Aconcagua by the Normal Route
The Aconcagua ascent is the best occasion to live your first experience in High Altitude.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Mendoza
We fly to Mendoza and hop on a transfer ride to our hotel. We settle and spend the afternoon to prepare for the expedition.
Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 2 Mendoza-Penitentes
We start our day by a private transfer from Mendoza to Penitentes. We spend the night at the hotel near Puente del Inca and start to immerse ourselves to the expedition's ambiance.
Old health resort, Puente Del Inca (2900m) is currently a garrison location just before the Chilean border, and transforms into a small skiing area in winter, very busy with Mendoza's citizens.Accommodation : Hotel in Penitentes
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Day 3 Penitentes-Confluencia
Before leaving the hotel, we divise our equipment into two loads : one for high altitude and the other one to stay with us until Confluencia. The high altitude equipment (crampons, ice axe and high mountain boots) is transported by mules until we reach the base camp.
From Los Penintentes, short transfer to the valley of Horcones (2950m). We start walking along the Horcones river. After a few hours, we discover the impressive Southside of Aconcagua. In Confluencia (3350m), we will settle our camp.Positive difference in altitude : around 500m | Negative difference in altitude : around 50m | Accommodation : Base camp
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Day 4 Confluencia - Plaza Francia - Confluencia
Today's goal is to acclimatize. We climb up to Plazia Francia (4050m) with a view on the impressive South face of Aconcagua before coming back to Confluencia to spend the night (3400m).
Positive difference in altitude : around 1150m | Negative difference in altitude : around 250m | Altitude Max : 4250m | Accommodation : base camp
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Day 5 Confluencia - Plaza De Mulas
We start walking in direction of the Plaza de Mulas base camp at 4350m.
We climb up the desert valley of Playa Antia, large alluvial land of 15km long giving access to the first slopes of the North side. After getting passed the Piedra Ibanez rock (3800m), a pretty steep ascent will lead us to Plaza Del Mulas : our base camp.Altitude Max : 4250m | Accommodation : base camp
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Day 6 Rest and acclimatization day
Today is an acclimatization day and the opportunity to have some rest after the efforts from the previous days. Showers are available and it is possible to phone from the base camp.
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Day 7 Cerro Bonete ascent (5004m)
Second day acclimatizing. From Plaza de Mulas, we leave for the Cerro Bonete ascent (5004m). This summit without technical difficulties overcomes the base camp and allows us to have an excellent acclimatization. Very nice view on the Normal Route of Aconcagua and on the Cordillère. After this peak, we understand how much effort we will need to climb up Aconcagua !
Positive difference in altitude : 850m | Negative difference in altitude : 850m | Accommodation : base camp
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Day 8 Portage to Plaza Canada camp (5050m)
Portage of our belongings (equipment and food) to the camp 1, Plaza Canada camp. We return to the Plaza de Mulas base camp in the afternoon.
Positive difference in altitude : 1100m | Negative difference in altitude : 1100m | Altitude Max : 5350m | Accommodation : base camp
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Day 9 Plaza de Mulas
Acclimatization and rest day. These relaxing days are essential to achieve a good acclimatization. Some patience is necessary to finally experience the victory of ascending the highest summits... It is also our last day to finalize our equipment check and prepare for the ascent.
Accommodation : base camp
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Day 10 Plaza de Mulas - Plaza Canada
We climb up to camp 1 where we left our belongings a few days before. It is our first night in high altitude.
Accommodation : camp 1
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Day 11 Plaza Canada - Plaza Nido Del Condor
With our carriers' help to carry the tents, we draw ourselves up to the Nido del Condores camp (5400m) to settle camp 2. From there, we can finally see Aconcagua and the Canaleta passage.
Positive difference in altitude : 1100m | Altitude Max : 5400m | Accommodation : camp 2
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Day 12 Nido Del Condor-Colera (Camp 3 at 5970m)
Settlement in camp 3 at 5970m high : it is our final camp before ascending the summit !
Magnificent view on the Andean peaks.Positive difference in altitude : 600m | Altitude Max : 5950m | Accommodation : camp 3
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Day 13 Aconcagua ascent
Early morning departure. We have to join Piedras Blancas (6000m) and then to get on the pathway leading to the Independencia ruins (6400m). The terrain might be covered with snow or even with ice. After the Cresta Del Viento, the path crosses the Gran Acarreo to the feet of the famous Canaleta, a rocky corridor leading to the summit. A good knowledge of the itinerary will help us overcome this passage which can be a little arduous.
After a crossing under the peak ridge, we finally reach the summit which is just like a large rocky table. There is a bird's eye view on the South side and on the Plaza Francia base camp, offering us a magnificent panorama on the Cordillère des Andes. After celebrating and capturing this incredible moment, we descend to camp 2 or 3, depending on the group's physical condition. We'll rest our weary feet and have a well-deserved night !Positive difference in altitude : 1100m | Negative difference in altitude : 1100m to 1600m | Altitude Max : 6956m | Accommodation : Camp 2 or 3
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Days 14 to 15 Spare day
If weather conditions aren't favorable, the summit's ascent can be done during this spare day. It also can be used as a rest day in Nido de Condores or to settle an intermediary camp to camp Canada (5000m). The knowledge and experience of our guide will optimize the profile of our ascent according to the weather and to the group's physical conditions.
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Day 16 Colera - Plaza de Mulas
Today we get back to Plaza Del Mulas (base camp). This day can also be used as an additional ascent day.
Accommodation : base camp
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Day 17 Plaza De Mulas - Penitentes
Today is a long return step to the valley of Rio Horcones.
Negative difference in altitude : 1500m | Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 18 Mendoza
Transfer to Mendoza to go to the airport. We'll hop on our flight back home and say goodbye to each other after such an incredible adventure !
