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Aconcagua

The roof of America. The Temple of the Incas.

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 powerful 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 ist 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.

See also our Aconcagua Flash™ Expedition (Aconcagua in only 2 weeks) and the exclusive Direct Polish Glacier Route (in only 2 weeks).

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
  • Modern infrastructure in basecamp
  • Local partner with over 40 years of experience in organizing Aconcagua expeditions
  • Popular normal route with fixed departures.
  • Route ‘Polish Traverse’ on request!
  • Discover our Flash™ version and the exclusive Direct Polish Glacier Route!

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 - 6: Journey to basecamp

Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza (760 m)
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to the hotel downtown. After checking into your room, you can relax or explore the city’s many sidewalk cafes. Your guide will contact you to confirm the next day’s schedule.
Hotel, (-/-/-)

Day 2: Mendoza – Packing and getting your permit
The team and the guides get to know each other. Activities such as gear checks, permit procedures and equipment sorting and packing are carried out on this day.
Hotel, (-/-/-)

Day 3: Mendoza – Penitentes – Horcones (2950m) – Confluencia (3390m)
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 4: Confluencia – Viewpoint (4.050m) – Confluencia
Today we make a small hike to a nice viewpoint from where we have an impressive view of the south side of Aconcagua. The main goal of today’s hike is a good acclimatization. After the hike we return to the camp where we spend the night.
Hike: 6-7h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 5: Rest day
A good opportunity to get ready for the challenge ahead.
tent, (B/L/D)

Day 6: 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 7 - 14: Acclimatization and ascent

Day 7: 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 8: Cerro Bonete Trek (5.004m)
Another acclimatisation hike to the neighbouring Cerro Bonete, from where the view of the western flank of the Aconcagua awaits us. Besides, we have the first 5.000m summit in our pockets!
Tent, (B/L/D)

Day 9: 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 10: Rest day
Another rest day in the Basecamp Plaza de Mulas to recharge your batteries before we start tomorrow.
Tent, (B/L/D)

Day 11: 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 12: 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 13: Nido de Cóndores – Cólera (5.970m)
Today we reach the highest high camp of our expedition! You will enjoy your dinner at almost 6.000m above sea level. . . This is higher than most places in the world!
Trek: 2-3h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 14: Summit day! (6.962m)
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 the high camp Cólera.
Trek: 8-12h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 15 - 19: Spare days, descent and return journey

Day 15-16: Buffer days for the weather
In order to reduce the risk of bad weather, we have planned two extra summit days.

Day 17: Cólera – Plaza de Mulas
Today we descend back to  basecamp, where we enjoy the comfort and celebrate the summit success with a dinner together.
Trek: 2-4h, tent, (B/L/D)

Day 18: Plaza de Mulas – Horcones – Los Penitentes
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. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the time at your disposal.
Trek: 6-7h, journey: 3-4h, hotel, (B/-/-)

Day 19: Hasta luego Argentina!
Today is goodbye. With many exciting memories in our luggage we start our return journey today. Transfer to the airport and individual return flight.
(-/-/-)

check_circle_outline  What is Included:

  • Complete organization
  • 3 nights at a double room in Diplomatic Hotel in Mendoza
  • All meals while at the Aconcagua national park (meals in Mendoza not included)
  • 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
  • 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: on request
  • Additional night in Mendoza: on request
  • Single room service (Hotel Mendoza (3 nights) and single tent up to Basecamp) US$ 390
  • Rental oxygen system for the summit day (4 bottles of oxygen, rental mask and regulator) € 3.000
  • Personal porter (see “porters & permit”): US$ 1,295

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 participants 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 participants 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.

perm_identity  Physical fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. In the weeks before the trekking you should start with frequent training to get used to walking for several hours and familiarize yourself with your equipment and hiking shoes.

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each participant 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.

landscape  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! 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 our eight-thousander 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.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

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 participants 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.