TO TOP
ACONCAGUA NORMAL ROUTE
OVERVIEW DATE & PRICES TRIP ITINERARY WHAT’S INCLUDED GEAR LIST DIFFICULTYACONCAGUA NORMAL ROUTE – 22,841’ | 6,962m
OVERVIEW
Learn more about “which route?”
At 22,841’ | 6,962m, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas and the second highest of the Seven Summits.
Aconcagua is often referred to as a” trekking peak.” It is a dangerous undertaking. While not technical ascent, Aconcagua is a highly underestimated climb and the judgment of an experienced high-altitude mountain guide is essential.
Both routes in Aconcagua, Normal and Polish Traverse are long and extremely tough climb due to altitude and the unpredictable weather. Care needs to be taken if illness and injury are to be avoided.
A carefully planned acclimatization, extra days, porter’s assistance, pre-trip information, training, mountain gear advice, tasty food, best mountain guides on the business, customer service, comfortable basecamps, and many other areas are where “WhiteFox Adventures” makes a big difference and this is why your chances of summiting and being safe climbing Aconcagua will significantly increase. The importance we give to these details will make your trip a superb experience.
SCHEDULED DEPARTURES – DATE & PRICES
START | END | PRICE | REQUEST |
---|---|---|---|
DEC 2020 | |||
Wed, 02 Dec | Mon, 21 Dec | $ 3,990.- | REQUEST |
Mon, 14 Dec | Sat, 02 Jan | $ 3,990.- | REQUEST |
Sun, 27 Dec | Fri, 15 Jan | $ 3,990.- | REQUEST |
JAN 2021 | |||
Sun, 03 Jan | Fri, 22 Jan | $ 3,990.- | REQUEST |
Wed, 06 Jan | Mon, 25 Jan | $ 3,990.- | REQUEST |
Sun, 17 Jan | Fri, 05 Feb | $ 3,990.- | REQUEST |
FEB 2021 | |||
Sun, 07 Feb | Fri, 26 Feb | $ 3,990.- | REQUEST |
*Prices are per person, given in US Dollars
TRIP ITINERARY
High altitude illnesses are seen on a daily basis during the busiest times of the season in Aconcagua. Many of these can be avoided with a good acclimatization program.
There are many ways to do this, and everyone acclimatizes at a different rate.
Our itinerary presents an ascent that offers an excellent opportunity for a safe and successful climb of Aconcagua.
We work bearing in mind the Wilderness Medical Society guidelines, and our itineraries have been tried and tested by more than six thousand climbers over the course of the past 20 years!
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DAY 1 - MENDOZA • 2,494’ | 760m
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you will enjoy our selected hotel, which will be our meeting place. After checking into your room, time is available to rest or explore the city.
Our company will inform you our meeting time in the hotel lobby. We´ll meet our guide team. They will provide you with a complete orientation of the entire climb and a question and answer period.
Guides will check expedition gear and will assist you with any gear rentals or purchases if required.
For the evening, you are free to enjoy the many excellent restaurants in the area.
Meals not included -
DAY 2 - MENDOZA / PENITENTES • 8,940’ | 2,725m
After getting climbing permits with Aconcagua Provincial Park office in the town, we drive to Penitentes, a small ski resort near to the entrance of the Horcones Valley.
We will check in to our hotel. In the afternoon, the mule’s loads are prepared for the following day.
Meals: B, D -
DAY 3 - PENITENTES / CONFLUENCIA • 10,827’ | 3,300m
After breakfast, we take a short drive to the entrance of the Park.
After completing the permit checks at Horcones Station, you’ll be faced with a short (3 to 4 hours) walk to the campsite Confluencia.
We have light backpacks, and lightweight approach shoes are ideal for the journey. All main gear is carried by mules; leaving you to trek with just a light backpack, meaning minimum weight and effort – the altitude, even modest for now, and arid climate make it tough enough.
The path is straightforward and well defined; following the big valley flanked by impressive scree slopes and folded strata. It is a perfect way start to the climb.
You will spend two nights here with full board and hot drinks provided throughout the day.
3-4 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 4 - CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA FRANCIA • 13,123’ | 4,000m / CONFLUENCIA
Today we hike to Plaza Francia and back to Confluencia.
We hike into the Inferior Horcones Valley, which leads to a view of Aconcagua’s immense South Face, raising a sheer 3,000m from the head of the valley. This hike to 4,000m, at Plaza Francia, has all the ingredients for a perfect “acclimatization day.”
