Climbing Aconcagua (6962 m) Argentina

At Buenos Aires airport, gather all participants and fly to Mendoza. The beautiful resort town is located in the La Rioja Valley. The settlement is one of the largest wine and olive oil production centers in Argentina. Endless vineyards and colonial architecture attract tourists from all over the planet.
We rent the missing equipment, repack things, and get to know each other.

In the morning we issue permits – permission at the central office of the Ministry of Tourism. We purchase the necessary products. We are preparing our trunks for moving to the mountains.
Transfer to Los Penitentes, the journey takes about three hours (180 km). The intermediate point (2700 m) is significant for acclimatization. Not far from the village there is an ancient stone bridge; according to legend, this bridge was built by the Incas when they were exploring the Andes. Penitentes immediately give some of the things for transportation to the mules, since they go with things to the first camp very early.
Rest before the hike. Overnight in a hostel/apartment.

Departure to the National Park. Equipment is transported to the base camp by mules. We will make the first trek to Confluence (3400 m). There is a shower and electricity, there is no mobile connection, but vouchers for Internet connection are sold. Overnight in tents.
Travel time 2.5-3 hours, 9 km. Height gain 500 m.

Today is a day of additional acclimatization. We will see the south wall of Aconcagua today. Leave immediately after breakfast. The radial route to the Plaza France camp will take us all day. The camp is set up at a level of 4200 meters. The most beautiful view of the seven-thousander opens from this point. We will have lunch while admiring the magical landscapes. Along the way we will see a powerful glacier. Return to camp Confluence. Overnight in tents.
Travel time 7-8 hours, 22 km. Height difference 1600 m.

The most tiring day of the entire acclimatization is today. Long walk to Plaza de Mulas. Departure at 7:00. The trail goes along the river bed, along a rocky and sandy path. The alpine camp is set up in a safe place, near an ancient glacier. Approach to the camp along a steep rocky path. Along the way we will take a long break and have a snack.
Camp Plaza Mulas is a large clearing on the glacier moraine where several companies are located. Everything here is quite civilized: there is electricity, the Internet, mobile communications, a shower with hot water, a massage room, a cafe with wine, a helipad and even an art gallery that contains works by the artist Miguel Dour. During the season, about 5,000 travelers from all over the world gather here.
Travel time 8-9 hours, 20 km. Elevation gain 900 m.

Rest. Let’s take a walk to the Orcones glacier. Preparing backpacks with equipment for acclimatization at 5000-6000 m. Exit to the upper camps is allowed after medical supervision by a doctor. Therefore, we must undergo medical control with a mark of permission.

We gather strength before lunch. After crossing 5000 meters to Canada. The journey takes about 2.5-3 hours. We set up tents. From here there is a gorgeous view of the sunset, and we will watch it. In the drought, there is a problem with water in the camp, so it may be necessary to bring water from Plaza Mulas. Travel time 3 hours, 3 km. The height range is 800 m.

After breakfast, climb to the assault camp (6000 m). We will stay a little high and go back to Canada. Here we will need warm things, because it is much colder and the wind is stronger higher up. Return to base camp. Travel time 7-8 hours, 12 km. The height difference is 1900 meters.Travel time 3 hours, 3 km. Elevation gain 800 m.

In the morning, taking our time, we descend to Plaza de Mulas. The process of acclimatization is quite exhausting and boring, there is a lot of free time, but this is the peculiarity of high altitude mountaineering: you have to learn to wait and stick to the schedule.

Spare time. We relax on our own, take photos as memories, communicate with people from different countries. We try to sleep.

Around 11-12:00 we leave for Nido de Condores (5500 m). The transition to this camp is quite long and tiring, as it follows a scree path, so we recommend hiring a porter for a group or 2-3 people, who will bring a tent, food and some personal belongings. In the “comfort” package, the porter is already included in the price of the program. Overnight in tents. Trek 6 km. Height gain 1300m.

Today is a short walking day, so it is better to slowly make the trek to Kohler, 5950 m. This camp is a little lower than the Kohler camp, but it is cleaner, less crowded and more sheltered from the wind. In addition, we know an alternative path that takes a short way to the top. It is from this point that the real climb to the top begins. Preparation for a responsible tomorrow. Early bounce. There is no water in the camp, so most likely you will have to melt the snow.

Early night rise and departure. We usually go out at 3:30-4 in the morning to stay ahead of the main tourist crowds and not throw rocks at each other. Dawn will meet us on the road, somewhere at an altitude of 6400-6500.
The assault consists of several parts:
— crossing an easy stony path to Puenta Inca (6400 m);
— A smooth ascent, but complicated by a difficult road.
We go in crampons to the Grotto (6650 m);
— The final section of Canalet with a steep path and sections with ice and snow. Crampons may be needed.
Climbing Aconcagua generally takes 8-10 hours.
Ascent control time 14-15:00. In the event that you do not have time to climb at this time, the guide has the right to deploy at any point of the route.
We are at the top. We admire the landscape, have some time for photos, and rejoice in a small victory. We remember what the realization of a dream looks like. We descend by climbing to the Berlin camp, on average, the descent takes 3-4 hours.
Overnight in tents. Crossing 12-14 hours, 14 km, drop 1900 m.

In case of bad weather, additional acclimatization.

Descent down to Plaza de Mulas. Relaxing after a physically exhausting adventure. Return to civilization. We celebrate a successful finish. Overnight in tents. Crossing 3-4 hours, 7 km, descent 1650 m.

Today is the most fun day, when you have to walk about 30 km. Leaving the camp no later than 10:00. We head back to the exit from the National Park. The transition will last about 6-7 hours. Late evening transfer to Mendoza. Finally, a night in a hotel on a soft bed.

Farewell to the team and return home.