Argentina: Mt. Aconcagua Climbing Expedition


At (6,962 meters / 22,840 feet) the summit of Mt. Aconcagua is the highest point on the planet outside of Asia. It ranks second behind Mt. Everest among the seven highest continental points (“seven summits”). Located in the spectacular Andean range along the border with Argentina and Chile, Aconcagua rises majestically (1200 meters / 4,000 feet) above its neighbours, and is part of a provincial park protecting 71,000 hectares of terrain. Climbing the peak is definitely challenging, but requires very little technical climbing experience, so anyone in excellent physical condition has a good chance to summit, and large numbers of people do so every year. Our route is the less-taken Polish Glacier Traverse route which is a more unique and beautiful approach than the “normal” one. It is slightly longer, which helps with acclimatization, but as with our Himalayan climbs, we will follow a good “climb-high, sleep-low” schedule to ensure proper adjustment to altitude. Although our aim will certainly be to reach to top, this will be considered “icing on the cake”. All participants are encouraged to go with the attitude that they will have a wonderful trek and time exploring the upper reaches of the mountain, and if weather, acclimatization and other factors are in our favour, the summit will be achieved!

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive Mendoza, Argentina (760 meters / 2,500 feet)

Transfer from airport to hotel in Mendoza. Lodging.

1

Puente del Inca (2,725 meters / 8,900 feet) (182kms / 113 miles)

Aconcagua Park permit purchase. Welcoming lunch. Drive to Puente del Inca. Lodging.

2

Pampa de Lenas (2,800 meters / 9,100 feet)

Transport to Quebrada de Vacas (trailhead). Hiking to Pampa de Lenas. Camp.

3

Casa de Piedra (3,200 meters / 10,500 feet)

Hiking to Casa de Piedra. Camp.

4

Plaza Argentina (4,200 meters / 13,700 feet)

Hiking to Plaza Argentina Base Camp.

5

Plaza Argentina

Rest day at Base Camp.

6

Plaza Argentina

Carry to Camp 1 and back to Plaza Argentina.

7

Plaza Argentina

Rest day at Base Camp.

8

Camp 1 (4,950 meters / 16,240 feet)

Move to Camp 1.

9

Camp 1

Carry to Camp 2 and back to Camp 1.

10

Camp 1

Rest day at Camp 1.

11

Camp 2 (5,800 meters / 19,000 feet)

Move to Camp 2.

12

Summit (6,962 meters / 22,841 feet)

Camp 2 to Summit (traverse to Normal Route) and back to Camp 2.

13

Plaza Argentina

Descent to Plaza Argentina. Camp.

14

Pampa De Lenas

Hiking to Pampa de Lenas. Camp.

15

Mendoza

Hiking to Quebrada de Vacas (trailhead). Transport to Puente del Inca. Drive to Mendoza. Overnight in hotel.

16

Mendoza

Hiking to Quebrada de Vacas (trailhead). Transport to Puente del Inca. Drive to Mendoza. Overnight in hotel.

17

Contingency Days

Transfer to airport.

18-19

 

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 19 days

Begins / Ends: Mendoza, Argentina

Land Cost: $3690 (per person sharing twin)

Dec 23 '16– Jan 11 ’17
Jan 13– Feb 01 ’17
Feb 10 – Mar 01 ’17

Included in the land cost: (based on minimum 4 participants). Excludes $500-$700 permit fee payable directly in Mendoza to Aconcagua Park Dept. For participants who live at or near sea-level, we highly recommend an extended acclimatization itinerary beginning 2 days earlier than scheduled trips (21 days total, $500 extra).

Note: Over the years, we have had many successful expeditions to Aconcagua, including one led by C.H.E. Founder Joe Pilaar.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 19 days

Begins / Ends: Mendoza, Argentina

Land Cost: $3690 (per person sharing twin)

Dec 23 '16– Jan 11 ’17
Jan 13– Feb 01 ’17
Feb 10 – Mar 01 ’17

Included in the land cost: (based on minimum 4 participants). Excludes $500-$700 permit fee payable directly in Mendoza to Aconcagua Park Dept. For participants who live at or near sea-level, we highly recommend an extended acclimatization itinerary beginning 2 days earlier than scheduled trips (21 days total, $500 extra).

Note: Over the years, we have had many successful expeditions to Aconcagua, including one led by C.H.E. Founder Joe Pilaar.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.