Over a box lunch, we see the routes of ascent taken by the original French climbers and by Messner.
6-7 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 5 - CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA DE MULAS • 14,107’ | 4,300m
We complete the approach to basecamp by following the Superior Horcones Valley to Plaza de Mulas. A tough 7-9 hours trek and 1,000m of “up” leads to basecamp; it´s one of the hardest days of the expedition.
Guides ensure we walk at a moderate pace, so everyone arrives feeling well.
The first half of the trek rises gently, but it is a long way. The last part gets grittier, steeper and drier – you’ll need to have kept enough water in reserve.
Upon arrival, you can relax in our dining tent. We unpack our climbing gear carried by the mules and establish camp. Our basecamp is a full-service camp with all meals included; Wi-Fi and hot showers are available upon request. Here you meet the local staff, cooks and camp assistants and porters who support our climb from now on.
7-9 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 6 - PLAZA DE MULAS • 14,107’ | 4,300m
Acclimatization and rest day at basecamp. We relax and adjust to the new altitudes.
Some may still be feeling the strain of altitude after the previous hard day. We have breakfast, lunch and dinner in basecamp, as well as hot drinks and water to keep hydration levels up to help you acclimatize (showers are available).
In the afternoon, we will have an orientation and then prepare our gear for the next day’s climb of Mt. Bonete at 5,100 meters.
Rest day
Meals: B, L, D -
DAY 7 - PLAZA DE MULAS / MT. BONETE • 16,732’ | 5,100m / PLAZA DE MULAS
Bonete peak is a great day out, shaking off the torpor of basecamp and benefitting your acclimatization to climb Aconcagua.
For many climbers, this will be their first summit over 5,000m and from its top, you see most of the route to the summit of Aconcagua.
6-7 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 8 - PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 CANADÁ • 16,404’ | 5,000m / PLAZA DE MULAS
Today we climb to Camp 1 known as Camp Canadá and return to basecamp.
Our trek ends and the climb begins with our first carry of the expedition.
It is your first step on the mountain, getting you into the rhythm of the climb to come.
We will be carrying food, fuel and other supplies to be used in our camps higher on the mountain and then return to basecamp.
3-4 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 9 - PLAZA DE MULAS • 14,107’ | 4,300m
Rest and acclimatization day. On this day, you will make sure that your equipment is ready and you are well rested to make a move to a camp higher up the mountain.
Rest day
Meals: B, L, D -
DAY 10 - PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 CANADÁ • 16,404’ | 5,000m
This morning we leave basecamp and climb to Camp 1 with our remaining gear. Your heart and mind will focus on the summit. Once in Canada, the group will enjoy lunch and set up tents.
3-4 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 11 - CAMP 1 CANADÁ / CAMP 2 NIDO DE CÓNDORES • 17,224’ | 5,250m
Today we move from Camp Canada to our Camp 2 Nido de Cóndores where we spend the next three nights for rest and acclimatization.
After reaching Nido de Cóndores, we set up tents with the guides. Above basecamp, the guides do the cooking and provide hot drinks to keep you fed and watered.
In the afternoon, you can walk around the campsite. From the northern side, you get views of the route, almost to the top, including the traverse across the scree field to the foot of the Canaleta.
The park authorities also maintain a small hut in Nido de Condores. These marks the last point of helicopter evacuation.
3-4 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 12 - NIDO DE CÓNDORES • 17,224’ | 5,250m
We enjoy a rest and acclimatization day at Nido de Cóndores, necessary for the following days.
Rest day
Meals: B, L, D -
DAY 13 - CAMP 2 NIDO DE CÓNDORES / CAMP 3 CÓLERA • 19,685’ | 6,000m / CAMP 2 NIDO DE CÓNDORES
Carry to high camp, Camp Cólera. All climbers will carry expedition food, fuel and some camp equipment that we will need in Cólera and for our summit attempt. It will be a short hike, but we will move slowly to acclimatize and prepare for summit day. Once at Cólera, you will have lunch and then return to Nido de Cóndores.
4 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 14 - CAMP 2 NIDO DE CÓNDORES” / CAMP 3 CÓLERA • 19,685’ | 6,000m
Climb to high Camp 3, Cólera.
We set up the camp and preparing for our push to the summit.
