de
Adventures menu Adventures menu

Aconcagua Oxygen assisted

Aconcagua (6,962m) is the highest mountain of the American continent and one of the Seven Summits.

Supplemental oxygen can not only significantly increase your chances of summiting Aconcagua in a shorter period of time but also makes your experience much safer and more rewarding. High winds on summit day often make climbing without O2 extremely challenging. Supplemental oxygen provides an edge, allowing you to push through harsh conditions more effectively. The same trusted oxygen system used on Everest not only enhances safety but reducing the risks  associated with extreme altitude but also increases your chances of reaching the summit by reducing fatigue and boosting performance.

In 1882 the first expedition to the so called “Roof of America” was launched and until today, 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 7,000 m, makes the Aconcagua a perfect preparation mountain for the easier 8000ers.

See also our Aconcagua Flash™ expedition Polish Traverse route and the exclusive Flash™ Polish Glacier route.

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

Highlights:

  • The highest mountain of the American continent
  • Oxygen package included for summit day
  • Free RECAL High Altitude Breathwork Training
  • Training insights from Martin Zhor
  • Modern infrastructure in basecamp
  • Local partner with over 40 years of experience in organizing Aconcagua expeditions
  • Popular normal route with fixed departures
  • Discover our Flash™ Polish Traverse expedition and the exclusive Flash™ Polish Glacier expedition!

 

Trip dates:

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

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.

If a climber separates from his group and leaves sooner or later than the rest, it is his responsibility to bear the costs incurred.

Included in the program is one hotel night in Mendoza at the end of the program. This can only be used if the mountaineer returns to Mendoza with the lead guide.

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 following itinerary is planned:

Day 1 - 4: Journey to basecamp

Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza (760 m)
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is free to explore the many small cafés and the city. During the day, the guide will contact you to make an appointment for the equipment check and to collect the permits from the park office in Mendoza.
Hotel, (-/-/-)

Day 2: Mendoza – Penitentes – Horcones (2,950m) – Confluencia (3,390m)
Private transfer from Mendoza to our warehouse in Penitentes. (there are lockers and storage place available for our guests). You can have coffee and snacks while the guides get the mule loads ready. Another 15 minutes ride takes the team to Horcones. This is the trailhead and also where the Park rangers will check everybody’s permits. An easy hike (carrying only a daypack) leads to Confluencia, the first camp of the Horcones Valley routes.
Trek: 3-4 h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 3: Confluencia – South Face Viewpoint (Plaza Francia 4,050m)
Hike: 6-7h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 4: Confluencia – Basecamp Plaza de Mulas (4,350m)
After a demanding seven-hour trek we reach our well-equipped basecamp today.
Trek: 7-9h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 5 - 9: Acclimatization and ascent

Day 5: Rest day
A rest day is also important for acclimatization! You can spend the day exploring the basecamp, reading, sleeping or maybe even doing yoga in the heated community tent. But the most important thing: drink a lot!
Tent, (B/L/D)

Day 6: Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canadá (5,050m) – Plaza de Mulas
Today we bring some equipment to the first high camp at 5.050m. So we will have to tow less later and improve our acclimatization at the same time. Sleeping’s back at base camp.
Trek: 3-4h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 7: Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canadá (5,050m)
Today the team leaves basecamp and aims for the first high camp.
Trek: 2,5 – 3h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 8: Plaza Canada – Nido de Cóndores (5,560m)
Further ascent to the second high camp. Prepare for your backpack to weigh between 18-22kg!
Trek: 3-4h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 9: Nido de Cóndores – Summit day! (6.962m) – Plaza de Mulas
A long, exhausting but at the same time impressive summit day awaits us! We start very early to take full advantage of the day and carry only a light daypack with water, snacks, some clothes and the camera. After enjoying our summit moment, we return to Base Camp.
Trek: 10-12h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 10-11: Spare day, descent and return journey

Day 10: Extra weather day
In order to reduce the risk of bad weather, we have planned one extra summit day.

Day 11: Plaza de Mulas – Horcones – Los Penitentes – Mendoza
We’re going back to”civilization” today. Most of the luggage is carried by the mules again, leaving only a light daypack for us. In Horcones the van picks us up, we drive to Los Penitentes to pick up the rest of the luggage and from there to Mendoza. Return flight home late in the evening or Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the time at your disposal.
Trek: 6-7h, journey: 3-4h, hotel, (B/-/-)

check_circle_outline  What is Included:

  • Complete organization
  • 2 nights at a double room in Diplomatic Hotel in Mendoza
  • All meals while at the Aconcagua national park (meals in Mendoza not included)
  • Rental oxygen system for summit day: 2 oxygen cylinders, regulator, mask
  • Certified, english speaking mountain guide
  • All shared gear for the expedition (sleeping tents, stoves and cooking gear, radio, etc.)
  • Complete basecamp services (dining tents, bathrooms, meals, storage)
  • Loads transportation by mules to and from basecamp
  • Free internet at basecamp (limitations apply)
  • All the transfers in licensed, private shuttles
  • Emergency communication via satellite phone
  • First-aid-kit on the team
  • Pulse oximeter for checking the acclimatization process
  • Free RECAL High Altitude Breathwork Training
  • Training insights from Martin Zhor
  • High altitude porters for common gear
  • Assistance in getting the climbing permit
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

help_outline  Optional:

  • Single room in Mendoza
  • Additional night in Mendoza
  • Single room service (Hotel Mendoza (2 nights) and single tent up to Basecamp)
  • Personal porter (see “porters & permit”)

highlight_off  What is not included:

  • International flight to/from Mendoza
  • Mt. Aconcagua State Park climbing permit (see “porters & permits)
  • Personal porters
  • Meals in Mendoza
  • Drinks in Mendoza and Penitentes
  • Personal insurances
  • Tips
  • Personal equipment, medicine
  • All activities not mentioned in the program
  • Any cost incurred by the climber if s/he leaves the trip early (such as mules, transfers, guide, overnight, etc.). We strongly recommend all members to buy a trip cancellation insurance!

Porter

Each porter carries up to 20 kg, from BC to any given camp and down from high camp or camps between, to BC. The price includes 1 porter every 4 climbers, to carry 20 kg of common gear, only when the group moves from one camp to the next (not when the group carries gear to a cache and comes back to camp). Climbers who don’t want to carry weight can hire a personal porter, on a daily basis or for the whole trip.

Climbing Permit

In the last seasons Mt. Aconcagua State Park has not published the price of the climbing permit until the last weeks before the season. There are different prices, according to the climbing route, the date of the trip and the nationality of the climbers. Please refer to the official website for last season’s prices (www.aconcagua.mendoza.gov.ar).

info  General

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.
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.

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

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!

Note: Tour operator of this trip is Fernando Grajales Expeditions (Los Penitentes, Mendoza, Argentina, Tel: +54 (9) 261 6588855, Mail: [email protected]). Furtenbach Adventures acts as an Austrian partner and travel agent.

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.

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.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailed program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 5 degrees celsius. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

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 40 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.