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Aconcagua 360°
From £4,850 Altitude 6,962m Grade: 1C
Aconcagua 360°
Named ‘Acconcahuac’ (the stone sentinel) by the Incas, 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.
Our Aconcagua 360° Expedition circumnavigates Aconcagua. You will approach via the beautiful Vacas Valley from the east, a much less frequented route, and descend via the Normal Horcones route to the west. On this more challenging route you will experience constantly changing views with longer but more gradual ascents between camps (5-6 hrs) to converge with the normal Horcones route on summit day.
Aconcagua offers the strong mountain walker, with prior winter walking experience, the opportunity to ascend one of the world’s highest trekking summits. Although you will not require any previous climbing experience, the ascent is at very high altitude and therefore requires a high level of fitness, commitment and mental determination.
The climb is very weather dependent but our high guiding ratios, small group size and levels of support generally gives us a big advantage and improves our summit success. We provide leaders/guides on a maximum ratio of 1:3 (4) and the team is limited 9 or 10 climbers. Our aim is to reduce the physical hardship and create maximum flexibility to give you the best chance of summit success as we can more easily deal with clients varying walking speeds/fitness and weather.
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 Asventure Peaks 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. Groups smaller than 4 will run with a local guide only
- 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 sunhats 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
Availability
* A deposit of £400 will be required at checkout.
Extras
Extras can be added per-person when you book onto a date
| Item | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Private Guide Summit Day | £1,200 |
* A deposit of £200 (or the full extra price, whichever is lower) will be required at checkout for each extra added per-person on this trip
What's Included
- ATOL Bonded with a permanent UK based office for your financial security
- Estimated International flights from London (Flight inclusive package)
- 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. Groups smaller than 4 will run with a local guide only
- 2 nights hotel acommodation in Mendoza and 1 night in Penitentes or Uspallata on a B&B basis
- Communication equipment - Satellite telephone to maintain links with our UK office and to receive vital weather forecasts. VHF Radios to allow communication between our groups on the mountain and BC
- Free internet at basecamp (limitations apply).
- High quality food, our guides prepare meals above BC using a variety of ingredients, to avoid the use of freeze dried food
- Group Dome Tent at Camp 1 and 2, cook tent at 3
- All tents and other communal equipment necessary for the climb.
- Medical First Aid supplies.
- High-altitude porters carry group equipment (tents, stoves, shovels and fuel)
- Rubbish and Human Waste taken down by Porters
- Group Leaders and Porters position tents.
- 3-4 days set aside for a summit attempt
- Private road transfer Mendoza to the mountain and back
- 2 Group Airport Transfer between Mendoza Airport and hotel (excluding if joining land only)
- 110 litre kit bag for expedition members for UK based clients. A logoed top will be substituted for all clients residing outside of the UK
- 15% discount off the RRP for equipment and clothing purchased at our Adventure Peaks shops and online
What's Excluded
- Travel to and from UK airport (unless otherwise specified).
- Permits, paid on arrival to the National Park approx £600-£720 Variable according to season and exchange rate.
- Personal climbing clothes and equipment.
- Drinks and hotel or guest house meals, unless specified.
- Personal medical supplies and personal use of communication equipment.
- Excess baggage.
- Tips for porters and local guides.
- Costs associated with an expedition finishing early.
- Costs associated with you leaving an expedition early.
- Costs associated with extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances.