While you are resting, guides will check your summit gear for the next day and give an orientation on the summit climb.
We´ll have an early dinner and go to bed to get a good night’s rest for the early morning start the next day.
3 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 15 - CAMP 3 CÓLERA / SUMMIT • 22,841’ | 6,962m / CAMP 3 CÓLERA
It will be the hardest day of all on Aconcagua. We can expect as much as 10 to 12 hours to reach the top and back.
We wake up early in the morning and leave at 6 am. The guides will serve hot drinks and a quick breakfast. They let us know what time to leave our tents, so we all rise together and start moving toward the summit. Summit day can be divided into three sections. First, the steep path to Independencia, second, the traverse across the Gran Acarreo, and third, the climb of the Canaleta.
Until Independencia, the climb is gradual as we follow zigzags for the next two hours. The journey will have seemed a reasonable task to many climbers. However, above this point, progress becomes much harder.
Managing the traverse is a slow and laborious process. Conditions are often difficult – high winds, driving snow and cold temperatures are not uncommon.
La Canaleta is a strenuous climbing up and takes longer than it first appears. Steps are much harder won – 1, 2, 3, even 4 breaths per step.
Upon reaching the top of the Canaleta, a straightforward traverse leads to the summit. A small cross marks the summit. Time for a celebration! After all photos are taken we begin our descent back to Cólera Camp.
10-12 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 16 - CAMP 3 CÓLERA / PLAZA DE MULAS • 14,107’ | 4,300m
A rapid descent down scree slopes to basecamp, where your support staff is waiting to share in the excitement of your ascent.
3-5 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL, D -
DAY 17 - PLAZA DE MULAS / HORCONES / MENDOZA • 2,494’ | 760m
After packing our gear, we descend to Horcones, the entrance to the Park, on the last trekking day of the expedition. The journey to Horcones Station is a long one.
You will only take a light backpack with a jacket and your packed lunch.
Transport will meet us. We need to wait for the mules with the expedition´s gear. Then we start the trip to Mendoza City. Lodge in the hotel.
7-9 hrs. trek
Meals: B, PL (Mendoza dinner not included) -
DAY 18 – MENDOZA • 2,494’ | 760m
Departure day. Breakfast. End of services.
Meals: B -
DAY 19 & 20 - EXTRA DAYS
These extra days are scheduled into the itinerary in case we encounter poor weather conditions. Having this two extra days has proven to improve the team’s success dramatically.
Meals: B, PL, D
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION MENDOZA / PENITENTES / MENDOZA
We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Penitentes in our comfortable van.
Our drive is approximately 180 kilometers. The scenery throughout our journey is boasted as one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Central Andes.
We also deliver you back from Horcones to Penitentes, and then to Mendoza after the climb.
TRANSPORTATION FROM PENITENTES TO ACONCAGUA TRAILHEAD
You will be driven in our vehicles, from Penitentes to the Ranger Station where your permit is reviewed, and you are informed about the Park rules before we start trekking. -
LODGINGS
HOTEL IN MENDOZA
You will stay in an excellent hotel centrally located in Mendoza city for two nights, one night upon arrival and the second after completion of the climb.
The rooms are double or triple occupancy (two or three people to a room) with breakfast and taxes included in the price. If you prefer a single room, this can be arranged at an additional cost.
LODGING IN PENITENTES
The group will spend one night in Penitentes in a quaint hotel at the beginning of the expedition.
The rooms are for two to four people with private bathroom.
A great dinner and breakfast are included at the hotel.
LODGING AT THE BASECAMPS
You spend two nights in CONFLUENCIA CAMP for proper acclimatization. It is a well-established camp with dining tents, lights, chairs and clean toilet facilities for your use.
Once you have arrived at PLAZA DE MULAS, you will spend a total of six nights in our basecamp, which is fully prepared to make your climb of Aconcagua as comfortable as possible. We have dining tents where you not only eat but also can relax as they are warm from the sun and keep you out of the weather.
At both basecamps, we provide two-man sleeping tents.
Hot showers, Internet service and bunk beds (dormitory style) are available for an extra cost.
LODGING AT THE HIGH-ALTITUDE CAMPS
We use The North Face VE 25 Tents. These are the most comfortable and most robust tents in high winds, perfect for Aconcagua.
All our climbing gear and all our equipment is well maintained and replaced regularly. -
MEALS
MEALS AT MENDOZA CITY & PENITENTES
During your stay in Mendoza city, you have breakfast included at the hotel that you have booked through our company.
