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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
21 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Climb Latin America’s highest peak, Aconcagua
  • Aconcagua - One of the worlds 7 Summits
  • Extra acclimatisation days for climbing summit success
  • Assistance of high altitude porters
  • Trek the normal route on the south side of Aconcagua
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Trekking
Other: Hiking, Urban Exploration, national parks, walking, climbing, Camping
$4445USD
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TRIP MAP
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Aconcagua Climb

Lying on the border between Chile and Argentina, Aconcagua (6962m. / 22,842ft) is the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere and is also the highest peak in the world outside of the Himalayas.
Lying on the border between Chile and Argentina, Aconcagua (6962m. / 22,842ft) is the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere and is also the highest peak in the world outside of the Himalayas. It is not a technically demanding peak and given normal conditions the difficulties of the ascent are confined to those of trekking at extreme altitude. On account of both its height and the potentially straightforward nature of the ascent, Aconcagua is a very popular peak. KE Adventure Travel has been running treks and trekking peak climbs throughout the South American continent for many years and during 1999 we added Aconcagua to our repertoire. We have successfully operated Aconcagua expeditions in every year since that first trip. Flying via Buenos Aires to Mendoza, capital of the beautiful wine growing Cuyo region, our approach to the mountain starts with a short drive to Penitentes Village. It is from here, that we start the 2-day trek to the mountain's basecamp at Plaza de Mulas. When climbed via the Normal Route, Aconcagua is not technically difficult, but it is extremely demanding due to its altitude and on account of the potentially extreme weather conditions. We have allowed for an extra-long (when compared to the itineraries of some of our competitors) and carefully planned programme of acclimatisation, which includes as many as 3 days for summit attempts. Our expeditions are coordinated by the same Mendoza-based guide service that we have used since our first trip to the mountain. Depending on the group size, 2 or 3 English-speaking professional Argentinean mountain guides will accompany the group. These highly experienced local guides have qualifications from the High Mountain and Trekking Guides School in Mendoza (EPGAMT) and from Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides (AAGM). Our usual lead guide, Quique Klausen, who has climbed Aconcagua 50 times, is a favourite with all KE clients. Our groups are also assisted on the mountain by additional local guides, who help to carry the group's equipment between the basecamp at Plaza de Mulas and the highest camp on the mountain, the so called 'Berlin' Camp at 6000 metres (19,686 feet). With this well-established and first-rate set up, we have an excellent success rate on Aconcagua.

Additional Information
The group size for this holiday is: 5-12

Additional Costs
National Park Fees: 760.00 Us Dollars
All additional costs will be charged at the current exchange rate at the time of final payment.

