Mount Aconcagua climb 2026

The Aconcagua tour program

Day 1: Arrival in Mendoza (760 m)

Our representative will meet you at Mendoza Airport before 12:00 PM. Group transfer to the hotel and check-in. After meeting other team members, the guides will conduct a full gear check and assist with renting or purchasing any missing equipment. Climbing permits for Aconcagua will be arranged. Free time in the evening for a walk or dinner in the city.
Meals: not included. Accommodation: hotel in Mendoza.

Day 2: Transfer to Penitentes (2725 m)

After breakfast, we depart by minibus to Penitentes to begin the acclimatization process. The drive takes 3–4 hours with a lunch stop in Uspallata. Upon arrival, we check in at a guesthouse located near the Aconcagua National Park entrance. Preparation of cargo for mule transport on the next day.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: guesthouse / hostel.

Day 3: Trek to Confluencia Camp (3300 m)

After breakfast, we transfer to the entrance of Aconcagua National Park. Near the park gate, we’ll see the famous Puente del Inca — a natural stone bridge formed by glacier melt, glowing in yellow and orange mineral shades. After the permit check, we start a three-hour trek to Confluencia Camp (3300 m).

The mules carry most of the gear — part to Confluencia, and part directly to Plaza de Mulas, our base camp in two days. The trek follows a well-marked and scenic trail. Upon arrival, we set up tents and enjoy a rest surrounded by striking rock formations.
Meals: breakfast, lunch box, dinner. Accommodation: tents.

Day 4: Acclimatization hike to Plaza Francia (4000 m)

Today we hike 2–3 hours toward the south face of Aconcagua to Plaza Francia Camp. Here we’ll stop for lunch with a spectacular view of the huge wall, then return to Confluencia for the night.
If the group already has prior acclimatization (up to 5000 m — for example, after climbing Elbrus or Kilimanjaro), we can shorten the program and move directly to Plaza de Mulas.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 5: Trek to Base Camp “Plaza de Mulas” (4400 m)

A long trekking day — about 20 km, taking 7–9 hours. Mules will carry the main luggage. The trail follows the Horcones Superior River and climbs up along the lateral moraine near the Horcones Glacier. Upon arrival at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, participants can rest and have hot drinks and snacks in the dining tent.
Wi-Fi and hot showers are available for an additional fee.
Meals: included. Accommodation: base camp tents.

Day 6: Rest day at Plaza de Mulas

A well-deserved day of rest with light walks around the area and magnificent views. In the afternoon, guides will hold a briefing and help prepare the high-altitude gear for the next stage.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 7: Acclimatization hike to Camp 1 “Canadá” (5000 m)

In the morning we take a radial acclimatization hike to Camp Canadá (about 6 hours round trip). From this point, mules no longer assist — participants carry their personal equipment, while porters transport tents, food, and fuel for higher camps. Personal items can be given to porters for an extra fee.

At higher elevations, symptoms of altitude sickness may appear. Expect strong winds of 20–30 m/s and temperatures from −10°C to −30°C — warm clothing is essential. Return to Plaza de Mulas for overnight.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 8: Trek to Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores” (5600 m)

The ascent to Nido de Cóndores takes 7–8 hours. This vast, barren plateau offers incredible “Martian” landscapes and panoramic views of the Andes. Together with the guides, we set up tents, have dinner, and rest.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 9: Descent to Base Camp “Plaza de Mulas”

Today we descend back to Plaza de Mulas for rest and acclimatization. Tents and some gear remain at Nido de Cóndores.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 10: Rest day at Plaza de Mulas

Short acclimatization hike to the Horcones Glacier and practice walking with crampons. Preparation for climbing to the upper camps.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 11: Trek to Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores” (5600 m)

We return to Nido de Cóndores following the same route as before. The trek takes about 7–8 hours. Early rest before the summit push.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 12: Trek to Camp 3 “Cólera” (6000 m)

Today we move to the high camp Plaza Cólera (or Berlin, 5950 m). The climb takes around 3 hours. The path leads through rocky terrain with fixed steel cables for safety. In Cólera, tents are strategically placed to protect from strong winds.
Guides check each climber’s gear and conduct a final summit briefing. Early dinner and rest before the summit day.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 13: Summit Day — Aconcagua (6962 m)

The highlight of the expedition. We start before sunrise. Average ascent time: 8–10 hours, descent to Camp Cólera — about 4 hours.

The route follows a rocky trail, then a snowfield (slope 35–40°) where crampons are put on. A long traverse leads to the La Canaleta section. After a rest break, we continue along the right side of the scree gully, then make a short final climb to reach the small plateau of Aconcagua’s summit — the highest point of South America.
Descent after 14:00 is not allowed for safety reasons. Return to Camp Cólera.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 14: Reserve day

Used in case of bad weather or summit delay.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 15: Descent to Base Camp Plaza de Mulas

A relaxed descent (about 4 hours) back to the base camp. Rest, celebration dinner, and team debriefing after the successful climb.
Meals: included. Accommodation: tents.

Day 16: Descent to Puente del Inca — Transfer to Mendoza

Final trek down to Puente del Inca. Your belongings are carried by mules; you’ll need only a light daypack with a jacket and snacks. Transfer back to Mendoza. Comfortable accommodation in a hotel or apartments.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch. Accommodation: hotel / apartments.

Day 17: Mendoza — End of the tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Independent transfer to the airport and end of the program.
Meals: breakfast.

 

• Airport transfers to/ from Mendoza
• Hotel accommodations BB in Mendoza for one night before climb and one night after according itinerary (twin or triple room)
• Private transfers to and from Pentitentes and Park Gate
• Hotel accommodations BB in Penitentes in tourist class hotel
• Hot delicious meals and tents at Confluencia and at BC (personal tent is provided for one participant or for a mini-group of two participants if you booked the tour together)
• All meals on the mountain
• Group climbing equipment
• Camping equipment, such as tents, stoves etc.
• Mules for group and personal gear (25 kg/45 pounds, personal) to and from BC
• English speaking guide (1 guide for 5 clients, in summit day - 1 guide for 2-3 clients)

Price does not include

• Wire transfer fee (if applicable)
• Argentina visa fee (if applicable)
• International round-trip airfare to/from Mendoza
• Climbing permit fee (near $900)
• Lunches and dinners in Mendoza and Penitentes
• Single room supplement in hotel
• Some supplemental snacks such as candy bars
• Hot bath and internet in BC
• Additional hotels, meals & transportation should the climb end early
• All fees for early departure from team