In Penitentes, you have included dinner with a varied menu and breakfast.
MEALS AT ACONCAGUA PARK
From the moment you enter Aconcagua Park, all meals are included, so you should not worry about it. During the expedition, we will provide all meals (B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / PL: Packed-Lunch if you are on the move / D: Dinner).
At the basecamps, meals are carefully planned by our professional chefs for you to have a balanced diet and plenty of food during your climb. They will prepare all your meals and provide hot drinks as desired.
In the high-altitude camps, our guides will be responsible for preparing all meals. They will be served in the sleeping tents depending on the weather.
If you need a special diet, please let us know. It will be a pleasure for us to prepare a special menu for you. This service has an extra cost. -
OUR GUIDES
We’re proud of the fact that our guide’s team is among the most talented and experienced in the country. They can lead a group on the highest mountain as few can.
All our guides hold full certification with the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) and EPGAMT (School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides), the highest level of guide training available in Argentina.
WhiteFox Adventures success was due in massive part to having exceptional guides team.
They have become our friends and WhiteFox Adventures has become a vehicle for all of us.
Our view is that if we don’t enjoy the people we work with, that our clients won’t either.
Teamwork works, together we develop our climbing itineraries to be safer and flexible.
Every WhiteFox Adventures guide is experienced, and familiar with our ethics, standards, and operations, from the technical skills of our guides to our risk management.
As you reach higher elevations and test your limits, the value of an experienced guide cannot be understated. Our professional guides provide individual attention for a safe and enjoyable adventure. -
GEAR TRANSPORTATION
MULES
Mules will move all expedition gear from Penitentes to basecamps and back to Penitentes at the end of the expedition. We recommend you bring heavy duffel bags to make sure all your equipment is protected during transport.
Every climber may transport by a mule a maximum of 30kg on each stage of the approach and descent, organized as follows:
Day 3 – Penitentes / Confluencia:
10 kg From Penitentes to Confluencia (trekking gear, sleeping bag & mattress)
20 kg From Penitentes to Plaza de Mulas (altitude gear)
Day 5 – Confluencia / Plaza de Mulas:
10 kg From Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas (trekking gear, sleeping bag & mattress)
Day 17 to 19 – At the return of the altitude:
30 kg Plaza de Mulas / Penitentes (all climber gear)
PORTERS FOR THE HIGH CAMPS
In our expeditions, we employ porters to carry part of our climbing gear to keep your backpacks at reasonable weights while ascending the mountain.
For the Normal Route, Porters carry our sleeping tents from Plaza de Mulas to all the high-altitude camps on the mountain. They also take all human waste and trash down to basecamp.
If you would like to hire additional porters to carry all your gear between camps, you can do so at an extra cost. -
MUCH MORE SERVICES
GEAR CHECK AND ORIENTATION
A thorough orientation will take place on the 1st day of your program.
We will discuss all details of the climb with ample time for questions and answers.
After that, will be followed by a complete gear check. If the rental or retail gear is needed, our guides will assist you.
ASSISTANCE WITH CLIMBING PERMIT
We will assist you with the paperwork to acquire a climbing permit.
On the day of our departure to the mountain, our group will go to Park Headquarters where each climber must pay and sign for their permit.
TREKKING TO PLAZA FRANCIA
On the 4th day of the expedition, you will visit the base of the mythical South Face of the Aconcagua. It’s the most vertical face of the mountain, with glaciers and walls almost 3,000 meters tall.
During this trek, you will ascend 700 meters giving your body further acclimatization.
TREKKING IN PLAZA DE MULAS AREA AND BONETE PEAK CLIMBING
During your stay at Plaza de Mulas, we spend one-day trekking to the summit of Bonete Peak, a 5,100m, to get a spectacular view of the West Face of Aconcagua and to gain further acclimatization.
It is a beautiful climbing day.
EXTRA DAYS
On the Normal Route, we offer two extra days. It’s crucial to increase your chance of summit success and a prime example of where we put quality first.
These extra days allow us to wait out bad weather if needed.
Many other teams retreat early from the mountain as they have run out of time or moved too quickly up the mountain often causing climbers to become ill.
If we finish on time, you can enjoy the beautiful city of Mendoza and the surrounding wine county or fly home early.
