20-Day Aconcagua Polish Glacier Traverse
ROUTE: Vacas Valley + Upper Guanacos + Plaza Argentina + Camp 1 & 2 on Polish Route + Traverse to Normal Route + Summit + descent via Normal Route
Group Departure Dates (2022-2023):
- November: 29
- December: 4 | 11 | 27
- January: 2 | 8
- February: 5
The opportunity to visit the Aconcagua on one of its most beautiful and less visited faces. Aconcagua will express its most rustic side, as an adventurous spirit will enlighten the trail with every step.
We will walk across the Vacas Valley up to Plaza Argentina base camp. Then we follow the Polish Glacier route up to Camp 2. Crossing the mythic base of the Polish Glacier we will take the Normal Route, in the last stretch up to Camp 3. From there we will try the Summit of Aconcagua.
The descent follows the normal route, knowing the famous Plaza de Mulas base camp.
This is an opportunity to visit both base camps in Mt. Aconcagua, Plaza Argentina in the Polish Route and Plaza de Mulas in the Normal Route.
The Aconcagua Mountain is the highest mountain in America and is part of The 7 Summits Circuit (this consists of climbing the highest mountains of each continent). This is an excellent chance to test yourself at an altitude of up to 23,000 feet, which is a great stepping stone for climbing the Himalaya mountains of 26,000 feet.
Porters are used for common gear to altitude camps. Most of the group gear (tents, kitchen sets, stoves, ropes and the garbage produced for the group) will be carry to altitude camps for a team of porters. This helps you to save energy to achieve your goal.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Mendoza (2508ft – 760m)
Our expedition begins in Mendoza, Argentina. Upon your arrival at the airport or bus station, a representative will be waiting for you.
You will meet with your guide who will check your equipment. You will have time to rent or buy equipment if necessary.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel in Mendoza
Day 2: Transfer Mendoza to Penitentes-Puente del Inca (8992ft – 2725m) (BLD)
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 Penitentes-Puente del Inca (8992ft - 2725m), lunch en route.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Hotel Penitentes
Day 3: Hike to Pampa de Lenas (10,230ft – 3100m) (BLD)
Shuttle to the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park, hike 4 to 5 hours up to the camp at Pampa de Lenas 10,230ft - 3100m). Setting up of tents and resting. You will only carry your daypack, our mules will carry your personal equipment.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 4: Hike to the Casa de Piedras (11880ft – 3600m) (BLD)
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. From camp up through the Relinchos pass we can clearly see the Polacos glacier on Aconcagua. You will only carry a small backpack, our mules will carry your personal equipment. Overnight at Casa de Piedras (11880ft - 3600m).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 5: Hike to Plaza Argentina Base Camp (13200ft – 4000m) (BLD)
Hike the 5 to 6 hour approach to Plaza Argentina (13200ft - 4000m). We will be able to see the last vegetation before climbing towards the glaciers, where Plaza Argentina is placed. You will only carry your daypack, our mules will carry your personal equipment.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 6: Acclimatization / Rest Day at Plaza Argentina Base Camp (13200ft – 4000m) (BLD)
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 to Camp 1 (16335ft – 4950m) (BLD)
Load carry and acclimatization to Camp 1 (16335ft - 4950m) 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: Acclimatization / Rest Day at Plaza Argentina Base Camp (13200ft – 4000m) (BLD)
An additional rest day giving the group time to acclimatize and hike around the Plaza de Argentina. Checking of equipment for the ascent.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 9: Hike to Camp 1 (16335ft – 4950m) (BLD)
Walk 5 to 6 hours on easy terrain to Camp 1 to sleep at that elevation. The surroundings are truly magnificent in the heart of the Central Andes. Setting up of tents and resting. You will have to carry your personal equipment and additional supplies if any. Our porters will carry the tents, garbage and first aid kits.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 10: Acclimatization Hike to Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos (18095ft -5500m) (BLD)
Load carry and acclimatization to Camp 2 (18095ft -5500m). Return to Plaza Argentina base camp for overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 11: Hike to Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos (18095ft -5500m) (BLD)
Climb to Camp 2. Setting up of tents and resting. You will have to carry your personal equipment and additional supplies if any. Our porters will carry the tents, garbage and first aid kits.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 12: Acclimatization / Rest Day at Camp 2 (18095ft – 5500m) (BLD)
A resting day for acclimatization at Camp 2.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 13: Acclimatization Hike to Camp 3 (19740ft – 6000m) (BLD)
Acclimatization trek and transportation of material to Camp 3. Lunch and return to Camp 2.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 14: Hike to Camp 3 (19740ft – 6000m) (BLD)
Climb to Camp 3 by making a traverse to the Normal Route crossing the mythic base of the Polish Glacier. You will have to carry your personal equipment and additional supplies if any. Our porters will carry the tents, garbage and first aid kits.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 15: Summit Attempt (BLD)
Climbing day from Camp 3 to the SUMMIT!!! using the Normal Route and returning to Camp 3 (8-10 hours).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 16: Descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp on Normal Route (BLD)
Descent from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas base camp. You will have to carry your personal equipment and additional supplies. Our porters will carry the tents, garbage and first aid kits.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 17: Descend to Plaza de Mulas / Puente del Inca / Mendoza (BL)
Descent to Puente del Inca. You will only carry your daypack, our mules will carry your personal equipment. Drive to Mendoza. Lodging in a 4* superior Hotel. Estimated time: 7-8 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 18: Transfer to airport, depart (B)
Shuttle from the hotel to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Budget Accommodations: Camping
Day 19: Extra day for Contingencies on Trek (BLD)
Extra day for contingencies as bad weather that may prevent the normal development of the program.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel in Mendoza
Day 20: Extra day for Contingencies on Trek (BLD)
Extra day for contingencies as bad weather that may prevent the normal development of the program.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pricing
20-Day Aconcagua Polish Glacier Traversefrom $5895 USD
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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.
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