Trip Notes
ACONCAGUA ASCENT
Trip Code:
TAA
Country:
Argentina
Amended:
October 2013
Edition No:
TF 1 2014
Valid from:
1 Jan 2014 - 06 Dec 2015
HIGHLIGHTS
• A demanding ascent of the highest peak in the Americas
• Stunning scenery throughout, with incredible views of
neighbouring peaks
• Acclimatisation and training walks to get used to high
altitude trekking
• Spare day for a second summit attempt in case of bad
weather during the trek
SUMMARY
Aconcagua (6962m) is the highest peak in the western and southern
hemispheres, and is the second highest of the continental seven
summits. This provides an excellent incentive to accomplish the
climb - to claim to have stood on the highest point in the Americas. It
was first climbed by Vines and Zurbriggen in 1898 on the FitzGerald
Expedition. It lies close to the border between Argentina and Chile,
and overlooks the original road and rail routes from Buenos Aires to
Santiago.
The Incas called the mountain Ancocahuac, made up of the Quechua
words anco (white) and cahuac (sentinel). There is no definitive proof
that the ancients actually reached the summit, but there have been
various finds and a mummy was found in 1985 at 5200m on the
southwest ridge. It is widely believed that there are other undiscovered
archaeological sites on the mountain.
Despite its height, Aconcagua is not a technical climb. Ropes are not
required, and although we state that one should bring ice axe and
crampons, these sometimes are not needed. However, it is a very
tough climb and must not be underestimated. The altitude will clearly
present a problem, and proper acclimatisation is essential. The other
major difficulty is the weather, notoriously changeable and violent,
with winds of up to 100 mph and temperatures down to -30ºC or
lower. Aconcagua has claimed many lives, mainly from relatively
inexperienced climbers trying for the summit in unsuitable weather.
The local climbing guides are experienced on the mountain and know
how fickle it may be, and if there is any sign of danger they will not
allow groups to attempt the summit.
The trip is planned so that maximum time can be spent on the
mountain. If everything goes to plan then the potential exists to have
a spare day or two in Mendoza at the end of the trip for relaxation and
a glass or two of the local wine!
Above Base Camp we have developed small camps which are a few
minutes away from the main camp areas. These camps are more
secluded and we keep them clean by removing all waste matter.
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
As we state in the introduction to this trek, the ascent is not technically
demanding, but the altitudes and extreme weather conditions
make this a difficult climb, for which you will need to be physically
and mentally prepared. The altitudes involved are particularly
challenging, and although we have incorporated a lot of rest days
to aid acclimatisation, it is quite likely that climbers will suffer some
adverse effects, especially at the beginning of the trip. Please see the
Altitude warning below for further details.
It is not always necessary to use crampons and ice axes on the ascent,
but you must take them with you and have experience of using them.
If you do not have this experience, we strongly recommend that prior
to attempting Aconcagua you take a trip where basic ice skills training
is offered, such as the following: Mont Blanc Ascent (code: TWM),
Avenue of the Volcanoes (code: TPV), Mt Toubkal Winter Climb (code:
TMW).
Some quite heavy loads will have to be carried to establish the high
camps, and all group members will be expected to participate in this
since we do not provide porters for personal equipment above base
camp (although they can be hired locally).
Exodus Travels
Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE
Sales & Reservations: 0845 863 9616 E-mail: [email protected]
Conditions underfoot are not difficult, except in the rocky Canaleta
gully.
moraine just off the Horcones glacier, beneath the vast west face of
Aconcagua. Base Camp is relatively comfortable with a huge mess
tent and a full staff of cooks and porters. We provide good mountain
cuisine that includes vegetarian meals, local steak, soups, fresh fruits
and vegetables. FC (B,L,D)
The prolonged amount of time spent at high altitudes also means
that there will be constant exposure to very low temperatures, as
well as to very strong sunlight (especially if crossing snowfields), and
you should be completely prepared for this. Please see the Essential
Equipment list for details of what you need to bring.
Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) Rest day
Acclimatisation day at Base Camp as most people feel the altitude at
this point. Here we will rest and enjoy the stunning views and base
camp culture. FC (B,L,D)
Due to the dangers inherent in such a high-altitude trek, and the
necessity of ensuring the group stays together whilst on the mountain,
the decision of the trek leader is final concerning allowing the entire
group or any individual group member to continue with the climb at
any stage.
Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) Bonete Peak
Today we have a training ascent of Bonete Peak (5000m), our first
summit of the trek. From the summit we should have incredible views
of Aconcagua towering on the opposite side of the valley, and it is
possible to make out practically the whole trail we will be following
for the next few days. As well as offering spectacular scenery, the
hike offers an excellent chance to acclimatise to higher altitudes and
maximises our chances of success on Aconcagua herself. FC (B,L,D)
Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Rest/acclimatisation day
We have another rest day at Base Camp to further improve our
acclimatisation and increase the likelihood of reaching the summit.
We may enjoy a hot shower at camp or walk 20 minutes across the
valley to the Base Camp Hotel. FC (B,L,D)
Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Plaza Canada
We ascend to Plaza Canada (4910m) today as we start our trek up
Aconcagua. All extra gear is stored at Base Camp and we now carry
all our high mountain equipment to the higher camp. We will not
return to Base Camp unless forced to by bad weather. Local guides
who serve as seasonal porters will carry our tents. We should expect
to carry about 15-20kg today. PC (B,L,D)
Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Carry day to Nido de Condores
LAND ONLY ITINERARY
Today we carry equipment up to Nido de Condores (5500m), and then
return to Canada to sleep. We will take about 4kg of food and some
personal gear to Nido de Condores. This trip is optional, as you might
want to rest and acclimatise in camp PC (B,L,D)
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type
of accommodation normally used (if different standards of
accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key
to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Nido de Condores
We now move up to Nido de Condores, carrying the rest of our gear.
Porters will come up to Plaza Canada from Base Camp to carry our
tents to Nido de Condores. We will carry about 15-20kg today, make
our camp and look forward to a rest day. PC (B,L,D)
Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Start Mendoza
Those on the group flights will be met on arrival at Mendoza airport
and be transferred to the start hotel. Those on land only arrangements
should make their way to the hotel this afternoon. The remainder of
the day will be spent in Mendoza buying mountaineering permits,
exploring the city and relaxing. CH
Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Rest day
To Penitentes After lunch we will take a private bus to Penitentes at
2580m. This journey takes approximately three hours. This is a ski
resort in winter, and there should be time for a warm-up walk on the
grassy slopes. SH (B)
We spend the day at Nido de Condores. This will provide us with more
rest, and time to acclimatise. At this point we will focus on sleeping,
hydration and eating well. On a clear day the views from Nido are
unforgettable. Weather permitting we will enjoy a gentle walk with
dramatic ridge views close to the camp. However, winds and cold
weather may confine us to our tents for most of the day. It is useful
to pack a book and cards. PC (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) Trek to Confluencia Camp
Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) To White Rocks Camp
After loading equipment onto mules, our vehicle will take us 15
minutes along the Horcones jeep road to the trail-head at 2950m. We
then trek three hours up the Horcones Valley to the green campsite at
Confluencia (3390m). This will be our base for three nights. FC (B,L,D)
Today we move approximately three hours to camp above Berlin at
White Rocks ('Piedras Blancas'), 5980m. We will carry three days of
food, fuel and personal equipment. Porters will carry our tents and
our load could weigh over 20kg. PC (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) Acclimatisation trek
Day 15 (Day 16 Ex London) Summit attempt
From Confluencia we will enjoy a trek to the Plaza Francia lookout
at 4000m. This elevation provides dramatic views of the South Face
of Aconcagua and will help us to acclimatise to the higer altitudes
ahead. FC (B,L,D)
The summit day is 11-13 hours. Normally beginning with a wake-up
at first light, departing between 6 and 8 am depending on the wind,
and ending early evening. The summit day involves nothing more
than mountain walking, albeit at high altitude. In good conditions the
ruins at Independencia, 6400m, are reached in 3 hours, and the base
of the Canaleta at 6700m is another 2.5 hours away. The Canaleta
gully to the final summit ridge takes 2.5-3 hours, and may involve a
little scrambling if there is no snow cover. On reaching the final ridge
there are outstanding views down the South Face. A metal cross and
summit register mark the top. The views from the summit on a clear
day are superb, and can stretch as far as the Pacific Ocean. The return
to camp takes about 3 hours. PC (B,L,D)
Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) To Penitentes
Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Rest day
This is a rest day which will prove to be of huge value in our
acclimatisation programme. FC (B,L,D)
Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) To Base Camp
From Confluencia we will follow the broad, stone-covered valley
bottom to a steep trail that leads to a terminal moraine. The base
campsite at Plaza de Mulas (4350m) is situated on top of the lateral
2
FC Full-service Camping - two person tents sometimes in a private or
public campsite that contains a communal ablutions block and other
amenities and sometimes in a wild camp with toilet tents and mess
tent or dining equipment provided. All camp chores are done for you
from erecting / dismantling of your tent, to cooking & washing up.
