Overview
Cerro Aconcagua, the "The Sentinel of Stone", is the highest mountain of the American continent, one of the Seven Summits and the highest mountain outside Asia. Despite the altitude of 6962 meters above sea level, the normal route offers hardly any technical difficulties and the conditions for the Aconcagua ascent are above all fitness and stamina. After the pandemic, we had one expedition in early 2022, a normal season in 2022/23 with three expeditions, and now plan our 2023/24 climbs: Accompanied by a professional team, our expedition leads towards the Aconcagua summit, the roof of South America (Argentina, 16 days from/to Mendoza, international team).
Expedition leaders
Itinerary Aconcagua Expedition - Summit Trek
Aconcagua – Information
Aconcagua was first officially ascended in 1896/97 under the leadership of the Englishman Fitzgerald. However, the mountain was already known to the Incas (in 1985, sacrificial sites were discovered at over 5,000 meters), leading to speculation about an earlier, undocumented ascent. In Quechua, the language of the Incas, its name translates to "Watchtower of Stone," referring to the rocky landscape. This part of the Andes is marked by a harsh, dry terrain. Although Aconcagua is considered an easy climb via the normal route, it should not be underestimated, especially due to its extreme altitude.
Aconcagua trekking routes: There are two technically straightforward routes for the ascent: the Normal Route from the Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, and the False Polish Glacier Route from the Plaza Argentina Base Camp (the summit stage is roughly the same starting at around 6,400 meters). Another popular option is the 360° Traverse, which combines the Polish Route for the ascent and the Normal Route for the descent.
Our Aconcagua trip ascent follows the Normal Route, a technically straightforward path. With the most comfortable base camp and the shortest stages to the summit, the chances of success on this Aconcagua tour are very high. The advantages of the Normal Route include a less complicated retreat and descent to the base camp in case of emergency, a more comfortable and better-equipped base camp, and a shorter path to the summit. Technically the route is a simple trek.
However, nearly 7,000 meters is incredibly high. One of the main challenges is the low temperatures. With the right clothing and equipment, this is an achievable task. At the final camp, temperatures can drop to -20°C at night, and during the early ascent to the summit, we can expect temperatures as low as -25°C. The wind-chill factor, especially in strong storms, and the extreme altitude (oxygen deprivation) can make it feel even colder. In such conditions, reaching the summit may be impossible. The primary focus of our professional mountain guides is safety.
Why with SummitClimb?
Itinerary Aconcagua (17 Days)
Arrival in Mendoza, latest around midday. One of our staff meets you, followed by private transfer from the airport to the hotel. The team leader will check your personal equipment. If necessary there will be time to buy or rent missing equipment. This evening we have dinner together, whereby the meeting with the SummitClimb team takes place. Overnight stay at the ***hotel B/HB.
In the morning we drive together to the park administration. Here we apply for the permit for the Aconcagua ascent and register for the tour. According to Mendoza's government law, the permit must be obtained personally and we will assist you in filling out the appropriate forms. We continue to Puente del Inca. Overnight stay at the hostel B/FB.
After the transfer to the national park gate we hike to Confluencia. This stage has only small differences in altitude to cope with. Nevertheless, we take our time and walk at a moderate pace. After about 12 km we reach the camp Confluencia at 3300 m altitude, about 4-5 hours walking time. Campsite tent, B/L/D.
Today we go for an acclimatization hike to the impressive "South Face" (Plaza Francia) of Aconcagua: the 3000 m high south wall, the steep south summit and on the right the main summit, the highest point of the American continent. Here is the base camp for the ascent of the south face of the Aconcagua. After a delicious lunch with a fantastic view we return to Confluencia camp. Campsite tent, B/L/D.
After breakfast we leave Confluencia and make our way to the higher basecamp Plaza de Mulas. The hike leads us through a desert-like and slightly ascending terrain. A steep final ascent announces that we will soon reach the base camp. This 20 km long stage has numerous brook crossings and narrow paths. In the Plaza de Mulas we meet other international expeditions at a large tent, walking time approx. 8 hours, 900 m. Overnight in base camp, full board B/L/D.
