Aconcagua - Andes, Mendoza Province ski mountaineering guided expedition by In the Company of Guides
ALL EXPEDITIONS
expeditionAndes, Mendoza Province

Aconcagua

ELEVATION22,841 ft
DURATION20 days
GRADEchallenging
LOCATIONArgentina
DATESDecember – February

Overview

Our 20-day Aconcagua Expedition takes you to the highest peak in South America, standing 22,841 feet tall (6,962 meters). For the expedition, we take the Aconcagua Normal Route — the most iconic and accessible route offering natural beauty, technical variety, and the physical demands required to reach the summit. We begin in the city of Mendoza, a region well known for its wineries and as a gateway to the Andes. From here we make our way to the village of Penitentes, where final gear checks are conducted before heading to the trailhead at Horcones, around 9,678 ft above sea level. The trail to base camp (Plaza de Mulas, 14,340 ft) spans about 40 kilometers and takes two to three days, allowing for gradual acclimatization through the dramatic Horcones Valley. Wildlife includes Andean condors, guanacos, and foxes. Plaza de Mulas is one of the largest base camps in the world. From here the route ascends through camps at Canada, Nido de Cóndores (18,275 ft), and Berlín. The final summit push involves steep switchbacks, freezing temperatures, and the notorious Canaleta gully before the summit at 22,837 ft.

Highlights

Highest peak in the Americas — 22,841 ft
Classic Normal Route via Plaza de Mulas
No technical climbing — altitude is the primary challenge
Acclimatization through Horcones Valley with condors and guanacos
Explore Mendoza — world-famous wine region
IFMGA-certified guide with 20+ years experience
Perfect stepping stone to Denali and Everest

Gallery

Group of skiers skinning above Arctic fjord on Aconcagua expedition, Svalbard Norway
Ski mountaineers ascending steep couloir above Arctic sea in Svalbard, Norway
IFMGA guide bootpacking with skis on Svalbard summit ridge above ice-filled fjord
Ski touring group beneath dramatic rock spires in Svalbard Arctic wilderness
Ski tourers ascending glaciated terrain toward Svalbard summit with sea views
Arctic glacier calving face viewed from expedition vessel Ulla Rinman, Svalbard
Skier making turns on corn snow with panoramic Arctic landscape, Svalbard
Guides and clients at remote Svalbard ridgeline above frozen Arctic fjord

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Mendoza, Argentina

Travel to Mendoza. Rest and explore this charming city near beautiful wine country.

DAY 4

Arrive at Trailhead — Horcones 9,678 ft

Drive to Penitentes for gear check, then to Horcones trailhead to begin the trek.

DAY 6

Plaza de Mulas Base Camp 14,340 ft

Arrive at base camp — one of the largest in the world. Set up camp and rest.

DAY 7

Acclimatization at Base Camp

Rest and acclimatization hikes around Plaza de Mulas.

DAY 10

Camp Canada

Move up through intermediate camps toward Nido de Cóndores.

DAY 12

Nido de Cóndores 18,275 ft

Establish high camp for acclimatization.

DAY 16

Summit Push — Uhuru 22,841 ft

Early start. Climb the Canaleta gully and reach the highest point in the Americas.

DAY 18

Descend to Base Camp

Descend from the mountain.

DAY 20

Return to Mendoza

Trek out and return to Mendoza. Celebrate the climb.

FROM$7,500 / person

December – February

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