Aconcagua's Horcones Valley Route, often referred to as the Normal Route, is one of three Aconcagua Expeditions Adventure Peaks offer:
The Horcones Route is the most direct and cost effective route to the summit, where the distance and times between camps are shorter and steeper, averaging 3-4 hrs.

The most scenic route on Aconcagua is via the Vacas Valley and forms our Aconcagua 360° Expedition. This route circumnavigates Aconcagua, a much less frequented and beautiful route. You will approach via the Vacas Valley and the Polish Route from the east and descend via the Normal Horcones Route to the west, with constantly changing views and more gradual but longer ascents between camps (5-6 hrs), making it a little more challenging. Both the Horcones and 360 routes are non-technical, share Camp III at Cólera and the summit days are the same.

Our final Expedition is a 'Fast Track Aconcagua' where you arrive in Argentina pre-acclimatised at home using an 'altitude tent' to complete the ascent in a matter of days. Perfect if you are short on travel time but still able to commit to training at home.

If you have chosen the Horcones Route, read on - We quickly leave Mendoza to maximise time on the mountain: acclimatising at Confluencia enroute into Plaza de Mulas Base Camp 4367m, ascending Bonete Peak 5050m and then making the ascent via 3 camps (Canada Place c5100m, Nido de Condores 5400m and Colera Camp 5960m). Summit day then typically takes 10 to 14 hours for the round trip. The views from the summit are spectacular, please see the Itinerary tab to read the full details.

Why climb Aconcagua with Adventure Peaks

• ATOL Bonded with a permanent UK based office for your financial security
• Adventure Peaks has been operating successfully on Aconcagua for over twenty years and we have developed what we see as the best overall approach on the mountain, giving you the best chance to acclimatise and retain strength for your summit bid
• The very best combination of Expedition leadership; A UK Expedition Leader and a regular team of local Argentinian mountain guides to give a 1:3(4) ratio for your climb. Maximum 9 or 10 clients
• More days than most including up to 4 days for a summit attempt
• High-altitude porters to carry group equipment to the high camps (tents, stoves, shovels and fuel) and to remove rubbish and human waste
• High quality food in BC and the High Camps - our guides prepare all meals at Camps using a variety of ingredients, to avoid the use of freeze dried food
• 100% trip success in the 2019/20 season (prior to Covid) and we were one of the first teams back on the mountain after Covid in 2022 gaining further success
• You can choose to have your own personal guide on summit day or split it with a friend/partner (standard ratio 1:3), allowing you to move at your own speed, and giving you an even better chance of summiting.

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

You will receive an Adventure Peaks 120 litre kitbag to use on your expedition and to keep afterwards. (Please buy a small padlock to lock the zips at all times). (If you are a non-UK client or have been on a trip with us before, you will receive a logoed top in lieu of a kitbag. Please let us know your top size.

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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