22,840ft / 6,962m Aconcagua

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.

While the climbing is not technically challenging it does require a high level of fitness.
 

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 2013 / 2014

Trip 1: November 29 - December 21, 2013
Trip 2: December 30, 2013 - January 21, 2014
Trip 3: January 29 - February 20, 2014

Duration: 23 days

Departure: ex Mendoza, Argentina

Price: US$5,150 plus permit fee

** 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$770 (3500 pesos trip #1 and #3) or US$1040 (4700 pesos trip #2-High Season), payable in Mendoza prior to departing, at the National Park Service office.

To preview the Aconcagua Expedition 2013/14 Trip Notes online, click below:


or, download the pdf by clicking on link below;

Adobe Acrobat DocumentAconcagua 2013/2014 Trip Notes
Adobe Acrobat Document: 531 KB, 78 seconds @ 56kbps
Download the trip notes for the 2013/2014 Adventure Consultants Aconcagua Expeditions

Do you have questions about our Aconcagua Expedition? Check out our Aconcagua FAQs!

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, Aconcagua 11/12

Follow our current Aconcagua 2012/13 expeditions here via TrekTraka and dispatches here.

Amazing, I thought Matias and the boys were unbelievable. They were incredible.
Jeremy, Aconcagua 11/12 season

Thank you all at AC for an amazing trip. I had the best time ever, and can't wait to go back to the mountains!
Johanne, Aconcagua 11/12 season

Except for getting us to the summit in a splendid way the most important thing for me was the way I learned to live in the moment. That I will carry with me for a long time and I am forever grateful for that. I learned so much about life and about myself on this trip. It went far beyond just reaching the summit. I am very grateful to our guides for that!
Mattias, Aconcagua 11/12 season
 

 

 

 

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