NEXT DATE
17 to 01/Jan/Feb/2024
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Excellent physical condition
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Previous mountaineering experience required (preferably having already done Serra Fina in Brazil and some 5,000-meter mountain)
DAY 0 (before the expedition): meeting at the hotel in Mendoza, Argentina, to meet the group and give an initial briefing. Food and transportation not included.
DAY 1: Day to review individual items (limit of up to 15 kg/person) and obtain the permit to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park from the Ministry of Tourism in Mendoza. Also in the morning, visit the partner store to purchase and/or rent mountain clothing and equipment, previously reserved. In the afternoon, a 4-hour trip to the village of Penitentes for overnight stay and to begin the acclimatization process, at an altitude of 2,500m. Breakfast included at the hotel.
DAY 2: We will leave the hotel in Penitentes at 8:00 am towards Horcones, the main entrance to the Aconcagua Provincial Park. We will start the trail around 9:00 am. Our goal on this first day of hiking will be to reach the Confluencia camp, at 3,390m. Breakfast included at the hotel and dinner at the camp.
Accumulated elevation: 536 m
Distance: 8.5 km
Estimated time: 4h – 6h
DAY 3: Acclimatization day. We will go to the Plaza Francia viewpoint at 4,200m above sea level, where we will have a breathtaking view of the mythical south face of Mt Aconcagua, with its more than 1,000m of vertical glacier. We will return to the Confluencia camp for the night. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 900 m
Distance: 15 km
Estimated time: 7h – 9h
DAY 4: Once properly acclimatized, we will climb to the Plaza de Mulas base camp at 4,300m. We will pass through the endless Quebrada de Los Horcones valley. A great physical and psychological challenge. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 990 m
Distance: 18 km
Estimated time: 7h – 9h
DAY 5: A well-deserved free day of rest at the busy base camp, the highest outside the Himalayas. We will take advantage of this time to practice assembling and using crampons. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 0 m
Distance: 0 km
Estimated time: 0h
DAY 6: We will carry our high-altitude equipment to the first advanced camp, Canada. We will have an incredible view of BC (base camp). After a brief acclimatization, we will return to Plaza de Mulas to spend the night in a tent. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 750 m
Distance: 6 km
Estimated time: 5h – 7h
DAY 7: We will go to the Canada advanced camp, at 5,050m above sea level, properly acclimatized for the night. A short but steep walk. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 750 m
Distance: 3 km
Estimated time: 4h – 6h
DAY 8: We will climb to the Nido de Condores advanced camp (5,550m). It will be a day of medium elevation but a lot of effort since we are in the middle of the acclimatization planning. After proper accommodation and a quick snack, we will continue to another slight elevation for a more comfortable overnight stay below. We will return to Nido for the night. Breakfast, snack and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 500 m
Distance: 2.28 km
Estimated time: 4h – 6h
DAY 09: Acclimatization day. We will climb to the last advanced camp on our itinerary, Cólera (6,000m), for acclimatization. Return to Nido for the night. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 450 m
Distance: 4 km
Estimated time: 4h – 6h
DAY 10: We will climb with all the equipment to the last advanced camp for the night. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 450 m
Distance: 2 km
Estimated time: 3h – 5h
DAY 11: Extra day (if necessary) to have a window for the summit attack. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: - m
Distance: - km
Estimated time: -h
DAY 12: This will be the long-awaited day, the summit day. We will wake up at 2:00 am to get ready and have a quick breakfast. At 3:00 am, with our headlamps on, we will begin the long day to the highest point in America. Around 1:00 pm we will reach the summit, stay no more than 30 minutes to rest and take photos, and begin the descent back to the Cólera camp. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 962 m
Distance: 3 km
Estimated time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
DAY 13: We will dismantle the camp and return directly to the BC Plaza de Mulas to celebrate the experience. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: -1,700 m
Distance: 7.15 km
Estimated time: 5h – 7h
DAY 14: Return to Confluencia camp for overnight stay. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: -910 m
Distance: 18 km
Estimated time: 7h – 9h
DAY 15: Last day on the mountain, we will return to the park entrance. Overnight stay in a shelter in the village of Penitentes, near the famous tourist spot Puente del Inca. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: -536 m
Distance: 8.5 km
Estimated time: 4h – 6h
DAY 16: Return to Mendoza by transfer. Meals and accommodation not included.