COMMUNICATIONS
All our base and approach camps are equipped with a system of communication via radio frequency, VHF, and satellite phone. These keep us permanently connected with our headquarters in Mendoza city and Penitentes as well as with all our expeditions on the mountain.
So, we can facilitate those coming off the mountain whether scheduled or unscheduled on time. If an emergency occurs, we are in close contact with Rangers and the helicopter service to move climbers efficiently to additional services off the mountain.
SUMMIT CERTIFICATE
Once your expedition is over you will receive an Aconcagua summit certificate.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
The following items are not included in this program:
GEAR LIST
We know how important it is to have the right equipment for the job. That is our specific gear list, and it has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip.
GEAR TIPS:
PROVIDED BY WhiteFox Adventures
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REQUIRED
SOCKS
Three pairs for use with trekking boots or sports shoes on the hike to basecamp and acclimatization treks.
Four sets of hot socks to use with double mountaineering boots on the altitude camps. These must fit over your lightweight liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.HIKING BOOTS OR TREKKING SHOES
Comfortable, lightweight walking boots for the walk-in. 2 or 3 seasons. More heavy walking boots will be too hot for the walk to basecamp.
HIGH-ALTITUDE DOUBLE BOOT
Aconcagua is an icy mountain that requires having proper footwear to increases your tolerance of cold temperatures and your chances of getting to the top.
Each year, climbers who ignore this advice find themselves unnecessarily prone to frostbite and have to give up on their chance of reaching the summit.
Three types of the boot can work well:
– 8,000-meter all-in-one boots (La Sportiva Olympus Mons, Scarpa Phantom 8,000, Millet Everest)
– 7,000-meter double boots (La Sportiva Spantik, La Sportiva G2 SM, Scarpa Phantom 6000)
– Plastic double boots with high-altitude liners (Koflach Arctis Expe, Asolo AFS 8000, Scarpa Inverno)
We encourage contacting us if you have any question about which boots to take. It could make the difference between getting to the top or not.GAITERS
Alpine gaiters. It must fit snugly over your mountaineering boots.
Not needed if your boots have integrated gaiters.SPORTS SANDALS / WATER SHOES
For river crossings.
Crocs, Teva-style sandals or similar footwear will work well.SHORT UNDERWEAR (2 or 3)
Two to three pairs based on personal preference.
Synthetic or wool fabrics only; bring a comfortable athletic style for any top and bottom underwear.HEAVYWEIGHT BASE LAYER BOTTOM (1 or 2)
Synthetic base layer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction.
MIDWEIGHT BASE LAYER BOTTOM (1 or 2)
Synthetic base layer bottoms.
Must fit over your heavyweight base layer bottom.SOFTSHELL PANTS
Stretchy, comfortable, non-insulated softshell pants which should fit comfortably with or without your base layer bottoms.
HARDSHELL PANTS
Non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over your base layer bottoms and softshell pants. Full-length separating side zippers are preferred.
INSULATED SYNTHETIC PANTS
A synthetic insulated pant with full-length separating side zips.
Ski pants are typically not appropriate for this layer.HIKING PANTS
Lightweight, breathable & quick-dry hiking pants are recommended for the approach to basecamp. Many choose to use zip-off versions for versatility.
HEAVYWEIGHT BASE LAYER TOP (2 or 3)
Long-sleeved synthetic base layer tops (such as merino wool or polyester). Note that many guides prefer light-colored, hooded base layers for sun protection.
MIDWEIGHT BASE LAYER TOP
Two midweight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over base layers or as a base layer in cold conditions. Hoods are optional but recommended.
FLEECE JACKET OR SWEATER
A Long sleeves jacket will keep you warm and cozy without restricting movement, and layers easily to adapt to any outfit.
LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATED JACKET
We recommend a lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket to serve either as a layering piece or as stand-alone insulation when appropriate.
EXPEDITION DOWN PARKA
An 8,000-meter rated, expedition parka.
This parka must be in excellent condition.SOFTSHELL JACKET
This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a crucial part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model.
This layer must fit well over your mid layer top and base layer top.HARDSHELL JACKET
A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood.
This layer must fit comfortably over your base layer, mid layer, softshell, and potentially a lightweight insulated layer. Helmet-compatible hoods are required.T-SHIRTS
Bring a small selection of t-shirts as well, for use around town and the trek into basecamp.
