Read on for answers to many frequently asked questions about the Adventure Consultants Aconcagua expeditions:
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This will be my first big altitude climb, how can I best prepare?
Excellent question! We recommend 2 books that have great information about how to best get started in the high altitude arena. They are; Climbing: Training for Peak Performance by Clyde Soles -this has an excellent 4 month training program for high altitude climbs. Also we suggest Extreme Alpinism Climbing Light Fast and High by Mark Twight Mark is a little more aggressive in his approaches to training and nutrition, but between the two books you are sure to find a program that works best for you. If you still have questions, contact our office and we will put you in touch with one of our guides to pass along more helpful training tips.
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What is summit day like?
Typically summit day is 10-14 hours long, covering a lot of ground, but unless it has recently stormed, the ground will all be rock, quite amazing given the altitude! Weather conditions can be surprisingly windy and cold as well, which is why Aconcagua is such a demanding peak to summit.
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I hear that you can hire porters at basecamp to help with your pack, is this true and if so how does it work?
Yes you can, however if you anticipate needing a porter we suggest that you contact our office for the current prices. We can then inform your guide who will assist with making the necessary arrangements. Rates vary from year to year, and porters are strictly regulated by the park service. Beware, it gets more expensive the higher that they go, and there is no guarantee that there will be one available for you the day you discover you want them.
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Can I ride a mule out after the expedition? Can I ride one into basecamp?
Yes and yes, but the real question is, why would you want to? The ride can be somewhat uncomfortable upwards of 5-7 hours in the saddle. We usually reserve this option for people that are injured or too exhausted to walk out after the expedition. Some folks do like the ride in, but they are usually people who ride regularly and who are used to the activity. Contact our office for further details.
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Is it possible to tour the vineyards around Mendoza?
Not only is it possible, it is suggested to make time to enjoy this Argentinean city! We suggest either arriving early or staying after your trip for this, don’t plan on doing a visit within the trip dates, as we will be busy!
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What are the skills/prior experience required for this climb?
We usually ask that members have had prior exposure to altitude and expedition life, i.e. trekking, camping and carrying a pack. Aconcagua is not ideal as your first mountain to experience a summit day hence it is preferable to have some mountaineering experience.
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What is the conditioning level needed for this climb?
You will enjoy your expedition more if you arrive in the best shape possible. Being able to go at a slow steady pace all day is important. How do you prepare for that? Please again refer to number 1 above. Be sure to focus on Cardio work and strength training for carrying a pack!
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How many climbers will be on this expedition?
Usually 6-8 members per expedition and occasionally we have full expeditions with 12 people and 3 guides.
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Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Of course! Before the trip please contact our office and we would be happy to pass on your contact details to the other team members.
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Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers?
Typically we reserve you a single hotel room in Mendoza and then in twin share rooms once you leave Mendoza and start the expedition. We have a policy to book separate rooms for males and females where twin share hotel accommodation is included in your trip. On the mountain you share a tent with another member or two. A single supplement is available.
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How heavy will my pack be?
It should usually fall within 40-45lbs / 18-20kgs on carry day, and around 25-30lbs/ 11-14kg on the days that we move between camps.
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What kind of food do you have on the mountain?
We work hard to make sure that our meal selections are tasty and varied. In addition to the good food that we supply, at Base Camp you can actually buy a hamburger and fries and a coke at some of the dining halls setup for the season. Once on the mountain, we typically focus on MRE’s (meals ready to eat) which is real food vacuum sealed and ready to eat, and freeze dried.
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How long is a typical day on the mountain?
The days can vary from a few hours for “acclimatisation” days, to 7-9 hours to moving to camps, to 10-14 hours on summit day.
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What type of communication is available on the climb?
Your guides will have satellite phones with them on the trip that you are welcome to use for a nominal fee. At Base Camp there is also an email / internet service available. Contact the office for details.
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What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
We use as our base a great hotel near the heart of Mendoza called the Hotel Nutibara. It has a pool, nice breakfasts, an extensive recreation room, and is used to catering to climbers.
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What time should I arrive and where do I meet my guides?
Before your expedition you will receive a final details letter from us here in the office outlining where and when you will be meeting your guides. We endeavour to meet every climber off their flight, by either our guides or our local agency staff.
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How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
This can vary depending on how many gifts you plan on buying and wine tours that you plan to go on! Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Mendoza; however once we leave the city cash only is usually the way it goes. So it depends on how many cheeseburgers you want at basecamp! Typically you can get by with 200-500 usd. However, if you plan to use porters you will require significantly more than this, please contact our office for further details. The permit fee is also extra at US$360 (2200 pesos) for trip #1 and #3 in low season and US$760 (3000 pesos) trip #2 which is in high season, payable at the National Park Service office in Mendoza prior to departing for Penitentes.
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How much should I tip my guide staff?
Tipping is a very personal thing. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It all depends on how much personal interaction and help you have received from your guide. If you feel that they have done a good job, give accordingly.
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What if I arrive early or depart late?
We will be happy to assist you with hotel reservations if you arrive early or leave late.
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Are there any entry or visa requirements?
It all depends on where you are from. Please consult the attached link for details. http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/14/passport_visa/South-America/Argentina.html
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What is your cancellation policy? Refund policy?
Please consult the attached link to our Aconcagua trip notes for our Cancellation Policies, which are:
Cancellation & Refund Policy
An expedition member may cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
A. Cancellations within of 90 days of the departure date, but prior to 60 days of the departure date, are refunded on the basis of 50% of the balance payment.
B. For cancellation made within 60 days of the departure date there will be no refunds.
Team members should take out private insurance if they wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. This is called Trip Cancellation Insurance and can be obtained from your normal travel agent.
Aconcagua 2012 / 2013
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Please download the trip notes for the Adventure Consultants Aconcagua expeditions
22. Can't find your questions here?
Contact our office for further information - our friendly Client Liaison and Sales staff will be able to help - over half the people in our office have actually climbed Aconcagua on one of our expeditions.
