ACONCAGUA – 6.962 M
The Normal Route
Code
E02
Region
Central Andes, Argentina
Duration
19 Days
Prices
4.700 USD
Next trip
29.12.2024
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General
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Dates
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Prices
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Services
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Itinerary
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Personal equipment
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Security
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Gallery
Introduction
For most of the mountaineers in the world, climbing Mount Aconcagua (6.962 m) is an irresistible goal. This mountain is one of the “7 Summits”, the highest mountains of every continent. This fact makes it a myth among the mountaineering lovers. All this started at the end of the XIX century with the English climber Edward Fitz Gerald who decided to reach “the Roof of America” with his climbing partners Stuart Vines, Nicolas Lanti and the Swiss mountain guide Matthias Zurbriggen. It was Matthias Zurbriggen born in Saas-Fee, who reached the summit in his second attempt on the 14th of January, 1897. More than a hundred years later, this pioneering route is known as “the Normal Route”, and it does not present big technical difficulties for climbing the mountain. Expedition groups from all over the world meet at the base camp called "Plaza de Mulas". Their objective is to reach the highest point on Earth out of the Himalayas, as well as the legendary Zurbriggen did. The excellent acclimatization phase of this program, as well as the great experience of the SPONDYLUS team in Aconcagua should guarantee the success of this wonderful and unique expedition.
Highlights
- Good South American life style in the wine growing city of Mendoza.
- Observation of local fauna at the Aconcagua Provincial Park.
- Approach to the mountain through the Horcones Valley with 2 nights in the Confluencia Camp.
- Spectacular acclimatization hikes, including an approach to the famous South Face of Aconcagua.
- Several nights staying at the legendary base camp Plaza de Mulas. Expedition groups from all over the world meet here.
- Optimal acclimatization by a generous number of leisure and security days.
- Climb to the Summit with overnight stays in the high camps Canada (4.800 m), Nido de Cóndores (5.550 m) & Cólera (6.000 m).
Level of difficulty
Header | For everybody | Medium | Difficult | For experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Level | Cell | Cell | Cell | |
Technical level | Cell | Cell | Cell |
Season
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell |
We offer this expedition on FIXED DATES, but also as PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS.
Fixed dates - Season 2024/2025
The participants can make reservations freely for fixed date expeditions. SPONDYLUS will define the starting /ending dates of each expedition.
Minimum number of participants: 4 persons
Maximum number of participants: 12 persons
If there are less than 4 participants in the group, there will be a small group extra charge.
Code | Start | End | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
E02FD1 | 29.12.24 | 16.01.25 | Space available |
E02FD2 | 11.01.25 | 29.01.25 | Space available |
E02FD3 | 18.01.25 | 05.02.25 | Space available |
Private Expeditions
The dates for private expeditions are requested by the participants. In general it is not possible to add external persons to the group. If required, the itinerary can be adapted to the group´s needs and priorities.
Prices
The price depends on the number of participants, and they are based on a double room/tent.
4-7 participants | 4.700 USD/Person |
8-9 participants | 4.700 USD/Person |
10-12 participants | 4.700 USD/Person |
Additional expenses
Single Room / Tent Supplement: * 1.020 USD
* The extra charge for single room & tent will be done at the moment of making a reservation for the single room. If there is no other person found for sharing a room at the moment of making the reservation of a double room, we will charge half of the extra charge.
Small Group Surcharge:If the size of the group is smaller than the minimum number of participants (4 persons), a small group fee will be charged. All this depends on the final number of participants.
Climbing Permit: The prices of the climbing permits vary depending on the season, and are only published by the administration of the Park just a short time before the climbing season starts. The cost of the permit is NOT included in the Price of the expedition. The following prices are referential (permit costs for the season 2019/2020):
- High season: 15th Dec – 31st Jan: USD 950
- Low season: 1st Nov – 14th Dec & 1st Feb – 15th March: USD 730
The climbing permit has to be personally withdrawn in Mendoza, and has to be paid cash in USD.
Included services
- All the TRANSFERS: Arrival and departure from the airport, Mendoza – Penitentes - Aconcagua Park – Penitentes - Mendoza.
- 2 HOTEL NIGHTS IN MENDOZA in 4 * Hotel NH, breakfast included (based on a double room).
- 2 HOTEL NIGHTS IN PENITENTES Hotel Ayelén, breakfast included (based on a double room).
- Assistance for getting the climbing permit.
