a balanced diet some months before the start date of the expedition.

• Other types of difficulties: The biggest problem that you can face on your expedition is the effects of the altitude on your body. This can be overcome with a previous training and correct acclimatization. (This aspect is covered in all 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 our modern lifestyle for an adventure requires imagination and energy. Being mentally prepared to accept the difficulties and inconveniences will be the key to our success.

Itinerary (Heights in meters)

Day 1: Mendoza (760)

We will 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 lodge and enjoy the comforts of one 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 / Confluencia (3.300)

The group will be taken to the entrance of the Park in a private van. There the permits will be presented and you will start with the trekking to Confluencia Camp. The equipment will be carried by mules. At arrival, you will set up your tent with your partner and will be able to rest. (B, PL, D)

Day 4: Confluencia / Plaza Francia (4.000) / Confluencia

Trek to Plaza Francia, base of the south face of Mt. Aconcagua. Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a spectacular view. Then you will return to Confluencia. This trekking is considered part of the acclimatization process, fundamental in our expedition. (B, PL, D)

Day 5: Confluencia / Plaza de Mulas (4.260)

The trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp lasts around 8 hours. You will stay in our own base camp with the necessary commodities for you to be as comfortable as possible. (B, PL, D)

Day 6: Plaza de Mulas 

Resting day. You will make a short trek to the glacier so as to improve your use of crampons. These kinds of activities facilitate your success in the mountain. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Plaza de Mulas / Camp 1 “Canada” (4.910) / Plaza de Mulas

Acclimatization Trek to Camp 1 “Canada” where you will have lunch and then return to the Base Camp. This trek lasts around 5 hours. (B, PL, D)

Day 8: Plaza de Mulas

Resting and acclimatization day. On this day you will make sure that your equipment is ready and you will rest to be strong for the next days that demand more effort. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Plaza de Mulas / Camp 1 “Canada”

After a 3-hour trek, you will reach Camp 1. The group will have lunch and set up tents. You will begin feeling the effects of altitude on your body. (B, PL, D)

Day 10: Camp 1 “Canada” / Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores” (5.250)

Climb to Camp 2. This trek lasts 4 hours. As on the previous days, you will set up tents with the guides’ help. You can rest for the rest of the day. (B, PL, D)

Day 11: Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores” / Camp 3 “Berlín” (5.900)

Climb to Camp 3 “Berlin”. This will be a short hike, around 3 hours, but all your strength is needed due to the characteristics of this part of the route. This is the last altitude camp before the summit. (B, PL, D)

Day 12: Camp 3 “Berlin” / Summit (6.962) / Camp 3 “Berlin”

Climb from Camp 3 to the summit and return to Camp 3. The great day! The group will get up very early in the morning, have breakfast and start climbing. You will get to the summit, where you will live an unforgettable experience, and return to Berlin. You will sleep that night with the satisfaction of having reached your aim. (B, PL, D)

Day 13: Camp 3 “Berlín”/ Plaza de Mulas

You will desend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. The group will have the day free to share those emotions experienced throughout the expedition. (B, PL, D)

Day 14: Plaza de Mulas / Puente del Inca / Mendoza

Descent to Puente del Inca and last trek in the expedition. Your belongings will be carried by mules so you will only take a light bag pack with a jacket and your packed lunch.

Transfer to Mendoza city. Lodge in the hotel. (B, PL)

Day 15: Mendoza

Breakfast. End of services. (B)

Day 16: Extra day for contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the program.

Day 17: 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

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 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 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. This service has an extra cost.

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 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 expeditions you will enjoy all meals (B: breakfast / L: lunch / PL: packed-lunch if you are on the move / D: dinner), 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 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. This service has an extra cost.

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 arrangement 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 the mules that carry people and the 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 country animals. Experience has taught them how to deal with these animals.

From Puente del Inca to Confluencia, from this camp to Plaza de Mulas, and on the return to Puente del Inca, mules will carry your belongings. 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 Aconcagua trailhead

You will be driven in our own vehicles for 5 kilometers, from Puente del Inca Hotel to the first Rangers Station. Here your permit is checked out and you are informed about the park rules.

