Aconcagua 18 Days Climb

What's Included?

• 18-day expedition with professional, certified mountain guides
• All ground transportation
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Mendoza (3-star) with breakfast
  *
• All meals in fully equipped dome tents
  *
• Accommodation in double/triple tents or dormitory domes
  **
• Load transportation by mules - up to 15kg of personal equipment (Puente de Inca to Plaza de Mulas, round trip)
• Exclusive restroom and shower facilities at base camps
• Purified drinking water (hot and cold) at all base camps
• Wi-Fi internet and device charging at camps (subject to availability)
• Equipment storage at Puente de Inca and Plaza de Mulas
• Medical equipment at base camps (oximeters, oxygen, hyperbaric chamber)
• VHF/UHF and satellite communication systems between all camps
• Assistance with Aconcagua Park permit process
• Porter service for common expedition equipment, garbage, and waste removal
• 2 reserve days built into the itinerary for weather contingencies

Standing at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet), Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere and the tallest mountain outside of Asia - one of the legendary Seven Summits. Located in the Argentinian Andes this mighty peak offers a non-technical yet physically demanding climb that tests your endurance, mental strength, and high-altitude resilience. The Normal Route follows a spectacular approach through dramatic Andean landscapes to the vibrant base camp at Plaza de Mulas before ascending through a series of progressively higher camps toward the roof of the Americas.

Our 18-day expedition is carefully designed to balance proper acclimatization with summit success. Using the proven "climb high, sleep low" technique, you'll gradually adapt to the altitude while enjoying full-service base camps, professionally prepared meals, and the guidance of certified mountain professionals who know Aconcagua intimately. From the awe-inspiring south face viewpoint at Plaza Francia to the breathtaking 360° panorama from the summit, this is a life-changing expedition for experienced trekkers and aspiring mountaineers ready to push their limits on one of the world's great peaks.
* Special dietary menus (vegetarian, celiac, etc.) available at no extra cost ? just let us know in advance.
** Private tents and accommodation upgrades in Mendoza available upon request
*** Aconcagua Park entrance permit is NOT included and varies by nationality

DAY 1 - MENDOZA

Altitude: 760 m
Our expedition begins in Mendoza, Argentina. On your arrival at the international airport, an AdventureHero representative will be waiting for you. After receiving you, we'll drive you to your hotel. Once you've settled in, a group meeting will follow where you'll be introduced to your guides and team members.
Accommodation: Hotel double or triple room | Transportation: Airport - Hotel in Mendoza

DAY 2 - MENDOZA / PUENTE DE INCA

Altitude: 2,900 m
After breakfast, we visit the local office to collect entry permits and finalize any remaining logistics. Once everything is sorted, a minibus takes us through spectacular Andean scenery to our logistics center in Puente de Inca, 180 km into the mountains. Here we organize loads for the mules and settle in for the night.
Transportation: Mendoza - Puente de Inca | Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 3 - PUENTE DE INCA / CONFLUENCIA

Altitude: 3,390 m
After a night in Puente de Inca, we are transported to the Horcones entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park. We present our permits at the park ranger station and begin a 4-5 hour trek to Confluencia. During almost the entire trek, you'll be treated to imposing views of Aconcagua's south face.
Transportation: Puente de Inca - Horcones | Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents or Dormitory Dome | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Dinner

DAY 4 - TREKKING TO PLAZA FRANCIA VIEWPOINT

Altitude: 4,200 m
This acclimatization day is one of the highlights of the expedition. We trek approximately 5 hours to the Plaza Francia Viewpoint, where you'll enjoy a breathtaking first view of Aconcagua's legendary South Wall - one of the most impressive mountain faces in the world. This is a moment you'll never forget.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents or Dormitory Dome | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Dinner