- MULES in Aconcagua for the transportation of personal equipment (22 kg per person) to the Confluencia Camp, Plaza de Mulas Base Camp and, at the end of the expedition, from Plaza de Mulas back to the exit of the park.
- CONFLUENCIA CAMP: 2 days full board included.
- PLAZA DE MULAS BASE CAMP: 8 days full board included (including leisure and security days).
- MEALS according to the trip program. All the food and drinks offered during the expedition in the mountains are included. Potable water, juice, tea, coffee, etc. are permanently available at the camps (no alcohol). Meals are included at the Camps of Confluencia & Plaza de Mulas: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Good quality wine is served with dinner (1 bottle for 4 people).
- FACILITIES AND SUPPLIES AT PLAZA DE MULAS BASE CAMP: spacious dinning tents with thermal insulation and wooden floor; Designated charging areas for cameras, mobile phones, tablets, etc. (220V / 50Hz); Free Wifi, comfortable chairs and tables; Comfortable big tent for reading, resting, etc.; heated tent for after dinner. A table with hot and cold drinks is permanently available for a good liquid intake.
- COMMUNICATION: At the Base Camp there are radios, satellite phones and internet.
SHOWERS: Our Base Camp has its own exclusive shower tent with 2 hot water showers, wooden floor and heating. The use of them is free of charge for our clients. - MATTRESSES AT BASE CAMP: Very comfortable high density mattresses are provided.
- MOUNTAIN TENTS: High quality wide expedition tents for 2 people are provided.
At high camps, the meals are prepared by our mountain guides, and hot water is also provided by them for our clients. - HIGH ALTITUDE EQUIPMENT: The high camps at Nido de Cóndores & Cólera are equipped with big robust tents where we serve the meals.
We provide a daily accurate weather forecast. - CREDITED GUIDES: All our guides have their climbing licence and a lot of experience. All of them are bilingual guides (Spanish, English, German, French, Italian / subject to availability). 1 mountain guide is responsible for 4 participants.
- PORTERS for tents and other high camping equipment. These porters are not responsible for the personal equipment of the expedition participants. (The number of porters is according to the size of the group).
- CÓLERA CAMP: The camp is equipped with oxygen to be able to assist any emergency occurring the day that we climb to the summit.
Accommodation in a double room in a 3-4 * hotel at Caldera / Bahía Inglesa on DAY 13 of the trip program.
Not included
- Arrival and departure / Mendoza
- Climbing permit (see the information about the PRICES)
- Lunches and dinners in Mendoza
- Personal porters for the high camps
- The use of the satellite phone for personal purposes (except for emergencies)
- Possible additional costs like helicopters, transfers, touristic guides, hotels, mules, etc. in the case of an anticipated end of the expedition
- Drinks at restaurants and hotels
- If the expedition is cancelled in advance due to causes of force majeure (for example earthquake) the cost of the trip will not be refunded
- Additional hotel nights in Mendoza or Uspallata that are not included in the trip program
- Tips
- Personal accident and health international insurance
- Personal equipment (look at the recommended list of equipment)
- Any other service not included in the program
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO MENDOZA
Welcome to Mendoza! The capital of the most important wine growing region of Argentina. Right after getting the luggage, we will be driven to our hotel in the centre of the city. The expedition group and the guide will have dinner in a typical Argentinian steak restaurant. All doubts regarding the expedition to the “Roof of America” will be cleared out here.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Meals: -
DAY 2: MENDOZA – PENITENTES (2.700 M)
After breakfast, we will walk with our guides to the head office of the Aconcagua Provincial Park to pay for our climbing permits. Once we finish with this procedure, we head West towards the Andes Range, whose snowed peaks can already be seen on the horizon. We settle into our accommodation in the small Penitentes Ski Station, where we will have the chance to go for a walk around the area in the afternoon. Tonight, we will pack the equipment that will be carried by the mules. Part of our personal equipment will go with us to Confluencia Camp, and the other will go directly to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: PENITENTES – CONFLUENCIA (3.300 M)
We are driven for a few kilometres to the main gate of the Horcones National Park (2.950 m). On the way there, we will make a stop at Puente de Inca, a natural rock bridge over the Mendoza River. After signing in with our permits at the entrance of the National Park, we start the trekking (for approx. 3 hours) to get to the first camp. On route we will pass the Horcones Lagoon, a water mirror where the wonderful landscape is reflected. We continue climbing a slope until we get to Confluencia. The mules will carry all the equipment.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: CONFLUENCIA – PLAZA FRANCIA (4.100 M) – CONFLUENCIA (3.250 M)