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Physics: very high
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Technique (climbing): low (F)
There are a few sections of glacier crossing graded as F, which require the use of crampons and safety ice axes. It is not necessary to use ropes on the normal route.
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from US$ 4290 per person (1st batch promotional price)
28/nov to 13/dez/2024
27/Dec to 11/Jan/2025
CLOTHING
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Polyamide T-shirt - 4 to 6 units
To be used during the hike. Prioritize long-sleeved T-shirts to protect from the sun and scratches. NEVER WEAR COTTON T-SHIRTS, since this type of fabric dries very slowly compared to synthetic materials.
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Thin thermal 2nd skin shirt - 1 unit
These are very thin and tight clothes, which are completely close to the body. This characteristic increases heat retention. They will be used to withstand the cold nights at altitude, at camp and on the summit day.
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200 fleece shirt - 1 unit
Fleece is a type of fabric with high heating power, low weight and good compression at an affordable price. If you want to invest in an even lighter and more compressible material but much more expensive, opt for goose down jackets. But be careful! There are several types of down jackets, and many are NOT SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS. For more information, please contact us.
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Fleece jacket 400 - 1 unit
Can be replaced by a medium down jacket.
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Goose down jacket - 1 unit
Quality down from 800 cuins, with a minimum weight of 80 g/m². Can be rented in the base city.
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Anorak - 1 unit
This is the most important item in your backpack because it is the main garment against hypothermia in the mountains. It must be water-resistant and preferably breathable, that is, it allows the vapor from your sweat to escape without letting water from rain or snow enter.
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Pants - 2 units
Can be a second-skin type or made of synthetic material with a high drying capacity.
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Thin 2nd skin pants - 1 unit
To withstand the cold nights at altitude. To be used only at camp and on the summit day.
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Thick 2nd skin pants in fleece 200 - 1 unit
To be used at camp and on the summit day.
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Thick 2nd skin pants in fleece 400 - 1 unit
To be used at camp and on the summit day.
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Waterproof windbreaker pants - 1 unit
Preferably those with breathable fabric.
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Waterproof gaiters - 1 unit
Used on snowy days to prevent snow from getting into the boots. They must be specific for mountaineering. They can be rented in the base city.
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Underwear - 5 to 10 units
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Approach boots - 1 unit
Ideally, they should be specifically designed for mountaineering, with a good sole (e.g. Vibram), water-resistant, high-top to prevent twisting and preferably breathable. If you have purchased new boots, they should be broken in before the trip.
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Double boots - 1 unit
100% waterproof boots for use in snow and with reinforced heating to prevent frostbite of the toes. Can be rented in the base city.
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Crocks - 1 unit
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Thin liner socks - 3 to 5 units
Opt for technical socks, specifically designed for mountaineering. They should have high breathability, which helps to keep your feet in contact with moisture from sweat as little as possible, one of the 3 factors that cause blisters.
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Medium socks - 2 units
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Thick socks - 1 unit
To be used only at camp.
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Lorpen thick socks made of synthetic fleece - 1 unit
Specific for snow activities, they are highly thermal and breathable. To be used only on the summit day.
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Beanie - 1 unit
Opt for fleece models.
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Balaclava - 1 unit
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Expeditionary-style bandana or cap - 1 unit
Choose a bandana made of UV-protected fabric as it is more versatile to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
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Thin liner glove - 1 unit
Made of synthetic material.
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Medium wind-resistant glove - 1 unit
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Thick mitten glove - 1 unit
To be used at camp and on the summit day.
CAMPING
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-15ºC sleeping bag (comfort) - 1 unit
Can be rented in the base city.
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Thermal insulating mattress - 1 unit
Preferably choose inflatable or closed-cell models, both with a heating factor higher than R4. Can be rented in the base city.
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Pillow (optional) - 1 unit
Use specific camping ones, which are smaller and lighter than household ones. Can be replaced by a sweater.
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Pee bottle - 1 unit
It may seem silly, but when you feel the urge to pee in the middle of the night, when you will be warm and comfortable inside your sleeping bag, leaving the tent WILL be a terrible ordeal. You will have to put on several layers of clothing again to withstand the intense cold. Men can use a wide-mouthed canteen. Women should use a specific funnel that makes it easier to do this.
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Hand warmer - 10 to 15 units
If you want to avoid getting cold at all costs, we suggest taking hand and foot warmers, known worldwide as hand warmers. A mixture of iron, water and salt that, when in contact with oxygen, triggers a chemical reaction that releases heat, keeping hands and feet at a temperature of approximately 40ºC for up to 6 hours.
