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.
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.
DAY ONE:
Meet At Airport
Meet at Heathrow and fly to Mendoza, Argentina
DAY TWO:
Arrive 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.
DAY THREE:
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.
DAY FOUR:
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.
DAY FIVE:
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.
DAY SIX:
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!
DAY SEVEN:
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)
DAY EIGHT:
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!
DAY NINE:
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.
DAY TEN:
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
DAY ELEVEN:
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 🙂
DAY TWELVE:
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 that you will ever see!)
DAY THIRTEEN:
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.
DAY FOURTEEN:
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.
DAY FIFTEEN:
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 😉
DAY SIXTEEN:
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.
DAY SEVENTEEN:
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.
DAY EIGHTEEN:
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 😉
DAY NINETEEN:
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!
DAY TWENTY:
Transfer to airport
We will check out of the hotel and be transferred to the airport for our departure from Argentina and back home.
DAY TWENTY-ONE:
Arrive Home
Hug your loved ones!