22,840ft / 6,962 m 
Aconcagua, "The Sentinel of Stone", is the highest peak outside of the Himalaya. Located in Western Argentina - the heart of the Central Andes, it is South America's highest peak and one of the much sought after "Seven Summits". Adventure Consultants offer guided expeditions to the technically easy Vacas Valley, ascending by the north face traverse route, sometimes called the "False Polish" route. An ascent of this eminent Andean Peak is ideal for those wishing to experience high altitude expedition mountaineering for the first time and is often undertaken as a preparation climb for the big mountains in the Himalaya.
The earliest historical link to Aconcagua comes from the discovery of fifteenth century Inca remains found at the altitude of 5300m. It is believed that the Incas climbed significantly higher than this on Aconcagua. In 1887 the lone Swiss guide Matthias Zurbriggen climbed the long scree slopes on the northwestern side of Aconcagua and was credited as the first person to summit. His companions had turned back because of high altitude sickness. This tough mountaineer was already famous in Switzerland and New Zealand, where he had made numerous first ascents as well as the second ascent of Mount Cook.
The expedition begins and culminates in the charming Argentine City of Mendoza. Tree lined avenues, beautiful tiled plazas, lively markets and outdoor cafes with vibrant Latin Rhythms, offer a unique setting to sample the region's fine cuisine and wine.
- Non-technical climbing on a "Seven Summit" peak
- Ideal preparation for Himalayan high altitude climbing
- Proven summit success and strategy on the AC expeditions
- Vibrant culture in Mendoza and Argentina
Dates: 2011 / 2012 Trip 1: November 29 - December 21, 2011
Trip 2: December 30, 2011 - January 21, 2012
Trip 3: January 29 - February 20, 2012
Duration: 23 days
Departure: ex Mendoza, Argentina
Price: US$4,500 plus permit feee
** Polish Glacier Route
For private expeditions to this technically demanding route:
1 pax - US$21,800
2 pax - US$12,800 each
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive Mendoza
2 Sort equipment and ensure personal clothing/equipment is suitable
3 Complete permitting process and drive to Penitentes
4 Hike around region
5 Trek to Pampa Lenas
6 Trek to Casa de Piedra
7 Trek to Plaza Argentina (Basecamp)
8-10 Rest, gear preparation and camp carry
11-19 9 days for the climb to Aconcagua’s summit
20 Contingency day
21 Descend to Plaza de Mulas (Basecamp)
22 Trek to Penitentes and drive to Mendoza
23 Depart for home
Inclusions / Exclusions:
This is an inclusive cost and covers the following;
Adventure Consultants mountain guides
All expedition organisational requirements
Airport transfers if arriving on scheduled arrival date
All land transport within Argentina ex Mendoza
Hotel and meals at Penitentes (shared occupancy) on days 3,4
All trek and expedition food ex Penitentes
Group Equipment: ropes, tents, stoves, cookware etc and all supplies necessary to make a safe and strong bid for the summit
Mule supported trek to base camp (maximum 25kg per person)
Regular written and photo internet dispatches for families and friends to follow your progress
The expedition fee does not include the following:
Personal clothing and equipment
Accommodation in Mendoza at the start and end of the expedition
Hotel and meals at Penitentes at end of trip if the team elect to stay here rather than return to Mendoza
Climbing permit fee, payable in Mendoza
Personal travel insurance / trip cancellation insurance / medical evacuation insurance
Meals and personal expenses in Mendoza
Return flights to Mendoza
Excess equipment over the 25kg per person
Any costs associated with an early departure from the expedition
Gratuities to guides and local staff
The permit fee is extra at US$530 (2200 pesos trip #1 and #3) or US$720 (3000 pesos trip #2-High Season), payable in Mendoza prior to departing, at the National Park Service office.
Download the trip notes for the Aconcagua 11/12 Expeditions:
 | Aconcagua 2011 / 2012 Adobe Acrobat Document: 453 KB, 66 seconds @ 56kbps Please download the trip notes for the Adventure Consultants Aconcagua expeditions |
Do you have some questions about our Aconcagua Expedition? Check out our Aconcagua FAQs!
Follow the dispatches from our current Aconcagua Expedition. On your smartphone, follow the trip on our Aconcagua 11-12 dispatches for mobiles page.
Read the dispatches from previous Adventure Consultants Aconcagua expeditions -
Aconcagua 2002, Aconcagua Feb 2003, Aconcagua 03/04, Aconcagua 04/05, Aconcagua 05/06, Aconcagua 06/07, Aconcagua 07/08, Aconcagua 08/09, Aconcagua 09/10, Aconcagua 10/11