A fantastic day walk will take us to the foot of the legendary and spectacular Southern Wall of Aconcagua, one of the most amazing walls in the mountaineering world. We will walk as fast and as far as we want: the most important objective every day is to actively acclimatize without exerting too much effort. After walking for about 4 hours climbing very slowly up to approx. 4.000 m, we will reach the Plaza Francia view point from where we will have an impressive view of the gigantic wall of almost 3.000 vertical metres. Here, we will have our lunch and a gratifying rest under this unmatched frame. After walking back to Confluencia, we will have a free afternoon.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: CONFLUENCIA (3.250 M) – PLAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M)
We will walk along the Valley of Horcones which offers little shade except for some strange rock formations until getting to the Base Camp. We will cross a few mountain streams before climbing a steep final slope that will lead us to Plaza de Mulas at approx. 4.300 m. After 7 to 10 hours we will reach our camp, where we will settle in and spend the next few days in our comfortable tents. We go for the obligatory visit to the camp doctor, who will check our health and acclimatization condition. The mules will carry all the equipment.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6:PLAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M) / LEISURE DAY
We will enjoy a relaxing leisure day in the legendary Aconcagua Base Camp. Expedition groups from all over the world meet here. The surrounding mountains and the near penitents fields invite us to walk round. During our stay in the Base camp, we will be offered a delicious breakfast and dinner, as well as a light lunch in the leisure days. We will also have water, tea and cold drinks which are available all the time in the group’s tent to guarantee an adequate hydration.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: PLAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M) / CERRO BONETE CLIMB (5.050 M)
On a day trip, we will climb Cerro Bonete. It is a climb which is not only extremely attractive in terms of landscape, but it is also ideal in terms of a gradual acclimatization. It is another important step for preparing our bodies for the higher altitudes of the following days.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: PLAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M) – CANADÁ (4.900 M) – PLAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M)
Today is a day for porting. We climb approx. 600 vertical metres carrying heavy back packs to the first high camp, Canadá. Today’s objective is to leave food, kitchen utensils and fuel for the cookers at the High Camp. We will need all this during the following days. It will take us between 4-5 hours, walking slowly to reach the camp. After resting and hydrating our bodies, we walk back to Base Camp. Exhausted but satisfied with what we have achieved, we go to our tents for a well earned rest after having a good dinner.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: LAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M) – LEISURE DAY
After our efforts of the previous day, we have another leisure day in Plaza de Mulas. This gives us time to get used to the idea that the ascent to the summit which will take several days, starts the next day. The tension gradually increases, but thanks to our excellent preparation phase, the whole group should be acclimatizing well and this helps us feel confident to achieve our goal.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: PLAZA DE MULAS - HIGH CAMP 1 / CANADÁ (4.900 M)
After having a good breakfast, we will once again check our personal equipment. We give our tents to the porters, and we start ascending the vertical 600 metres of altitude to get to the first High Camp, Canadá. Today we will not return back to the Base Camp! The ascent to the summit has already started, the mountain is calling us! Adequate rest and hydration are the best strategies in these circumstances.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: CANADA (4.900 M) – HIGH CAMP 2 / NIDO DE CÓNDORES (5.550 M)
The ascent goes on. Our objective today is to get to High Camp 2. After packing our back packs, we hit the ascent route once again. A long zigzag trail facilitates the climb up the steep flank to Nido de Cóndores. The views from here are simply breath taking. The surrounding mountain landscape and the infinite star-studded night sky above us, are images that will be part of our memories for the rest of our lives.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: NIDO DE CÓNDORES (5.550 M) – REST DAY
After the two previous strenuous days and reaching 5.550 m.a.s.l., we will enjoy a rest day. This way, we will have an ideal preparation for the two most difficult days of the whole expedition ahead of us. Nido de Cóndores is a spectacular place at a moderate altitude, with spaciousness and comfort to enjoy an unmatched view, where the great masses of ice of the Gussfeldt & Horcones glaciers stand out.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: NIDO DE CÓNDORES – HIGH CAMP 3 / CÓLERA (6.000 m)