Dates & prices
International departures:
No departure for now
Trip code: EAVN
Included
- The technical organisation of the trip
- A high mountain guide's supervision
- Full-board except on lunched in Mendoza
- The collective technical equipment (ropes, ice axes)
- Ground transfers necessary to the program as described in the itinerary
- The camping and cooking equipment
- 3 hotel nights, 2 nights in Mendoza and 1 night in Penitentes
- Mules : transport of your bagages and collective equipment to Plaza de Mulas
- The assistance of a local team (cooks)
- The entry tax for the Aconcagua national parc
- The altitude carriers for the collective equipment (tents...)
- Hyperbaric chamber (present at the base camp but isn't carried up to the altitude camps)
- The safety collective equipment
Not included
- International flights to Mendoza
- Additional nights and meals in Mendoza if you decide to modify your program or to return sooner after the ascent
- The individual technical equipment
- Tips
- Insurance/assistance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Registration fees ( 18€)
Notes
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Meals in Mendoza
- Additional nights and meals in Mendoza if you change your program
International flights
Terms and conditions
Subscription
Invoice procedure
Cancellation policy
- More than 30 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of 50€
- From 30 to 21 days before departure, you will be charged for the amount of the deposit (30% of the trip’s price)
- From 20 to 14 days before departure, you will be charged for 50% of the trip’s price
- From 13 to 7 days before departure, you will be charged for 75% of the trip’s priceLess than 7 days before departure, you will be charged for the whole trip’s price
- Airline fixed costs: plane tickets are bought in advance to avoid too high airline prices, however they are non refundable in case of cancellation or plan changes. In that case, the charges above apply to the price of your trip without the plane ticket’s price
- Ground fixed costs: you will be charged for the fees that were paid early
- Insurance fees: Insurance fees will not be refunded if you have subscribed to a multi-risk or cancellation insurance. The specific conditions will be written on your subscription confirmationIf you have no choice but to cancel your trip before departure, you must inform Montagne Expeditions and your insurance provider with a written statement as soon as possible, you will get a receipt.
Changes to travel contract
Pricing
Contract transfer
Insurance
Practical info
Staff
Food
- Picnics for lunch
- Breakfast and diner prepared by the local team up to Plaza de Mulas when ascending and from Plaza de Mulas when returning
- During the ascent : meals are prepares by the guide and the participants on the altitude hobs
- Plan to bring snacks according to your own taste
- Drinks and personal expenses are not included in the trip
Accommodation
- Mendoza : twin rooms in hotel
- Penitentes : twin rooms in hotel
- Base camp : 2 person tents
- Meals and collective life : collective tents
- Altitude camps : 2 person tents
Transportation
Tips
Supplied equipment
- Ropes
- Technical equipment
Vital equipment
- 1 pair of alpinism boots
- 1 pair of gaiters
- 1 harness + 2 carabiners
- 1 ice axe
- 1 pair of crampons with antibott system
- 1 pair of telescopic poles
- 1 sleeping bag (double layers)
- 1 foam mattress or self inflating
- 1 safety cover
- 1 head lamp + long lasting batteries
- 1 pair of glacier sunglasses category 4 with nose protector + 1 extra pair
- 1 ski mask for the summit
- 1 1.5L thermos
- Hand heaters
- Sun cream + after sun cream (face and lips)
- 2 plastic bin bags (100L) to keep your bags waterproof
- 1 waterproof pouch in which you will put your identity papers, your phone, your money and your insurance/assistance contract with all of your emergency phone number
Material
- Windstopper bonnet
- Hat or cap
- Neck scarf
- Sunscreen (high protection) for skin and lips
- Sunglasses for glacier category 4 + ski goggles
- 2 technical breathable long sleeve underwear type "Carline" (no coton which dries too slowly)
- 1 technical and breathable shirt to put under your jumper
- 1 thick fleece jacket
- 1 fuzz jacket
- 1 wind stopper and waterproof jacket type Goretex
- 1 pair of wind stopper mittens (fleece or wool)
- 1 pair of undergloves
- 1 technical and breathable pair of tights type "Carline"
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain trousers
- 1 pair of wind stopper and waterproof trousers type Goretex
- 2 pairs of socks : 1 thin and 1 thick
- 1 bed sheet for refuges
- 1 small toiletry bag with 1 fast drying towel
- Cream for sunburns (Biafine)
- Biodegradable toilet paper
- 1 or 2 100L plastic bags and an overbag to protect your belongings and your bag
- 1 waterproof pouch in which you will put your identity paper, your phone, your money and your insurance/assistance contract with all of your emergency numbers
Luggage
- 1 heavy and compact bag (50/60L backpack) with the minimum necessary for your arrival : leave with your alpinism boots at your feet
- 1 other backpack (under 20kg)
Medicine
- Personal medicine
- Pain reliever (preferably paracetamol)
- Double skin
- Elastoplast
- Local disinfectant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-vomiting
- Intestinal antiseptic
- Eyewash
- Light sleeping pills
- Earplugs
- Broad spectrum antibiotic
- Vitamins C
Passport
Visa
Mandatory vaccines
Weather
Sustainable tourism
- Most of our accommodations are run by locals, thus ensuring that the largest part of the revenue generated through your trip will stay within the region.
- France is known for its exquisite cuisine. The art of cooking and the joy of eating are part of everyday life. Each region has its particular foods and flavors which we would like you to explore and appreciate.
- Water is a precious and rare good. Our team and those travelling with us are thus advised to use it with consideration and avoid excessive water use where possible.
- Please try to recycle your waste whenever possible, even though recycling may not be a well-known concept in all areas.
- Be cautious and respectful when hiking. Make sure to wear suitable footwear and avoid picking flowers, moving stones or lighting fires.