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Aconcagua
Climb Aconcagua, the highest peak in the South American Andes, and the highest peak outside of Asia at 6962m. Tick off one of the seven summits in the stunning Mendoza range of Argentina. Go get that summit!
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Duration
21 Days
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Start Location
Heathrow, London / Mendoza, Argentina
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Date(s)
27th Nov - 17th Dec 2022
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Price
From €
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
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CLIMB THE HIGHEST PEAK IN SOUTH AMERICA
Aconcagua is the second highest of the seven summits and at 6962m tall you're going to see it all on this one. Our 21 day expedition provides you with everything the high mountains has to offer. Stunning views, challenging terrain, dizzying heights and a heavy dusting of challenge. You'll need a steely determination and a love for mountain adventures to help get you to the top but when you do, that struggle will so be worth it.
We've built this trip to make sure we provide enough rest days between some of the big pushes to each camp. While not a technical climb the altitude alone is enough to harden your mountain spirits and adventure bones. Don't worry though, our local guides are handpicked for their knowledge and their personalities. The trip will also contain a highly experienced and qualified mountain leader from the UK who will be leading the trip. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face even in the most remote locations
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Anyone with a good level of endurance fitness and a sense of adventure can qualify for this trip providing you have previous experience ideally climbing Mont Blanc, Elbrus or Kilimanjaro or trekking / climbing to altitude heights at 4000 – 5000m. Some previous mountaineering experience is essential even though this climb is not technical.
Aconcagua is the highest peak outside of Asia and determination is needed to keep going to the top. Making sure you have a good base fitness level before you arrive will make the climb feel less strenuous and maximise your chances of success.
Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us an email and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.
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Duration
21 Days
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Start Location
Heathrow, London / Mendoza, Argentina
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Date(s)
27th Nov - 17th Dec 2022
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Guide Ratio
10:1
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Ability
Level CLevel C
You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain. You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer. You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
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Price
From €
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS CLIMB
Top-Tip: It is a dusty trek in to Aconcagua. You’ll be amazed what the famed viento blanco winds kick up trekking into base camp. Some consider this trail day the second hardest apart from the summit. Top-tip, pack a Camelback water bladder to minimize stops and stay hydrated. Pack your buffs, your goggles, and ideally even a sun hat with ear and neck protection.
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.
Mountaineering Backpack
Internal frame, 80L minimum
Trekking backpack
35-40L
Duffle Bag
150l
Dry Bags
Crampons
Ice axe
Helmet
Harness
Trekking poles
Double Mountaineering Boots
Double boots minimum, triple boots also acceptable
Walking Boots
3 or 4 season
Gaiters
Down Parka
Summit down
Insulation Layer
Synthetic
Soft Shell Jacket and Pants
Goretex (or similar) waterproof Hard Shell Jacket
Goretex (or similar) waterproof Hard Shell Pants
Mountaineering Mits
Insulated Gloves
Mountaineering Socks
3 x mountaineering socks and liners
Glacier Sunglasses
Must be category 4
Snow Goggles
Buff
x2
Warm Hat
Balaclava
Sleeping Bag
-20 to -40 C
Thermarest Foam Mat
Trekking Pants
x 2
Lightweight T-Shirts
Lightweight Long Sleeve T-Shirts
Base Layers
x 2
Mid Layers
x 2
Underwear
x 4 synthetic
Headlamp
Water Bottles
2 x 1L Nalgene
Pee Bottle
Mug, Bowl, Fork, Spoon
Plastic, lightweight for mountain
Crocs
Or other lightweight sandals
Sunscreen and Lip Block
Water Purification Tablets
Wet Wipes
Travel Towel
Personal First Aid Kit
Passport
Credit / Debit Cards / Cash
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers for a welcome briefing. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
- All accommodation and catering throughout itinerary
- Handpicked Adventure Base group leader
- Local, experienced Argentinian guides
- In-country logistics support throughout
- Group airport transfers from Mendoza airport to the hotel
- Aconcagua climbing permit worth 900USD (Any increase in cost not included)
- All road transport by private vehicles for our group
- Mix of fresh and imported food, cooked by guides on the mountain
- Emergency oxygen at each camp
- 1-night in Mendoza - before and after the hike
- Pre-hike dinner
- Post-hike celebration dinner
- Base camp services
- Porters and chefs
- 15-days on Aconcagua
What's not Included?
