At 6962m Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Andes mountain range, and the highest mountain outside the Himalaya. Although not technically difficult, the high altitude and ice conditions can make this a very challenging climb. In this programme you will have 16 days from arriving at Plaza de Mules, the base camp to make the summit. This time is essential to allow you to acclimatise to the high altitude, it also provides you with an opportunity to see some impressive views of Aconcagua before attempting to reach the summit yourself.
Day 1: Fly UK to Buenos Aires
Day 2: Arrive Buenos Aires and fly to Mendoza
You will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation overnight. The rest of the day can be spent checking
your kit, talking to your expedition leader, and relaxing with your team-mates before the start of the real fun tomorrow!
Day 3: Mendoza (760m) – Penitentes (2600m) – Confluencia (3300m)
We will drive to Penitentes where we will start our walk up to Confluencia, by following the Horcones Valley. An easy
walk up the valley to reach our first camp.
3 hours driving and 3 hours walking (LD)
Day 4: Confluencia – Plaza Francia (4200m) – Confluencia
This is a great day for acclimatising, and we will get to see the impressive south face of Aconcagua, a 3000m wall of
ice and rock, which is equivalent to two north walls of the Eiger stacked on top of each other.
6 to 7 hours (BLD)
Day 5: Confluencia – Plaza de Mules (4230m), PDM
Today we will have a long day walking up to Plaza de Mules, the base camp for Aconcagua. First we will cross the
Playa Ancha (Wide Beach) and along the route we should get a view of the south face again and see the guachos
passing with their mules.
7 to 9 hours (BLD)
Day 6 to 21: PDM (Base camp) – Summit – Base
These days will be spent moving between the camps to acclimatise the group to the high altitude and initially
returning to stay in base camp. There are also a few days lee-way in case of bad weather. There are 2 to 3 camps
along the way.
Base camp PDM - Camp Plaza Canada (4910m) 3 hours Base camp PDM - Camp Cambio de Pendiente (5200m) 4 - 5 hours Base camp PDM - Camp Nidos de Condores (5400m) 5 - 6 hours Nidos de Condores - Camp Berlin (5800m) 3 hours Camp Berlin - Summit (6962m) – Camp Berlin 10 - 15 hours. All days include (BLD) and base camp services when applicable.
Day 22: Base camp – Penitentes
We will walk the same way back out and later that evening. We will be able to have a well earned hot shower and a
cold beer!
7 to 10 hours (BLD) Hotel
Day 23: Penitentes – Mendoza
Drive back to Mendoza, with a lunch stop along the way.
3 hours of driving (BL)
Day 24:
Spend the day in Mendoza, relaxing and reflecting on the journey you have just undertaken in South America.
Mendoza can be explored with the tasty food and drink sampled to your heart’s content!
Day 25: Fly to UK
Transfer to Buenos Aires for your return flight to the UK
Day 26: Arrive in UK
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Dates: 9th Feb - 6th Mar
2009
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Highlights: Travelling through a spectacular area of Argentina, enjoying Argentinian cuisine, wine and hospitality. Going to Plaza Francia (4200m) to see the south face of Aconcagua, reaching the top of one of the seven summits 6962m. |
Experience required Clients need to
be very strong and ideally have experienced an expedition to a Himalayan
trekking peak. Having summited Kilimanjaro or similar is a bare minimum
requirement. Aconcagua is technically straight forward but requires
a lot of strength and motivation to summit. Medical clearance required. |
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PRICE: £3200 |
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Included » International and domestic airfares. » Professional English speaking mountain guides. (360 and Local guide) |
Not Included » Drinks in restaurants, approximately 4 meals » Personal gear for trekking and climbing |
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