NORMAL ROUTE

Classic Expedition to Aconcagua - 21 Days via Normal Route

What does our expedition on the normal route include?

Our expedition includes two of the most important mountains in the Andes, Cerro Aconcagua and Cerro Vallecitos.

We will acclimatize in the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park and then proceed to the Aconcagua Provincial Park to attempt the ascent of the highest mountain in America, Cerro Aconcagua (see itinerary).

  • Assistance and support throughout the expedition
  • Transfer from the airport to the Mendoza Hotel will be arranged the day before the expedition begins.
  • Transfers: Mendoza/Vallecitos, Vallecitos/Horcones (Aconcagua), Horcones/Mendoza
  • Mendoza Hotel: The night before the expedition’s start is included.
  • Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the expedition, from arrival in Vallecitos until returning to Horcones. Abundant and varied meals. Vegetarian option available if necessary.
  • Assistance for obtaining the permit for Aconcagua Provincial Park.
  • General expedition equipment: tents, cooking equipment, first aid kit, communication equipment (VHF radios), etc.
  • Refuge in Vallecitos, Cordón del Plata Provincial Park includes premium quality WiFi and hot showers.
  • Base Camp services: domes and tents for dining and sleeping.
  • Restroom facilities.
  • Mules: transportation of equipment to and from base camp.
  • Professional Guides: 1 guide per 3 participants ratio.
  • Extra days
  • Portage of general equipment: tents, cooking equipment, and most importantly, expedition food and water.
  • Training plan

What is NOT included in our expeditions?

We leave some services (which are not essential) up to your choice. Nevertheless, we will be available and provide recommendations for you to hire what you need. It does not include:

  • The post-expedition hotel is not included.
  • Park entrance permit (personal procedure)
  • Expedition abandonment expenses (see refund policy)
  • Personal porter
  • Personal equipment
  • Extra expenses: meals and beverages not included in the package and other services not specifically mentioned as included.

NEXT EXPEDITIONS

11/24/2024
Last places 80%
12/26/2024
Last places 80%
01/17/2025
02/05/2025

ITINERARY

Aconcagua + Cerro Vallecitos: Our low-cost Aconcagua program includes two mountains, Aconcagua and Cerro Vallecitos. We will begin with acclimatization in the beautiful Parque Provincial Cordón del Plata and then enter Parque Aconcagua. Here is a detailed day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1: Mendoza (760m / 2508ft) Transfer from the Airport to Mendoza Hotel.

Day 2: Mendoza to Vallecitos, Cordon del Plata Provincial Park (2900m / 9514ft). Equipment check at the hotel in Mendoza city. Instructional talk on the ascent. Equipment rental. Transfer to Vallecitos, Cordon del Plata Provincial Park. Overnight at Refugio La Roca de Vallecitos (2900m).

Day 3: Refugio La Roca, Vallecitos / Cerro Lomas Blancas (3600m / 11811ft)
Aclimatization trek to Cerro Lomas Blancas (3600m). Overnight at Refugio La Roca.

Day 4: Refugio La Roca, Vallecitos (2900m / 9514ft)
Aclimatization trek.

Day 5: Refugio La Roca / El Salto de Agua (4300m / 14107ft)
Ascent to the Base Camp of Vallecitos (4300m). Overnight in tents at this altitude.

Day 6: Salto de Agua (4300m / 14107ft)
Rest day.

Day 7: Salto de Agua / Cerro Vallecitos (5500m / 18044ft) / Salto de Agua
Summit attempt of Cerro Vallecitos (5500m). Overnight at Salto de Agua (4300m).

Day 8: Salto de Agua / Refugio La Roca (2900m / 9514ft)
Descend to Refugio La Roca (2900m). Barbecue to celebrate the first expedition.

Day 9: Refugio La Roca / Penitentes (2725m / 8940ft)
Transfer to Penitentes. Preparation of mule loads. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 10: Penitentes / Confluencia (3300m / 10890ft)
Entry to Parque Provincial Aconcagua. Ascent to Confluencia (3300m).

Day 11: Confluencia / Plaza de Mulas (4300m / 14107ft)
Ascent to Aconcagua Base Camp, Plaza de Mulas (4300m).

Day 12: Plaza de Mulas (4300m / 14107ft)
Rest day at Base Camp.

Day 13: Plaza de Mulas / Nido de Cóndores (5200m / 17060ft)
Ascent to High Camp, Nido de Cóndores (5200m).

Day 14: Nido de Cóndores (5200m / 17060ft)
Rest day.

Day 15: Nido de Cóndores / Cólera (6000m / 19685ft)
Ascent to the last High Camp, Cólera (6000m).

Day 16: Cólera / Aconcagua Summit (6962m / 22841ft) / Cólera
Summit attempt of Aconcagua (6962m). Overnight at Cólera Camp.

Day 17: Cólera / Plaza de Mulas (4300m / 14017ft)

Day 18: Plaza de Mulas / Mendoza
Descent to Horcones and transfer to Mendoza.

Day 19: Extra day

Day 20: Extra day

Day 21: Extra day

EQUIPMENT

Feet

  • Double boots
  • Trekking boots
  • Resting footwear
  • Crampons
  • Gaiters
  • Socks

Legs

  • Trekking pants
  • First layer / Thermal leggings
  • Second layer / Insulated pants
  • Third layer / Windproof pants

Hands

  • First layer / Synthetic gloves
  • Second layer / Fleece gloves
  • Third layer / Mittens

Head

  • Fleece hat
  • Helmet
  • Category 3/4 sunglasses
  • Category 4 goggles
  • Buff or balaclava
  • Headlamp

Body

First layer:

  • Thermal base layer
  • Long-sleeve shirt

Second layer:

  • Microfleece sweater
  • Synthetic jacket

Third layer:

  • Windbreaker jacket
  • Parka

General Equipment

  • Duffel bag (+150 liters)
  • Expedition backpack (+75 liters)
  • Trekking backpack (+30 liters)
  • Sleeping bag (extreme temperature -30°C)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Telescopic trekking poles
  • Hygiene kit
  • Personal medication
  • Personal snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Water container

EXPEDITIONS

360 ROUTE

Classic expedition 360 of 19 days, departing from Punta Vacas.

FROM USD 3,500

NORMAL ROUTE

Classic expedition to Aconcagua of 20 days by the normal route.

FROM USD 3,500

ACONCAGUA + OJOS

21-day expedition climbing Ojos del Salado – the world’s highest volcano, and Mount Aconcagua.

FROM 6,500 USD