aconcagua summit trek,
argentina
At 6,959m (22,840ft) high, Aconcagua is not only
the highest mountain in the southern and
western hemispheres; it is also the 2nd highest of
the famous ‘Seven Continental Summits’,
second only to Mt. Everest (Asia's highest).
An extinct volcano, it towers in the southern
Andes in Argentina not far from the Chilean
border, its upper slopes continuously covered
with snow.
This is the longest, highest, and toughest
challenge in our portfolio and is the highest
mountain in the world that can be climbed by
individuals without technical experience. To join
this expedition participants must be prepared
for extreme conditions, and should be
exceptionally fit both physically and mentally.
Stamina and determination are listed as
essential on your kit list!
The New Ameghino and Upper Guannacos
traverse route offers one of the most gradual
ascents between base camp and the high
camps.
This itinerary presents a great
combination of the old Guanacos route and the
great base camp at Plaza Argentina. You will
make a complete traverse of the mountain and
experience its entire character. Your journey
towards base camp is natural and untouched,
and it is common to see guanacos, abundant
vegetation, small springs of water, huge
extensions of glaciers and an extraordinarily
beautiful Andean environment. All of this is far
from the human traffic that characterises the
traditional routes of Horcones and Relinchos.
Only recently opened, this route promises you
freedom from crowds, clean trails and camp
areas, breath-taking views of the neighbouring
peaks and glaciers, and abundant wildlife. In
addition this route also offers the most gradual
approach and climb of Aconcagua.
An
unhurried acclimatisation will offer a safer and
more comfortable climb, and a rate of success
not possible on other routes
Please note: the climbing of Aconcagua
involves a true mountain expedition. Above
base camp you will be expected to carry heavy
loads and help with camp duties. This is not
simply a mountain trek going a “little higher
than Kilimanjaro”.
It is a tough mountain
expedition on which weather and altitude
conditions can be as severe as on Denali and
Everest. Do not sign up for Aconcagua if you
are not prepared. You must be super fit and
mentally strong.
Day 1: Depart from London to Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Day 6: Acclimitisation day at Casa De Piedra
(3,200m)
You will be flying overnight from London direct to Buenos
Aires, our Charity Challenge representative will be at the
airport to help you to check in and answer any questions.
Today you will go for a gentle hike not too far from the
camp site to adjust to the altitude. You will need to get
some rest for tomorrows big climb. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Arrive Buenos Aires and fly to Mendoza
Day 7: Trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp
(4,200m) - 7hrs trekking
After arriving into Buenos Aires you will be transferred
by our Charity Challenge representative to the domestic
airport for your flight to Mendoza. You’ll be met at in
Mendoza at Plumerillos Airport by your Charity
Challenge expedition leader and transferred to your hotel
for a briefing and traditional Argentinean ‘Asado’ dinner.
Day 3: Mendoza to Penitentes
After breakfast you will be transferred to Aconcagua
Provincial Park Permit Office (1hr), to obtain your
personal climbing permits (this is paid by you locally at a
cost of approximately $350-$500). You will then be
transferred west (approx 3hrs) to the village of
Penitentes, situated at the foot of the valleys which
access the mountain. Overnight and dinner at a hotel in
Penitentes.
Day 4: Trek to Pampa de Leña (2,800m) – approx
4-5hrs trekking
Today you start your challenge! After breakfast you will
be transferred (15mins) by vehicle to the area of Punta
de Vacas where you begin your first day’s trek towards
the foot of Aconcagua through the Vacas Valley. This is
a beautiful, less traveled route with fantastic green
landscapes. After 4-5hrs of hiking you reach your first
camp, Pampa de Leña, situated at an elevation of
2,800m (9,330ft).
Here you will have a delicious
barbecue along with the muleteers while the animals
graze. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Pampa de Leña to Casa de Piedra
(3,200m) - 6-7hrs trekking
Today you continue trekking along the same valley for 67hrs before reaching your campsite for the night, Casa
de Piedra at an elevation of 3,200m (10,665ft). From
your camp you have fantastic views through the
Relinchos Pass to the Polacos Glacier on Aconcagua.
Overnight camping.
Today you climb the steep and marvellous Relinchos
Valley to Plaza Argentina Base Camp situated at 4,200m
(13,700ft). This is a 7hr ascending trek up 1,000 vertical
meters to reach base camp. Plaza Argentina is a good
place for camping as well as to obtain more
acclimatization. It has well protected campsites and is
surrounded by water. There are also medical services
and a permanent Park Ranger Station. After a long day
of climbing you will be rewarded with hot drinks and a
delicious meal. Overnight camping.
Day 8: Plaza Argentina Base Camp (4,200m)
Today is a necessary acclimatisation and rest day at
Plaza Argentina Base Camp. It is necessary to keep
hydrated and rest today in order to adapt well to the
altitude before continuing on to the high camps before
summit. Overnight camping.
