Cerro Aconcagua (22,840 ft)

Overview | Itinerary

21 Day Expedition via Plaza Argentina

2009 Dates

January 16 - February; February 7 - 27

Land Cost: $4,200 per person

Client to Guide Ratio: 3:1

Intermediate Climbing

Polish Direct: 2:1 ratio; $600 per person supplement

Trip Highlights

• 21 day itinerary allows for 2 extra summit days
• Bi-lingual guides ensure your trip runs smoothly
• Most favorable client-to-guide ratios in the industry
• Mendoza is the wine capital of Argentina!
• Excellent preparation for Denali or other high altitude expeditions
• Satellite phone access and pulse oximeters on all trips

General Information

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere (22,840 ft.) and is one of the most coveted summits in the World. The first ascent of the mountain by what is now referred to as the Ruta Normal was made by Mathias Zurbriggen in 1897. Today the Ruta Normal is used by hundreds of aspirant summiters. Our ascent will take the False Polish Glacier route on the North side of the mountain, and will descend via the Normal Route to Plaza de Mulas. The Polish glacier and the Vacas approach offers more interesting climbing and a less crowded approach. In order to acclimate we use a double carry technique and a high camp that allows a greater chance of success and safety. The False Polish Traverse is not technically difficult but involves some snow and ice climbing up to 40 degrees above 19,000 ft. We also offer the option to attempt the Polish Direct which involves more tecnichally challenging climbing at altitude and is a great precursor to the West Rib on Denali.

Argentina is a developed South American country and Mendoza in particular is a modern city that is known for its parks, sidewalk cafes and shopping. It is an excellent location to organize the expedition because everything we will need for our climb can be obtained here. The typical path to Mendoza is to fly from Miami, FL and then to Santiago, Chile where you will deplane and make a final connection to Mendoza, Argentina. In Mendoza you will be met by your guide and taken to our hotel. Call Southwest Adventure Guides to set up group airfare and to obtain Travel Insurance applications.

Preparation: You will need to have a current passport to enter Argentina and no visa is required. There are no required vaccinations but you should get some standard international vaccinations against Hepatitis A (Haverix) and a tetanus booster. Check with your local county health dept. or CDC @ 404-332-4559 for updated recommendations. It is important that each member have sufficient previous snow and ice climbing experience, cold weather camping and high altitude experience. In order to maximize your chances for the summit you will need to be in excellent physical shape.

Included in cost: An AMGA certified or trained Alpine Guide, opening day welcome dinnner, all ground transportation, hotels, tents, and food while on the mountain. All group climbing and camping equipment. Satellite phone access, pulse oximeters, mules, and muleteers to base camp.

Not included in cost: Aconcagua Park climbing permit, food and drinks in towns, personal climbing and camping equipment, international air fare, costs of a personal nature, extra hotels or transportation due to illness, injury, or early return.

Prerequisites: Participants should have prior, basic mountaineering experience. They should be comfortable with self arrest, and walking in crampons, and have basic roped climbing experience. You should also have previous high altitude experience such as a Mexico or Ecuadorian Volcano summit or other comparable high altitude climbing experience. You should also be in excellent physical condition.

Equipment: Download the Aconcagua Expedition Equipment Checklist

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out an International Expedition Application, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit 60 days before the trip date. Balance is due 30 days prior to trip departure date. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.