ACCESSORIES
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100L Duffle Bag - 1 unit
Your non-trail belongings will be transported by mules. They must be in highly resistant and waterproof backpacks. These can be rented in the base town.
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40-50L Assault Backpack - 1 unit
To carry items for the approach trail such as snacks, water, sweaters, gloves and devices, and to carry sleeping bags, insulation and summit clothing for high camps.
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Backpack Rain Cover - 1 unit
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Headlamp - 2 units
One will be a spare.
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Set of spare lithium batteries - 1 unit
On cold nights at -10ºC the battery discharges quickly. Only lithium-ion ones will last the entire trip.
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Cat 4 sunglasses - 1 unit
An essential item to make your trip more comfortable. Radiation at altitude is higher than at sea level, so protect yourself!
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Google cat 4 sunglasses (optional) - 1 unit
It will protect better your face skin againt windy and cold weather on the summit day.
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Pocket knife - 1 unit
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Trekking poles - 1 pair
Some people don't like them, but that's due to lack of practice. The benefit, when used correctly, is a reduction of up to 30% in the impact on the knees, since you'll be sharing the effort of the walk with your arms and especially your shoulders. Avoid those with screw or automatic locks, as they are less resistant.
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Crampons - 1 pair
If you buy them, opt for models specifically for vertical climbing, such as the Lynx by Petzl. They can be rented at the base city.
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Support ice axe - 1 unt
They can be rented at the base city.
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Camelbak 3L - 1 unit
An essential item, as dehydration at altitude increases the chance of altitude sickness (severe headaches and nausea, for example). This type of system prevents the need to "take off and put on" the backpack.
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1L Thermal water bottle - 1 to 2 units
At the high camp, temperatures will be below zero. In a regular water bottle or camelbak, the water will inevitably freeze, so we will use thermal water bottles.
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1L waterproof bag (to protect small items) - 1 unit
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12 to 20L waterproof bag (for clothes) - 3 units
PERSONAL HYGIENE
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Wet wipes - 3 units / day
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Toothbrush - 1 unit
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Toothpaste - 1 unit
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Toilet paper - 1 unit
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Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher - 1 unit
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Clorin (to purify your water) - 4 units / day
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Personal medicines
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Deodorant - 1 unit
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Anti-friction gel (optional) - 1 unit
Vaseline. It will help prevent blisters on your feet.
Being in the Andes Mountains is, without a doubt, an incredible experience for mountaineering lovers. Climbing its highest point, the highest in the Americas, is unforgettable. Overcoming obstacles, planning, dedication and courage are fundamental in this project. A unique experience that will last a lifetime .
In addition to an effective acclimatization process, the Alpine Adventure has the best logistical support along the normal route of this giant, and an experienced Brazilian lead guide in the famous 7 Summits project. Decisive factors for the expedition to be a success.
INCLUDED
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Accommodation with breakfast in a shared double room at the Ritz Hotel Mendoza on days 0 and 1
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Accommodation with breakfast at the Penitentes refuge on day 18
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Transportation in and out of the mountain from Mendoza
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1 WFA first aid guide in Portuguese, English and Spanish for every 4 people
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Tent (2P) and kitchen utensils at all campsites
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Mountain breakfast on days 3 to 18
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Mountain lunch on days 5, 9, 12 and 14
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Mountain dinner on days 2 to 17
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1 Captain Jack snack
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Use of the dining tent at the Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas campsites
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Porters of up to 15 kg from the park entrance to the last campsite
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Full assistance in purchasing equipment before the trip
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Discount on clothing and equipment rental at our partner store in Mendoza
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First aid kit for collective use
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Online satellite tracking (SPOT)
NOT INCLUDED
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Flight to Mendoza (round trip)
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Transportation in Mendoza on days 0 and 1
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Food in Mendoza (except hotel breakfast)
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Entrance to Aconcagua Provincial Park (around US$600 for Brazilians and US$800 for foreigners)
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Trail food (snacks) in addition to the included price
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Personal equipment and clothing (except tent and kitchen utensils)
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Personal porter (possible to hire separately)
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Excess weight costs for loads over 15kg
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Any cost of evacuation due to cancellation
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Travel insurance + rescue insurance
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Reimbursement in case of loss of equipment due to theft or weather phenomena