- Transfers to and from Mendoza airport if flights NOT booked with Adventure Peaks
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | International flight arriving day 2. (H,B on day 2) |
Day 3 | Wasting no time in Mendoza we complete the permit formalities before traveling overland into the mountains and to Penitentes, a drive of about four hours. Here you organise your gear in readiness for the mules and our walk into base camp. Hotel, Penitentes (H,B) |
Day 4 | The trek to Base Camp at Plaza Argentinas starts today with a short drive to Punta de Vacas where the park ranger will examine the permits and issue rubbish bags, which will be checked again at the end of the expedition to ensure all rubbish is removed from the mountain. Mules will carry all of your gear so you can enjoy the walk without heavy loads. The walk on the first day is reasonably easy although very hot and dusty and takes you through green desert valley scenery enclosed between the steep mountains of the Andes. Trekking up the west side of the Rio de las Vacas to your camp at Pampa de Lenas (2800m) is approximately 5 to 6 hours Camp, Pampa de Lenas. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 5 | Leaving camp we cross the bridge over the Rio de las Vacas to then follow it up the beautiful valley to reach our overnight camp at Casa de Piedra (3250m), a journey of about 6 hours. From here you will get superb evening views of Aconcagua. Camp, Casa de Piedra (C,B,L,D) |
Day 6 | We start the day with a river crossing to enter the Relinchos valley, initially a steep narrow canyon that eventually leads to a broader hanging valley and our Base Camp at Plaza Argentinas (4200m). The campsite will be in the moraine that provides a convenient windbreak and good views of the route ahead. Base Camp, Plaza Argentinas. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 7 | Acclimatisation and preparations for the climb. Showers available! Base Camp 4360m Base Camp, Plaza Argentinas. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 8 | A second acclimatisation day where we trek up with a day sac to Cerro Colorado (4566m) Base Camp, Plaza Argentinas. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 9 | Today we do the trek up to Camp 1 (4950m) taking most of our food (about 8kg) and some personal gear as an acclimatisation walk. Depending on conditions you could be walking on good snow, neve or scree; the altitude will make both feel much steeper. You will return to base camp to aid rest. Climbing high and sleeping low is essential for acclimatisation in these early stages; you will feel much stronger in the longer term Base Camp, Plaza Argentinas. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 10 | Acclimatisation day and final preparation in base camp. Base Camp, Plaza Argentinas (C,B,L,D) |
Day 11 | Move to Camp 1 4950m 1.Camp 1 4950m (C,B,L,D) |
Day 12 | Move food and equipment to Camp 2 at Guanacos overnight Camp 1 4950m (C,B,L,D) |
Day 13 | Move to Guanacos camp, situated on a platform at 5400m with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. .Guanacos 5520m (C,B,L,D) |
Day 14 | Rest day and acclimatisation that can also be used for crampon and ice axe training depending on snow conditions. Camp 2 Guanacos camp. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 15 | Move to Camp Colera, our launching platform for the summit bid. When the team are ready to make their summit bid, we will move up to Colera ready to make the attempt the following day (5970m). Porters move group equipment. Camp, Colera. (C,B,L,D) |
Summit Days 16 - 19 | The team has four days in which to reach the summit leaving spare time in case of bad weather, however the summit will be attempted on the first day of good weather. Camp Colera. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 20 | Today we descend from Camp Colera all the way to Plaza de Mulas in the Horcones valley to complete a traverse of the mountain, allowing you to fully appreciate the superior journey up the mountain via the Vacas Valley!!!. overnight Plaza Mulas. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 21 | Today is a long day (28km/8hrs) as we trek back to the Roadhead and then Mendoza. Celebration meal Hotel (C,B,L) |
Days 22 - 23 | Return International Flights own bed! |
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.
Insurance
It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment
- Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
- Repatriation
- The altitude that you are expected to attain
- The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
- Grade of trek/climb/expedition
- Medical cover
Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/
We are aware the following provide insurance:
For UK based clients:
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
Campbell Irvine: www.campbellirvine.com Tel: 0207 938 1737 (Not for treks/climbs with ropes – OK for Aconcagua)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)
For non-UK based clients:
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)
You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.
Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com
Reviews
Well organised, good guide. I could nit-pick but it was all pretty good. Great group of people. Lots of fun, all topped off by the fact that I summited.
Aconcagua is a marathon not a sprint. Overcoming the altitude, the constant freezing winds, the curious toilet situation, and the load carrying, is worth it for the incredible views, the team spirit and cameraderie, the stars at night and the sense of achievement.
My overall experience was fantastic, the Vacas Valley was beautiful, quiet and we were lucky to have a really lovely (if a bit mad) group which really made the expedition! I'm really glad we carried the majority of our own kit, food and equipment (even if that included our own poo...), it felt like we did it the right way and the multiple days without wifi were liberating! I think this may be the start of a new sporting obsession ...
Excellent guides and more natural experience. Trip leader was exceptional. Mountains, fresh air, Argentinian wine and food...
I've had two trips with AP that have both been excellent. Phil, our leader, was tip top. This was my first true expedition and one I won't forget.
Iain is a good guy who is a good guide and made the trip enjoyable. I would happily go on another trip with Iain. A good trip with a good company, I will be using Adventure Peaks again.
Excellent information...amazing experience. Would not hesitate to use AP again :)
Excellent service, communication and guidance. Everything was great, especially with me booking at such a late date. Excellent leader put information across very well, very approachable with a great sense of humour.
Enjoyed better retrospectively - it's a fantastic well organised trip. Getting to the top was very emotional. The culmination of a 25 year dream and to do it with my son was amazing. You have to work really hard on summit day. Even though the trek is a difficult walk the level of hardship is high which makes it all the more rewarding. Brilliant organisation by Adventure Peaks. Trip leader was excellent, got the balance right allowing freedom whilst remaining safe.