DAY 5 - TREKKING TO PLAZA DE MULAS

Altitude: 4,300 m
After an early breakfast, we say goodbye to Confluencia and begin an 8-9 hour hike, crossing the "Playa Ancha" and climbing the steep "Cuesta Brava." We arrive at Plaza de Mulas, the largest campsite in Aconcagua Park - a true town in the heart of the mountain. The staff will receive us with a welcome meal, well deserved after the day's effort.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents or Dormitory Dome | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Dinner

DAY 6 - REST DAY AT PLAZA DE MULAS

Altitude: 4,300 m
The first day at Base Camp is a day of rest and a good time to take a shower and explore the area. Together with the guides, we divide the loads that we will carry the next day to the high camps - common equipment and food.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents or Dormitory Dome | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7 - CARRY EQUIPMENT TO CAMP 1

Altitude: 5,050 m
Today we face the challenge of gaining almost 700 m of altitude with a load on easy terrain, then returning to rest at Base Camp. We carry equipment and food strategically so that as we ascend to the highest camps, our backpacks become lighter. This also helps with acclimatization and improves our chances of reaching the summit.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents or Dormitory Dome | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8 - REST DAY AT PLAZA DE MULAS

Altitude: 4,300 m
After the hard days of carrying and climbing, we rest and recover energy at Base Camp. We want everyone to have the best possible chance to acclimatize and achieve summit success.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents or Dormitory Dome | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 9 - ASCENT TO CAMP 1 "PLAZA CANADÁ"

Altitude: 5,050 m
We begin our ascent to the high camps on Aconcagua, moving to Camp 1, called "Plaza Canadá." Up to this point, we've been working on achieving optimal acclimatization - now it's time to take advantage of it.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 10 - ASCENT TO CAMP 2 "NIDO DE CÓNDORES"

Altitude: 5,550 m
Camp 2, called "Nido de Cóndores," is located at 5,550 meters and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. We will spend the next two nights at this campsite.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 11 - ACCLIMATIZATION AT CAMP 2

Altitude: 5,550 m
This day is dedicated to improving acclimatization to altitude. The guide may propose different activities according to the condition of the group. We take the opportunity to rest and give our bodies more time to adjust.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 12 - ASCENT TO CAMP 3 "PLAZA CÓLERA"

Altitude: 5,970 m
We begin a four-hour hike to Camp 3, located on the North Ridge. This is the last camp before the summit attempt. Upon arrival, we set up tents, eat, and rest to be in optimal condition. The guide individually reviews each member of the group and gives final recommendations. We also plan the final strategies for summit day.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 13 - SUMMIT DAY

Altitude: 6,962 m
The day begins very early in the morning. This is the most demanding day of the expedition. We continue along the Normal Route to Refugio Independencia (6,380 m), where we usually see the first rays of sunlight. We ascend to the "Portezuelo del Viento" where strong winds are common, even on calm days. We continue along the western face to reach "La Canaleta," a steep 300-meter slope leading to the edge of the summit. From here, we advance along the Filo del Guanaco until we reach the summit at 6,962 meters - a 360° panoramic view awaits, including the imposing south face. The emotion is indescribable. After sharing these unforgettable moments, we begin the descent back to Camp 3.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 14/15 - RESERVE DAYS

Our itinerary includes two additional days for the summit attempt, providing greater opportunities to reach the summit in case of adverse weather conditions or acclimatization needs.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 16 - RETURN TO PLAZA DE MULAS

Altitude: 4,300 m
We descend from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas to enjoy a well-deserved dinner and celebrate the ascent in the comfort of Base Camp.
Accommodation: Double/Triple Tents or Dormitory Dome | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 17 - DESCENT TO PUENTE DE INCA / MENDOZA

We have breakfast and then start the descent from Plaza de Mulas to Puente de Inca. A private transport will be waiting to take us to the hotel in Mendoza City.
Transportation: Horcones - Puente de Inca - Mendoza | Accommodation: Hotel in Mendoza (double or triple room) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box

DAY 18 - MENDOZA

Breakfast at the hotel. End of services.
Accommodation: Not included | Meals: Breakfast