- Visa – not required by UK Citizens. Please check with your own Argentine Embassy if not traveling from the UK
- Personal travel insurance
- Any medical costs incurred by you, or costs associated with a medical incident, such as your evacuation from the mountain and/ or hospitalisation (for which you should have travel insurance)
- Optional trips or excursions
- Tips for local staff and guides
- Flights
- Personal porters
- Cost for base camp service (meals and tents) for special cases.
- Drinks during the programme
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having a comfortable base on this trip. That's why we've chosen comfortable set ups in the camps and a nice hotel in Mendoza to rest up in-between your time on the mountains.
Mendoza hotels
Two nights in nice comfortable Mendoza hotels on a twin room shared basis with others on the same trip. One night in a mountain ski lodge. Five days in tents at base camp and eleven days in double occupancy tents on the mountain.
Wine, beer, and bottled drinks available at additional expense. Mountain food will be a mixture of cooked dishes and prepared dry bag mixes.
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Duration
19 nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Single and double available
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required. Please note: We intend to keep the itinerary but this can be adjusted due to conditions and weather, in order to facilitate the best summit chance for you.
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Day 1:
Meet At Airport
Meet at Heathrow and fly to Mendoza, Argentina
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Day 2:
Arriver in Mendoza
Get off the plane and meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel. Conduct a kit check which provides a chance to buy any forgotten items. We'll also have assistance with any currency exchange in Mendoza.
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Day 3:
Transfer from Mendoza to Penitentes
After collecting climbing permits from the government office, we will be transferred to our next hotel in Pentitentes (twin rooms), close to the start of the trail to base camp.
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Day 4:
Hike day 1 - Penitentes to Confluencia Camp
After a short transfer to Horcones, we will begin our hike from the head of the trail to Confluencia Camp, where we will be based for 2-nights.
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Day 5:
Hike day 2 - Visit the South Face of Aconcagua!
We will take an acclimatisation hike to Plaza Francia where we will find the impressive huge south face of Aconcagua. We will then return to camp for a second night.
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Day 6:
Hike day 3 - Confluencia Camp to Plaza de Mulas
After a hearty breakfast we will begin the long walk up the hugely impressive Horcones Valley. This 8-10 hour hike will take us to our base camp at Plaza de Mulas where we can begin to think about acclimatisation rotations and the summit itself!
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Day 7:
Hike day 4 - Acclimatisation Day
We will head out on a short day trek to a local summit above base camp (specific summit to be determined based on local weather and ground conditions)
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Day 8:
Hike day 5 - Rest Day
Today will be about chilling at base camp. Rest and refuel for the following days to higher camps. Perhaps you could take the opportunity to visit the highest contemporary art gallery in the world!
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Day 9:
Hike day 6 - Plaza de Mulas to Camp Canada (Camp 1)
Today we will begin our first acclimatisation rotation by hiking up to Camp 1. We will be carrying heavier packs today as we transport essential kit up the mountain in preparation for the summit attempt.
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Day 10:
Hike day 7 - Camp Canada to Nido de Condores (Camp 2) and back to Plaza de Mulas
We will hike c.4hrs further up the mountain to aid acclimatisation and to transport kit to camp 2. After a rest at camp 2, we will return all the way back to the more oxygen-rich air at Base Camp
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Day 11:
Hike day 8 - Rest Day
This day will be used to allow the body to recuperate after 2 days of tough ascent to higher altitudes. Bring a book :)
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Day 12:
Hike day 9 - Plaza de Mulas to Nido de Condores (Camp 2)
We will depart Base Camp to begin our ascent to the summit of South America! Arriving at Camp 2 we will pitch the tents and rest for the night (enjoying one of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see!)
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Day 13:
Hike day 10 - Nido de Condores to Camp Colera (Camp 3)
We will break camp and continue our progress up the mountain to Camp 3. After pitching the tents and having dinner, we will have an early night to rest before the summit attempt.
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Day 14:
Hike day 11 - Summit day!
