Aconcagua - 19 Day

OVERVIEW:

Aconcagua - the “Stone Sentinel” - is one of the famed Seven Summits and is considered sacred by the Incas. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America and the highest mountain outside of Asia. Situated in the Andes Range, this Seven Summit is located in Argentina and on the border of Chile and in January & December of 2024, BELAY EXPEDITIONS is taking just 12 mountaineers to her summit.

With several routes on Aconcagua, BE will be trekking the lesser trafficked route known as the Polish Traverse AKA the Aconcagua 360. The Polish Traverse is deemed to be more scenic since the route practically circumnavigates the mountain allowing climbers to see each face of Aconcagua. Hence the nickname “Aconcagua 360”. Aconcagua is home to many glaciers and our ascent through Valle de Vacas will take us atop the Polish Glacier. A glacier (as well as the route) named after the first team to summit the mountain via this route. A Polish team. Perhaps equally as important as scenery, this unique route adds one more day to the ascent - allowing for better acclimatization thus better chances at reaching the summit.

Aconcagua is arguably the highest non-technical mountain in the world since the climb does not require ropes, although we may use our ice axes and crampons occasionally. Due to the altitude of Aconcagua this mountain is considered a serious climb. The oxygen level at the summit is 40% of what it is at sea level. Although our itinerary is brilliantly designed for ideal acclimatization, the altitude will affect most climbers. However, the use of supplemental oxygen is not common. The training plan put forth by BELAY EXPEDITIONS is highly recommended and should be followed since most failed summit attempts are due to underprepared physical conditioning. Please note, that while porters and mules carry group gear, each climber is responsible for carrying all of their personal gear. Personal porters are available for an extra cost.

Aconcagua is a desired by those after the Seven Summits and for those advancing in mountaineering. Deposits are welcomed and payment plans are available. Cheers to your Seven Summit!

BETA:

• Dates: December 1-19, 2024

• Duration = 19 days

• Elevation = 22,837’

• Location = Mendoza, Argentina

• Airport = Mendoza International Airport

• Payment plans available; $1,000 deposits welcomed here.

• Rental gear can be included at checkout and the Gear List can be found here.

• Trip cancelation insurance is recommended and medical evacuation insurance is required. See details below!

• BE has a 6-month training plan to get you ready! Click here and print!

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Mendoza = 2,493’

Our expedition starts in Mendoza, Argentina. A representative will be waiting for you at the airport. We will stay at a hotel in the city of Mendoza. A group meeting will follow where you will be introduced to your guides and team members.

Day 2: Mendoza to Penitentes = 8,858’

After you obtain individual park entrance and ascent permits (assisted by your guide) we meet at the commercial office to finalize all the arrangements of the expedition. Later we’ll travel to Villa de Penitentes, where we stay at hotel on the the mountain. There we’ll get the equipment ready for transportation to the base camp by mule.  Included meals = Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 3: Penitentes to Pampa De Lenas = 9,678’

Today, we drive you to Punta de Vacas, the Aconcagua Park Entrance, where we’ll get our permits checked at the Ranger station. Then, we head off to Pampa de Leñas by walking! This 4 or 5 hours trek officially begins our 3 day approach to base camp. Tonight we sleep in tents! Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 4: Pampa De Lenas to Casa De Piedra = 10,662’

Today, we hike 6-7 hours to an intermediate camp, passing through the Quebrada de Vacas. This is where we will be able to see our first sight of the Western Face of the Aconcagua. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Casa De Piedra to Plaza Argentina = 13,779’

We start trekking for 5 to 6 hours, ascending the Relincho steep slope , which takes us to Inferior Plaza, Argentina. This is where we see the last native vegetation before climbing towards the glaciers, where Plaza Argentina AKA Base Camp is placed. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 6: Rest Day @ Plaza Argentina = 13,779’

Welcome to Base Camp.! Today, we rest and use the day for acclimatization. This is a good opportunity to get to know the camp, take a shower, and explore the area. Today, we’ll also do a medical check up, reorganize the equipment, and prepare the loads for tomorrow’s transportation. Tonight we’re in tents or a dormitory dome. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch. and Dinner.

Day 7: Carry Food & Equipment to Camp 1 = 16,076’

With the mules no longer with us, we transport in a way to keep our backpacks as light as possible and fundamentally to be able to gradually adapt to the altitude. During the load transportation to Camp 1, we reach a level of 16,000’! Then we return to Plaza Argentina. Tonight we’re in tents or dormitory domes. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 8: Rest @ Base Camp = 13,779’

Another rest day at Base Camp! Belay’s kind of climbing! This is a day we mainly use to recover energy, to rest, to hydrate, and eat an abundance of food! Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 9: Ascent from Base Camp to Camp 1 = 16,076’

Let’s go to Camp 1! After a 5 to 6 hour walk on easy terrain we arrive to Camp 1. Once there, we’ll assemble the camp and divide our load for the following day. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 10: Carry Food & Equipment to Camp 2 = 18,044’

Today, we continue with our gradual acclimatization to high altitude. During the load transportation to camp 2, we reach an elevation of 18,044’! This is a hard day, about 6 hours of walking, fortunately we ascend on easy terrain. Then return to Camp 1. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 11: Ascent to Camp 2 = 18,044’

We start the ascent from Camp 1 to Camp 2 using the Ameghino Traverse Route. Once at camp, we’ll assemble the tents and then divide the loads for the following day. Finally, we rest and have dinner. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Day 12: Acclimatization @ Camp 2 = 18,044’

