Worldwide we are the only tour operator, to offer Flash™ climbs over the spectacular Polish Glacier route to the Aconcagua summit.
Acclimatization for this expedition is already done at home. While a traditional Aconcagua expedition takes one month, our Flash™ Expedition saves time and additionally increases safety and chances of success. (2 weeks only)
With its 6962m Aconcagua is the highest mountain of the American continent and one of the Seven Summits. The way over the Polish-Glacier is the most stunning and lonesome one to the summit. It leads from the last camp at 5850m across the glacier trough ice, snow and mixed terrain in a direct line up to the summit. In order to guarantee a safe ascent and descent we’ve installed the same fixed ropes that we use on Everest. Compared to the dry gravel slopes of the normal route and polish traverse, this direct polish glacier route is much more attractive and now finally made accessible.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Mendoza (760m)
Arrival at the Airport in Mendoza and transfer to the hotel. Get together with the mountain guide and other participants, mutual briefing of the exact itinerary of the upcoming days in a cosy atmosphere.
DAY 2: Mendoza – Las Cuevas (3151m)
Transfer from Mendoza to Las Cuevas in private Shuttles, 2-3h. Last preparations for our climb (as for example collection of the permit). Dinner and overnight in Las Cuevas (flight to the basecamp this day if the conditions are good)
DAY 3: Las Cuevas – Basecamp Plaza Argentina (4200m)
Transfer to the entrance of the Horcones Valley Park and helicopter flight to the Basecamp Plaza Argentina (if not already yesterday).
DAY 4: Basecamp Plaza Argentina – Camp 1 – Basecamp Plaza Argentina (4200m)
Today we are off! Ascent to Camp 1 (4877m) through a stunning landscape following the 360° route. After arriving we enjoy the first high camp and then return to basecamp for sleeping.
DAY 5:
acclimatisation day Basecamp – Camp 1 (4877m)
DAY 6: acclimatisation day Camp 1 – Col (5300m)
Hiking to mountain Col (5300m)
DAY 7: Camp 1- Camp 2 Guanacos (5456m)
Ascent from Camp 1 to Camp 2 (5456m). We will settle in Camp 2 – sourrounded by stunning scenery.
DAY 8: Restday
Spare day for bad weather or acclimatisation at Camp 2 to start on the next day with much more power.
DAY 9: Camp 2 Guanacos – Camp 3 (Polish Glacier) 5850m
Ascent to the beginning of the polish glacier to Camp 3
DAY 10: Camp 3 – SUMMIT (6962) – Camp 2 Guanacos
Today we want to climb the summit. We have to get up very early and start our direct way crossing the polish glacier to the highest point of South America. The way includes snow, ice flanks up to 50° and an exciting rock chimney to climb, so variety is guaranteed. While Walking up we have a fantastic view. The last meters, we walk on a ridge and will meet the mountaineers, who did the ascent on the normal route. From the summit you will enjoy the view with the Andes, deserts and sometimes you can even see the pacific ocean too. After these stunning moments we descend on the normal route down to camp 2.
DAY 11: Camp 2 – Basecamp
Today we will do a rapid descent to basecamp.
DAY 12: Basecamp – Penitentes – Mendoza
When the weather is good, we want to fly out by a helicopter. While doing so, we have the possibility to enjoy the fantastic view on Aconcagua for the last time. After the flight, we ride back to Mendoza in a van. Once arrived, we can relax and celebrate our successful expedition together.
DAY 13: Spare day for bad weather
If you have changeable flights, it is possible to leave today, if a spare day is not needed.
DAY 14: Adiós Argentina!
Individual flight back home or to an ongoing Destination.
Inclusion
- Organization of the expedition
- High altitude generator and tent for 5 weeks prior to the expedition
- certified mountain guide
- Helicopter transfer from the entrance of Horcones Valley Park to Basecamp and back to the entrance (depending on weather and other conditions)
- 2 nights in a single room in an upscale hotel in Mendoza with breakfast
- The other included accommodations are double or triple occupancy (depending on availability).
- 1 night in Las Cuevas with breakfast and dinner
- Equipment at base camps (sleeping and dining tents, etc.)
- High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
- All transfers (jeep / private shuttle)
- Full board while at base camp and high camps
- Entrance fee for the Aconcagua Provincial Park
- Permit for the climb of Aconcagua
- Private Transfers as stated in the itinerary
- Porter (1 porter/person)
- Mules from Penitentes to base camp and back (25kg personal gear / member)
- Satellite communication for a fee and depending on availability
- Radios and solar charging (according to availability)
- Medical emergency oxygen
- Emergency medicine, pulse oximeter
- Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Personal insurance
- Shipping costs for high altitude generator and tent outside of the EU and US
- Personal medicine
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
Tips - Additional helicopter flights
- Additional porters for personal gear
- Personal climbing gear
- Sleeping bag
- All not specifically mentioned included services as well as costs that occur due to leaving the expedition earlier than the group
Reviews
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Expedition Information
$20,240
Q1, Q4
Aconcagua
Mountaineering
Fitness Level
3
Technical Level
3
Group Size
4-8
