Aconcagua Summit Expedition via Normal Route
- 19 days
- extreme
- Up to 12
- Summer (Dec–Jan)
We guide climbers up the 6,961 m summit of Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, following a rigorous acclimatisation schedule.
At a glance
Trip overview
Aconcagua rises to 6,961 m in the Andes of Argentina, making it the highest mountain in South America and the highest peak outside of Asia. While the terrain on the normal route is non-technical, the extreme altitude, low temperatures, and gale-force winds present serious physiological and environmental hurdles. Our team designed this 19-day itinerary to give every climber the best possible margin for success through gradual exposure and dedicated rest cycles.
We start our expedition in Mendoza for gear checks and permit processing before transferring into Aconcagua Provincial Park. From the trailheads at Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas, our route ascends through high-altitude desert valleys, moraines, and glacier-adjacent camps. We maintain a conservative pace, monitoring oxygen saturation and physiological adaptation daily.
This expedition suits experienced mountaineers and ambitious trekkers who possess a very high level of cardiovascular fitness and prior multi-day high-altitude experience. We provide seasoned international guides and local Andean specialists who manage logistics, camp infrastructure, and safety protocols from basecamp up to the summit ridge.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
South America's Highest Peak
We lead teams to the 6,961 m summit of Aconcagua, testing physical limits in the high Andes.
Proven Acclimatisation Strategy
Our 19-day schedule integrates multiple rotation hikes to higher camps before the summit attempt.
Experienced Andean Leadership
Our guides bring decades of high-altitude rescue training and route experience in Argentina.
Plaza de Mulas Basecamp
We establish comfortable basecamp operations at Plaza de Mulas to support recovery between rotations.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Mendoza
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Mendoza
Meals: B
We meet in Mendoza before 12:00 PM for our initial team briefing, gear inspections, and administrative formalities required for park entry.
Day 2
Mendoza to Confluencia via Park Check-In
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Mendoza to Confluencia via Park Check-In
Meals: B / L / D
We complete our registration at Aconcagua Provincial Park and begin the trek toward Confluencia, walking through arid Andean foothills.
Day 3
Acclimatisation Hike to South Face Viewpoint
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Acclimatisation Hike to South Face Viewpoint
Meals: B / L / D
We undertake a day hike toward the massive south face of Aconcagua to assist physiological adaptation before returning to Confluencia.
Day 4
Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
The trail ascends the Horcones Superior valley, crossing loose scree and glacial moraines to reach Plaza de Mulas at basecamp.
Day 5
Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day resting and hydrating at basecamp to let our bodies adjust to the elevation of Plaza de Mulas.
Day 6
Second Rest Day at Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Second Rest Day at Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
An additional day of rest at basecamp allows for medical checks, gear organisation, and further acclimatisation.
Day 7
Acclimatisation Hike Around Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Acclimatisation Hike Around Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
We complete a short rotational day hike above Plaza de Mulas before descending back to sleep at basecamp.
Day 8
Hike to Camp 1
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Hike to Camp 1
Meals: B / L / D
We carry loads and move upward to establish our sleeping quarters at Camp 1, testing our capacity at higher elevations.
Day 9
Acclimatisation Hike to Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Acclimatisation Hike to Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend from Camp 1 toward Camp 2 to expose our systems to higher altitudes before returning down to rest.
Day 10
Overnight Stay at Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Overnight Stay at Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
We move our gear up and spend the night at Camp 2 to deepen our physiological adaptation to the thin air.
Day 11
Return to Plaza de Mulas
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Return to Plaza de Mulas
Meals: B / L / D
After completing our upper-mountain rotations, we descend back to Plaza de Mulas for substantial recovery and sleep.
Day 12
Rest Day at Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Rest Day at Basecamp
Meals: B / L / D
We take a final rest day at basecamp to eat well, hydrate, and prepare mentally for the upcoming summit push.
Day 13
Summit Push: Basecamp to Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Summit Push: Basecamp to Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
We initiate our summit rotation by climbing from basecamp directly up through the lower camps to reach Camp 2.
Day 14
Summit Push: Camp 2 to Camp 3
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Summit Push: Camp 2 to Camp 3
Meals: B / L / D
We make the final carry to our highest high camp, preparing our kit and sleeping early ahead of the summit morning.
