Aconcagua – Argentina

December to March
* Several group departures guaranteed *

The “Colossus of America

Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes mountain range and nicknamed the “Colossus of America”, is located in Argentina, thirteen kilometers from the Chilean border. It rises to an altitude of 6,962 metres and overlooks a vast provincial park that protects typical Andean animal species, in particular the Andean condor and guanaco, as well as rare and fragile vegetation. Indeed, the climate is arid and snow cover tenuous, despite the existence of a few modest glaciers.

Its ascent is relatively easy for those acclimatized to altitude, despite the sometimes violent winds. The mountain also seems to have been occupied very early on by Quechua populations. The first official ascent was made by Swiss climber Matthias Zurbriggen in 1897 via the North Face.

Level of difficulty

This trip requires excellent physical condition and psychological stamina to succeed. The ascent of Aconcagua via the Polish side, with the finale via the normal route (Falso), offers a fascinating challenge. This is complemented by a descent on the normal route to give us an experience of both sides of this giant of the Americas.

It’s important to have as much previous experience as possible, but not compulsory.

For more information on the weather, the best time to climb and other details, see ACONCAGUA – details in “Chronicles”.

Your guides for this adventure

We've been working with AMG since 2013. Private groups available.

Our favourite route: Falso de los Polacos

Although we also offer ascent via the “normal” route, our preferred itinerary is the Polonais slope on the north face. This access offers unparalleled high-mountain terrain: impressive glacier, grandiose panorama, endless ridge. What’s more, this route has the following advantages: fewer climbers, incredible scenery and the possibility of descending to the other side via Plaza De Mulas.

On the second day of the approach hike, you can already see the Polish Glacier at the bottom of the valley. For the rest of the way, the mountain grows at every bend in the path, finally presenting itself to us in all its splendour at the Plaza Argentina base camp at 4,200 metres.

This is where the work begins!

Days 1 to 3: En route to Argentina and the start of the trek

DAY 1 and 2: ON THE ROAD TO MENDOZA (760 m)
We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Also on this day, our guide will check your mountain equipment and go with you to rent what you need. Enjoy the comfort of Mendoza’s finest hotels.

DAY 3: MENDOZA / PUENTE DEL INCA (2,725 m)
Before departing for Puente del Inca, the guides will help you obtain your climbing permit. You’ll have lunch and spend the night at the Puente del Inca hostel. In the afternoon, the mules will be loaded and prepared for the following day.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Days 4 to 6: En route to base camp - Plaza Argentina

DAY 4: PUENTE DEL INCA / PAMPA DE LEÑAS (2,800 m)
The group will be taken to the park entrance in a private wagon and begin the trek to the Pampa de Leñas camp. Equipment will be transported by mule. On arrival, you’ll set up the tents, after which you’ll be able to rest. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 5: PAMPA DE LEÑAS / CASA DE PIEDRA (3,200 m)
After breakfast and setting up tents, you’ll begin a 6-hour trek to Casa de Piedra. As on the previous day, you’ll pitch tents and rest up for dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 6: CASA DE PIEDRA / PLAZA ARGENTINA BASE CAMP (4,200 m)
The trek to Plaza Argentina base camp takes 6 hours. You’ll set up camp on our own campsite, which has everything you need to make your stay as pleasant as possible. (Breakfast, snack and dinner)

Days 7 to 9: Acclimatization

DAY 7: BASE CAMP PLAZA ARGENTINA
You’ll have the day to relax, visit the surrounding area and contemplate the beauty of the mountains.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 8: PLAZA ARGENTINA / CAMP 1 (4,950 m) / PLAZA ARGENTINA
You’ll carry some of your climbing gear to Camp 1, where you’ll have a snack before returning to Plaza Argentina. This hike will help you acclimatize. Each member of the group – without exception – will have to carry food and fuel for the expedition, weighing between 7 and 10 kg.

DAY 9: PLAZA ARGENTINA BASE CAMP
A day of rest and acclimatization. You’ll take the opportunity to make sure your equipment is ready and to rest up for the next few days, which will require more effort. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Days 10 to 13: Base camp to Camp 3

DAY 10: PLAZA ARGENTINA / CAMP 1
After a 4-hour trek, you’ll reach Camp 1. You’ll have lunch en route, and on arrival you’ll set up the tents with the help of the guides. You’ll begin to feel the physical effects of altitude. (Breakfast, snack and dinner)

DAY 11: CAMP 1 / CAMP 2: UPPER GUANACOS (5,500 m)
The group will climb to 5,500 m to set up Camp 2. After pitching the tents, the group can rest and recuperate for the following day. (Breakfast, snack and dinner).

DAY 12: CAMP 2 Recovery day in preparation for the next day. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 13: CAMP 2 / CAMP 3 (6,200 m)
Rise early in the morning. After breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent to the usual route, where Camp 3 will be set up, in a spot chosen for its altitude, sheltered from strong winds. The guide will examine each member of the group and give final advice. In fact, it’s the guide who plans the last day’s ascent, to ensure a successful expedition to the summit. Dinner and rest. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Days 14 to 17: Summit and return to Mendoza - the reward

DAY 14: CAMP 3 / SUMMIT (6,962 m) / CAMP 3
Climb Camp 3 to the summit and return to Camp 3.
It’s the big day! After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent to the summit, where you’ll enjoy an incredible experience, before returning to Camp 3.
That evening, you’ll rest with the satisfaction of having reached your goal. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 15: CAMP 3 / PLAZA DE MULAS (4,260 m)
After a long trek, you’ll reach the Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. This is a free day during which you can relive the great emotions of the last few days as a group. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

DAY 16: PLAZA DE MULAS / PUENTE DEL INCA / MENDOZA
Descent to Puente del Inca, the last effort of the expedition. Your belongings will be transported by mule, so all you need is a light rucksack, a windbreaker and a snack. You’ll then return to Mendoza, the magnificent city known as La Tierra del Sol y del Buen Vino (the land of sun and good wine), where you’re sure to enjoy the last day of your emotionally-charged expedition. (Breakfast, snack)

DAY 17: MENDOZA – The reward