The climb continues! To shorten the distance to the summit and to increase the possibilities of a successful ascent, we will set a third High Camp at "Cólera". Approximately 3 hours after leaving Nido de Cóndores, we will pass nearby Camp "Berlín". From here we still need approx. 1 hour to reach our goal at an altitude of almost 6.000 meters. Today’s moto is "Save energy". Tonight, we will have an earlier dinner, and make use of the hours to recover as much as possible before we start the final ascent to the summit.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14: CÓLERA – CUMBRE (6.962 M) – CÓLERA (6.000 M)
SUMMIT DAY! Around 4:00 a.m., we leave the tents in the dark. A slow but constant pace is the key for success. Due to the extreme cold in the hours before the sunrise, it is not possible to take long rests. Depending on the conditions and the weather, the ascent to the summit takes from 6 to 8 hours. Starting at approx. 6.300 m, the use of crampons is required. The only real technical difficulty at approx. 6.500 m, is the steep and most of the times frozen scree that gets us right below the summit. At the highest point of the Americas, our effort is rewarded by a unique landscape. The weather as well as the physical conditions of the expedition group, are the main factors that determine the time that we spend at the summit. After this, we need from 3-4 hours on the same route to get back to the High Camp.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15: DAY 15: CÓLERA – PLAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M)
Descent (of approx. 4 hours) to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Here we will have the opportunity to make a toast for the success of reaching the summit. The tension of the previous days goes away, and the joy and relief of what we have achieved and lived determines our emotions. All the expedition team is comforted by the experiences that we lived altogether. We did it! The highest point in the Western world, the legendary Aconcagua!
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16: LAZA DE MULAS (4.300 M) /SECURITY DAY
We have this extra day to guarantee the largest number of opportunities to reach the summit. The proposed itinerary is subject to changes due to climatic problems or causes of force majeure that can put the safety of the group at risk.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17: PLAZA DE MULAS – PENITENTES (2.700 M)
We leave our Base Camp, and walk all the way back to the entrance of the Provincial Park. The vehicle that will take us back to our hotel in Penitentes will be there already waiting. After all the efforts of the day before, a hot shower at the hotel will be a great pleasure. Tonight we will probably toast once again together the success of reaching the summit. The mules will carry all the equipment.
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: PENITENTES – MENDOZA
After breakfast, we will pack our expedition bags and drive back to Mendoza. On the way there, we will have lunch at the beautiful town of Uspallata in one of the typical local posadas. On our last expedition night, we will have a wonderful dinner in a local restaurant and talk about our adventures. It is time to say good bye to the local SPONDYLUS expedition team. After dinner, a good sleep, and the next morning we will start our return journey back home.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 19: MENDOZA / (OUT)
Drive to the airport. END OF SERVICES
Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast
Recommended equipment
Technical clothing
Expedition down jacket, Breathable windbreaker (Goretex, Windstopper or similar), Polartec or fleece jacket, Medium weight fleece pullover, Thermal underware (it is very important it is breathable, no cotton, or similar), Breathable windbreaker mountain trousers (Goretex or similar), Trekking trousers, Thermal expedition socks
Head & Hands
Sun hat, Warm hat with ear protection, Ski mask (balaclava) or mask, First layer thin gloves, Trekking gloves (Goretex, Windstopper or similar), Goose down or synthetic expedition mittens
Sleeping gear
Goose down or synthetic expedition sleeping bag (comfort zone -20ºC) with compression bag, Expedition mattress (Therm-a-Rest type or similar)
Shoes
Trekking boots, High mountain expedition boots with inner boot and adequate for using with crampons, Light trainers and sandals or similar to wear at camp, Water proof hiking gaiters
Technical Equipment
Crampons, Telescopic trekking poles, Light ice axe
Additional Equipment
Sun glasses with 100% UV protection, Skiing goggles, Wide mouth water bottle, Thermos, Sun block factor 30+, Lip sun protector factor 30+, Pocket knife, Watch with alarm, Personal first aid kit, Expedition Duffel Bag, Head lamp with batteries & extra batteries, Back pack 30L +, Back pack 70L +, Towel
Security
To guarantee maximum security, all along the expedition we always take with us oxygen, satellite phone, VHF radios and medicine for emergencies.
Besides this, we strongly recommend every participant to hire a Foreign Health insurance and an Accident insurance for South America.
We know that reaching the top of a mountain is the dream of every mountaineer. This is the reason why we make our best effort to make a successful ascent possible. Due to our wide experience on climbing high mountains, we normally succeed. However, it is not possible for us to guarantee reaching the summit of any mountain, and we will never put our health at risk trying to achieve the goal. The security of our clients, our mountain guides and the whole expedition team is our highest priority!