Day 15
Summit Day and Return to Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Summit Day and Return to Camp 2
Meals: B / L / D
Starting before dawn, we ascend the Canaleta and ridge to the 6,961 m summit of Aconcagua before descending carefully back to Camp 2.
Day 16
Weather Contingency Day
Meals: B / L / D
Day 16
Weather Contingency Day
Meals: B / L / D
We hold this day in reserve to wait out high winds or storms that frequently affect the upper slopes of Aconcagua.
Day 17
Weather Contingency Day
Meals: B / L / D
Day 17
Weather Contingency Day
Meals: B / L / D
A second contingency day provides flexibility in our summit schedule to ensure safe weather windows.
Day 18
Weather Contingency Day
Meals: B / L / D
Day 18
Weather Contingency Day
Meals: B / L / D
Our final buffer day allows us to accommodate delayed schedules or additional recovery time.
Day 19
Transfer to Mendoza Airport and Departure
Meals: B
Day 19
Transfer to Mendoza Airport and Departure
Meals: B
We pack our equipment, trek out of the park, and take our transport back to Mendoza for international departures.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup on arrival in Mendoza
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Mendoza
- All meals during the trek and climb
- Experienced lead guides and assistant guides
- Group camping and cooking equipment
- Park entry and climbing registration logistics
Not included
- International airfare to and from Argentina
- Aconcagua Provincial Park climbing permit fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue up to 7,000 m
- Personal climbing clothing and technical gear
- Tips for local guides and support staff
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Aconcagua reaches 6,961 m, where atmospheric pressure is roughly 40% of that at sea level. Our itinerary incorporates multiple rotational climbs and rest days to mitigate acute mountain sickness.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Participants must demonstrate a very high level of cardiovascular endurance and prior experience carrying packs on high-altitude terrain. Training should focus on sustained uphill hiking and stamina.
Weather Conditions
The Andes are prone to sudden storms and high winds known as the Viento Blanco. Climbers must be prepared for sub-zero temperatures and rapid shifts in meteorological conditions.
Safety & Evacuation
Our lead guides carry medical kits and oximeters for daily health checks. In the event of severe altitude sickness, park rangers and helicopter rescue services operate within Aconcagua Provincial Park.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Mountaineering boots rated for sub-zero temperaturesEssential
Footwear
Double or insulated single boots suitable for crampons.
Crampons compatible with bootsEssential
Footwear
Steel step-in or semi-step-in crampons with anti-bottling plates.
Down parka rated to -30°CEssential
Clothing
High-fill goose down jacket with a hood for high camps and summit day.
Hard shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX outer layers.
Base layers (merino wool or synthetic)Essential
Clothing
Multiple tops and bottoms for moisture management.
Four-season expedition tentEssential
Camping
Provided as group equipment by our operators.
Extreme cold-weather sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to at least -20°C to -30°C.
Medical kit and personal medicationsEssential
Safety
Including acetazolamide for altitude and blister care.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must show coverage for high-altitude mountaineering rescue.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
You bring
Sort these out before you fly.Aconcagua Provincial Park Climbing Permit
PermitRequired official permit issued by the Government of Mendoza for entering the park and attempting the summit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What climbing skills are required for Aconcagua?
The normal route is a non-technical walk-up on scree and snow slopes, but you must be comfortable walking in cramp-ons and using trekking poles on steep, windy terrain.
How cold does it get on the mountain?
Temperatures at high camps and on summit day frequently drop below -20°C (-4°F), compounded by strong winds.
Do we carry our own equipment?
Climbers carry their personal day packs with layers, water, and safety gear. Mules transport heavy group equipment and duffels to basecamp, but higher camp supplies are carried by the team.
What happens if weather delays our summit attempt?
We have included three weather contingency days in our 19-day schedule to wait out adverse conditions safely.
Is oxygen provided during the climb?
Supplemental oxygen is not routinely used on Aconcagua's normal route, but emergency oxygen is carried by our guides.
Where do we obtain our park permits?
Park permits are processed in Mendoza during our initial team preparation days prior to entering the national park.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 19 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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