Rest day and training: We hike to the glacier to practice the use of crampons and familiarize ourselves with the material. Overnight in base camp / full board B/L/D.
To acclimatize we climb slowly and comfortably to the altitude of 5000m. A good acclimatization stimulus before we return to base camp. An acclimatization hike to Mount Bonete is an alternative tour. Overnight in base camp / full board B/L/D.
Rest day. This also helps with further acclimatisation. Relax in the base camp with good food, tea, mate and coffee, water and juices. Overnight in tent - base camp / full board B/L/D.
After breakfast we ascend to Plaza Canada. We already feel the better acclimatization. In about 3-4 hours we should have reached the camp. The group equipment for camping is brought by high-altitude porters. We relax the rest of the day. Overnight at campsite, B/ snacks /D.
The next camp is 3-4 hours away. We gain altitude steadily. As soon as we arrive at the camp, our team starts cooking water and preparing the meal. There may be snow on the way and in the camp. Overnight at campsite, B/ snacks /D.
A day at this altitude helps us to adapt (acclimatize) for the next ascent.
We hike to the last camp before the summit. This day we adjust to the weather forecast that we will spend only one night in the exposed altitude. We go to sleep early, because the next morning is the most exhausting day. Overnight in a tent / full board.¨
The summit day to Aconcagua (6962m) starts early from the last camp. At this altitude temperatures are below freezing and warm, windproof and waterproof clothing is essential. Depending on the wind and the weather, we get up between 2 and 3 a.m. and head for the summit around 4 a.m. The route leads over moderately steep terrain with loose scree to the Canaleta, a gully that leads to the summit of Aconcagua.
At the summit of Aconcagua you will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the Andes chain to the Pacific Ocean. After the summit success we descend to Camp Berlin, if possible further down. For the ascent and descent Cholera - Aconcagua Peak - Cholera we count 10-12 hours.
The day after the Aconcagua ascent we reach the base camp (if not reached before). It is time to rest and to sort out the equipment. A hearty summit meal is waiting for us. Overnight in tent, base camp / full board.
Descent to Confluencia via the ascent route. Return to Mendoza and a farewell dinner together. ***hotel B/B.
We're planning a reserve day in case of bad weather. If we climb Aconcagua in time, we can use the day in Mendoza or its surroundings known for wonderful wine (costs of this day are not included in the program) ***hotel B/B.
Transfer to Mendoza airport, onward journey or flight home from Mendoza.
Prepare
Trek or expedition : Although technically just a “trek” (i.e. a hike lasting several days), the camp set-up, the altitude and possible complications have a lot of expedition character. So it is good to feel that you are in safe hands. Our team has plenty of expedition experience. After registration you will receive a first briefing for further preparation and before registering you should inform yourself about the requirements for participation. From the basic price for experienced mountaineers to full-service participation, we offer plenty of flexibility to reach the summit together as a strong team.
About Aconcagua
✪ one of the Seven Summits
✪ Conditions: Extreme altitude, relatively dry, cold and windy.
Temperatures
✪ On the summit walk down to - 25°C / with wind chill down to - 40°C
Gear & Rental
✪ Equipment can be rented in Mendoza. Prior registration is recommended.
Downloads
Participation requirements
Voraussetzungen für eine erfolgreiche Besteigung sind eine sehr gute Kondition und Ausdauer, körperliche Robustheit, ein guter Gesundheitszustand, Teamgeist und selbständiges Wandern am Berg. Höhenerfahrung über 5000m ist hilfreich und wird empfohlen.
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Technical requirements
The normal route over the north-west flank has no technical difficulties. Hence, you need no experience in rock or ice climbing. Depending on the current condition of the route, crampons and ropes may be used to secure the route. Such decisions will be made by our SummitClimb mountain guides.