Note: Prices and itineraries shown for holidays departing in 2013 may be subject to change, although we will endeavour to keep any price increases to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.
Day 1: Arrive Mendoza
Rendezvous with the lead guide at the group hotel in Mendoza. Clients on the preferred flight will be met and transferred to the group hotel, close to Mendoza’s shops and restaurants and the central Plaza Independencia. We have the afternoon free to look around this attractive town. KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight stay in the group hotel. Note that meals are not included on this day.
Day 2: Drive to Penitentes Village
In the morning, all group members need to go to the Secretariat de Turismo to receive their permits. Then, after lunch, we meet our transport for the journey to Penitentes Village (2580m. / 8465ft.), which is reached after a most picturesque two and a half hour drive (a little over one hundred miles) from Mendoza. Starting out from an altitude of only 735m. / 2,400ft at Mendoza, our route winds up into the foothills of the Andes, with expansive views to the east and increasingly impressive views of the snow-capped ranges of the Andes. Heading west on the main highway between Argentina and Chile, we follow the River Mendoza which has cut a deep valley to the south of Aconcagua. Penitentes Village is a ski resort, located some 8 kilometres or 5 miles from the Puente del Inca, a natural stone bridge over the River Mendoza. We overnight here as an important part of our acclimatisation programme. Whilst at Penitentes Village, we will stay at the excellent Hotel Ayelen. (Meals Included: B, D)
Lodging Hotel Ayelen
Description "Ayelen Mountain Hotel is located in the heart of the ridge opposite the ski slopes Los Penitentes Ayelen Mountain Hotel has the services of Great City so that their stay in the heart of the ridge unforgettable."
Day 3: Trek to Confluencia
A 20 minute ride by pickup truck takes us to the Ranger station beyond Puente de Inca. Here the group must complete the formalities of entering the park including the receipt of a numbered rubbish bag which must be returned on exit. Before setting off, the guides will divide the group’s gear amongst the ponymen, whose pack animals will be used to ferry our loads as far as the Plaza de Mulas. Today’s walk up to the fixed camp at Confluencia is an easy stroll of 2½ - 3 hours with the awesome south face of Aconcagua looming ahead. When we reach the gorge of the Rio Horcones, we drop down to the river and cross it on a small bridge. We take the lower of two trails (the other heads more directly to Plaza de Mulas) and cross a ridge, before dropping down to the campsite at the junction of the Rio Horcones and the Lower Horcones River. This is the location of our first camp, at the place which is known as Confluencia. Altitude at camp is 3350m. / 10,990ft. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Visit Aconcagua’s south side
We have planned a day excursion up to a viewpoint for the south side of Aconcagua. We return to the bridge over the Rio Horcones, cross it and take the trail which heads left up towards the Glacier Horcones Inferior. After 3½ - 4 hours, we reach an altitude of around 4100m. / 13,452ft. and have a spectacular, unobstructed view of the Aconcagua’s south face. We then continue for a further hour to reach the Plaza de Francia below the face. We return to our camp at Confluencia. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Up to Plaza de Mulas
Climbing the hill behind the Confluencia campsite on a zig-zag trail, we soon reach the broad, level valley of the Rio Horcones. We now follow this valley, walking across the Playa Ancha (Long Beach). It can be quite hot on this stretch as we journey over 8 kilometres / 5 miles of outwash gravels on the river bed. The Horcones river has to be forded several times but it is rarely more than ankle deep and in some places judicial use of stones will avoid the need to remove boots. We pass the Ibanez Camp and reach the old Plaza de Mulas at around 4000m / 13,124ft. At this point we are due west of the summit of Aconcagua. There is a final steep climb to the new site of the Plaza de Mulas (4260m. 13,977ft.) base camp area. We set up camp alongside the permanent camp (mess tent, crew tents and kitchen tent) of our agent. This is a longish day of 8 to 9 hours trekking. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Rest and acclimatisation
A rest day today and the opportunity to do a bit of laundry. We can also take a stroll across to the very impressive Plaza de Mulas Hotel which is a half hour away across the glacier. There is a bar in the hotel. (B, L, D)
Lodging Plaza de Mulas Hotel
Description On the Northwest Route there is also the rather luxurious Hotel Refugio Plaza de Mulas, the highest hotel in the world.
Day 7: Ascend Bonete Peak
A day for acclimatisation, making an ascent of Bonete Peak (4980m. / 16,340ft.). Starting out by walking across to the hotel, we then take the trail heading off to the right. A reasonable trail leads up into the hanging valley below Bonete Peak and from there we climb a switch-back track across a broad, convex scree slope to the summit pyramid. The trail moves out right to avoid some serious crags and then climbs back left to the summit. The total time for the ascent is around 4 hours. Descent (2 hours) is by way of the same route, with a few obvious short cuts. This superb acclimatisation walk covers easy ground and offers outstanding views of Aconcagua, including the whole of the route of our ascent. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Rest and acclimatisation
Another important day for rest and acclimatisation. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Carry to Camp 1
On our fourth day at base camp we will make a carry up to the site of Camp 1 (Canada Camp) at 4910m. / 16,110ft. Carrying some of the expedition gear and food, we will make a cache of our supplies at the camp and then return to the Plaza de Mulas. The route follows easy switch-backs to the camp, located on the top of a cliff and the only flat ground in the vicinity. It takes approximately 4 hours to reach Camp 1 and 2 hours to descend to Plaza de Mulas. (B, L, D)

