Aconcagua Mountain Climbing Expedition itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza (760 m / 2,508 ft)
➾ Meet & greet at the airport and transfer to a 4★ superior hotel.
➾ Afternoon:
– Detailed briefing by the guide team.
– Full equipment check to ensure all gear meets expedition requirements.
– Time to rent or purchase missing items in Mendoza.
➾ Overnight in Mendoza.
Meals: —
Day 2: Mendoza → Penitentes / Puente del Inca (2,725 m / 8,992 ft)
➾ Assistance with the Aconcagua climbing permit process.
➾ Private transfer along the scenic Andes route to Penitentes/Puente del Inca (approx. 3 hrs).
➾ Check-in at mountain lodge.
➾ Preparation of mule loads for the following day (max 30 kg per climber).
➾ Evening briefing and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Penitentes → Confluencia Camp (3,300 m / 10,890 ft)
➾ Short drive to Aconcagua National Park entrance (Horcones Valley).
➾ Permit verification and entry formalities.
➾ Begin trek to Confluencia Camp (approx. 3–4 hrs).
➾ You carry only a daypack; mules transport personal gear.
➾ Arrival, camp orientation, and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Confluencia → Plaza Francia (4,000 m / 13,200 ft) → Confluencia
➾ Acclimatization trek to Plaza Francia, the impressive viewpoint of Aconcagua’s massive South Face.
➾ Lunch at viewpoint.
➾ Return to Confluencia for a second night.
➾ Total trekking time: approx. 6–7 hrs.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Confluencia → Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m / 14,058 ft)
➾ Long and gradual trek (7–8 hrs) to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, one of the largest base camps in the world.
➾ Mules transport personal gear; climbers carry only day packs.
➾ Check-in at Base Camp, dinner, rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m)
➾ Full rest and recovery day.
➾ Short acclimatization hike to the Horcones Glacier.
➾ Practice with crampons, walking techniques, and gear management.
➾ Hydration and medical monitoring.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Plaza de Mulas → Mt. Bonete (5,091 m / 16,702 ft) → Plaza de Mulas
➾ Acclimatization climb to the summit of Mt. Bonete, an excellent training peak near Base Camp.
➾ Round trip approx. 6 hrs.
➾ Return to Base Camp for dinner and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Plaza de Mulas → Camp 1 Canadá (4,910 m / 16,203 ft) → Plaza de Mulas
➾ Carry load to Camp 1 (Canadá) — food, gas, and personal gear.
➾ Return to Plaza de Mulas after dropping equipment.
➾ Important acclimatization day.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Plaza de Mulas (Rest Day)
➾ Rest and hydration day at Base Camp.
➾ Final equipment check for the upper mountain.
➾ Optional short walks around Base Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Plaza de Mulas → Camp 1 Canadá (4,910 m)
➾ Move up to Camp 1 with personal gear and any remaining supplies.
➾ Porters carry tents, garbage, and group equipment.
➾ Set up tents, dinner, early rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Camp 1 → Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores (5,250 m / 17,325 ft)
➾ Climb to Camp 2 – Nido de Cóndores, known for its expansive views.
➾ Porters transport tents, garbage, and group gear.
➾ Set up camp and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Camp 2 (Rest Day)
➾ A crucial acclimatization day at 5,250 m.
➾ Hydration, food, and light movement recommended.
➾ Preparation for high camp and summit push.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Camp 2 → Camp 3 (5,900 m / 19,470 ft) → Return to Camp 2
➾ Carry altitude meals, gas, and high-camp gear to Camp 3 (Berlín/Colera).
➾ Drop equipment, have lunch, and return to Camp 2.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Camp 2 → Camp 3 Berlín / Cólera (5,900 m)
➾ Move to High Camp (Berlin or Cólera depending on conditions).
➾ You carry personal gear; porters carry tents, garbage, and first aid kits.
➾ Early dinner and rest in preparation for summit day.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Camp 3 → SUMMIT (6,962 m / 22,834 ft) → Camp 3
SUMMIT DAY – THE BIG DAY!
➾ Early alpine start (3–5 AM).
➾ Ascent via the Canaleta and Guanaco Ridge to the Summit of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.
➾ Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes.
➾ Descent to High Camp.
➾ Total climbing time: 10–14 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Camp 3 → Plaza de Mulas (4,260 m)
➾ Long descent back to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp.
➾ Porters carry tents and group equipment; climbers carry personal gear.
➾ Celebratory dinner at Base Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Plaza de Mulas → Penitentes → Lodge
➾ Trek from Plaza de Mulas to the park exit (approx. 6–7 hrs).
➾ Mules again carry personal equipment.
➾ Transfer to Penitentes lodge.
➾ Hot shower, dinner, and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Penitentes → Mendoza
➾ After breakfast, private transfer back to Mendoza.
➾ Overnight in hotel or onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19: Extra Contingency Day
➾ Reserved for bad weather, extra acclimatization, or mountain conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Extra Contingency Day
➾ Second backup day for summit attempts or delays.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The above itinerary is a guideline. Actual schedule may change depending on:
➾ Weather conditions
➾ Group acclimatization
➾ Park regulations
➾ Guide decisions for safety
Flexibility is essential for a safe and successful expedition.
