Aconcagua 18 Days Climb

We partner with the most experienced Aconcagua specialists in Argentina, with over 30 years of proven summit success and an impeccable safety record. Our guides are certified by the Provincial School for Mountain and Trekking Guides (EPGAMT) and authorized by Aconcagua Park Authorities. We provide the best infrastructure on the mountain, including fully equipped base camps, dining domes, medical equipment, and satellite communications. You can contact us 24/7 on our international helpline.

The climbing season for Aconcagua runs from mid-November through mid-March, with December through February being the peak months. January typically offers the most stable weather windows. Outside this season, the park is closed to climbers.

Yes. Our scheduled expedition departures are 100% guaranteed to run regardless of group size.

This program is designed for the proper balance between acclimatization time and summit success. It includes two reserve days for weather contingencies, giving you the highest possible chance of reaching the summit safely. The "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization protocol used throughout has been refined over decades of expedition experience.

Aconcagua via the Normal Route is non-technical - no ropes, glacier travel, or technical climbing skills are required. However, you should have prior high-altitude trekking experience (ideally above 4,000 m), experience with crampons and an ice axe, and a high level of physical fitness. Previous experience on peaks like Kilimanjaro, Mount Blanc, or other 5,000–6,000 m peaks is strongly recommended.

Aconcagua Park requires climbers to be at least 14 years old (with parental authorization for minors). There is no upper age limit, but participants should be in excellent physical condition and have relevant mountain experience.

Absolutely. Our scheduled departures are group expeditions and we welcome solo climbers. There are no extra fees for solo travelers. You'll be paired with other climbers in shared tents.

The park entrance permit (ascent fee) varies by nationality, season (high/mid/low), and route. Fees are set by the provincial government and change each season. We will provide you with current pricing and assist you in obtaining your permit (in 2025 this permit varied in price between $950 and $1200). If you book through us, you may receive a discounted rate.

We accept payment by bank transfer, major credit cards, or cash in major currencies. Please note there may be a surcharge for credit card payments. Full balance is due either in Mendoza on arrival or should be arranged at least 15 days before arriving in Argentina.

Beyond the park permit and mandatory insurance, extra costs are mainly personal - tips for guides, personal porter service if desired, drinks, extra meals in Mendoza, and souvenirs. Our package is comprehensive, so there are few surprises.

Aconcagua is extremely physically demanding. While it's non-technical, the altitude (nearly 7,000 m), sustained elevation gains with a loaded pack, and potential for extreme cold and wind make it a serious undertaking. You should be able to hike 8–10 hours with a pack on steep terrain and have excellent cardiovascular fitness.

Focus on cardiovascular endurance (running, cycling, stair climbing), strength training (especially legs and core), and back-to-back long hikes with a weighted pack. Training at altitude if possible is very beneficial. Some climbers use hypoxic tents to pre-acclimatize at home for 4–6 weeks before the expedition.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. Our itinerary is specifically designed with gradual altitude gains and the "climb high, sleep low" technique to minimize risk. Our guides monitor every team member daily and have medical equipment including oximeters, oxygen, and a hyperbaric chamber at base camp. If symptoms become severe, descent is immediate and non-negotiable.

Some climbers use Acetazolamide (Diamox) to help with acclimatization. We recommend consulting your physician before the trip. Our guides can advise on altitude management strategies during the expedition.

Yes. Our representative will meet you at Mendoza International Airport (MDZ) and transfer you to your hotel.

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many nationalities can enter Argentina visa-free for up to 90 days. Check with your local Argentine consulate or embassy for current requirements well in advance of your trip.

We use a comfortable 3-star hotel in central Mendoza. Accommodation is double or triple occupancy with breakfast included. Upgrades to a 5-star hotel with a single room are available as part of our upgrade package.

Absolutely. We can arrange extra hotel nights at additional cost. Mendoza is a wonderful city known for its wine country, and many climbers add a day or two before or after the expedition.

At Base Camp, our dedicated cooks prepare fresh meals daily including fresh fruit, meat, chicken, vegetables, eggs, pasta, and bread - all transported in our own refrigerated vehicles. At high altitude camps, guides prepare meals using expedition provisions and high-altitude kitchens. Vegetarian, celiac, and other dietary needs are accommodated at no extra charge.

At base camps, you'll stay in double or triple tents or dormitory domes (4-8 person domes with bunk beds, 20 cm mattresses, carpeted floors, and electric lights). At high camps, accommodation is in double/triple tents. We include sleeping mats for extra comfort. You must bring your own expedition sleeping bag.

We offer satellite Wi-Fi at base camp and high altitude camps, subject to availability. You can also charge your devices for free thanks to our solar panel infrastructure. Satellite phone communication is maintained between all camps for safety.

Hot showers are available at Plaza de Mulas base camp via solar water heaters. Exclusive restroom facilities are provided at all camps. At high altitude, restroom facilities are basic but private.

Temperatures at base camp (4,300 m) can range from -10°C to +15°C (15°F to 50°F) depending on the time of day and season. At high camps and on summit day, temperatures can plummet to -30°C (-22°F) or colder, with wind chill making it feel significantly worse. Proper expedition-grade gear is essential. Aside from altitude the cold weather is the next biggest challenge on the mountain.

We work hard so that our clients have the greatest chance of success on Aconcagua. However, if due to bad weather conditions in the mountain and no one in the group is able to reach the Summit of the Aconcagua during the normal days of the program; you will have the unique opportunity of joining one of our subsequent groups with a 50% discount! Note: This is a unique opportunity that we offer. You still need to get travel insurance to cover your trip.

Our guides are certified by EPGAMT and authorized by Aconcagua Park Authorities. We maintain medical kits at base camp with oximeters, oxygen tubes, and hyperbaric chambers. VHF/UHF radio and satellite internet provide constant communication between all camps, our logistics center, and the Mendoza office. We have our own contingency plan for search and evacuation.

If you need to descend for health or other reasons, our team will assist you back to base camp and arrange transport to Mendoza. Additional expenses for early evacuation (mule transport, extra vehicle transfers) are not included in the package and are the climber's responsibility. This is why mandatory rescue/evacuation insurance is required.

No special vaccinations are required for Argentina. We recommend being up to date on routine vaccinations and consulting your doctor about your personal health needs for a high-altitude expedition.

Yes. You must have insurance that specifically covers helicopter rescue and evacuation at high altitude. This is a park requirement and a condition of joining the expedition. Standard travel insurance usually does not cover this - make sure your policy explicitly includes high-altitude mountaineering evacuation.

Tipping is not mandatory but is customary and always appreciated. A reasonable guideline is $10-20 per day for the lead guide and $5-10 per day for assistant guides and support staff, depending on the quality of service.

Yes. Personal porter service is available at additional cost. This includes transport of your personal gear (up to 20kg) to all high camps and assembly/disassembly of your tent. Contact us to add this to your package.

Our itinerary includes two reserve days specifically for weather contingencies. If the weather still doesn't cooperate within those days, the guides will make the final call on safety. Refunds for unused reserve days or abandoned summit attempts are not provided, which is why travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Our scheduled expedition groups are kept small for safety and personalized attention. Contact us for current group size details and guide-to-climber ratios.

US dollars are widely accepted in Mendoza and useful for tips and personal expenses on the mountain. Argentine pesos are needed for some purchases in the city. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants in Mendoza.