We guide you not only to see but also to conquer the summit of Aconcagua, the highest peak on the continent, soaring to nearly 7,000 meters. This program is crafted to enhance your chances of success by blending adventure, safety, and optimal acclimatization at every phase.
Known as the Normal Route, it is perfect for both seasoned mountaineers and those aiming for their first major summit. Over 20 days, you will witness breathtaking landscapes, from the vast plains of Mendoza to majestic glaciers and high-altitude camps, always supported by a professional team and porters who carry the group’s gear.
Beyond tackling a physical and mental challenge, this journey offers the opportunity to connect with individuals from around the world who, like you, seek a connection with the mountains and themselves. Reaching the summit is just a part of the adventure: each step is a profound learning experience.
We invite you to embrace the full Aconcagua experience, a genuine gateway to the realm of extreme mountaineering and an excellent preparation for even greater challenges, such as the Himalayan peaks.
Take this step and entrust us with the best experience of your life. Aconcagua is waiting for you!
Tour Description
Day 1: Mendoza (760 m.a.s.l.)
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and settled into a superior 4-star hotel in Mendoza. Our guides will review your gear and assist you in renting or purchasing any needed items. In the afternoon, attend an informative session about Mount Aconcagua, where we will go over the itinerary, technical advice, and safety measures for the expedition.
Day 2: Mendoza/Penitentes - Puente del Inca (2,725 m.a.s.l.)
In the morning, we'll complete the necessary procedures to obtain climbing permits. We will then transfer from Mendoza to Penitentes for our stay. In the afternoon, we’ll prepare the loads to be carried by mules the next day, review equipment details, and take time to relax. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Penitentes/Confluencia (3,300 m.a.s.l.)
Following breakfast, we’ll head to the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park to present our climbing permits and start the trek to Confluencia, our first approach camp. This approximately 4-hour trek offers stunning landscapes. Carry a light backpack with essentials like a coat, camera, and lunch, as mules will transport personal equipment. Overnight at Confluencia includes breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Confluencia/Plaza Francia (4,000 m.a.s.l.)/Confluencia
We’ll take an acclimatization hike to Plaza Francia, the viewpoint of Aconcagua's majestic south face. This round-trip journey of about 6 hours provides spectacular views of glaciers and rock faces. After lunch there, we return to Confluencia camp to rest. Includes breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 5: Confluencia/Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
We’ll embark on a long trek to Plaza de Mulas, Aconcagua’s base camp. This 7- to 9-hour trek traverses diverse landscapes, including Playa Ancha and Cuesta Brava. Upon arrival, we will set up camp and rest. Includes breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 6: Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
This day is set aside for rest and acclimatization. We’ll take a short trek to the Horcones glacier to practice using crampons. We’ll also check our equipment and prepare the materials needed for the ascent days. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Plaza de Mulas/Cerro Bonete (5,091 m.a.s.l.)/Plaza de Mulas
For further acclimatization, we’ll hike 6 hours to Cerro Bonete, reaching an altitude of 5,091 m.a.s.l. At the summit, enjoy a stunning view of Aconcagua and its surroundings. Return to Plaza de Mulas in the afternoon to rest. Includes breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 8: Plaza de Mulas/Camp 1 Canada (4,910 m.a.s.l.)/Plaza de Mulas
We’ll trek to Camp 1, known as "Canada", for acclimatization and transport materials to this camp. After a light lunch, we’ll head back to Plaza de Mulas to rest. Includes breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 9: Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
Another rest and acclimatization day at Plaza de Mulas. We’ll conduct a final check of the equipment and prepare for climbs to higher camps. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 10: Plaza de Mulas/Camp 1 Canada (4,910 m.a.s.l.)
We’ll set out to Camp 1 Canada, where we’ll pitch tents and spend the night. Personal equipment will be carried by us, while porters handle tents and group gear. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 11: Camp 1 Canada/Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores (5,250 m.a.s.l.)
Our journey continues to Camp 2, "Nido de Cóndores". This 4 to 5-hour section allows us to gain significant altitude. We’ll set up our tents and rest. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 12: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores (5,250 m.a.s.l.)
A day dedicated to rest and acclimatization at Nido de Cóndores. We’ll recover energy and assess the condition of our team and group. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 13: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores/Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera (6,000 m.a.s.l.)/Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores
We’ll go on an acclimatization trek to transport food and cooking supplies to Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera. After lunch there, we return to Nido de Cóndores for the night. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 14: Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores/Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera (6,000 m.a.s.l.)
Ascending to Camp 3, we’ll pitch our tents and finalize summit attack preparations. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 15: Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera/Summit (6,962 m.a.s.l.)/Camp 3 Berlín-Cólera
The most awaited day of our expedition. Before dawn, we aim to reach Aconcagua’s summit, a challenging section taking 8 to 12 hours. After enjoying the view from the "Roof of America", we’ll descend back to Camp 3 to rest. Includes breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 16: Camp 3 Berlin-Cólera/Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m.a.s.l.)