Cheers to a rest day! Today is dedicated to improving our acclimatization as we take the opportunity to rest and wander about. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 13: Ascent to Camp 3 “Colera” = 19,586’

Good early morning! After breakfast and breaking down camp, we start climbing! Our 4-hour trek will guide us through the last part of Upper Guanaco’s Valley to Camp 3 which is strategically located to block winds. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 14: Summit Day = 22,841’

Today is the day we’ve been waiting for! It’s also the most physically demanding day of the expedition. After climbing the North Ridge to Independencia Refuge at 21, 325’, we’ll ascend through “Portezuelo del Viento”, “La Canaleta”, and “Filo del Guanaco”. Each obstacle leading us to our summit. The prize is waiting for us! Our 360° views and the achievement of a dream. Congratulations! Post-summit, we descend to Camp 3 for the night. Tonight we’re in tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 15: Spare Day for Inclement Weather

We have two extra days built into our itinerary. These extra days provide the best possible conditions for each participant to summit. If not used, we’ll have extra days at base camp to rest and reflect. Accommodations = Tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 16: Spare Day for Inclement Weather

We have two extra days built into our itinerary. These extra days provide the best possible conditions for each participant to summit. If not used, we’ll have extra days at base camp to rest and reflect. Accommodations = Tents. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 17: Descend to Plaza De Mulas Base Camp = 14,400’

Shall we head down the mountain? Today, we go from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, the largest camp on Aconcagua and the second largest base camp in the world; only second to Everest! Once there, we’ll have a celebration dinner while enjoying the view of Aconcagua’s west face. Tonight we’re in tents or dormitory domes. Included meals = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 18: Base Camp to Penitentes & back to Mendoza = 8.858’

Post-breakfast, we’ll start our last hike of the journey! Today we descend from Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes where there will be a private transport waiting to take us to our hotel in Mendoza. Tonight we’re in hotels, Included meals = Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 19: Mendoza = 2,493’

All amazing things must come to an end. Fortunately, all endings can come with new cool beginnings. This morning, we’ll have our last breakfast at the hotel, check out, and head to airport. This concludes our journey of a lifetime. Cheers to our Seven Summit. Cheers to Aconcagua! Included meals = Breakfast.

PRICE:

• Aconcagua= $7,500

• Rental Gear = $975

COSTS INCLUDE:

• Transportation from airport to mountain.

• 2 hotel nights in Mendoza (double occupancy)

• 1 hotel night in Penitentes (double occupancy)

• All meals while on the mountain.

• All group gear on the climb (sleeping tents, dining supplies. mess tents, toilette tents, first aid, etc.) Welcome to Seven Summit culture!

• All climbing staff including mountain guides and local support staff.

• Mules to transport gear from trailhead to base camp to trailhead.

• 6-month training plan found here!

COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Round-trip airfare to/from Mendoza International Airport

• Transport from Mendoza to airport on last day.

• Argentina Tourist Visa

• Climbing permit (varies based on nationality, route, and time of year. 2023 = $950 for Americans. Guides will assist with this upon mountain arrival)

• Beverages in towns.

• Trip cancelation insurance or the required medical evacuation insurance

• Any expenses incurred by early departure from the program

• Personal items and equipment (see gear list and rental options below)

• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Belay Expeditions and the logistics provider.

• Guide & porter gratuity (10-20% is customary).

OPTIONAL UPGRADES:

• Single occupancy hotels & tents = +$450 (you will need to carry your tent or hire a personal porter)

• Personal porter to help carry personal gear = $1,260 for 44 lbs

GEAR LIST:

Your Aconcagua Gear List can be found here! The comprehensive list will highlight everything you need to bring and everything that you can rent through BELAY EXPEDITIONS. Rental gear is shipped to your home address one month prior to the expedition in a box with a pre-paid return label. Gear Rentals can be included at checkout.

PAYMENT PLANS:

BELAY EXPEDITIONS offers personalized payment plans to best meet your needs. To begin a payment plan, place a deposit here. Afterward, BE will email you regarding personalized monthly payment plans. No worries, there’s no interest or added fees. Our goal is to get you outside, living simply, and pursuing dreams. Our payment plans help us do that! All balances are due 30 days prior to expedition. Expeditionists whose balances are not received by the 30-day deadline risk forfeiture of their funds and their place on the expedition. To receive a 3% discount ($225), inquire about wiring funds!

INSURANCE:

Medical evacuation insurance is required and trip cancellation insurance is recommended. Here are 4 options:

• Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance - They offer both medical and travel! 2-in-1

• SPOT/Overwatch & Rescue - Belay uses a SPOT device which comes with medical evacuation insurance for $29. If you have a SPOT device or are planning on using one, this may be a good option!

• Global + Rescue - Medical only.

• AIG - Travel only.

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:

• There are no refunds for the deposit. Additionally, there are no refunds for expeditions that conclude without reaching the summit due to route conditions, weather, insufficient manpower, or any other factor outside the control of BE.

• Expedition leader has the final say on the expedition conclusion and will make all best efforts towards reaching the summit within our margin of safety.

• Participants that choose to leave an active expedition for any reason are not entitled to any refunds

• Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Belay Expeditions must adhere to a stringent refund policy.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST-PAYMENT:

Once you place your deposit or pay in full, BELAY EXPEDITIONS will send you a confirmation email as well as monthly emails with information and reminders. This includes flight information, passport, visa, physical training, gear and clothing purchases, etc. Seven Summits require a lot of work on the front-end so BE breaks everything down into monthly baby steps. We’re here for you!

SEE YOU IN ARGENTINA!