The Crown of the Andes - Aconcagua. (6960м)
December 2025 - February 2026
The name Aconcagua has several origin stories. One theory traces it back to the Araucanian phrase “Aconca-Hue,” which translates to “comes from the other side.” Another theory attributes the name to the Quechua people, who referred to the mountain as “Ackon Cahuak,” meaning “stone sentinel.”
- Highest Peak in South and North America
- Tallest Mountain in the Southern Hemisphere
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Elevation: 22,837 ft (6,960 m) - Part of the Seven Summits Project
- Aconcagua is a dormant volcano.
- We do Normal route and 360 traverse
DAY 1
Arrive in Mendoza, Argentina. Meet your guides and team for introductions and a detailed briefing about the expedition. A gear check will follow to ensure everyone is fully prepared. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Mendoza’s excellent restaurants. Overnight at a hotel.DAY 2
Permits and Preparation
DAY 3
Transfer to Penitentes (8,465 ft)
Distance: 110 miles (177 km)
Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Depart early in the morning and head west toward the Andes. Along the way, stop for lunch in Los Penitentes, a small village often used as a staging point for Aconcagua expeditions. Upon arrival, pack your gear securely for mule transport. Overnight at a hotel in Penitentes.
DAY 4
Hike to Pampa de Leñas Camp (9,678 ft).
Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km).
Elevation Gain: 1,804 ft (550 m).
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
Transfer from Penitentes to the Punta de Vacas trailhead, the starting point of your trek. Begin hiking along the scenic Vacas Valley trail, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. Be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Mules will carry the heavy gear, leaving you to hike with a lighter pack. In the evening, enjoy a traditional asado (Argentine barbecue) cooked over an open fire, accompanied by local wine. Overnight in tents.
DAY 5
Hike to Casa de Piedras Camp (10,630 ft).
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km).
Elevation Gain: 951 ft (290 m).
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours.
Continue hiking through the Vacas Valley, gradually ascending toward Casa de Piedras Camp. With only light backpacks to carry, enjoy the stunning views of the Polish Glacier and Aconcagua’s eastern face. Overnight in tents.
Hike to Plaza Argentina Base Camp (13,780 ft).
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km).
Elevation Gain: 3,150 ft (960 m).
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours.
Cross a chilly mountain stream in the morning—either barefoot or on muleback for an adventurous start to the day. Then, ascend the steep Relinchos Valley trail to reach Plaza Argentina Base Camp. This is one of the most challenging hiking days, but the reward is a delicious dinner at base camp. Overnight in tents.
DAY 7
Rest Day at Base Camp Spend the day resting and acclimatizing at Plaza Argentina Base Camp. Use this time to relax, explore the area, and meet climbers from around the world. Medical staff will conduct a health check to ensure you’re ready for the higher elevations ahead. Overnight in tents.
DAY 8
Load Carry to Camp 1 (16,503 ft).
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km).
Elevation Gain: 2,723 ft (833 m).
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
Carry essential supplies, such as food and fuel, to Camp 1. After dropping off the gear, return to base camp for the night. This strategy follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, crucial for effective acclimatization. Overnight in tents at base camp.
DAY 9
Move to Camp 1 (16,503 ft).
Distance: 2.2 miles (3.6 km).
Elevation Gain: 2,723 ft (833 m).
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
Say goodbye to Plaza Argentina Base Camp and hike to Camp 1. Overnight in tents.
DAY 10
Load Carry to Camp 2 (18,143 ft).
Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5 km).
Elevation Gain: 1,627 ft (497 m).
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
Carry supplies to Camp 2, located in the Guanacos Valley. If the weather is clear, enjoy panoramic views of the Polish Glacier and Mount Mercedario. After dropping off your load, return to Camp 1. Overnight in tents.
DAY 11
Move to Camp 2 (18,143 ft)
Distance: 1.7 miles (2.75 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,627 ft (497 m).
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours. Move from Camp 1 to Camp 2 and settle in. Overnight in tents.
DAY 12
Load Carry to Camp 3 (19,586 ft)
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,443 ft (440 m)
Carry supplies to Camp 3, the high camp known as “Colera.” After dropping off your load, return to Camp 2. This day follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle to aid acclimatization. Overnight in tents at Camp 2.
DAY 13
Rest Day at Camp 2. Take a well-deserved rest day to acclimatize and prepare for the summit push. Soak in the stunning mountain views and conserve energy. Overnight in tents.
DAY 14
Move to Camp 3 (19,586 ft).
Distance: 0.9 miles (1.4 km).
Elevation Gain: 1,627 ft (497 m).
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours Ascend to Camp 3, the final camp before summit day. Set up tents, pack for the summit, and get an early night’s rest. Overnight in tents.
DAY 15
Summit Day Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km) round trip Elevation Gain: 3,251 ft (991 m).
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours.
Start early and ascend the Ruta Normal route. Pass landmarks such as the abandoned Independencia Hut and the La Cueva cave before climbing the steep. Canaleta couloir to reach the summit ridge. Celebrate reaching the highest peak in the Americas (22,837 ft / 6,961 m) with unforgettable views before descending to Camp 3. Overnight in tents.
Descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (14,442 ft)
Distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Descend the northwest slope of Aconcagua to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Enjoy a celebratory meal in the comfort of the base camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 17
Hike to Horcones and Return to Mendoza Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Transfer Time: 3-4 hours
Hike from Plaza de Mulas to the Horcones Park Entrance. From there, take a bus back to Mendoza. Celebrate with a hot shower and a delicious dinner in the city. Overnight at a hotel.
Departure Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Days 19-22
Contingency days These buffer days account for potential delays due to weather. If unused, explore Mendoza’s wineries, try rafting, rock climbing, or relax by the pool.
THE COST OF THE TOUR IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AND DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE GROUP
- The tour price includes:
- Guide services
- Accommodation in a hotel in Mendoza and all camps on the mountain
- Meals: breakfasts at the hotel in Mendoza and breakfasts, lunches/lunchboxes, and dinners on the mountain
- All program transfers
- Group equipment
- Mule rental (20 kg per person)
- Assistance in obtaining the climbing permit
- Group medical kit
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The tour price does not include:
- Flights to/from Mendoza
- Personal gear (purchase or rental)
- Climbing permit ($900)
- Extra nights at the hotel in Mendoza if reserve days are unused
- Additional transfers outside the program
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners in Mendoza
- Porter services on the mountain
- Alcoholic beverages