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Physical requirements
On the technically easy normal route (north-west flank), in addition to the inevitable good physical condition, psychological strength and a strong will are also required. The biggest challenge during this expedition are the effects of high altitude on the body. Our program is structured in such a way that we attach great importance to the correct acclimatization process and altitude tactics, and provide a very experienced high-altitude mountaineer as a tour guide.
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Recommondations
To climb Kilimanjaro tour is an ideal preliminary stage for Aconcagua. But of course, mountaineers may also test themselves in high-altitude mountaineering directly at the highest mountain of South America.
Häufige Fragen zur Aconcagua Besteigung
Your backpack will never weigh more than 12-15 kg (joining fullservice). We prepared our itinerary in a way so your equipment is split in 2 loads to be taken up in 2 different days. This way you don’t have to carry so much weight
I still think 12 kg is too much. Can I hire a porter to carry my equipment?
Of course, no problem. If you feel you will not be able to carry your equipment, you can easily hire a porter. This must be ordered in advance.
It is very easy to rent equipment in Mendoza. Check out the list of equipment needed before buying anything. However if this is the case, we recommend you to arrive at least a day before the arrival date so you have enough time to rent whatever you need. Rentals can be paid in dollars or pesos. Prices vary, but they should around (price for a 20 day trip):
- Goretex jacket U$67.00
- Trekking poles (pair) U$30.00
- Double plastic boots U$115.00
- Hiking boots U$55.00
- Duffel bag U$30.00
- Fleece Jacket U$30.00
- Down Jacket U$97.00
- Mattress U$24.00
- Crampons U$49.00
- Gloves polartec U$15.00
- Mountain sunglasses U$30.00
- Mitens U$42.00
- Rucksack U$55.00
- Pants polartec U$30.00
- Pants goretex U$55.00
- Piolet/Ice axe U$49.00
- Gaiters U$24.00
- Down Sleeping bag (-30°C) U$127.00
You might have to spend money on dinner and lunch in Mendoza, equipment rentals, telephone bills, internet, showers, porters, tips, etc. You might also have extra expenses in case you decide to abandon the mountain. We recommend you to bring a total of $1,500 to US$ in US 2,500 currency for the whole trip. Please check the expenditure list:
- Climbing permit (non latin americans): U$ 800
- Dinner and lunch in Mendoza (average of 3): U$ 100
- Equipment rentals (average, if any): U$ 500
- Cost of abandoning trip: U$ 550
- Average porter expenditure (if any): U$ 220
Aconcagua porters are unionised and are certainly the most expensive porters in the world! For a 20kg load they charge:
- Plaza de Mulas to Plaza Canada: U$130
- Plaza de Mulas to Nido de Cóndores: U$220
- Plaza de Mulas to Colera: U$290
Full package: 20kg > Plaza de Mulas > Canada > Nido > Colera > Plaza de Mulas: U$990
Our leader Maximo Kausch has extensive experience in mountain medicine and can solve most of problems you might encounter. in addition, we have doctor at BC and Confluencia. Helicopter rescues can be performed at Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas and Nido de Condores (depending upon weather conditions).
Overview of possible costs in case of accident / trip interruption at Aconcagua:
- Trekking BC-Mendoza, individual: 300.- USD
- Costs for helicopter, from BC, not medically related: 2,500.- USD
- Fees for rescue team and medical care on the mountain
- Hospital bills, etc.
- Hotel nights in Mendoza, approx. USD 100.- per night (single)
- Rebooking costs for international flight: approx. USD 800.-
International health insurance is mandatory for participation. It is important to note the clauses for sports and altitude to ensure that cover exists. All services must be paid directly in Argentina (emergency contact of the insurance company or privately by the participant).
Yes! our guides carry sat phones at all times and you can easily make emergencies phone calls for U$3/minute. Recently a mobile phone antenna has been installed at BC. Its power however is a little unreliable (generator and solar power) and one shouldn’t fully rely on this type of communication. Our guides carry VHF radios and can communicate between camps at any time.
