Aconcagua FAQ
On this page:
- Luggage Transport
- Accommodations
- Arrival/Departure
- Transfers
- Other Trek Info
1) Luggage Transport
Porters
Our expeditions to Aconcagua include the help of porters in the altitude camps so that our climbers can walk from camp to camp carrying less weight and thus being able to concentrate their energies on summit day. Porters appear on stage with the need of people and expeditions that, due to their logistics, need to transport a great quantity of equipment to altitude camps. Our porters are people very well adapted to working in the altitudes of Aconcagua. They have reached the summit many times and the response of their body to altitude is considerably faster and better than that of many athletes. Our porters are in charge of carrying tents, team garbage (including toilet garbage that must be transported by each expedition according to regulations of Aconcagua Park) and they will also carry the first aid kits. Porters transport all these loads from Plaza Argentina Base Camp to Camp1, from Camp 1 to Camp 2, from Camp 2 to Camp 3 and the return from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (Normal Route). Each expedition member must transport their personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, boots and personal belongings) plus their share of meals and cooking elements. During acclimatization treks, climbers will not have to transport their personal equipment (which will be left behind in the previous camp). The purpose of acclimatization treks are to acclimatize and transport the meals that will be consumed on the following day. Anyway, if you want to hire a porter to transport your backpack and acclimatization trek weight in all expedition days (but summit day) or you want to hire a porter for transporting only your personal backpack, do not doubt in requesting this service to us (such porter services may have additional cost and they will are non-included and optional services).
Mules
These strong animals were the ones that helped the armies that fought for the freedom of South America, to transport their belongings over the mountains. Mules move over the mountain with great caution, having the possibility to carry big loads. The negative aspect of these animals is their untamed character. That is why we have selected a professional team of muleteers, called “arrieros”, who have dedicated their lives to the animals. They know how to deal with these animals, because of their experience. From Puente Del Inca to Confluencia, from this camp to Plaza de Mulas, and in the return your belongings will be carried by mules. Each mule can carry up to a limit of 60 kg, and every client may transport on the mules a maximum of 30 kg on each stage of the approach. We strongly recommend you to bring a strong duffel bag.
2) Accommodations
Hotel in Mendoza
While you are in Mendoza city, you will be lodged in a 4 stars superior Hotel for 2 nights in a double room (the first night of the itinerary and the last night of your itinerary after climbing down from the mountain). Breakfast and taxes are included and will represent no additional cost. Nonetheless, if you wish a different type of room or service, you can aquire it as an additional service.
Lodging in Penitentes/Puente de Inca
During the Inca Empire this spot was a strategic point for the crossing of the Andes mountain. Over the last years it has become the point of departure of every expedition, whose aim is to get the summit of Mount Aconcagua. The Hotel was built here, it is located in this strategic zone, five kilometers far from the Mount Aconcagua Park trailhead. You will spend one night in this beautiful place at the beginning of your expedition in shared rooms with a private toilet. Complete breakfasts and dinners in the restaurant of the hotel are also included. Our private transfer will take you to the Aconcagua Park entrance.
Camps in Pampa de Leñas and Casa de Piedra
While you are gaining height, your body needs some time to start with the process of acclimatization to Aconcagua climb. Therefore, it is extremely important to stop for a night in Pampa de Leñas and the following day continue with the trek to Casa de Piedras. In every stop you will meet the Arrieros, who will give you your gear to spend the night. The guides will help you in the setting of the tents, and will prepare the dinner and breakfast.
Base Camp in Plaza Argentina
Once you have arrived at Plaza Argentina, you will spend 4 nights in the campsite. It´s fully prepared to make the trip around the magnificent South American mountain as comfortable as possible. There are tents for eating, kitchen, equipment storage. Toilets are available too. An excellent team of people will attend you, preparing delicious meals and providing you an excellent service. The advantages of the campsite are not only its commodities, but also the direct contact with nature.
Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
Once you have arrived at Plaza de Mulas, you will spend the night in the campsite, fully prepared with tents for eating, another for the kitchen, a third tent for equipment storage, and toilets. Here excellent workers will prepare delicious meals and provide you an excellent service too.
Tents
Normally, during the summer high-season, Aconcagua is a mountain with good weather conditions. Yet if you happen to have a few days of storms, you will be responsive to nature’s whims at Aconcagua high altitude camps. Therefore, we do not hesitate to provide you with the highest quality bedroom tents for high altitude campsites. We use brands that have proved an excellent performance in Aconcagua over the years like The North Face and Mountain Hardware. The arrangement is usually 2 climbers per tent.
3) Arrival/Departure
Arrival:
If you are doing a group departure, you want arrive in Mendoza (MDZ Airport) on Day 1 by 11AM.
At 1PM, the group transfer leaves from MDZ Airport to the Hotel. No other airport transfer is included, but we can arrange a private transfer with an extra charge.
We recommend arriving 1-2 days before Day 1, just in case of any flight cancellation or missing luggage that may prevent you from joining the expedition group. We can book the extra nights in the same hotel as your expedition (subject to availability).
Private treks can schedule an airport transfer any time on Day 1.
Departure:
If you are doing a group departure, you can book your flight back on Day 20 from 5PM onward.
If your expedition has good weather conditions and doesn’t take extra days on the mountain, you will be ready to leave 1-2 days before the last itinerary day. Most people enjoy these extra days on Mendoza.
Private treks can schedule an airport transfer any time on Day 20.
4) Transfers
Transfer Mendoza / Puente del Inca / Mendoza
A private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Puente Del Inca. We will drive over 180 kilometers, which separate Mendoza City from Puente Del Inca (roundtrip). The scenery on the journey is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the central Andes.
Transfer to the Aconcagua trailhead
You will be driven by a private transfer over 5 kilometers, from the hostel in Puente Del Inca to the first Rangers Station. Here your permit is checked out and you are informed about the park rules.
5) Other Trek Info
Meals
On the expedition you will enjoy all the meals (B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / PL: Packed Lunch if we are on the move / D: Dinner) that are carefully planned by professionals to have a balanced diet during those days on the mountain. The cooks always prepare every meal, with fixed menu from day 3, except at the high altitude camps where the guides will be in charge of the cooking. You will enjoy tasty and large portions of very good meals. If you are vegetarian, let us know.
Guides
The guides in charge of the expedition are professionals who have obtained their degree from the AAGM or the EPGAMT (2 and 3 year program). We believe that one of the keys for having a successful expedition is to count on people who have the best qualifications and at least 5 years of experience in Aconcagua to provide safety and trek across the paths of nature with conviction and professionalism. Our expeditions are led by one high altitude mountain guide per every three climbers from base camp. The guide’s equipment include a VHF radio, first aid kit with the specific medications for altitude sicknesses, ropes, altimeter, digital oximeter and professional clothing and equipment. Medicines will be provided after the approval of the doctors of Park Aconcagua. All of this is necessary for your safety and well being.
Assistance to buy the climbing permits
Mount Aconcagua is located in a provincial Park managed by the Provincial Government of Mendoza. To get into the Park you should get a permit in accordance to the activity that you are going to participate in (climbing, long trek, short trek). This procedure must be done personally, as a government rule. Each climber must go to the Park’s office with their own passport.
Extra days
There are two extra days that can be used on the mountain in case of bad weather conditions or contingencies which could delay the regular itinery. Since the climbers’ safety is our main priority, the leader guide will be in charge of taking this decision.
Communication
The expedition take advantage of the VHF and BLU radio lines that help to stay in contact between the high-altitude campsites, Plaza Argentina, Puente del Inca and Mendoza. Therefore, almost instantaneously answer to whatever issue that may arise.
Participation or Summit Certificate
We will extend you a certificate signed by the Guide of the expedition certifying that you have participated in the Mount Aconcagua expedition (or reached the summit if that happened).