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Standing at a majestic 22,837ft (6,961m), Aconcagua is the second tallest of the Seven Summits. Located in the Andes in the north of Argentina, this is a climb that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You won’t be facing any hardcore technical challenges, and when it comes to technical prowess, understanding how to use an ice ax and crampons should be enough. However, conditions on the upper slopes of Aconcagua are always rough; there are long stretches of steep scree and some snowfield crossings, and the route permeates an all-around harsh and unforgiving atmosphere. But as you face the challenges that Aconcagua throws at you, you will experience a burst of confidence and self-reliance like you’ve never felt before! Face Aconcagua head-on and show your hidden strength.
Discover Argentina’s wonderful culture, food, and people
Experience the Andes on the majestic and remote Aconcagua 360 route
Tackle the summit of the second tallest of the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on each continent)
Arrive at Mendoza in the stunning Cuyo desert region. Meet the folks you’ll spend the following three weeks with, get rested, and prepare for the climb ahead.
On day 2, obtain your government climbing permit, which is mandatory for climbing in the Andes. Drive to Penitentes, a town at the entrance to the valleys leading into the Aconcagua route.
Enter the park at Punta de Vacas or “Cow’s Point”, a picturesque hamlet in the Mendoza Province. and trek to Pampa de Lenas, the first section of the trail leading to Aconcagua’s backside.
Today you’ll trek to Casa de Piedra at 11,000ft (3,350 m). From there, you can experience spectacular views of the mountain.
On Day 4, prepare to trek for 5-6 hours up the Relincho slope to Plaza Argentina, the final stop before the glaciers. Enjoy your last glimpse of Aconcagua’s native vegetation before.
Take the chance to rest and acclimatize at Plaza de Argentina. Walk around the camp, explore the area, and take a well-deserved shower. At the end of the day, prepare the loads you will be carrying to Camp 1.
The transportation of food and climbing equipment on Day 7 will happen at a moderate pace, as you get the chance to acclimatize to the altitude. After transporting all of the goods to camp 1, return to Plaza de Argentina.
Prepare for the 5-6 hour hike to Camp 1 via the first portion of the Polish Route on Day 8. The food and equipment you brought the day before will be waiting for you. You will assemble the camp and spend the night here.
Rest day! Take the chance to sleep in, recover your energy, and get well-fed and well-hydrated. Prepare the food and equipment for tomorrow’s transport to Camp 2.
Transport the load you prepared yesterday to camp 2, gradually adapting to the altitude some more. You’re in for a strenuous 5-6 hour ascent on relatively forgiving terrain. Retreat to Camp 1 for the night.
Ascend to Camp 2 to meet the load you brought there the day before. Assemble the camp, rest, and enjoy a filling meal before an upcoming rest day.
Another rest day! Take the chance to recharge your batteries from the previous two days. You can also take the chance to acclimatize to the altitude some more. Your guide will recommend the best course of action. Prepare your equipment for transport to camp 3.
You know the drill—on Day 13, transport your equipment to Camp 3. Another challenging day, but it’s the last time you’ll have to lug your gear up the mountain! Return to Camp 3 for a good night’s sleep.
It’s time for the 4-hour ascent to Camp 3, hitting a junction with the Normal Route. At this point, you’ll hit a height of 19,200 feet (5,850 meters) and all the acclimatization will really pay off. Get ready for another rest day, followed by the highlight of the tour—the summit.
Use this day to sleep, eat, drink, and rest as much as possible. You need to be fresh for the summit attempt!
Time for the most challenging day of the expedition. You’ll climb the North Ridge to a height of approximately 21,300ft (6,500m) and ascend the Portezuelo del Viento, climb La Canaleta and the Filo del Guanaco. At this point, all that’s left is to conquer the summit and marvel at the stunning panoramic views! After you finish taking in the vistas, retreat to Camp 3 for the night.
In case of bad weather or anything else going wrong, your guides have included an extra summit day. Don’t worry, you won’t leave empty-handed.
Descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, the biggest camp in Aconcagua, from Camp 3. Celebrate your triumph with a big, delicious dinner!
On Day 19, descend from the Plaza de Mulas Base Camp to the Penitentes, where you’ll wait for your transport back to Mendoza.
On Day 20, get transferred back to Mendoza City, where you get one final day to explore and take in the local food and culture.
The next morning you will depart Mendoza, concluding this trip.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
Aconcagua is an extremely demanding high-altitude mountaineering expedition. You have to be in outstanding cardio shape to tackle this 23,000ft mountain and enjoy the adventure. It may be suitable for first-time mountaineers as long as they possess a penchant for cold weather and suffering.
Even though it is not difficult from a technical perspective (there is no extremely steep or glaciated terrain), Aconcagua’s ruggedness and fierce weather make it a real endurance challenge. Summiting Aconcagua via the 360 route involves long stretches of steep scree and – depending on the season – snowfield crossings, but no meaningful high angle climbing.
Daily mileage on the 360 Route varies widely, ranging from 2 to 15 miles, with anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000ft of ascent.
No prior mountaineering experience is required but you must have some experience with backpacking. You must be in excellent physical condition. Previous high altitude experience (14,000ft+) is highly recommended but not mandatory. You have to be in outstanding cardio shape to tackle this 23,000ft mountain and enjoy the adventure.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Select pieces of equipment are available to rent locally in Mendoza. This includes climbing gear such as double mountaineering boots, basecamp down jackets, ice axes, and crampons. Inquire with your guide about gear rental possibilities.
Your pack on the way to basecamp should be no heavier than 20lbs, thanks to mule support. Above basecamp, you have to be prepared for 35-40lbs of weight during each leg of our ascent, and up to 65lbs of weight for the return to basecamp after our summit attempt.
If you’d like to decrease the weight you have to carry above basecamp, it is possible to hire personal porters on the upper mountain. 20kgs / 44lbs of porter assistance from basecamp to camp 3 and back down to basecamp typically come out to $1,000.
Group sizes and prices:
Mountaineering on the Aconcagua 360 route can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has mountaineers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A $500 deposit to secure your place is due booking. The balance of program fee is due 90 days prior to the starting date of the program. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the following cancellation policy applies:
In some cases payments may be transferable; if you are required to forfeit your spot, you may find an acceptable replacement in which case your deposit and fees would transfer to your replacement without penalty.
Though unlikely, an expedition may be canceled for any reason prior to departure. In that event, the deposit and expedition fees paid by the participants will be refunded.
In the event of cancellation of a program and upon refund to participants of all program fee payments, the expedition organizer shall be released from any further liability to participants, including but not limited to liability for additional costs participants may have incurred, pre- departure expenses, non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, visa fees, equipment purchases and medical expenses.
Participants agree that beginning on the first date of the program itinerary, there will be no refunds of program fees for any reason whatsoever.
Expedition participants agree the cost of any search and rescue undertaken on their behalf will be their financial responsibility. Including costs incurred by the expedition leader, other expeditions, government, and/or other entities.
To get to Mendoza, Argentina, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport 5 miles northeast of the center of Mendoza. From there, you can take a cab to the Diplomatic hotel in Mendoza.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at The Diplomatic hotel in Mendoza or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Aconcagua, Argentina, please refer to the key information for travelers to Argentina.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!