Aconcagua is truly one of the great mountains of the world. At 22,841 feet tall, it is the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and the tallest peak in the world outside of the Himalayas. It is an amazing mountain and one that is easily underestimated. Even in summer, Aconcagua’s cold temps, weather, and altitude can provide seasoned mountaineers a true challenge! We ascend the mountain via a variation on the “False Polish” that CTSS owner Mike Hamill helped pioneer over a decade ago. This route approaches the mountain via the Vacas and Relinchos Valleys and uses the first camp on the “False Polish.” From here, it traverses over to the higher camps on the old “Guanacos” route and uses one more camp than the typical “False Polish” climb. This route is less crowded and cleaner, incorporates shorter days, and has better climbing terrain. The final camp is higher, which makes for a more “do-able” summit day. By traversing the mountain and descending to Plaza de Mulas, we also see a different side of the mountain, an easier descent, and a shorter hike back out to the road, thus taking a day off the descent. Overall, it’s a huge advantage
Itinerary
Day 4
Mule assisted day hike to first trekking camp, Pampa de Lenas (9,490ft | 2,893m)
Day 5
Mule assisted day hike to second trekking camp, Casa de Piedre (10,640ft | 3,243m)
Day 6
Mule assisted day hike to Base Camp at Plaza Argentina (13,840ft | 4,218m)
Day 7
Rest and acclimatization Day at Base Camp (13,840ft | 4,218m)
Day 8
Load carry to Camp 1 (16,400ft | 5000m) and return to Base Camp. About 2.5miles each way
Day 9
Move to Camp 1 with gear. Overnight at Camp 1
Day 10
Load carry to Camp 2 (18,000 ft | 5,486m) and return to Camp 1 to sleep. About 2 miles each way.
Day 11
Move to Camp 2 with gear. Overnight at Camp 2
Day 12
Load carry to Camp 3 (19,740ft | 6,016m) and return to Camp 2. About 1.4 miles each way.
Day 13
Optional rest and acclimatization day
Day 14
Move to Camp 3 with gear. Overnight at Camp 3
Day 15
1st potential summit day. Summit Elevation: 22,841 ft, 6,962m Elevation Gain: 3,100 ft, 945m Distance Traveled one way: 1.9 miles
Day 16
Descend to Base Camp at Plaza de Mulas (14,400 ft, 4,389m), finishing the traverse of Aconcagua.
Day 17
Trek out from base camp to Penitentes and drive to Mendoza, arrive late. 18 miles, 30 km
Day 18
Contingency Day
Day 19
Contingency Day
Day 20
Fly Home
Day 1
Meet in Mendoza. You can arrive at any time, check in, rest and shake off the jetlag
Day 2
Meet for breakfast. Guide Briefing and Gear Checks. Free time to explore Mendoza. Team Dinner
Day 3
Finalize permits and group transport to Penitentes (8,500ft | 2,591m)
Inclusion
- Guides: Professional Mountain Guides
- Mule Service: Reliable, professional, ethical mule support from the best local outfitters.
- Hotels: One or Two (depending on your program) nights lodging in Mendoza on arrival, one night lodging at Penitentes and one night lodging in Mendoza upon our return. (Accommodation on unused contingency days are your responsibility)
- Transportation: All group transportation while on the expedition. If you depart early then the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation is your own responsibility.
- Food: All expedition (on Mountain) food is covered including breakfast, dinner, snacks and hot drinks, and breakfast at the Penitentes Hotel. Lunch and in town/Penitentes restaurant meals are your own expense.
- All Group Gear: Four season tents, cooking gear, group duffels, stoves, etc
Exclusions
- Aconcagua Provincial Park Climbing Permit Fee
- All in town meals in Mendoza and Penitentes (breakfast is provided)
- International Flights to and from Mendoza, Argentina and airport transfers to and from the hotel we meet at in Mendoza
- Excess baggage fees
- On Mountain Porters (these can be requested as an Add On)
- Personal climbing clothing and equipment
- Unused contingency days (CTSS will cover 1x night only in Mendoza after your climb)
- Guide and porter tips (Customary)
- Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation,medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
Reviews
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Expedition Information
$6,995
Q1, Q4
Aconcagua
Mountaineering,
Trekking
Fitness Level
5
Technical Level
2
Group Size
6-12