PC Participatory or Basic Camping - normally in two person tents,
although sometimes fixed communal tents are used. Organised
campsites if used may only have basic facilities. Wild camps may have
no facilities provided. The group performs camp chores, although our
staff provides advice and assistance.
FOOD & TRANSPORT
Food
All meals are included while camping, and at the fixed camps at
Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas there are excellent cooking facilities.
However, once we start our ascent, the food will be much simpler,
involving significant amounts of lightweight dried food with high
energy content.
Day 16 (Day 17 Ex London) Spare day
An additional summit day is included to accommodate any itinerary
and weather changes PC (B,L,D)
If you have any specific dietary requirements, please inform us well in
advance so that we can make special arrangements.
Day 17 (Day 18 Ex London) To Plaza de Mulas
Transport
Return to Base Camp We descend with all our equipment back down
to Base Camp which takes 3-4 hours, and enjoy sleeping at lower
elevations. Porters will carry the tents and our load could weigh 1520kg. FC (B,L,D)
We use private buses between Mendoza, Penitentes and the trail head
at the Horcones Valley. All other travel is on foot.
WEATHER AND SEASONALITY
Day 18 (Day 19 Ex London) Return to Mendoza
We walk out from Base Camp to the trailhead at Horcones Valley. This
long walk takes about 7-8 hours. Time permitting we should return
to Mendoza in the evening in time for a hot shower and a late dinner.
CH (B,L)
Day 19 (Day 20 Ex London) Free day
A free day in Mendoza today. There are opportunities to go whitewater rafting, tandem paragliding or to visit some of the vineyards
nearby and taste some of the best wines in South America. (This day
may be needed in the mountain if our summit day has been delayed
by bad weather). CH (B)
Day 20 (Day 21 Ex London) End Mendoza
The trip ends after breakfast today. Those on group flights will be
taken to the airport for the return flight to the UK. (B)
For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will
arrive in the UK the following day.
ACCOMMODATION
Please see the notes about weather in the introduction. Some
extreme weather conditions are quite likely during this ascent, and
it is important that participants are well prepared mentally and well
equipped. Temperatures will be below zero above 5000m, and the
minimum temperatures encountered at night may be as low as -30ºC.
Very high winds are the norm, with wind-speeds of up to 100 mph
which may substantially lower the temperature. It is quite possible
that the weather may completely prevent a summit attempt, however
well the group is moving and, in such cases, the decision of the guide
will be final.
As far as Plaza des Mulas (base camp), a cook, animal handlers and
camp staff will accompany us. Above Plaza des Mulas the group will be
led by the Mountain Guides, but there will be no other staff, and group
members must participate in load carrying and making and breaking
camp as well as carrying their own personal equipment. Please see
the daily descriptions for details of the pack weights for each day, and
the 'How heavy will my pack be?' section for more information on the
items you will be expected to carry and porter hire.
Single Accommodation:
The weather in Mendoza, by contrast, is very pleasant. Daytime
temperatures during the summer months, when we climb Aconcagua,
are in the mid- to high-20s, with night time temperatures between
12ºC and 15ºC, and there is relatively little rainfall.
Single hotel rooms and single tents between Confluencia and Plaza de
Mulas can be booked in advance (subject to availability). Unfortunately,
due to the nature of the trek, we cannot offer any single tents at the
high altitude camps above Plaza de Mulas.
JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK
KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type
of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are
guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation
offered, rather than an exact description.
22 days, normally depart London Sun, return Sun
Itinerary Start
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day
before Day 1 of the itinerary.
CH Comfortable Hotel, Lodge or Gite - twin rooms with en suite
facilities, reliable electricity and water supply, good service and some
added amenities.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of Lan (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we
recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent
to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a
SH Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite - no-frills hotel, usually with twin
rooms and en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally
adequate.