In fact anyone can get to the summit of Aconcagua without climbing anything technical. There are no technical steps on the normal route of Aconcagua. We are however talking about a 7000 metre peak and anything can happen. Several unprepared climbers lost their lives due to relatively simple mistakes. Please read all information before attempting any high altitude mountain.
All group equipment is purchased, carried, cleaned and assembled by our guides and porters (for fullserevice-participation), you don’t have to worry about it.
To 6000m mountains, we recommend you start training at least three months before, depending on your physical condition. Aerobic exercises like running and cycling are very useful. Ideally ask a professional to recommend you a good aerobic training program. A very effective exercise is to go hiking with a rucksack on lower mountains. BEWARE of injuries! We have had some cases of clients who have trained too much and ended up hurting themselves.
Please tell us in advance about any food issues you might have and also please remind our guides about it too. Unless you bring your own food, we cannot help you if you are:
- macro-biotic
- vegan
- celiac
due to extreme logistical difficulties. Contact us and let us know about your food restriction.
It is almost certain that we will take at least one snowstorm. At normal summer conditions we might have fairly hot days during the approach and cloudy/windy afternoons. At basecamp weather is normally clear and warm during day time and drops to below zero overnight. So basically expect all possible conditions: rain, hail, wind, boiling hot days, freezing cold days, storms.
Testimonials
Experience & expertise: Our teams are international. Max, our organizer for Argentina, has diverse expedition experience from 8000m mountains in the Himalayas and is the expert for 6000m peaks in South America. He holds the world record for the most 6000m ascents. Max or one of our expedition leaders is personally on the mountain on most of our Aconcagua tours. If there are enough participants from German-speaking countries, German-speaking guides or one of our Swiss/German mountain guides also accompany the Aconcagua trekking. On average, around 75% of our participants reach the summit. This rate depends very much on the weather conditions - see also “Preparation”. Our international teams thrive on good teamwork, offer individual conditions of participation and are led by a very experienced expedition mountaineer.
Costs & Services
The ascent of Aconcagua via the normal route is a difficult altitude trekking. If you meet the requirements for participation (detailed information under Prepare), you are welcome to register online below. For groups of 4 up to 7 participants, an experienced EPGAMT/AAGM mountain guide will lead the expedition, for groups of 8 or more participants, one of our expedition leaders will also accompany the expedition. More experienced mountaineers can use our base camp logistics at a basic price. For full-service participants, we build up the entire camp chain with high-quality equipment and provide 1 mountain guide per 3 participants.
Basic package
The basic package includes following services:
- SummitClimb expedition leader
- Organization of the entire trip from/to Mendoza
- 3 nights with breakfast in Mendoza, ***Hotel in double/twin room
- Organization from Mendoza to base camp
- Transfers according to the program
- Transport of all our group equipment to the base camp
- Transport of 18 kg of personal luggage to the base camp
- The entire base camp equipment (double tent, food tent, toilet tent)
- Catering by kitchen team in the base camp, maximum 5 days.
- Medical service in Plaza de Mulas base camp
- Solar power system in base camp (usage for a fee)
- Advice on the ascent
Full-Service
Full-Service package "all-inclusive" on the mountain, additionally to all basic services included are:
- Supervision by SummitClimb expedition leader during the ascent
- EPGAMT mountain guide (ratio 1 guide per 3 clients)
- Organization of high camp setup, porters for group gear
- High-camp equipment: tents, stoves, gas, and pots
- Catering (simple food, and drinks) in the high camp
- Satellite telephone and emergency communications
- GPS Tracking and SPOT System
- Full first-aid kit, pulse oximeter
- Permit to climb Aconcagua for approx. US$ 800.-
- Personal equipment
- Private expenses (such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks, gifts etc.)
- Porters for personal gear
- Dinner/lunch in Mendoza
- Additional hotel accommodation (only 3 nights) in case of early arrival or return / on reserve days
- Personal travel insurance (health, accident, travel cancellation)
Book now
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