Confluencia Base Camp

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 two nights at an intermediate level, to help your body to start with this process. During that time, you will camp at the Confluencia camp, which has enough comfort to spend a good deal of time, being fully equipped with wide dinner tents, electrical light, tables and chairs to have meals.

Trekking to Plaza Francia

On the 4^th day of the expedition, you will visit the base of the mythical South Face of the Aconcagua Mountain. This is the most vertical face of the mountain, with glaciers and walls almost 3.000 meters tall.
During this trek, you will ascend 700 meters that will give your body a sign that the acclimatization process is starting.

Plaza de Mulas Base Camp

Once you have arrived at Plaza de Mulas, you will spend several nights in our own campsite, fully prepared to make your 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. The advantages of our campsite are not only its commodities, but also the direct contact with nature. This will allow you to start preparing your body for the challenging ascent.

Trekking to the Horcones Glacier

Acclimatization is a dynamic process for which your body needs a minimal activity. This helps to increase the body’s responsiveness to the changes in altitude.
We think that during the resting day in the base camp, a short trek in the area of Plaza de Mulas is useful and interesting. You will have an introduction class about the use of crampons and the guides will give you some advices that will help you on your way to the top of the mountain.

Porters

On the Aconcagua Mountain, “the porters” have gradually become more important. Their main characteristic is that they are very strong people, they have been on the summit many times and this gives them a better athletic condition than athletes themselves.

In Aymará Expeditions, we believe that their job (which is carrying the ordinary equipment of expedition: tents, kitchen sets, altitude food, fuel, stoves, ropes and the garbage produced by the group), helps our participants to move in a comfortable way and with more energy to achieve their goal, which is getting to the summit. Therefore, these people are going with you, to help you.

A porter is capable of carrying up to 20 kilos in each trip; this is equivalent to the gear of three passengers.

The porters will help you to carry these things from Plaza de Mulas base camp to Camp 1 “Canada”, from Camp 1 to Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores”, from Camp 2 to Camp 3 “Berlin”, and finally on your return, from camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas.

EACH CLIENT HAS TO CARRY HIS OWN PERSONAL EQUIPMENT (backpacks) but if you wish to hire a porter, let us know. For this service you will have to pay some extra money.

Our guides

Our mountain guides are qualified professionals of the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) and the EPGAMT (School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides). The last qualification is the result of 2 and half years 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 this 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 each tent.

Remember that each passenger has to set up the tent with his 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 the circumstances and safety of the group. If this situation arises, the client will not receive any sort of severance payment.

Communications

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 de Mulas, Confluencia, 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 for 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 de Mulas to Puente del Inca (around U$D 180.-), the private 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 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 is an included service, 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 on time.

Personal Insurance

Having a personal insurance is not a fundamental requirement to climb the 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.

Porters for personal equipment

The porters may help you to transport your belongings from one camp to another, offering you a better result on the mountain. So do not hesitate in letting us know, if you decide to take one. The price will depend on the stretch your equipment will be carried.

Transfer Hotel / Airport

The transfer from the hotel to the airport at the end of the expedition, is not included.

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 airline. Aymará is not responsible for such an event.

In the same way, if your luggage does not arrive in Mendoza on time for the departure date 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

E.A.P. Option (Extended Acclimatization Program)

With this optional program, you have the chance to get a much better acclimatization. Basically, it means leaving to the mountain two days before the rest of the group.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer Airport / Hotel. (Food is not included)
Day 2: Obtaining of permits. Puente del Inca. Lodging in hostel. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Trek to Confluencia. (B, PL, D)
Day 4: Trek to Plaza Francia and return to Confluencia. (B, PL, D)
Day 5: Trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Lodging in our camp at Plaza de Mulas. (B, PL, D)
Day 6: Rest and Acclimatization day. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Training Summit. 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 de Mulas base camp and a climbing of a small mountain 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.

Cancellations

If canceling a reservation, once the required deposit has been processed, Aymará Adventures & Expeditions will maintain a credit for two years. After this period, the validity of the credit will expire. You will have the possibility to get this credit only if you let us know 30 days before the starting date of the expedition.

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