3
later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks
before departure.
officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent
effects.
UK Regional Flights
No visa required for holders of British passport.
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we
are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit
www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the
options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.
Argentina Reciprocity Fee
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a
minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in
time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer
than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be
subject to delays.
Australians - US$100 (multiple entry)
The Argentine government charges a reciprocity fee which applies
to Canadian, US and Australian citizens. The amounts are as follows:
Canadians - US$75 (single entry)
Americans - US$160 (multiple entry - valid for 10 years)
This fee must be paid before you enter Argentina. For full details, and
to make the payment, please visit: https://virtual.provinciapagos.
com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please
note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other
flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on
non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for
information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus
office.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current
regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
JOINING THE TRIP IN MENDOZA
20 days, normally start Mendoza Mon, end Mendoza Sat
Itinerary Start
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Mendoza in the afternoon
of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two
weeks before departure. Hotel check-in times are normally from
around 3pm.
Airport Transfers
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only)
be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide
with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight
details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or
miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense.
Vaccinations and Health
Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way
to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your
sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with
all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £6-10 or US$10-15 should you
decide to make your way independently.
Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid,
Hepatitis A.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be
sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not
receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier
please contact our office or your travel agent.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not
qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly
recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health
Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Altitude Warning
This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected
by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable
everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be
aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Although rare,
a number of medical conditions can also reduce your body's ability
to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and
make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any preexisting condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical
ability, we recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking.
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income,
positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect
their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible
tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our
trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
On this trip, we use solar panels and wind generators to power our
fixed base camp at Plaza de Mulas, and we transport all waste from
our trip out of the park to minimise our impact on the environment.
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
Advice varies, but the consensus on how to combat altitude sickness
seems to be to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid (at least 4 litres per
day) and rest for the first few hours when you reach altitude. When
hiking, do not hurry - take your time, enjoy the scenery and give your
body a chance to catch up. If you are breathing hard, you are probably
ascending too quickly.
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Passports and Visas
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the
intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct
personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary,
in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit.
The information offered below is to help you with that process. We
are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure that
your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip, and
includes helicopter evacuation. Please take proof of this with you on
the trip, as you will need to show it to the leader.
All our guides are issued with full first aid kits and pulse oximeters
so that blood oxygen levels can be monitored during the trek. This
4
Extra Expenses and Spending Money
helps us to spot signs of altitude sickness early and avoid serious
problems later on.
Where meals are not included, you should budget around US$12-15
for meals at good restaurants, or US$5-10 for light and inexpensive
meals. These estimates do not include alcoholic beverages, which can
significantly increase the cost of a meal.
Insurance - are you adequately covered?
You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip
which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up
to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we
strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically
designed to cover all activities on your trip.
Bottled water and soft drinks usually cost between US$1 and US$1.50,
and beer from US$3 in a bar. Wine varies quite a lot in price, depending
on quality, but Mendoza is a key wine-producing area and therefore
prices tend to be lower here than in other areas of the country.
If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This
gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not
be considered a substitute for adequate insurance.
At Base Camp you may wish to pay to use the satellite phone or
internet. There are also hot showers available at Confluencia for US$6
or at Base Camp for US$10. Above Base Camp it is not possible to
spend money (unless extra porters are hired - see below).
Local Time
There is an international departure tax from Argentina of US$29,
payable locally when leaving Mendoza airport. This tax is sometimes,
but not always, included in the cost of air tickets.
GMT -3hrs
Electricity
220V, 50Hz in Argentina. Opportunities for recharging batteries
outside Mendoza and Penitentes are non-existent, so you should
ensure you have charged your cameras before starting the trek to
Base Camp, or else take a portable battery charger.
Please note that due to high levels of inflation in Argentina, the prices
shown above may change at short notice and should be taken as an
approximate guide only.
As an update from published rates in Exodus' 2012 brochures, and
for all bookings made on or after 16 April 2012, the cost of the
mandatory Aconcagua Trekking Permit is now included in the total
cost of the holiday. If you are comparing prices with other operators,
please check the total price paid, as we believe that Exodus continues
to offer the best balance between value for money and operational
quality.
Group, Staff and Support
The group will generally be between 5 and 12 people. There will be a
local leader and drivers and local guides where needed.