Important Information
Airport Transfers
➾ Only one scheduled group transfer on Day 1 at 1 PM from MDZ Airport to the hotel.
➾ No arrival hall pickup—clients must be at the airport gate.
➾ Additional private transfers available at extra cost (request at least 2 days prior).
➾ Standard taxi cost from airport: approx. USD 100.
Use of Extra Days
➾ All open expeditions include up to 2 extra weather days (20-day program shown as 18+2).
➾ Extra days apply only on the mountain, not in Mendoza.
➾ If not used, they are not refundable.
If You Abandon the Expedition
➾ Any services taken outside the group itinerary incur extra cost.
➾ No refunds for early descent.
Inclusions
Lost Luggage Assistance
Support in Mendoza to help you recover lost airline baggage quickly. We understand the importance of your climbing gear and will assist until it is delivered.
Hotel in Mendoza
Accommodation in a 5-star superior hotel, double room with breakfast and taxes included. Upgrades available at extra cost.
Support for Climbing Permit Purchase
Assistance to obtain your Aconcagua climbing permit. Each climber must visit the government office personally with their passport.
Luggage Storage
Secure storage available in Mendoza hotel, Penitentes/Puente del Inca, and at Base Camp for items not required on the mountain.
Private Transfers – Mendoza ↔ Puente del Inca
Roundtrip private transportation between Mendoza and Puente del Inca (180 km each way), passing through spectacular Andean scenery.
Meals on the Expedition
All meals included:
• B Breakfast
• L Lunch
• PL Packed lunch
• D Dinner
Fresh, high-quality meals prepared by our cooks. Vegetarian options available.
Lodging in Penitentes / Puente del Inca
1 night in a comfortable lodge near the park entrance (shared rooms with private toilet). Breakfast and dinner included.
Mule Arrangements & Load Transport
Guides will help in organizing your luggage for mule transport.
Mules carry up to 60 kg; each client may send up to 30 kg per stage (Puente del Inca →
Confluencia → Plaza de Mulas → return).
Transfer to Aconcagua Trailhead
Private transport from Penitentes/Puente del Inca to the Ranger Station for permit check and
park entry.
Confluencia Camp (2 Nights)
Comfortable intermediate camp for early acclimatization before proceeding higher
Trek to Plaza Francia (South Face Viewpoint)
Acclimatization hike to the base of the South Face—one of the most impressive features of
Aconcagua.
Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (5 Nights)
Fully serviced Base Camp: dining tents, kitchen, toilets, equipment storage, professional staff,
and excellent meals.
Acclimatization Activities at Base Camp
-
Short trek to the Horcones Glacier
-
Training in crampon use
-
Acclimatization climb to Mt. Bonete (5100 m)
Porters for Expedition Logistics
Professional altitude porters transport:
-
Tents
-
Group gear
-
Waste (as per Park rules)
Between Plaza de Mulas → Camp 1 → Camp 2 → Camp 3 → back to Plaza de Mulas.
Personal gear is carried by each climber unless optional private porter services are requested
(extra cost).
Professional Mountain Guides
Certified AAGM/EPGAMT guides with minimum 5 years Aconcagua experience.
Equipment includes radios, first aid kits, ropes, altimeter, oximeter, and altitude-specific
medication (prescribed under Park doctor guidance).
Extra Weather / Contingency Days
2 extra days built into the itinerary for altitude or weather issues. Used at the discretion of the
lead guide for safety.
High-Quality Expedition Tents
Four-season tents from The North Face or Mountain Hardwear, proven reliable for Aconcagua
conditions (2 climbers per tent).
Communications
VHF and HF radio networks between all camps, Puente del Inca, and Mendoza for safety and
coordination.
Participation or Summit Certificate
Official certificate signed by the Expedition Guide and Company CEO.
Medical Support in Mendoza
Assistance for medical check-ups, hospital visits, tests, or medications if needed after the
expedition (costs not included).
Post-Expedition Support in Mendoza
Full customer support for any help you need after returning from the mountainGuides will help in organizing your luggage for mule transport.
Mules carry up to 60 kg; each client may send up to 30 kg per stage (Puente del Inca →
Confluencia → Plaza de Mulas → return).
Exclusions
➾ Climbing Permit
Must be purchased personally in Mendoza. Fees support park maintenance, medical services, rangers, and rescue operations.
➾ Expenses if You Leave the Itinerary
Leaving the group itinerary (e.g., due to health or personal reasons) results in private services at additional cost.
One bus transfer to Mendoza + one hotel night is included.
➾ Personal Gear & Sleeping Bag
Not included. You may bring from home or rent/purchase in Mendoza.
➾ Personal Insurance
Optional but recommended. Should cover high-altitude trekking/climbing.
➾ Personal Porters
Carrying your own backpack is required unless you hire a personal porter (available at extra cost).
➾ Additional Personal Expenses
• Food/drinks outside the included meals
• Satellite phone calls
• Bank transaction fees
• Any service not clearly listed as “Included”
Booking & Payment Policy
➾ USD 1,000 deposit required to confirm the booking with a completed registration form.
➾ Remaining balance due 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
As per Shikhar Travels Terms & Conditions:
https://www.shikhar.com/terms-and-conditions
Optional services
You may join these amazing optional services if booked in advance, subject to availability.