LIGHTWEIGHT LINER GLOVES (2 Pairs)
Very lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves that offer a snug, comfortable fit.
SOFTSHELL GLOVES
Midweight, lightly insulated gloves for use when mittens are too warm, and liner gloves are not warm enough.
Leather-palm construction is always ideal for the sake of durability.INSULATED SHELL GLOVES
One pair of warm shell gloves with insulated removable liners.
Excellent for use when conditions are too cold for softshell gloves, but too warm for expedition mittens.EXPEDITION MITTENS
Expedition-rated mittens with an insulated removable liner.
Please be sure this mitten is the warmest model available by any manufacturer.BANDANA or BUFF (2 at least)
Essential. For sun protection, for protecting your throat against the dry, dusty air and, higher up, for snow proofing the neck. Consider bringing two, as you will use these every day of the expedition.
SUN HAT
Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well.
Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.WOOL / SYNTHETIC SKI HAT
Non-Cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.
BALACLAVA SYSTEM (2 at least)
One full balaclava heavyweight and another one lightweight that will comfortably layer together.
A Buff does not replace these items.GLACIER GLASSES
High-quality glacier glasses; offering full coverage around both eyes and across the nose.
SKI GOGGLES
High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude.
The lens should offer visible light transmission (VLT) of no more than 30%.
Those with light-sensitive eyes may wish to use a darker lens.
Photochromatic models are ideal for use in changing conditions.CRAMPONS
General mountaineering crampons.
We recommend modern steel 12-point crampons with anti-balling plates.TREKKING POLES
Telescopic flick-lock (not twist-lock) poles. Essential.
A large variety of poles can work well. 3-section models are preferred.CLIMBING HELMET
A lightweight climbing-specific helmet. We´ll use when conditions or activities dictate – on the advice of the leader. Your headlamp must be able to strap securely to the outside of the helmet.
EXPEDITION CLIMBING PACK
A 70 – 100-liter climbing pack designed with climber-specific features and an internal frame.
The volume you choose depends on experience level packing and gear quality.
If opting for a pack smaller than 100 liters, practice packing to be sure you can efficiently use a smaller sized pack.EXPEDITION DUFFEL BAG
An approximately 150-liter expedition-ready duffel bag used to transport all gear.
SMALL DUFFEL
This item can double as carry-on luggage for your flight and is used to store any things you do not plan to take into the mountains. Think light and simple, with 40-50 liters of total capacity
-20F DOWN SLEEPING BAG
This sleeping bag should be rated to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and must be down-filled rather than synthetic filled for the sake of weight and bulk.
Be sure to include a correctly sized compression stuff sack.INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD
We recommend a full-length, modern inflatable sleeping pad.
Ultralight full-length pads have superseded Older-style three-quarter length pads.
We recommend bringing a valve repair/body patch kit.SLEEPING FOAM PAD
This pad should be either 3/4 or body length.
Cut pieces of closed cell foam or industrially-crafted pads are both acceptable.HEADLAMP
A modern outdoor LED headlight is offering 90-200 lumens of output.
Fresh, installed batteries plus spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred.WATER BOTTLES (2 to 3)
Two to three Nalgene bottles of one-liter capacity. The wide mouth is essential. Consider bringing one water bottle parka insulated with zip opening.
Camel bags are not recommended due to issues with hygiene, re-filling, and freezing.MUG
One insulated outdoor-style cup with a removable lid.
Your mug should retain heat well and be spill resistant. 12-20 ounce models are acceptable.BOWL
One two-cup capacity packable bowl.
Models with a lid (like a Tupperware) work well, as do lidless bowls and flatter “deep plate” models.
Collapsible models can suffice but must be handled very carefully to avoid unintended collapsing.KNIFE, SPOON & FORK
Medium size knife. Keep it simple and light.
One fork and one spoon, designed for backcountry pursuits.THERMOS
A fully vacuum-insulated thermos is recommended for hydration, comfort, and safety on cold days on the mountain. 1-liter sizes are strongly preferred.
SUNSCREEN & LIPSCREEN
Several 1-2 ounce tubes of SPF 30+ sunscreen & lipscreen.
One ounce is typically sufficient per week, but several tubes.
Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen. -
RECOMENDED
TOILETRY BAG or PERSONAL BATHROOM KIT
Include toilet paper (one roll stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and some wet wipes if desired.
TRAVEL TOWEL
A lightweight microfiber towel.
