Mt. Aconcagua
Aconcagua Expedition
Mt Aconcagua with the height of 6962m, in Argentina near its border with Chile, and the tallest mountain in South America continent. Not only that, the mountain has several other distinctions such as:
- It’s the highest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres
- It’s the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas &
- It’s the second tallest mountain among the 7-Summits, after Mt.Everest
The climb of Mt.Aconcagua is a fantastic experience. One gets to see the best of the South American cultures and an imposing extreme high altitude climb that is a few meters short of 7000m. This peak often serves as a penultimate peak before one can climb the mighty 8000m peaks.
who can
Climb?
Climbing Mt.Aconcagua is an extremely challenging peak that tests the climber in all aspects. Though a non-technical climb, the sheer altitude of the peak along with the extreme high winds and rocky terrain, poses a challenge like no other.
To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of pre-requisites that are required to climb Mt.Aconcagua:
Physical Fitness:
Climbers are expected to have an exceptional level of physical fitness. Consistent, structured training specific to mountaineering over a period of 8-12 months will be an absolute requirement for anyone looking to climb this peak. One must be able to trek 6-8 hrs comfortably carrying a backpack weighing 10-15 kgs.
Mountaineering Experience:
Prior mountaineering experience will be essential for climbing Mt.Aconcagua. It is required by the climbers to have done several high altitude treks /climbs (3000m-5000m) before attempting this peak. For those who have already done a 6000m peak, will have an added advantage. Climebers are expected to be well versed in layering, acclimatization, camp-life & ability to stay in an alpine environment for 3-4 weeks.
Please check out our ‘Training’ page for custom programs for your climbs.
Itinerary
Arrival in Medoza
We shall receive you at the airport in Mendoza (760m) and transfer to the hotel. Our guide will meet you at the hotel and brief you about the upcoming climb. You will spend the reminder of the time by visiting the local places of interest. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Drive to Penitentes
Today we get on a 3-hr drive to Penitentes (2580m), a mountain village. Post lunch, we shall go on a short acclimatisation hike. Overnight stay in Lodge.
Hiking Period to Base Camp
Post an early breakfast, we take quick drive from the lodge to be dropped off at the trailhead at Horcones Valley. From here we start our 3-4hr long hike to reach our first camp at Confluencia (3390m). The next morning we take an acclimatization hike to 4050m and return to Confluencia. On day 5 we hike to the base camp at Plaza de Mulas (4350m)
Rest & Load Ferry to Camp – 1
Today we take a complete day-off to allow our body to rest and recover from the hiking of the past few days. On Day-7 we go on an acclimatization hike to the nearby hill of Cerro Bonete (5004m). On Day-8 We carry the gear to Plaza Canadá (5050 m), our high camp. We drop the gear and return to the base camp, with the total time of 3-4hrs.
Rest Day
Rest day in Plaza de Mulas.
Move to Camp – 2
We hike from Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canadá (5050 m), which take about 3-4 hrs.
Climb to Camp – 3
The climb from Plaza Canadá to Nido de Cóndores (5560 m) will take about 3-4 hrs with a heavy packs of 18-20 kg.
Climb to Camp – 4
The hike from Nido de Cóndores to Cólera (5970 m) will take about 3-4 hrs.
Summit Day
Summit day! We take an early start to reach the summit and back. It will take a total time of 8-12 hrs.
Reserve Days & Return to Base Camp
Reserve days are allotted for any inclement weather. We descend in about 2-4hrs from Camp-4 Cólera, all the way down to the base camp at Plaza de Mulas.
Descend to Horocones and Drive to Hotel
We start our trekn from Plaza de Mulas to Horcones valley, lasting about 6-7 hrs. This is followed by a 3-4 hour drive to the hotel.
Drop off at Air Port.
Enquire Here!
Mount Aconcagua
Overview
Cost Includes
- Hotel accommodation in Mendoza as indicated in the itinerary, on twin sharing basis.
- 1 night of lodging in Penitentes (dinner and breakfast included).
- Full board during the expedition (all the meals while in the Park, meals in Mendoza not included).
- Fully certified, English speaking guides.
- All shared gear for the expedition (sleeping tents, stoves and cooking gear, radio, etc).
- Complete base camp services (dining tents, bathrooms, meals, storage).
- Free internet at BC (limitations apply).
- Loads transportation in mules, to and from base camp.
- All the transfers in licensed, private shuttles.
- Permanent VHF radio communication.
- We provide our guides with professional first aids kits and pulse oximeters for daily updates of acclimatization progress.
- Assistance with climbing permit procedure.
Cost Excludes
- Mt. Aconcagua State Park climbing permit.