From this point on our itinerary will be dependent on good weather conditions and on the continued fitness and good health of the expeditionary group. We have in fact allowed three extra days for the ascent and we will use these whenever necessary to increase the chances of success for the group. We will also enlist the help of our porters and the Argentinean guides to assist with the carrying of tents, food and equipment.
Day 10: Rest day
A final day of rest and acclimatisation at basecamp before our ascent of Aconcagua. We can use today to sort our equipment and make final preparations for the climb. Camp. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Ascend to Camp 1
Today, we will make the second carry up to Camp 1 and spend the night there. 3 to 4 hours walking between Plaza de Mulas and Camp 1. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Ascend to Camp 2
We move up across endless scree slopes to Camp 2 at 5400m. / 17,717ft. This camping place, at a windy col known as “El Nido de Condores” (the condor’s nest) affords spectacular views of a host of surrounding peaks. Looking upwards, we can see the top of the mountain and also the “Canaleta” (channel or couloir) of scree and snow which leads to a col between the mountain’s twin summits. This Canaleta is the key to the ascent of Aconcagua. We will spend the night at Camp 2. 3 hours of ascent. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Carry to Camp 3, return to Camp 2
Today we will make a carry up to Camp 3 (c.6000m. / 19,690ft.) and then return to Camp 2. Camp 3, which is variously known as “Berlin Camp” or “The Huts,” will be our highest camping place on the mountain. It can be a cold and windy place. 3 to 4 hours up and 1 down. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Ascend to Camp 3
We climb up again to Camp 3, carrying with us the remainder of our gear. There are fantastic views from this camp of many high Andean peaks. We spend the night at the Berlin Camp, which is the usual high camp on the Normal route. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Summit attempt
This is the first day that we have scheduled for a summit ascent. We have an early “alpine” start for the longest and most serious day of the expedition. We climb the north ridge to the “Independencia Refuge” (an old ruined shelter) at 6250m. / 20,506ft., where we will hope to see the sun for the first time today. The next section of the route is known as “El Portezuelo del Viento” (the door of the wind) as there is usually a strong wind blowing here, even on a calm day. Traversing the west face, we arrive at the Canaleta, a 300 metre / 1000 foot couloir with unstable scree, which leads up to the summit ridge. Without doubt this is the sting in Aconcagua’s tail and many people turn back from this point. With our extra acclimatisation this bete noire needs only an hour or so of steely determination on our part to overcome. At the top of the Canelleta we arrive on a high col and can look for the first time to the south and down the ice flutings of the incredible south face. Turning to the east, the so called Guanaco Ridge takes us thankfully more easily now to the summit of Aconcagua in a further hour of climbing. A spectacular 360 degree panorama from the summit will be adequate compensation for the hardship of the ascent. This is a very long day of up to 10 hours from Berlin Camp to the summit. We take care that the group members hold something in reserve for the descent back to our high camp. Arriving back at the camp we prepare drinks and food and after a small celebration most people will just want to sleep. (B, L, D)
Day 16 - 17: Spare days
Two spare days, which we can use at any time, for resting, for additional preparation or for waiting out bad weather. These extra contingency days give us the best chance of a successful expedition. If they are not needed the local lead guide will discuss with the group how best to use these days. (B, L, D)
Day 18: Return to Plaza de Mulas
Return from Camp 3 all the way to basecamp. It will take anything from 3 to 6 hours for the walk down to Plaza de Mulas. At the base camp we will be welcomed back by our crew who will have prepared a celebration. (B, L, D)
Day 19: Descend and transfer to Mendoza
We retrace our route from Plaza de Mulas to the roadhead where we meet our vehicles for the return to Mendoza. Arriving in Mendoza, we check in at the hotel. This is a long day of 8 hours trekking, covering around 18 miles, all downhill, followed by a drive of 2½ hours. If we have not had to use the contingency days we may opt to split this day into two. (B,L)
Day 20: In Mendoza
A free day to enjoy the delights of Mendoza and to relax and recuperate before beginning our journey home. (B)
Day 21: Depart Mendoza
KE group package service end after breakfast. (B)
Overall Rating
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Jennie Marshall
The pacing of the trip was very good. Only once did I feel slightly pressurised to go faster, on the way down from the summit, which is fair enough, but my legs wouldn`t work any more!! Everyone was very supportive of each other. Food and water arrived from nowhere like clockwork! I was extremely grateful for tents being put up for us most of the time.
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Tariq Mirza
All the guides demonstrated a genuine concern for our safety and well-being and made for an enjoyable trip with a relaxed and unhurried yet secure atmosphere. Carl Betts was a joy to have as trip leader. He showed a real and heartfelt passion for not only this trip but for the mountains and the people he met and worked with. He should certainly be considered a valuable contributer to KE's success.
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Ralf Roddenhof
Carl (our guide) went beyond what I expect from trip leader and was excellent in looking after us and the crew. Provided range of useful tips to help us cope with the environment on the mountain.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • 2 or 3 professional Argentinean guides depending on group size
  • Single timed group airport transfers
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Mendoza and 1 night hotel in Penitentes Village
  • All meals during the expedition and breakfasts while staying in Mendoza
  • Once on trek a full service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • National Park fees (Climbing Permit)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for trek staff
  • Airport transfers (except for timed group transfer)
  • Airport taxes
  • Meals other than breakfasts whilst in the group hotel in Mendoza
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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