We’ll begin our descent to Plaza de Mulas. Although physically less demanding, this section requires focus. We’ll rest at base camp. Includes breakfast, a hiking lunch, and dinner.
Day 17: Plaza de Mulas/Penitentes
Our descent continues from Plaza de Mulas to the park entrance at Penitentes. Mules will carry our personal equipment, allowing us to travel light. We’ll then transfer to the Lodge for the night. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 18: Penitentes/Mendoza
After breakfast, we’ll return to Mendoza. Optional airport transfers or additional city activities can be arranged.
Day 19: Extra day for contingencies
This day serves as a buffer for potential weather or logistical delays. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 20: Extra day for contingencies
Second day set aside for any unforeseen issues that may impact the itinerary. Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What’s included?
What’s included:
3 nights outside the Park (Mendoza City/Penitentes)
Assistance for recovery of lost luggage
Group transfer Airport/Hotel
Hotel in Mendoza (breakfast included)
Transfer Mendoza/Penitentes round trip
Meals in Penitentes (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Accommodation in Penitentes
Luggage care
Assistance in loading
Loading of mules round trip
Transfer to the start of the Aconcagua trail round trip.
Meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Services at Confluencia Base Camp
Trekking to Plaza Francia
Services at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
Trekking to the Horcones Glacier
Trekking to the Summit of Cerro Bonete
Porters for high altitude camps
Professional guides
2 extra days in case of bad weather
Tents/Domes/Bathrooms
Electricity at Base Camp
Radio communication
First aid kit (including oxygen tube)
Assistance in the city of Mendoza in case of any eventuality.
Aconcagua Medal
Aconcagua Summit Certificate
What’s NOT included:
Meals and extra nights in the city of Mendoza
Park entrance permit and rescue insurance.
Personal equipment (sleeping bag, inflatable mat, boots, etc.)
Abandonment fees*
Porters for personal equipment
*Expenses arising from abandoning the planned itinerary: The itinerary includes group services in order to have more and better services at a lower price. When you abandon the itinerary for any reason (personal reasons, illness, etc.), you begin to have private services. When you abandon the itinerary, the company includes transportation from Puente del Inca to the city of Mendoza by regular bus. The return hotel night included in the expedition can be used at this time. In case you need extra nights, private transfers or other services arising from abandoning the expedition, these will be considered additional services not included in the price of the expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The high-altitude expedition to Aconcagua typically lasts between 14 and 20 days, depending on acclimatization and weather conditions. The standard adventure tourism itinerary departs from Mendoza, enters through Aconcagua Provincial Park (Horcones), treks along the approach via Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas (base camp), and includes days for acclimatization. Then, gear is carried, and overnight stays are rotated between high-altitude camps (Canada, Nido de Cóndores, and Cólera/Berlín) before the summit attempt at 6,962 meters. The descent returns to Plaza de Mulas and Horcones. Dates and overnight stays may be adjusted based on safety, weather conditions, and group performance.
Excellent physical condition, cardiovascular endurance, and strength are required for hiking several hours daily with a backpack (10–20 kg) and overcoming significant elevation changes. Prior experience trekking at 4,000–5,000 m and basic crampon and ice axe skills are recommended. A 3- to 6-month training plan including hikes in the hills, leg and core work, and interval sessions will improve performance. A medical certificate of fitness is required, and participants must not have any cardiovascular or respiratory contraindications. Gradual acclimatization, hydration, and a steady pace are key to preventing acute mountain sickness. Safety takes precedence over reaching the summit.
According to the tour operator, the price of an Aconcagua expedition typically includes certified mountain guides, logistics and coordination, transfers between Mendoza and the park, meals at base camp and at altitude, tents and shared equipment, assistance with permits, and weather monitoring. Porter or mule services are often available. Flights, high-altitude medical and evacuation insurance, the Aconcagua Provincial Park climbing permit, rental or purchase of personal equipment, tips, and other expenses in Mendoza are usually not included. Review the written details before booking and clarify any questions regarding weather-related change policies, minimum number of passengers, and cancellation penalties.
For high-altitude trekking, we recommend: double or very warm boots, compatible crampons, ice axe, helmet, layering system (base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket and pants), down jacket, inner gloves and mittens, thermal socks, category 4 sunglasses, hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, buff, trekking poles, headlamp, sleeping bag rated to -20°C to -30°C, sleeping mat, thermos, and personal first-aid kit. Required documents: valid passport or national ID, travel insurance with altitude coverage, medical certificate of fitness, and Aconcagua Provincial Park climbing permit (obtained in Mendoza). Bring cash and a credit card for unexpected expenses or equipment rental.
The best season for an expedition to Aconcagua is the Andean summer (December to February), when conditions are generally more stable. There are also trips available between November and March. Even so, the weather at high altitude is extreme: very low temperatures, strong winds, and sudden changes. For safety, mountain tourism companies plan reservation days, monitor weather forecasts, and implement altitude protocols. Gradual acclimatization is carried out, and the traveler's health is assessed daily. It is recommended to hire certified guides, have satellite communication, and carry rescue insurance. Summiting always depends on the weather window.
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Expedition To The Summit Of Aconcagua
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