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Good physical condition
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Previous mountaineering experience (not mandatory but recommended)
from US$ 1,990 per person (first batch promotional price)
Physics: average
Technique (climbing): non-existent
01 to 07/Dec/2024
17 to 23/Jan/2025
Being in the Andes Mountains is, without a doubt, an incredible experience for mountaineering lovers. Climbing its highest point, the highest in the Americas, is unforgettable. Overcoming obstacles, planning, dedication and courage are fundamental in this project. A unique experience that will last a lifetime .
Ideal for beginners in high mountains, we will go to the Plaza de Mulas base camp at 4,300m above sea level, via the normal route of the giant of the Americas. We will not forget to pass by the Plaza Francia viewpoint to admire the unforgettable south face, a vertical wall of rock and ice with an elevation of over 1,000m.
DAY 0: Meeting at the hotel in Mendoza, Argentina to get to know the group and give an initial briefing. Food and transportation not included.
DAY 1: Day to review your individual items (limit of up to 15 kg/person) and obtain the permit to enter Aconcagua Provincial Park from the Ministry of Tourism in Mendoza. Also in the morning, visit a partner store to purchase and/or rent mountain clothing and equipment, previously reserved. In the afternoon, a 4-hour trip to the village of Penitentes for the night and to begin the acclimatization process, at an altitude of 2,500m. Breakfast included at the hotel.
DAY 2: We will leave the hotel at 5:00 am towards Horcones, the main entrance to Aconcagua Provincial Park. We will start the trail at 9:30 am. Our goal on this first day of hiking will be to reach the Confluencia campsite, at 3,390m. Breakfast included at the hotel and dinner at the camp.
Accumulated elevation: 536 m
Distance: 8.5 km
Estimated time: 4h – 6h
DAY 3: Acclimatization day. We will go to the Plaza Francia viewpoint at 4,200m above sea level, where we will have a breathtaking view of the mythical south face of Mt Aconcagua, with its more than 1,000m of vertical glacier. We will return to the Confluencia camp for the night. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 900 m
Distance: 15 km
Estimated time: 7h – 9h
DAY 4: Once properly acclimatized, we will climb to the Plaza de Mulas base camp at 4,300m. We will pass through the endless Quebrada de Los Horcones valley. A great physical and psychological challenge. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 990 m
Distance: 18 km
Estimated time: 7h – 9h
DAY 5: A well-deserved day of rest at the busy base camp, the highest outside the Himalayas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: 0 m
Distance: 0 km
Estimated time: 0h
DAY 6: Return to Confluencia camp for the night. Breakfast and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation: -910 m
Distance: 18 km
Estimated time: 7h – 9h
DAY 7: Last day on the mountain, We will return to the park entrance and Mendoza by transfer. Breakfast and snack included.
Accumulated elevation: -536 m
Distance: 8.5 km
Estimated time: 4h – 6h
INCLUDED
Stay with breakfast in a shared double room at Ritz Hotel Mendoza days 0 and 1
Transport in-out of the mountain from Mendoza
1 WFA first aid guide in Portuguese, English and Spanish for every 4 people
Tent (2P) and cooking utensils in all campsites
Mountain breakfast days 3 to 7
Mountain lunch day 5
Mountain dinner days 2 to 6
1 Captain Jack snack
Use of dining tents at the Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas camps
Carriers weighing up to 15 kg from the park entrance to the last campsite
Complete assistance in purchasing equipment before the trip
Discount on clothing and equipment rental at our partner store in Mendoza
First aid kit for collective use
Online Satellite Tracking (SPOT)
NOT INCLUDED
Flight to Mendoza (round trip)
Transport in Mendoza days 0 and 1
Food in Mendoza (except hotel breakfast)
Entrance fee to Aconcagua Provincial Park (around US$240)
Trail food (snacks)
Personal equipment and clothing (except tent and kitchen utensils)
Personal porter (with the possibility of hiring separately)
Overweight costs for loads over 15kg
Any cost of evacuation due to withdrawal
Reimbursement in case of loss of equipment due to theft or weather conditions
CLOTHING
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Polyamide T-shirt - 3 to 4 units
To be used during the hike. Prioritize long-sleeved T-shirts to protect from the sun and scratches. NEVER WEAR COTTON T-SHIRTS, since this type of fabric dries very slowly compared to synthetic materials.
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Thin thermal 2nd skin shirt - 1 unit
These are very thin and tight clothes, which are completely close to the body. This characteristic increases heat retention. They will be used to withstand the cold nights at altitude, at camp and on the summit day.
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200 fleece shirt - 1 unit
Fleece is a type of fabric with high heating power, low weight and good compression at an affordable price. If you want to invest in an even lighter and more compressible material but much more expensive, opt for goose down jackets. But be careful! There are several types of down jackets, and many are NOT SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS. For more information, please contact us.
