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Aconcagua Flash™ – Polish Traverse

The roof of America. The Temple of the Incas. In just 14 days.

Acclimatization for this expedition is already done at home. While a traditional Aconcagua expedition takes around 3 weeks, our Flash™ Expedition saves time and additionally increases safety and chances of success. (14 days only)

The Aconcagua with its 6962 m, is the highest mountain of the American continent and one of the Seven Summits. From the natives referred to as “The Stone Sentinel”, rises in the west of Argentina in the province of Mendoza. He is also part of the Andean mountain chain that separates Argentina and Chile and is surrounded by beauteous landscape.

But its significance is not just of geographical and historical nature: The Incas, the most powerfull of the Andean dwellers, considered the Aconcagua as temple which is demonstrated by the abundance of art pieces, religious items and even mumies found that show a relation to the mountain.

Relatively early, the Aconcagua became also relevant in mountaineering: In 1882 the first expedition to the so called “Roof of America” was launched and until today, the Aconcagua is a popular target for mountaineers and adventurers from all over the world. Especially its relative technical simplicity paired with its high altitude of almost 7000 m, makes the Aconcagua a perfect preparation mountain for the easier 8000ers of the Himalaya.

It is quite busy at the Roof of America. But for those who can refrain from its well-trodden paths and wander its thoughts over the unending expanses of the Andes, the Aconcagua hasn’t lost much of its appeal and beauty that must have already compelled the Incas.

To raise the chances of success for a summit, we begin with the acclimatization process via hypoxic tents at the members’ home, 4 weeks prior to our actual departure to Nepal. Those tents are going to be set up by our experts and under their supervision, the expedition members body will slowly be acclimatized to a height that is equivalent to around 5000m altitude. Furtenbach Adventures is using hypoxic tents since almost two decades and we have a long experience with these means of acclimatization for high altitude mountaineering. In 2016, our team was the first successful Everest expedition, where all members where pre-acclimatized with hypoxic tents. This decreased the time we had to acclimatize at the mountain significantly, before we could start our ascent to the summit. After reaching the summit, we were also the only team that was able to descend in one go to Camp 2. This higher performance capacity contributes largely to the safety aspect, thanks to proper pre-acclimatization.

Adventure Factor spirited
Experience / Emotion thrilling
Fitness / Struggle workout
Risk feel free to tell your partner about it
Comfort comfy expedition style

Highlights:

  • The highest mountain of the American continent
  • Stunning 360° route
  • Individual support by our certified mountain guide (only 3-4 people per guide)
  • Helicopter transportation (Basecamp)
  • Perfect acclimatization in hypoxic tents and shortened length of expedition
  • Travelling through the beautiful scenery of the Andean region

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Prior to the registration for the Aconcagua Flash™ expedition, a personal talk is required.

Preparation:

In order to enable an expedition in such a short time frame, appropriate preparation is vital. The preparation starts with an individual consultation talk, where goals and training topics are defined. Every member must have comprehensive mountain experience in high altitudes. Fitness and mental resilience must be trained intensively during the months prior to the expedition. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of careful acclimatization. This will take place at the members home via hypoxic tents: every member will receive an individual training schedule and will be acclimatized in 3 weeks prior to the expedition. As a result the total duration of the expedition can be limited to 14 days. If you have any questions, read our FAQs or contact us directly.

An expedition does not end on summit day!

We know that mountaineers simply want to go home after many days in the mountains and the exhausting summit day. But the mountain is the same size – no matter if you go up or down. That’s why returning to Mendoza takes time. Please read this carefully:

The weather days built into the expedition are extra days. Be aware that the exact date of the return to Mendoza depends on your summit attempt and not on a given date. Take into consideration that if these extra days are not used in the field, you will be responsible for your lodging.

The exact schedule and route will depend on the weather and snow conditions and may be subject to change. In addition, keep in mind that we are in a very remote area where our freedom of movement may be limited at any time due to governmental or environmental restrictions. The schedule of other groups is taken into account in order to avoid any potential traffic jams. The expedition may therefore take longer if conditions require it. Any additional costs are to be borne by the members. Due to data protection regulations in the EU, flights which have been booked by the members themselves can only be rebooked by the members themselves, as the airlines do not provide any information to third parties.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1: Mendoza (760m).
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Get together with the mountain guide and other members, mutual briefing of the exact sequence of the upcoming days.

Day 2: Mendoza – Las Cuevas (3151m).
Transfer from Mendoza to Las Cuevas. Last preparations for our climb (as for example collection of the permit). Dinner and overnight in Las Cuevas (flight to the basecamp this day if the conditions are good)

Day 3: Las Cuevas – Basecamp Plaza Argentina (4200m).
Transfer to the entrance of the Horcones Valley Park and helicopter flight to the Plaza Argentina (if not already yesterday). Rest of the day for relaxation and settling in to the basecamp life.

