19-Day Aconcagua Vacas Valley
Expedition to the roof of America, Mount Aconcagua 6,962 m (22,841 ft) along the Vacas Valley route, through Vacas Valley and Plaza de Argentina base camp at 4,200 m. After a progressive ascent program reaching the high camps we have several days to climb the final step to the summit at 6,962 m.
This trip is currently only done as a private departure. For group departures consider the "False Polish Traverse" - it goes up the Vacas Valley and descends the normal route.
Full Itinerary
DETAILED ITINERARY >>
ITINERARY IN BRIEF >>
Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza
Our expedition begins in Mendoza, Argentina. Upon your arrival at the airport or bus station, a representative will be waiting for you. After the transfer to your hotel you'll meet with your guide who will check your equipment. You'll have time to rent or buy equipment if necessary. In the evening there is a group meeting and later we go to a typical restaurant to enjoy dinner. You get the chance to taste the delicious Argentine "asado" (barbecued meat) and wonderful wines from Mendoza.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Huentala
Day 2: Transfer to Penitentes
In the morning the group heads to the Government Offices to obtain individual entrance and ascent permits. You will be personally assisted in this procedure. Drive from Mendoza to a hotel in Villa de Penitentes, lunch en route or in Penitentes (2,750 m / 9,022 ft).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Hotel Penitentes
Day 3: Hike to Pampa de Le?as
Shuttle from Penitentes to the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park, hike 4 to 5 hours up to the camp at Pampa de Lenas (2,950 m / 9,678 ft).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 4: Hike to the Casa de Piedras camp
We hike 6 to 7 hours to an intermediate camp, passing through the Quebrada de Vacas. This is where you will be able to see western face of the Aconcagua for the first time. Overnight at Casa de Piedras (3,240 m / 10,630 ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 5: Hike to base camp
5 to 6 approach hour hike to Plaza Argentina (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). We will be able to see the last vegetation before climbing towards the glaciers, where Plaza Argentina is placed. We also start preparing for the ascent.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 6: Acclimatization/ rest day
At Plaza de Argentina we rest and use the day for acclimatization. We also prepare for the rest of the climb.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 7: Acclimatization hike
Load carry and acclimatization to camp 1 (5,000 m / 16,404 ft) with spectacular views of the Quebrada de Relinchos and the Horcones Valley. Return to base camp for overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 8: Climb to camp 1
5 to 6 hour walk on easy terrain to camp 1.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 9: Acclimatization hike
Load carry and acclimatization to camp 2 (5,500 m / 18,045 ft). Return to camp 1 for overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 10: Acclimatization/ rest day
Rest day at camp 1 and preparation for the final stage. You'll talk with your expedition group and agree on final plans and strategies with the guides.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 11: Climb to camp 2
Climb to camp 2 for an overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 12: Acclimatization hike
Load carry and acclimatization to camp 3 (5,900 m / 19,357 ft). Return to camp 2 for overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 13: Climb to camp 3
The group ascends to camp 3 where you can see the highest peaks of the Central Andes. This is our last high altitude camp before the summit attempt. Your guide reviews each member of the group and gives his final recommendations.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 14: Summit bid
Summit bid (6,962 m / 22,841 ft), location for overnight to be determined.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 15: Extra day
Extra day in case of bad weather, location for overnight to be determined.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 16: Descent
Return to the Plaza Argentina base camp. Special reception and a celebration dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 17: Descent
Descent from Plaza Argentina to Pampa de Lenas.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 18: Descent and return to Mendoza
Hike from Pampa de Lenas to Punta de Vacas, shuttle to Penitentes, equipment gathering then drive to Mendoza hotel, evening celebration dinner and hand out of certificates.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Huentala
Day 19: Departure
Free day in Mendoza. Transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
19-Day Aconcagua Vacas Valley
from $3595 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
INCLUDES:
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- Round trip private shuttle from the Mendoza airport to the hotel and back to the Mendoza airport
- Two nights in a Mendoza 3-star hotel/double occupancy/B&B
- Welcome and farewell dinners in Mendoza (drinks not included)
- Assistance with obtaining the Aconcagua Provincial Park climb permits
- Transportation in private vehicle from Mendoza hotel to Penitentes and back
- Lunch in Valle Uspallata in route to Penitentes (drinks not included)
- One night lodging in Hotel Penitentes/double occupancy/HB (drinks not included)
- Transportation from Penitentes to the Laguna de Horcones trailhead
- Mules for the transport of equipment from Puente del Inca (Los Puquios) to Plaza de Mulas and back/limit of 30kg per person/required transport of personal equipment to the camp intermediate of Confluencia if necessary
- Two nights in Confluencia in geodesic domes with beds, carpeted floors, heating system, hot shower and bathroom/FB
- Up to five nights camping at Plaza de Mulas/FB/with private mess tent, tables and chairs, utensils, meals, equipment storage tent, electric lights, toilet tent
- High quality four-season tents (North Face, Mountain Hard Wear, Ferrino), cook stoves, cookware and dishes
- All necessary food for the high camps
- Bilingual high altitude mountain guide and assistants (ratio 1:3)
- Porters for tent and group equipment transportation from base camp to the high altitude camps
- Medical first-aid kits for expedition
- Radio for ongoing communication between base camp, Mendoza and Puente del Inca for logistics and emergency communications
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EXCLUDES:
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
- All personal climbing gear
- Airport taxes
- Airfare (we can help book your flights)
- Bus tickets to and from Mendoza
- Climbing permits for Aconcagua Provincial Park
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Personal porters
- Extra costs as a result of abandoning of the expedition
- Medical or traveler insurance
- Costs as a result of an emergency rescue
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, mail, telephone calls and other items not mentioned above
- Any other service not mentioned in the list
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