Climb Aconcagua (Normal Route)

We begin the day with registration for Aconcagua Provincial Park and then drive to Penitentes where we begin our acclimatization process. 

In Penitentes we check in to our hotel at the base of the mountain and have some lunch.

During the afternoon, the staff will start with preparing the mule’s loads at our depot at Los Puquios. Getting us all ready for the following day.

We have some breakfast and then take a short drive to the park entrance. Here we grab our permits and begin trekking to Confluencia Camp.

The path is well worn and picturesque. AMG staff will be ready to meet you at the camp with refreshments and a camp tour.

Staff will get tents set up while you take some time to rest and explore the area. We spend two nights in this lovely camp surrounded by amazing rock formations. 

We trek to Plaza Francia and back to Confluencia Base Camp today in preparation for the high altitudes ahead.

We will stop at Plaza Francia for lunch. From here you have spectacular views of the South Face of Aconcagua, famous for its difficult ascents. 

After some exploration, we descend to Confluencia camp for dinner and sleep. 

Today we will be moving from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp.

We follow the Horcones Superior River and then rise up onto a lateral moraine next to the Horcones Glacier.

Upon arrival at Plaza de Mulas you can relax, grab a hot beverage and a snack. The camp at Plaza de Mulas is a full-service camp, meaning you have access to hot showers and WiFi! 

Today is a leisurely day starting with a good meal and some exploration of the surrounding area.

We have orientation in the afternoon in preparation for tomorrow's climb of Mt. Bonete.

We have an exciting day ahead as we climb Mt Bonete.

The views from over 5,000m are incredible as you can see for miles. A great day of learning and preparation for the summit!

We then return to base camp for a nice evening relaxing and socializing. 

We head out on an acclimatization trek to Camp 1 (Canadá). We will be bringing food, fuel, and other supplies for the higher camps.

The trek begins through a field in Penitentes, with two- to five-foot tall pinnacles of ice, and then we follow switchbacks that lead us to Camp Canadá.

Here we store our gear, have some lunch, and return to Base Camp.

Today we prepare our equipment, rest and get ready for our move to Camp 1 tomorrow. 

We move on to Camp 2, or “Nido de Cóndores” where we will be spending the next three nights for rest and acclimatization.

Today, climbers will carry personal equipment and porters carry expedition equipment, food and tents.

When we reach camp, we get set up and settle down for the night. Dinner is served in your tents! 

Today we rest and acclimatize.

Enjoy the comforts of camp and relax. Today is about improving your chances for reaching the summit. 

We climb to Camp 3 with all our personal equipment and any extra gear needed for the summit attempt.

At Cólera Camp, staff strategically position the campsite for protection against possible high winds.

Guides will check each team members summit gear for the next day and they'll give an orientation on the summit climb.

We have an early dinner and early night in preparation for the early morning start.

The day has arrived as we head up to the summit of Aconcagua. The day begins very early as we have a quick breakfast and head out.

The climb is gradual, we follow switchbacks for two hours until we reach a small A-frame hut called “Independencia.”

From here we traverse across the North Face of Aconcagua until we reach Canaleta, a low-angle gully that leads us towards the summit ridge.

As we ascend the Canaleta, you'll be surrounded by mountains which begin to drop away as we get higher.

A few hundred meters below the summit, the route traverses east and leads us directly to the top!

There is plenty of room and opportunity for photos and celebration. Congratulations on reaching the summit!

After some time spent at the summit we head back down to Cólera Camp.