Excellent organisation, excellent guide/leader and thoroughly enjoyable expedition
Brilliant organisation, planning, and leadership on the expedition. It's a challenging environment and I think the leaders on the ground and support team did a fantastic job and gave everyone the opportunity to safely attempt the summit. I thought Carrie [leader] did such a great job on the mountain. Kept the team together and well managed while being approachable and friendly. She was fantastic!
Carrie [trip leader] has been the best leader I have to my previous five expeditions. Very nice, easy to talk to and knowledgeable...I dressed as Santa on Christmas Day and everyone on the mountain (including other groups) seemed to love it and bring a smile to everyone's face.
The leader was excellent...Paul was exceptional, highly knowledgeable, very calm and controlled under pressure, excellent risk assessment and above all a highly positive attitude and encouraging nature. I cannot recommend him highly enough for future trips.
Really great trip. We summited and made it safely down so cannot complain. Chris [trip leader]...an absolute trooper given he came down with a virus, but still managed to get us to the summit and down again safely. Really thorough when it came to briefings. Really good...It took a lot of time and effort to get up there, but the views were breathtaking.
Well planned, successful trip. Chris was very ill for a number of days during the trip but never let it affect the team. He's extremely professional, knowledgeable and great fun to be around. We developed as a team under his leadership and were ultimately successful because of his planning and guidance.
We had very good guides. The lead guide Martin was absolutely lovely and very patient. The local guides Pablo and Marcos were very knowledgeable. Marco's local expertise was invaluable in modifying our schedule to use a shot at the summit.
On summit day he set a good pace and made some tough but fair decisions regarding the progress of certain team members, for their own safety.
Adventure Peaks are a very professional outfit, and at a very competitive price.
The kit list could be broken down more to essential or optional, nice to have items.
Martin was excellent and so is Maxi. You guys were cheaper than jagged Globe which is why I chose Adventure Peaks. I would definitely use you again. I am looking forward to the next trip!
Your Argentinian guide is excellent but his English will need to improve. Having someone to speak with local staff in Spanish was very useful and beneficial. I chose Adventure Peaks because of your advice and recommendations regarding Martin our leader.
Perhaps a need for more emphasis on the physical and mental toughness needed to summit Aconcagua but still all excellent.
Kiaran was an excellent leader - approachable, supportive and very well organised. An excellent trip - tough but very rewarding.
I got to 6600m but it was very professional trip with very good guides so would use you again.
Service and advice after booking plus the accuracy of your brochure was great. The kit list was a great help. No real improvements in overall grade but need to consider route options. We discussed the route options with the leader. Ultimately we decided on which was probably easier with a higher chance of success than the brochure description. I would recommend making this option more visible so that the right route can be chosen to suit the clients on the day.
Past experience with Adventure Peaks is well organised and has good client safety measures so I would use you again due to your track record.
I had a one to one discussion when visiting your Ambleside Shop, with personal recommendations I chose Adventure Peaks so felt confident in your organisation.
It was a very memorable trip/experience. Well organised and good attention to detail.
I am impressed by your pre-support and commitment to the customer. Thanks.
The food was very good but more pasta at altitude was a general feeling! Service and advice before booking was very helpful and afterwards it was excellent and you give appropriate advice as I was contacting you by email and got a rapid response.
Tents were new, excellent condition and the whole team was excellent! Great expertise/knowledge. The UK Guides were very organised and took time to teach me new skills etc. Both were brilliant.
The only thing that I would have liked was an extra camp site at camp 3 which would have improved my summit chance. That said, i understand the limitations of being in a large group.
Overall, the trip was brilliant and very enjoyable. Mark and Kieran are superb leaders, mature and confident always putting clients first. I cannot fault them. Mark was also superb with the airlines. He led us on the mountain and also through our interesting time at the airport. I would use Adventure Peaks again with excellent organisation and superb leaders!
I had a good timely response to my initial enquiry with the number of summit days and the route appealed to me. Appeared professional and inclusive.
I really like the Adventure Peaks settup including shop, hire, weekends and the personal touch from Dave. Kieran worked extremely hard to sort the camping food and he did an excellent job. It was plentiful, varied and easy to manage.
The local support team were excellent with superb safety on summit day.
Over all the trip was well run and both Mark and Kieran worked hard to ensure things went well for everyone. One of the best organised on the mountain, thanks to Mark and Kieran
Aconcagua is no trekking peak and overall my best trip yet, absolutely fulfilling my expectations. It was tough than people thought and the leaders were top class turning a large group in to a large team. They were not just great leaders but great friends. 10 out of 10. Also the local guides were spot on. I chose AP because of the people involved from the shop to the mountain!.
Thank you very much, an exceptional expedition from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one, Cheers.
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