Day 4: Plaza Argentina – Camp 1 – Plaza Argentina (4200m).
Today we are off! Ascent to Camp 1 (4877m) through a stunning landscape following the 360° route. After arriving we enjoy the first high camp and then return to basecamp for sleeping.

Day 5: Plaza Argentina – Camp 1 (4877m).

Day 6: Gear transport Camp 1- Camp 2 (5456m).

Day 7:  Camp 1 – Camp 2 (5456m).
Ascent from Camp 1 to Camp 2 (5456m). We will settle in Camp 2 – sourrounded by stunning scenery.

Day 8: Spare day for bad weather or for relaxation at Camp 2 to charge our batteries for the following days.

Day 9: Camp 2 – Camp 3 (6000m).
Todays ascent from Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6000m) leads us back to the normal route and over a glacier field. Early dinner this evening to catch enough sleep for our summit day.

Day 10: Camp 3 – Summit (6962) – Camp 3
The summit awaits us! We start rather early and approach the highest point of Southern America meter by meter. Finally on top of the Aconcagua, we enjoy this wonderful moment and let our gaze wander over the incredible panorama: the Andes with glacier fields, deserts and even the pacific ocean, if the weather allows.

Day 11: Camp 3 – Basecamp Plaza de Mulas

Day 12: Basecamp – Penitentes – Mendoza
A helicopter takes us back to the entrance of the park and a van to Mendoza. Back in the town we can relax and have a cold beer to celebrate our success on Aconcagua.

Day 13: Spare days for bad weather.
We advise you to book a flexible return flight so if everything goes according to plan, you can already depart earlier.

Day 14: Adiós Argentina! Individual flight back home or to an ongoing Destination.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Organization of the expedition
  • High altitude generator and tent for 4 weeks prior to the expedition
  • Certified mountain guide
  • Helicopter transfer from the entrance of Horcones Valley Park – Basecamp – entrance (depending on weather and other conditions)
  • 2 nights in a single room in an upscale hotel in Mendoza with breakfast
  • The other included accommodations are double or triple occupancy (depending on availability).
  • 1 night in Las Cuevas with breakfast and dinner
  • Equipment at the basecamps (sleeping and dining tents, etc.)
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • All transfers (jeep / private shuttle)
  • Full board while at basecamp and high camps
  • Entrance fee for the Aconcagua Provincial Park
  • Permit for the climb of Aconcagua
  • Private Transfers as stated in the itinerary
  • Porter (1 porter/person)
  • Mules from Penitentes to basecamp and back (25kg personal gear / member)
  • Satellite communication for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging and radios
  • Medical emergency oxygen
  • Emergency medicine, pulse oximeter
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

help_outline Optional:

  • Rental oxygen system for the summit day (2 bottles of oxygen, rental mask and regulator): € 1.700,-

highlight_off  Not included:

  • International Airfare (ask for an offer)
  • Personal insurance
  • Shipping costs for high altitude generator and tent outside of the EU and US
  • Personal medicine
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
    Tips
  • Additional helicopter flights
  • Additional porters for personal gear
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • All not specifically mentioned included services as well as costs that occur due to leaving the expedition earlier than the group

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization and recommend the possibility of pre-acclimatization in a high altitude tent at home (see also FAQ).

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure whether taking part in an expedition is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us at Tel +43 512 204134 or per email [email protected] for an answer to this question during a personal interview!

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

These special preparations, combined with small groups, best oxygen-support, the latest equipment, an experienced team and our vast organizational experiences allow a total expedition duration of only 14 days.

Since decades, the fundamental techniques, equipment, high-altitude medicine and weather forecasts have been developed over time. The climbing tactics however have remained the same as they were in the 1970s. We are about to change that by providing a modern climbing alternative which meets the current state of the art and respects the general principles of safety.

As oxygen system, we rely on Summit Oxygen, the latest, lightest and most reliable of all systems on the market. Our members will receive special regulators that have been customized for us and are able to deliver more oxygen than common regulators. An oxygen flow rate of up to 8 liters / minute is possible.

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Argentina:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. Visa-free entry is possible for tourist purposes for up to 90 days.

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty/ Technique

The ascent always lies in the member‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that members adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each member must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 vertical meters per day should not be a problem for you. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each member undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

check_box  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of a high mountain! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in one of our Seven Summit expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure…………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure…………………….. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)………100%
on the day of departure………………………………… 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.

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