Getting up early, we will have a light breakfast before heading up under the light of our head torches. This long day will see us reach 6,960m and the summit of Aconcagua! We will then return to Camp 3 for a well earned rest.
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Day 15:
Hike day 12 - Colera Camp to Plaza de Mulas
After breaking camp we will descend all the way back down to Base Camp where we will have a celebratory meal (and maybe beers ;)
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Day 16:
Hike day 13 - Contingency Day 1
This day is reserved in case of bad weather or if extra acclimatisation is required before attempting to reach the summit.
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Day 17:
Hike day 14 - Contingency Day 2
This is the second day reserved in case of bad weather or if extra acclimatisation is required before attempting to reach the summit.
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Day 18:
Hike day 15 - Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes and transfer to Mendoza
A very long day of hiking back down the Horcones Valley and to our transfer vehicle back to civilisation in Mendoza. Steak and Malbec dinner perhaps ;)
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Day 19:
Celebration dinner in Mendoza
Our local mountain guide will take us to the best places in Mendoza with perhaps a celebration barbecue at his house!
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Day 20:
Transfer to airport
We will check out of the hotel and be transferred to the airport for our departure from Argentina and back home.
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Day 21:
Arrive Home
Hug your loved ones!
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
Aconcagua: How fit do I need to be?
Although technically easy, Aconcagua is physically very demanding. The extreme altitude, heavy packs and harsh environment means you will have Read more
Although technically easy, Aconcagua is physically very demanding. The extreme altitude, heavy packs and harsh environment means you will have to do a fair amount of training prior to the expedition. Long days in the hills with a 15kg rucksack is the best training supplemented by aerobic training (running or cycling) and some lower body strength training.
What kind of footwear do I need?
You’ll need some sturdy trail shoes to get you up the first few days, followed by your double mountaineering Read more
You’ll need some sturdy trail shoes to get you up the first few days, followed by your double mountaineering boots such as La Sportiva G2 SM. Crocs are also recommended to wear around camp.
When is it usually climbed?
Being in the southern hemisphere, the climbing season is best from December through March. However, the weather can be extremely Read more
Being in the southern hemisphere, the climbing season is best from December through March. However, the weather can be extremely cold and windy anytime.
Will the guides be European or Local?
We will use some brilliant local Argentinian guides to work together with our Adventure Base expedition leader. Each trip has Read more
We will use some brilliant local Argentinian guides to work together with our Adventure Base expedition leader. Each trip has a leader that is well known to us and is super experienced. They will be your point of contact throughout the trip.
Meet your guides for this adventure
Stuart
UK Guide
Stuart has over 20 years of experience in the UK and further afield. Stuart's exceptional knowledge of the UK outdoor adventure scene is unrivalled and his attention to detail on each trip makes all of our UK adventures feel special. Stuart's energy is contagious and his passion for adventure is always firing at 100%! And there's nothing he likes more than a nice cold beer at the end of the day.
Ben
Mountain Leader
Ben is a fully qualified British UIMLA International Mountain Leader with Swiss and French equivalence and he is also a fully-qualified Swiss Brevet Fédéral Ski Instructor and an ISIA card holder and an accomplished outdoor educator and a qualified Outdoor Education and Geography teacher. He has been based in the Alps for a long time and has extensive knowledge on a whole variety of treks and adventures. Ben brings a whole bunch of experience to our guiding team, having worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance trek with our community.
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Aconcagua trip is rated Level C, for accomplished adventurers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure.
- Little / no prior experience
- Usually less then a week in distance
- No technical skills required
- Basic level of fitness
More your level?
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing.
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more 'aggressive' environments
- Moderate fitness
- Some basic skills
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain.
- You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer.
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
- Fit & Strong
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level D
For the pros
- Ready to test those learnt skills on the next challenge
- Comfortable in most types of environments
- Very fit
- Some level of technical skills
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there.
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Good experience
- Very fit
More your level?
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Aconcagua
Climb Aconcagua, the highest peak in the South American Andes, and the highest peak outside of Asia at 6962m. Tick off one of the seven summits in the stunning Mendoza range of Argentina. Go get that summit!
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27th Nov - 17th Dec 2022
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Level C
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€
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READY TO CLIMB ACONCAGUA?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
Deposit/Book Now