Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern and Western hemispheres, the second highest of the Seven Summits and the world’s highest summit outside of the Himalaya.

In 2024-25 Adventure Peaks will again be offering Aconcagua climbs via the Vacas Valley Route known as the ‘False Polish Route or Aconcagua 360’ and also the ‘Horcones Valley Normal Route’.

What is the difference and how do I choose?

The Vacas Valley Route known as the False Polish Route from the east is a much less frequented and more beautiful route. The team climbs the mountain from one side of the mountain to high camp and the summit before descending the normal Horcones route on the other side of the mountain, giving you a far better experience away from the crowds. This route is worth the extra cost and provides more summit days!

The Horcones Route is regarded as the easiest and most straight forward route to the summit. It is the most direct and cost-effective route where the distance and times between camps are shorter and much steeper averaging 4-5 hrs. Unfortunately, it is not the most scenic route and a lot more crowded.

The Adventure Peaks Expeditions provides you with the very best opportunity for you to climb Aconcagua. It is well organized to give you the best chance to succeed in safety with a high level of comfort. We are high mountain specialists who have been operating Aconcagua for 24 years, hence our success levels. We do not compromise on the number of days and have a well refined program giving more summit days than most others who often fail due to bad weather on their limited summit days.

Trip Comparison - Please double check the dates and prices section for the current price

Why climb Aconcagua with Adventure Peaks

• 24 years of guiding Aconcagua with client success close to 100%. In 2019 all 7 of our expedition reached the summit.
• Up to 5 days for a summit attempt.
• We use strong and specialist Expedition leaders on a high guiding ratio, 1:4 ratio between BC and C3, then 1:3 on summit Day. Maximum 12 clients.
• Adventure Peaks plans and organises its own expeditions with a regular Adventure Peaks Leader, supported by additional local guides. Adventure Peaks are High Altitude Specialists and not just a trekking company. Unlike many we are not re-selling someone else’s trip.
• High Quality Base camp services with exceptional food, Communal tent at camp 1 & 2 and a cook tent at camp 3.
• Quality food. Our guides prepare meals at each camp using a variety of ingredients, avoiding the use of freeze dry food.
• Porters for the removal of the groups rubbish and human waste.
• High-altitude porters carry group equipment.

Previous experience/fitness

The climb up Aconcagua is non-technical. It is suitable for mountain walkers with previous winter walking experience. The route may be dry or may have a solid covering of snow and ice. Clients should have prior experience climbing to around 5500m before attempting Aconcagua. Previous experience of camping, as well as carrying loads of 14kg (or pay additional porterage), would be advantageous even though porters carry all group equipment. Summit day is long and tiring, ascending from 5950m at high camp to the 6962m summit. This could take 8-10 hours to ascend and 2-3 hours to descend. You should make sure you are fit and used to long mountain days. We offer optional pre-expedition training weekends and have a permanent UK office with staff who have climbed Aconcagua many times before and can offer on-going training advice.

Weather conditions

It can be very hot in Mendoza and on the walk in to basecamp. Wearing shorts and t-shirts with sun hats and plenty of suncream is the norm, however there can also be torrential rain on the walk in so full waterproofs are also essential. From basecamp upwards there can be heavy snowfall, and from Camp 1 up the wind can cause severe wind chill. At high camp and on summit day the temperature can drop to -20 Celsius, so down jackets, good mitts and double boots are essential.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Kit

All Adventure Peaks clients who reside in the UK will receive a FREE kitbag for any treks outside the UK. If you have travelled with us before and already have an Adventure Peaks kitbag we will send you a lightweight AP branded fleece.  For non-UK clients a postage charge will be applied.

Please ensure your 65-70 litre rucksack is such that equipment such as sleeping bags and mats can be placed inside, rather than hanging from the outside.

Aconcagua can be a very cold mountain therefore quality clothing, gloves and boots are essential for your own comfort and safety.

Boots – You will need double boots the best boots are the Boreal G1 Lite’s or La Sportiva G2.

Gloves – Down over-gloves/mitts with a normal glove as an inner are recommended.

Clothing – on summit day good quality insulated trousers and a down jacket are adequate. A down suit will be too warm.

All of the above items can be bought or hired from Adventure Peaks.  Clients receive a 15% discount when purchasing equipment and clothing from the shop.

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