- Personal porters.
- In case the climbers descend early, they will incur extra hotel fees.
- Any cost incurred by the climber if she or he leaves the trip early (such as mules, transfers, guide, etc).
- Meals in Mendoza.
- Drinks in Mendoza and Penitentes.
- Personal gear, medications, ground or air evacuations, room services, laundry, beverages, phone communications and items of personal nature, insurance liability, hospitalization or medication of any kind, any other service not mentioned in this condition sheet.
- Any cost incurred by the climber if she or he leaves the trip early (such as mules, hotels, transfers, guide, etc). We strongly recommend all participants to buy a trip cancelation insurance.
Climbing Mt.Aconcagua requires a structured level of preparation. A good way to train for the climb is to start working on your basic cardiovascular fitness supplemented by a simple strength program. Going on regular hikes (6-7 hrs) on local trails about 1-2 times a month will be a great way to condition yourself for the climb.
Our decades of experience in the mountains have helped us prepare the perfect training programs for people coming from diverse backgrounds. For tailor made training plans for your ascent of Mt.Aconcagua, head to our ‘Training’ page.
Climbing Mt.Aconcagua requires all the gear required to climb a 7000m peak. Based on our experience, we have carefully selected the following list that is suitable for this climb. We just like to add one golden rule in the aspect of purchasing equipment/gear i.e., “Try before you buy.”
Travel Details
Climbers are suggested to arrive 1-2 days before the start date of the expedition. This allows ample time to recover from any jetlag and settle in the local city. The return ticket may be an ‘open ticket’ or 1-2 days after the last day of the expedition.
Insurance
It is mandatory for every climber to have insurance that covers medical emergency & evacuation during the full duration of the expedition. Along with that, we also highly recommend ‘trip cancellation insurance for any eventuality. Having such insurance will ensure that you as a climber are covered from all aspects.
Currency
Shilling will be used for doing all the local transactions throughout Tanzania. One can withdraw the same from the ATMs/Banks. And alternatively, carrying USD will be of great value, as pretty much everyone accepts them without any hesitation.
Visa
We provide full support in the form of supporting documentation and all the necessary communication required for the processing of your visa.
Can I climb Mt.Aconcagua as my first peak?
Mt.Aconcagua is a very challenging peak and it is not recommended for first-time climbers. Aspiring climbers are required to have atleast 2-3 climbs/treks varying between 3000-5000m. Having climbed a sub 6000m peak will be an added advantage.
Booking Policy
A booking fee of USD $1000 will be required to confirm your trip for an upcoming season. This fee is non-refundable but transferable. Please refer to our detailed booking policy sent to you on request.
Payment Policy
Convenient part payment options are available for this trip. However, the complete payment has to be made on or before 10 days before the start of the itinerary.
Transfer Policy
Incase for any reason your trip has to be transferred to the next season, the same can be done within the ‘Transfer period’ for each trip.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policies are customer-friendly and can be easily availed within the ‘cancellation period’ of each trip. Please note that the cancellation will be subject to prevalent conditions.
For a detailed list of all the policies, please write to us at info@transadventures.com
highlights from
Previous Expeditions
Why
Transcend Adventures?
Safety
Safety is the highest priority in our expeditions. When we say safety, we just don’t mean climbing. Right from the food you eat at our camps, to all the tiny pieces of rope & hardware, & our mountain/expedition guides are the best in class. All these will ensure the safest climbing experience.
Guide / Sherpa
Our Mountain Guides are of the finest in the region. They form the backbone of all our expeditions. Highly experienced, they bring all of it to your table, so that you’ll enjoy the best of climbing experience on the big mountains.
Success Rate
Honestly, it’s an open secret that the above two aspects of safety and hospitality have been propelling our clients to the top of every summit. With over 90 summits to Everest and another 200 summits covering all the 7-Summits, we let the numbers speak our success.
Base Camp Services
Our base camp services across the globe are unrivaled! For us, a base camp is a “Home away from home”. Whether you’re from the west or the east, we ensure that we serve you your native food on a daily basis. With a host of custom packages to choose from, we’re certain that you will not miss the comfort of your home!
Exclusive Doctor
An experienced high altitude medical doctor is always with us during every expedition to Mt.Everest. He/she is always available at the Base Camp/ Advanced Base Camp for any medical related concern, however small the condition is. Well, in the mountains it’s the small things that matter the most!
Weather Forecast
The weather plays the single most important factor on your probability of reaching the summit. We have 3 independent weather forecasts from the most reliable weather forecasters that ensure that we pick the most safest weather window for your summit attempt.