Day 9: Plaza Argentina to High Camp 1 (4,200m)
– 6-8hrs trekking
Without the help of the mules, you begin your first day of
carrying small personal and common gear to deposit it in
what will be your High Camp 1 (4,530m), in 3-4hrs. You
will then return to Base Camp. It is crucial to take
advantage of the comfort of your Base Camp and
achieve a slow and safe acclimatisation from the start.
The advantage of this route, among others, is that the
vertical meters existing between one camp and another
are not so radical, allowing for a natural and comfortable
acclimatisation process. Overnight camping at Argentina
Plaza Base Camp.
Day 10: Plaza Argentina rest day (4,200m)
Today is a necessary acclimatisation and rest day at
Plaza Argentina base camp. This base is situated on the
east side of Aconcagua and has a good medical service
and a permanent park ranger. Overnight camping at
Argentina Plaza Base Camp.
Day 11: Trek to High Camp 1 (4,530m) 3-4hrs
Today you will climb to High Camp 1 at 4,530m
(13,600ft) with the rest of your gear. This climb is the
beginning of the ascent to the summit leaving Base
Camp behind. All unnecessary equipment will be left at
Plaza Argentina to be carried out on the mules.
Overnight camping at High Camp 1.
Day 12: Trek to High Camp 2 crossing the
Ameghino Pass (4,530m) - 3-4hrs trekking
With the same technique you used to reach High Camp
1, you will carry gear to High Camp 2 at 5,500m
(18,000ft) and connect with the Upper Guanacos route
by crossing the Ameghino Pass. You return later to High
Camp 1. Overnight camping at High Camp 1.
Day 13: Trek to High Camp 2 (5,500m) - 3-4hrs
trekking
Today you will trek with your remaining gear and
establish High Camp 2, which is also known as the
Guanacos Camp 3 for those using alternative routes.
Overnight camping at High Camp 2.
local head chef awaits you. Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
has showers, satellite telephone, and an exquisite menu
especially prepared for our expedition. Overnight at
Plaza de Mulas Camp.
Day 14: High Camp 2 acclimitisation day,
(5,500m)
Today is a rest and acclimatisation day. Your bodies will
need a rest today. This day has proven to make all
members much stronger higher up on the mountain.
Overnight camping.
Day 15: Acclimatisation trek to High Camp 3
(5,500m) - 4-6hrs trekking
Today you will take a relatively light acclimatisation trek
to High Camp 3. This camp is otherwise known as
Piedras Blancas, or Colera, 6,000m (19,600ft). You will
return back down to camp at High Camp 2 tonight.
Day 16: Trek to Piedras Blancas Base Camp
(6000m) - 3-4hrs trekking
Today you climb from High Camp 2 (5,500m) to Piedras
Blancas at 6,000m (19,600ft). From this high camp you
can reach the summit in one day. Camp at Piedras
Blancas.
Day 20: Return to Mendoza - 6-7hrs trekking
From Plaza de Mulas you will again have mules to help
carry out your gear, allowing for a light trek through Playa
Ancha and Horcones Valley to the village of Penitentes.
At the Park Rangers Station, transport will be waiting to
take you to your hotel in Mendoza. You are likely to feel
jubilant and relieved to reach the comfort of this beautiful
Argentinean city. Later this evening you will meet for
your celebration dinner at a super local restaurant with all
the guides and assistants. Overnight at a hotel in
Mendoza.
Day 21: Free time in Mendoza. Return flight to
UK
Day 17 & 18: Piedras Blancas to Summit
(6,959m)
Two summit days have been scheduled into the itinerary
in case of bad weather at any part of the climb. (In
addition, Day 19 could also be used as a summit day if
climbers summit and return to base camp in one day.)
From Piedras Blancas you are ready to attempt the
summit at an elevation of 6,959m. You may need some
patience as you wait for the best climatic conditions for
this final push to the top. Group performance and
weather conditions will be the deciding factor for which
day you will attempt to summit Aconcagua. After
reaching the summit you will return to Piedras Blancas.
Overnight Camping.
Day 19: Descend to Plaza de Mulas (4200m) 3hrs trekking
Today you descend down from Piedras Blancas on the
normal route to Plaza de Mulas at 4,200m where our
A well deserved lie-in may mean you miss breakfast, but
in a city that has a well developed café culture you can
relish the opportunity to enjoy coffee and pastries, while
taking in the sights and sounds of the city. A large and
prosperous city, Mendoza has plenty of its own
attractions and is the heart of Argentina’s wine industry.
You could tantalise your taste buds with a spot of wine
tasting at the many bodegas in or near the city, or stretch
your legs in the city’s well-tended parks and plazas.
Transfer in the afternoon for your return flight back to
London via Buenos Aires
Day 22: Arrive UK
Arrive London, UK.
N.B. The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to
unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the strength of the
group and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set
itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last
minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your
expedition leader will have the final say.
Should you suffer from vertigo, it is worth considering that on most
mountain treks there will be occasional exposure to sheer drops.
Please contact our team if you would like further advice.