Towering over all at the heart of the Andes, Mt Aconcagua (6,962m) is the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern hemispheres. The exact origin of it’s name is unknown, however the Inca word ‘Acon Cahuk’ translates to ‘Stone Sentinel’ which is befitting of this giant peak.

Although Aconcagua is considered a trekking peak and no technical mountaineering is required to reach it’s summit, it is far from easy. The complexities of proper acclimatisation, high winds, extreme cold and a long summit day make Aconcagua a formidable challenge. Our 21 day itinerary allows for proper acclimatisation and has the flexibility to accommodate bad weather, maximising your chances of reaching the summit. There is much debate over which route is best to take to the summit. Our approach through the Vacas valley and descent along the Normal route offers the best of both routes. The trail through the Vacas valley is slightly longer but is much better for acclimatisation as it ascends more gradually. From Plaza Argentina base camp we combine the Polish route, the Ameghino traverse, Upper Guanaco and the Normal route giving you the best possible experience of Aconcagua.

We will pass through indigenous forests, remote villages, flower filled meadows and will even ford some rivers! The area also has some amazing wildlife with puma, condor, mora eagle and a wild variety of other bird life found in Mt Aconcagua Provincial Park. We fly in and out of the beautiful city of Mendoza, home of Argentina’s famous Malbec grapes and some amazing cuisine.

Day 1: Dublin to Mendoza.
Fly from Dublin to Mendoza. Overnight flight.

Day 2: Mendoza (760m).
Arrive in Mendoza. Overnight hotel.

Day 3: Mendoza to Penitentes (2700m).
We drive to Penitentes. Short hike in the afternoon. Overnight hotel.

Day 4: Penitentes to Pampa de Lenas (2950m), 5 hrs trekking.
Drive to Punta de Vacas and then trek to Pampa de lenas. Overnight camp.

Day 5: Pampa de Lenas to Casa de Piedra (3240m), 7 hrs trekking.
Trek to Casa de Piedra. Overnight camp.

Day 6: Casa de Piedra to Plaza Argentina (4200m), 6 hrs trekking.
Trek to Plaza Argentina base camp. Overnight camp.

Day 7: Rest day.
Rest day for acclimatization and preparation for day 8.

Day 8: Carry to Camp 1 (5000m) and return Plaza Argentina, 6 hrs trekking.
We walk to Camp 1, drop equipment and then return to Plaza Argentina. Overnight camp.

Day 9: Plaza Argentina to Camp 1, 5 hrs trekking.
We ascend to Camp 1 with the rest of our equipment. Overnight camp.

Day 10: Carry to Camp 2 (5500m) and return to Camp 1, 6 hrs trekking.
Trek to Camp 2, drop equipment and then return to Camp 1. Overnight camp.

Day 11: Rest day.
Rest day for acclimatisation and preparation.

Day 12: Camp 1 to Camp 2, 5 hrs trekking.
Trek from Camp 1 to Camp 2. Overnight camp.

Day 13: Carry to Colera (6000m) and return to Camp 2, 4 hrs trekking.
Trek to Colera, drop equipment and then return to Camp 2. Overnight camp.

Day 14: Camp 2 to Colera, 3 hrs trekking.
Trek from Camp 2 to Colera. Overnight camp.

Day 15: Summit Day, 10 hrs trekking.
Trek to Mt Aconcagua (6962m), the roof of America! Return to Colera. Overnight camp.

Day 16: Spare Summit Day.
Spare day to account for bad weather, further acclimatisation and rest.

Day 17: Spare Summit Day.
Spare day to account for bad weather, further acclimatisation and rest.

Day 18: Colera to Plaza de Mulas, 6 hrs trekking.
Descend to Plaza de Mulas. Overnight camp.

Day 19: Plaza de Mulas to Mendoza, 4 hrs trekking.
Trek to Penitentes and drive to Mendoza. Evening celebratory dinner. Overnight hotel.

Day 20: Mendoza to Dublin.
Depart Mendoza for Dublin. Overnight flight.

Day 21: Arrive in Dublin.
Arrive back in Dublin.

Country information

Area: 2.77 million sq km Population: 37.8 million

Language: Predominantly Spanish

Indigenous dialects: Quechua, Aymara, Quichua, Guarani

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

Local Time: GMT -3

Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Peso
Currency for Exchange: It’s best to carry funds in cash in US dollars (not Sterling or Euro, which can be impossible to change). Notes should be in good condition otherwise they might prove problematic when it comes to exchanging.
Where to Exchange: Your Expedition Leader can advise you on arrival. Retain your receipts for changing back money.
ATMs: Widespread, we recommend to use these as much as possible, although it is advisable to have some cash as a back-up.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are useful and can be used throughout Argentina. Visa is generally more accepted than Mastercard.
Additional Information: Old US Dollar notes may not be accepted so bring new ones.

Up-to-date information concerning global exchange rates can be obtained at www.xe.com.

Climate
Argentina’s climate ranges from subtropical in the north to cold in the temperate south. The Andes have erratic rainfall and flash floods can occur from December to May. From June to September spring like sunny days contrast with cooler nights. On this expedition one should be prepared for subzero temperatures and harsh conditions especially at higher altitudes. Up-to-date information on the weather can be found at www.wunderground.com.

Visa Requirements
Please contact your local consular office. At time of writing, no visa is required for citizens of Ireland, UK, CAN, USA, AUS, South Africa and NZ for stays of up to three months. Other nationalities should consult their relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Passengers arriving with passports from Australia, Canada and USA have to pay a “reciprocity tax” before entering the immigration area – Australia US$56, Canada US$132 and USA US$100. This information is subject to change; please consult your relevant consulate for up-to-date information.

N.B. Flights for this expedition may route through the USA. Under US law passengers may have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight. Please contact your local USA embassy, or visit www.usembassy.gov for particular information regarding travel from your country.

Vaccinations & Prophylaxis
We recommend consulting your national website for expert advice:
Ireland: www.tmb.ie
Please consult your local healthcare provider for further advice. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Electric Supply & Plugs
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50Hz. Two round pin plugs; Types C and I.

Expedition Costs
Option 1 – Self Funding; €299 deposit at the time of booking & €5300 balance payment two months prior to departure – Total €5599.
Option 2 – Fundraising, raise funds for a charity of your choice; €299 deposit at the time of booking to Earth’s Edge & the balance payment of €5300 plus fundraising amount to your chosen charity two months prior to departure. Please consult with your chosen charity regarding your fundraising target.

Costs include; international flights to Argentina, an expedition leader & doctor travelling with the group from Dublin, all transport in Argentina, all meals on the trek, all accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels & camping, local support team & an Earth’s Edge trekking t-shirt.

Expedition Information Pack
To request a copy of the expedition information pack which includes information on fitness & training, the necessary equipment, tourist visas, travel insurance, medical advice, an FAQ, the detailed itinerary & more, contact us by email on info@earths-edge.com or call us on +353 (1) 4433314

Sign Up
If you would like to sign up please click here to complete our online booking form.

If you would like to request any additional information contact us by email on info@earths-edge.com or call us on +353 (1) 4433314.

There is limited space available so get in touch soon!