The need for exceptional physical fitness cannot be over-emphasised. A regular, strenuous programme must be followed for many months to achieve the level of fitness required. We suggest a programme tailored to mountaineering such as those from the Uphill Athlete.
Aconcagua, “The Sentinel of Stone” is the highest peak outside of the Himalaya. Located in Western Argentina - the heart of the Central Andes, it is South America’s highest peak and one of the much sought after Seven Summits.
While it is a very physical climb, it is one of the more achievable Seven Summits. An ascent of this eminent Andean Peak is a perfect choice for those wishing to experience high-altitude expedition mountaineering and is often undertaken as a preparation climb for the big mountains in the Himalaya. The lessons gained about how you perform and the skills taught by the guides will establish robust guidelines for any future aspirations you have at high altitude.
Adventure Consultants offers high-quality expeditions to Aconcagua and over 25 seasons we have guided 350 climbers on the mountain. Three things are behind our success on the mountain. We climb the 360° traverse route (less crowded, better campsites, experience both sides of the mountain) rather than the standard Horcones approach. We build contingency days into our itinerary so a single bad weather day doesn't end your summit bid. And we run a graduated acclimatisation programme refined across those 25 seasons. We have factored in the ideal number of days for the trip to encourage adequate acclimatisation and a realistic timeframe to achieve summit success. Our guides are seasoned veterans who are focused on encouraging you to achieve maximum satisfaction and learning from this ascent.
- 25 seasons on Aconcagua, with 350 climbers guided over that time
- EPGAMT-certified and/or Everest-summit guides
- The 360° traverse route, with fewer crowds, better campsites, and both sides of the mountain in one journey
- Built-in contingency days so a single bad weather day doesn't end your summit bid
- Heated dining tent, hot showers and Wi-Fi at Base Camp, with real (not freeze-dried) food at every camp, including Argentinian BBQ on the approach and our famous pizza at Camp 2
- Porter support for all group equipment and waste included as standard, so your pack stays at 15–20kg rather than 30kg
Climbing Ability
Climbing Ability
Intermediate
Elevation
Elevation
6,962m/22,841ft
Duration
Duration
19 days
Location
Location
Argentina
ACONCAGUA ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive into Mendoza this morning or the day prior
DAY 2
Complete permitting process and drive to Puente del Inca 2,740m/8,990ft, overnight
DAY 3
Trek to Pampa de Leñas 2,950m/9,680ft
DAY 4
Trek to Casa de Piedra 3,250m/10,650ft
DAY 5
Trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp 4,200m/13,800ft
DAY 6
Rest day / Trek to Cerro Colorado 4,724m/15,499ft
DAY 7
Carry to Camp 1 4,950m/16,250ft
DAY 8
Rest day
DAY 9
Climb to Camp 1
DAY 10
Carry to Camp 2 5,500m/18,000ft
DAY 11
Climb to Camp 2
DAY 12
Carry to Camp 3 'Berlin Camp' 5,900m/19,390ft
DAY 13
Climb to Camp 3 'Berlin Camp'
DAY 14
Summit day 6,962m/22,841ft
DAY 15 - 16
Contingency days
DAY 17
Descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp 4,300m/14,100ft
DAY 18
Trek to Puente del Inca and drive to Mendoza
DAY 19
Depart for home
Departures and Pricing
Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition
PREPARE
Fitness
Technical Experience
Each team member should have knowledge of how to use an ice axe and crampons, be familiar with carrying a heavy pack (up to 25kg) and camping in a cold environment.
Altitude Experience
You should have prior experience climbing or trekking up to 5,500m, for example Kilimanjaro, Ecuador Volcanoes, Everest Base Camp, Nepal 6000m Peaks, Elbrus.
Aiming for Everest or the Seven Summits?
If Aconcagua is a stepping stone toward Everest, Denali or the Seven Summits, this is the right preparation climb. At 6,962m it is the highest peak outside of the Himalaya, and the cold, wind and load-carrying demands closely emulate what you will face on an 8,000m peak. Adventure Consultants requires a successful Aconcagua ascent (or comparable experience above 7,000m) before joining our Everest expedition, and many of our Everest summiteers followed this programme.
Why Adventure Consultants?
The Adventure Consultants Aconcagua expedition provides the very best opportunity for you to climb this lofty mountain in an environment that is properly managed to give you the best chance to succeed in safety and relative comfort. You will benefit from our many years of experience on this and other high mountains across the globe and our EPGAMT-certified and/or Everest-summit guides at a 1:4 ratio, with decades of high-altitude expedition experience between them will offer you a level of support, logistics and safety oversight that reflects our 25 seasons on Aconcagua and more than 30 years of Adventure Consultants expedition experience worldwide.
We have refined our program over the years developing what we believe is the best acclimatisation strategy and the most appropriate climbing route with the least people on it. We have more days available than most programs that often fail due to bad weather on the only available summit day. Our climbing route traverses over the mountain making best use of the time available and allowing for a faster exit via the shorter Horcones Valley whilst giving us the opportunity to appreciate the relative remoteness of the Vacas Valley on the approach.
Unlike the majority of the operators on Aconcagua, we provide a client-focused expedition that is geared towards giving you the maximum opportunity at succeeding on this peak. Our success rate is an indication of the emphasis we place on your wellbeing and a successful outcome for you. We believe the ascent should be made in the best style possible, a philosophy that has seen us help our expedition members achieve many successful ascents and promoted our reputation in the arena of high altitude expedition guiding.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
- Professional, qualified guides at a 1:4 guide-to-climber ratio
- Quality Base Camps with a heated and insulated dining tent, sturdy flooring, comfortable lounge area, hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging, all included
- Real (not freeze-dried) catered meals at every camp on the mountain, including Argentinian BBQ on the approach and our famous pizza at Camp 2
- A dedicated kitchen and dining tents right up to Camp 3 (5,900m), with hot meals and drinks prepared at altitude
- Mule support to Base Camp (up to 30kg per person) and porter support for all group equipment and waste on the mountain
- All land transport within Argentina from Mendoza, permit coordination, and group expedition equipment
- Regular written and photo dispatches so family and friends can follow your progress
- Comprehensive pre-departure and on-trip support from our New Zealand office team, including personalised travel app
Our Team
Aconcagua Uncovered Webinar
DISPATCHES
Aconcagua #3 2025/26
January 23 2026
Join us for the last of our southern summer expeditions to climb South America's highest peak, Aconcagua (6,962m/22,840ft). Read More
Aconcagua #2 2025/26
January 01 2026
A new year of adventure is ahead for our team climbing Aconcagua (6,962m/22,840ft). Follow their journey on this 7 summit peak peak here... Read More
Aconcagua #2 2024/25
January 03 2025
Follow the second of our southern summer expeditions to Aconcagua (6,962m/22,840ft), as they encounter snowy conditions enroute to the summit... Read More