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Fleece jacket 400 - 1 unit
Can be replaced by a medium down jacket.
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Anorak - 1 unit
This is the most important item in your backpack, as it is the main item of clothing to protect against hypothermia in the mountains. It must be water-resistant and preferably breathable, that is, it allows the vapor from your sweat to escape without letting water from rain or snow get in.
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Pants - 2 units
Can be a second skin type or made of synthetic material with a high drying capacity.
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Thin second skin pants - 1 unit
To withstand the cold nights at altitude. To be used only at camp and on the summit day.
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Thick fleece 200 2nd skin pants - 1 unit
To be used at camp and on the summit day.
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Thick fleece 400 2nd skin pants - 1 unit
To be used at camp and on the summit day.
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Waterproof windbreaker pants - 1 unit
Preferably those made of breathable fabric.
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Underwear - 5 to 10 units
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Approach boots - 1 unit
Ideally, they should be specific for mountaineering, with a good sole (e.g. Vibram), water-resistant, high-cut to prevent twisting and preferably breathable. If new ones have been purchased, they should be broken in before the trip.
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Crocks - 1 unit
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Thin liner socks - 2 to 3 units
Choose technical socks, specifically for mountaineering. They should have high breathability, which helps to keep your feet in contact with moisture from sweat as little as possible, one of the 3 factors that cause blisters.
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Medium socks - 2 units
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Thick socks - 1 unit
These will only be used at camp.
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Cold cap - 1 unit
Choose fleece models.
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Expeditionary-style bandana or cap - 1 unit
Choose a bandana made of UV-protected fabric, as it is more versatile and can withstand extreme environmental conditions.
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Thin liner gloves - 1 unit
Made of synthetic material.
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Medium windproof glove - 1 unit
CAMPING
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Sleeping bag -5ºC (comfort) - 1 unit
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Thermal insulating mattress - 1 unit
Opt for inflatable or closed cell models, both with a heating factor higher than R4. Can be rented in the base city.
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Pillow (optional) - 1 unit
Use specific camping ones, smaller and lighter than domestic ones. Can be replaced by a sweater.
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Pee bottle - 1 unit
It may seem silly, but when you feel the urge to pee in the middle of the night, when you will be warm and comfortable inside your sleeping bag, leaving the tent WILL be a terrible ordeal. You will have to put on several layers of clothing again to withstand intense cold. Men can use a wide-mouthed canteen. Women should use a specific funnel that makes it easier to do this.
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Hand warmer - 3 to 6 units
If you want to avoid getting cold at all costs, we suggest taking hand and foot warmers, known worldwide as hand warmers. A mixture of iron, water and salt that, when in contact with oxygen, triggers a chemical reaction that releases heat, keeping hands and feet at a temperature of approximately 40ºC for up to 6 hours.
ACCESSORIES
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100L duffle bag - 1 unit
Your non-trail belongings will be transported by mules. They must be in highly resistant and waterproof backpacks. These can be rented in the base city.
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40-50L daypack - 1 unit
To carry items for the approach trail such as snacks, water, sweaters, gloves and devices.
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Backpack rain cover - 1 unit
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Headlamp - 2 units
One will be a spare.
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Set of spare lithium batteries - 1 unit
On cold nights at -10ºC the battery runs out quickly. Only lithium batteries will last the entire trip.
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Cat 4 sunglasses - 1 unit
An essential item to make your trip more comfortable. Radiation at altitude is greater than at sea level, so protect yourself!
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Pocket knife - 1 unit
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Trekking poles - 1 pair
Some people don't like them, but that's due to lack of practice. The benefit, when used correctly, is a reduction of up to 30% in the impact on the knees, since you'll be sharing the effort of the hike with your arms and especially your shoulders. Avoid those with screw-type or automatic locks, as they are less resistant.
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Camelbak 3L - 1 unit
An essential item, as dehydration at altitude increases the chance of altitude sickness (severe headaches and nausea, for example). This type of system prevents you from having to "take off and put on" your backpack.
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1L Thermal canteen - 1 to 2 units
At the high camp, temperatures will be below zero. In a regular canteen or camelbak, the water will inevitably freeze, which is why we'll use thermal canteens.
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1L waterproof bag (to protect small items) - 1 unit
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12 to 20L waterproof bag (for clothes) - 3 units
PERSONAL HYGIENE
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Wet wipes - 3 units / day
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Toothbrush - 1 unit
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Toothpaste - 1 unit
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Toilet paper - 1 unit
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Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher - 1 unit
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Clorin (to purify your water) - 4 units / day
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Personal medicines
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Deodorant - 1 unit
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Anti-friction gel (optional) - 1 unit
Vaseline. It will help prevent blisters on your feet.