SMALL PERSONAL FIRST-AID KIT
Necessary medical supplies in a compact package- we recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and antiseptic wipes or gel.
MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTIONS
Bring any personal prescriptions, plus Pepto Bismol, Cipro (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, Z-Paks (250mg tablets), Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 2 per day at altitude), and a variety of standard painkillers like Excedrin Extra Strength, Ibuprofen, etc.
HAND SANITIZER
Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well.
Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.HAND AND TOE WARMERS (3 sets of each)
Please note that toe warmers are different than hand warmers.
They are formulated to work in a lower oxygen environment, like the inside of a boot, they also burn out more quickly.EARPLUGS
Several pairs of disposable foam earplugs are highly recommended to aid sleep- this is especially important on windy nights when a flapping tent can easily keep you awake.
CASUAL CLOTHING & SHOES
Recommend for use traveling and town wear.
We recommend bringing a rich variety of clothing for peace of mind, including some t-shirts, and swimwear.ENERGY SNACKS & DRINK MIXES
We don´t recommend our clients bringing food. We only suggest them to bring their favorite energy bars & drink mixes if you want.
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OPTIONAL
BOOTIES
Synthetic or down camp booties for comfortable wear around camp.
WIND SHELL
Used to block wind without adding insulation, many turns to a wind shell or wind shirt for protection.
Wind shells typically weigh less than 8 ounces and are incredibly packable, which makes them an excellent addition to your layering system.TREKKING PACK
A small, simple pack of approximately 35-40 liters. Useful for the trek into basecamp.
CAMERA
Optional. Small point-and-shoot cameras (including compact SLR’s) are ideal & work well at altitude.
Alternatively, many opt to use a smartphone camera.
Due to weight & care in the mountain environment, large DSLR cameras are discouraged.PEE BOTTLE (1-1.5 Liter)
One wide-mouth marked collapsible container or wide-mouthed bottle for use overnight.
PEE FUNNEL (For Women)
Practice is critical for the use of this item.
COMPACTOR BAGS (3 or 4)
Waterproof pack/stuff sack liners.
Compactor bags are made from heavy plastic and stand up well to prolonged mountain use.WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS
One set of chemical water treatment drops or tablets.
Be sure your system will be sufficient for the entire duration of your trip- some packages of tablets treat only a minimal amount of water!
As a general guideline, allow for 4-6 liters of water per day when treating water is necessary.TRAVEL POWER ADAPTER
Type C (two round prongs) and Type I (three flat prongs, two of which are angled) are most common.
Please research what adapters are necessary to plug in your devices.READING AND WRITING MATERIALS
ALARM CLOCK
TRAVEL PILLOW
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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
VALID PASSPORT
Make sure it is valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip.
VISA IF YOU NEED
Please check the relevant embassy or consulate of your country.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday.
Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
DIFFICULTY
Aconcagua´s Normal Route present little technical difficulties, but should be not be regarded as easy; it required specific preparation if we are to be successful.
We are primarily climbing on trails but on occasion use crampons require.
To get the most out of your expedition, you will need to be fit and healthy.
You don´t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of overall fitness is essential.
Attempting the ascent with a guide does not free the climber from such responsibility, for being in physical shape and acquiring a minimal experience.
The guide will lead the expedition safely, but will not be able to solve problems connected with his client´s lack of personal preparation.
You should begin your physical training several months before your climb by carrying a backpack and slowly increasing the weight and altitude gain on each hike.
There are some indications to know if you are on your way to having the strength and endurance to climb Aconcagua. One of them is to walk carrying backpack 10kg weights and ascending 3,000’ | 1,000m in a 4-6 hour.
Statistically, the climate and the altitude are the most critical and dangerous obstacles in ascending the Aconcagua.
The long history of ascents to the Aconcagua includes many deaths from severe hypothermia and that many cases of frostbites are reported every year.
Higher on the mountain temperatures can fall to below -30 degrees C. The presence of any wind will make it feel much colder. When the weather is terrible on Aconcagua very little can protect you!
The truth is that reach the summit largely depends on the weather conditions, a factor, which is beyond our will.
And the most important, to face this massive mountain with a quiet positive mind is a crucial factor in climber’s preparation.
We have to be psychologically prepared to cope with tiredness, discomforts, especially the ones concerning high altitude and the efforts required.
Remember training for your climb is essential to reaching the summit and having the experience of a lifetime.