Aconcagua - Normal Route

We welcome you in the city of Mendoza, the meeting point for all expedition members. We hold an informational briefing where you will meet your guides and fellow adventurers. We review personal gear, resolve questions and, if necessary, help you rent or complete your equipment. This day is key to finalizing details and ensuring everything is ready for the great challenge.

In the morning, we travel by private transfer to the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park, at Horcones (approximately 3 hours of travel). There we hand over the loads to the mules and begin the approach trek towards the campsite Confluence (3,400 masl), the first camp in the Horcones Valley. We hike for about 4 hours, enjoying the first Andean landscapes and adapting to the mountain environment.

Today we take an acclimatization hike to the south face viewpoint of Aconcagua (4,000 masl). This 6 to 7-hour round-trip trek allows us to enjoy spectacular views and improve our adaptation to altitude. We have lunch at the viewpoint and take the opportunity to photograph the imposing south face of the mountain.

We have an early breakfast and, after leaving the loads for the mules, begin the long hike to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,370 masl). This approximately 8-hour day is demanding but essential for acclimatization. Upon arrival, we set up at base camp, where we enjoy full services and a well-deserved rest.

Day dedicated to rest and acclimatization at base camp. We use the time for medical check-ups, gear organization and energy recovery. This day is key to adapting to the altitude and preparing the body for the upcoming stages.

We carry out a load carry and an acclimatization hike to Camp 1 (Plaza Canadá, 5,000 masl). We carry up part of the gear needed for the high camps and then return to Plaza de Mulas. This activity, about 4 hours of ascent, helps improve adaptation and distribute the expedition weight.

Today we definitively ascend to Camp 1, where we will spend the night. The route is demanding, but the effort is rewarded by the views and the feeling of getting ever closer to the summit. We set up, organize the camp and rest.

We carry out the load transport and another acclimatization day up to Camp 2 (Nido de Cóndores, 5,400 masl). We carry up part of the gear and return to Camp 1. This stage, 3 to 4 hours of ascent, is essential to continue adapting to altitude and prepare the final push.

We ascend to Camp 2, where we will spend the night. The terrain becomes more rugged and the altitude makes itself felt, so it is important to maintain a steady pace and take care of hydration and nutrition. We set up and rest, enjoying the panoramic views of the mountain range.

Day of active rest at Camp 2. We use the time to practice crampon use and review mountain safety techniques. This day is key to recovering energy and preparing for the final ascent stages.

We carry out a load carry and an acclimatization hike to Camp 3 (Berlín, 5,960 masl). We carry up part of the material needed for the summit attempt and return to Camp 2. This demanding day brings us closer to the final goal.

Day of rest and preparation at Camp 2. We organize gear, review the summit strategy and make sure we are in optimal physical and mental condition for the most important day of the expedition.

We ascend to Camp 3 (Berlín), the last camp before the summit. We check gear, receive a technical briefing from the guides and prepare for the big day. If weather conditions allow, we will attempt to reach the Aconcagua summit the following day.

The big day has arrived! We have an early breakfast (between 4 and 5 am) and begin the ascent to the Aconcagua summit (6,961 masl). This day may take 8 to 10 hours of ascent and 3 to 5 hours of descent. The effort is maximum, but the reward of reaching the summit is incomparable. After celebrating on the summit, we descend and spend the night at Berlín.

We descend from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. It is a long but more relaxed day, where we celebrate the achievement and share experiences with the group. We enjoy a well-deserved meal and rest at base camp.

We make the final descent to Horcones, where a private transfer awaits to return us to Mendoza. The total journey may take around 8 hours. We arrive at the hotel in the afternoon or evening, ready to celebrate the expedition's success.

These days are reserved for weather or acclimatization contingencies. They allow us to adjust the itinerary in case of bad weather or group needs, increasing the chances of success and safety on the expedition.

This itinerary is only an approximate estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is an adventure journey, meaning things rarely go as planned and this schedule is likely to change.

We always recommend arriving in Mendoza one day early to avoid travel delays or luggage loss. Additional expenses (e.g., hotel, food, sightseeing) for this extra day are the client's responsibility. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange a single room option.