The trip is led by a qualified local leader with years of experience
climbing and leading groups on Aconcagua, assisted by several other
mountain guides with similar levels of experience.
Tipping (leader and local staff)
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 18 years.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Most groups tend to tip the local staff, but it is not compulsory to do
so. We suggest you allow around US$5 per day for this, although the
subsequent total and allocation is entirely down to individual group
members.
WHAT TO TAKE
Essential Equipment and Clothing
Because this trip requires specialist equipment, we have created a
separate detailed kit list containing all the high altitude gear you will
need. You should ensure you have all these items, since the quality
of hire equipment in Mendoza cannot be guaranteed, and prices for
new gear are high. Your trek leader will check all equipment before
you leave Mendoza, and if it is not up to the standard required you
will be asked to either hire or buy new gear which can withstand the
extremes of Aconcagua, so it is vital that you are adequately prepared
for the trip.
MONEY MATTERS
Your sales consultant can send you a copy of the kit list, or alternatively
you can view it on our website: www.exodus.co.uk/assets/travelink/
Aconcagua_Kitlist.pdf
Currency Information
The national currency of Argentina is the Argentinean Peso (ARS),
with an exchange rate of 7.33 to the UK£ and 4.62 to the US$.
Optional items:
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
Money and money belt; Spare glasses or contact lenses; Camera, with
spare batteries, memory cards and/or film.
We recommend that you take your spending money in US Dollars cash
and change it into Pesos locally, since sterling, euros and travellers
cheques are hard to change and the rates of exchange are likely to
be poor.
Baggage and Baggage Allowance
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
We also recommend keeping the money in US Dollars, changing as
and when necessary. It is always wise to have some local currency
for buying meals, snacks, incidentals etc. There are many places to
change money in Mendoza before you start the trek. Your tour leader
will give you more information on exchanging currency as you go
along.
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit
of 20kg.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage
is subject to change, we suggest you check www.baa.com and/or the
airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure.
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
There are ATMs in Mendoza, but you should note that you will not be
able to use credit cards for the majority of the trip.
Reading List:
Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and medium to large
shops in Mendoza.
Aconcagua: A Climbing Guide
R.J. Secor (Cordee)
Aconcagua: Highest Trek in the World
Jim Ryan (Cicerone Press)
We do not recommend taking travellers cheques, since they can only
be changed in Mendoza and exchange rates are poor.
5
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS
Maps:
Aconcagua Trekking & Mountaineering Map 1:50,000
(Zagier & Urruty Publications)
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be
contacted on 0044 (0) 1582 644 100.
If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them
from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials',
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read
the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www.
exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information?
HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers,
and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you
approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive
these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please
contact our office or your travel agent.
Trek and approach to Base Camp
The daypack will contain the items you choose to carry, such as
a camera, waterproofs, snacks, water and some layers for cold
conditions.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where
differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure,
the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to
unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared
to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure,
it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may
be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other.
In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative
arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Base Camp to high camps
We include some porters to help carry the tents but you will be
expected to carry all of your personal gear plus a share of group
equipment (mainly fuel and food). Maximum loads could be 15-20kg
or slightly more on day 15.
Porters
Porters are available from Base Camp to carry loads up to the high
camps. If you feel that loads of up to 15-20kg are too heavy, then you
can hire a porter to carry some or all of your gear. At Base Camp you
are able to decide if you need a porter. You may use a porter for each
section, or you may choose to use a porter to carry to and from the
top camp in order to conserve your energy for the summit. Porters
can carry equipment for two or three clients whilst you carry some of
your personal gear, and the maximum they carry is 20kg. The porters
charge according the altitude they reach, and costs vary between
around US$120 and US$180 per load carry depending on which stage
you require them for. These are approximate costs and should be
used as a guide only - with the current high inflation in Argentina they
could change at short notice.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines
manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever
to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to
keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean
that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices
we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your
Travel Agent.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The
most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view
the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which
have featured in the national media and take advantage of some
special deals on travel gear and equipment.
In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where
you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart.
When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your
images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other
people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered
automatically into our monthly photo competition.
To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus.
It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?
http://www.exodus.co.uk/community
6
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3.
Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking
form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all
major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as
a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL)
number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour
Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means
you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies
paid to us for your trip are fully protected.
7