3 days12Day-Aconcagua Climb Experience the Normal Route to the Summit
Length
12 days
Itinerary
12 days planned
Group
Max 20
Guides
English, Spanish
Overview
Highlights
• Climb the tallest mountain in the American Continent.
• Spend 12 days exploring the Andes, in Mendoza.
• Admire dazzling views of the range from the summit.
Description
With its 6,962 meters of altitude, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Andean Range and the American Continent. That is why it is one of the main goals for climbers from all over the world.
Situated in the Argentinean province of Mendoza, very near the border with Chile, this impressive peak belongs to the Aconcagua Provincial Park, in the Arid Andes.
The big massif presents two main summits, north and south. At the base of the mountain, there are various valleys, such as Quebrada de los Horcones and Quebrada de las Vacas.
On this 12-day expedition, we will take the normal route to the top. Although this route is not very difficult technically, keep in mind that the climb is demanding and requires and excellent physical condition. Below, you can take a look at our itinerary.
Day by day itinerary
1Arrival in Mendoza – Drive to Penitentes⌄
Start your adventure in Mendoza with a private transfer from your hotel. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive west to Penitentes, where we’ll settle into a cozy mountain refuge at 3,194 meters above sea level. • Travel time: 3 hours by car
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: Mountain refuge
2Penitentes to Confluencia Camp⌄
After breakfast, we’ll take a bus to the Aconcagua National Park entrance to secure our permits. Then, begin a 4- to 5-hour trek through stunning landscapes to Confluencia Camp. Once there, relax, refuel, and take in the breathtaking surroundings. • Hiking duration: 4–5 hours • Elevation gain: +206 m (3,194 m to 3,400 m)
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
3Confluencia Camp to Plaza de Mulas⌄
Leave Confluencia early for a challenging trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. The 6- to 8-hour journey offers incredible views as we climb to 4,300 meters, one of the main camps of Aconcagua. • Hiking duration: 6–8 hours • Elevation gain: +900 m (3,400 m to 4,300 m)
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
4Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas⌄
Spend the day recovering and exploring the camp surroundings. A mandatory medical check will ensure you’re ready for the altitude ahead. • Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
5Acclimatization Hike to Cerro Bonete⌄
We’ll hike to Cerro Bonete (5,050 m) to aid acclimatization. The 5-hour ascent offers a perfect view of Aconcagua. Afterward, we’ll return to Plaza de Mulas. • Hiking duration: 5 hours up, 3 hours down • Elevation gain: +750 m (4,300 m to 5,050 m)
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
6Gear Transport to Nido de Cóndores⌄
Today, we carry gear to Nido de Cóndores High Camp II (5,550 m) before returning to Plaza de Mulas for a well-earned rest. • Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner • Hiking duration: 6 hours up, 2 hours down • Elevation gain: +1,250 m (4,300 m to 5,550 m)
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
7Move to Nido de Cóndores Camp⌄
The journey to our first high camp, Nido de Cóndores, begins today. After a 6-hour hike, we’ll rest and prepare for higher altitudes. • Hiking duration: 6 hours • Elevation gain: +1,250 m (4,300 m to 5,550 m)
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
8Ascend to Colera Camp⌄
A short ascent brings us to Campo Colera at 6,000 meters, our final high camp before the summit. This night’s rest is key for acclimatization. • Hiking duration: 2 hours • Elevation gain: +450 m (5,550 m to 6,000 m)
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
9Summit Day – Aconcagua (6,962 m)⌄
Today is the most rewarding challenge of the expedition. We’ll ascend via the North Ridge to reach Aconcagua’s summit, enjoying incredible 360° views. Afterward, we’ll descend to Campo Colera. • Climbing time: 8 hours up, 3 hours down • Elevation change: +962 m (5,550 m to 6,962 m), -962 m
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
10Descend to Plaza de Mulas⌄
After breakfast, we’ll pack up and head down to Plaza de Mulas, taking in the stunning scenery one last time. • Hiking duration: 3 hours • Elevation loss: -1,700 m (6,000 m to 4,300 m)
Meals: Lunch · Breakfast · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
11Return to Mendoza via Penitentes⌄
We’ll descend to the park’s entrance and take private transport back to Mendoza, wrapping up an unforgettable adventure. • Hiking duration: 7 hours • Travel time: 3 hours by car • Elevation loss: -3,554 m (4,300 m to 746 m)
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch
12Reserved for Weather or Extra Day⌄
This extra day is included in case of delays or adverse weather conditions.
Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Overnight: Accommodation: 4-season mountain tents
What's included
- ✓Tents, Cooking, utensils and Snacks
- ✓Mules and horses
- ✓Transportation start and back
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Dinner
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Transport during the trip
- ✓Mountain guide expenses
- ✓Clean drinkable water
- ✓Accommodation included
- ✓Guiding fee
Not included
- ✕Personal Equipment
- ✕Climbing gear (e.g., crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, thermal layers, sleeping bag, etc.).
- ✕Travel Insurance
- ✕Porter Services: o Personal porters for carrying equipment beyond Plaza de Mulas
- ✕Meals Restaurant in Mendoza
- ✕Extra Days Additional accommodation or services in Mendoza in case of bad weather day
- ✕Tips: or Gratuities for guides, cooks, and support staff.
Good to know
Starts: Hello, to confirm this trip, please inform us at least 2 months in advance or contact us via WhatsApp at +51 942 646 424. This will allow us to organize an unforgettable travel experience for you. Thank you very much for your preference! Thank you very much for your preference!
Ends: Hello, to confirm this trip, please inform us at least 2 months in advance or contact us via WhatsApp at +51 942 646 424. This will allow us to organize an unforgettable travel experience for you. Thank you very much for your preference! Thank you very much for your preference!
Cancellation: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
From
$5,950

