ACONCAGUA, the highest peak in both North and South America, is one of the great mountains of the world and it attracts climbers from all over the globe. 
Due to its great height, strong winds and extreme cold, it is estimated that fewer than 40% of those who start climbing Aconcagua are able to summit. It is a war of attrition and every advantage you have may make the difference between reaching the top or not. With this in mind, CLIMB ECUADOR has done everything it can to give its clients every advantage possible:
NORMAL ROUTE: Our expedition will ascend the Normal Route. Approximately 80% of the climbers who attempt Aconcagua use the Normal Route. And for good reason:
1) The Normal Route, via the Horcones Valley, is considerably shorter and more direct than alternate routes that ascend via the Vacas and Relinchos Valleys.
2) The lower camps on the Normal Route provide better support services, including fresh food and supplies brought in daily by mules.
3) The Normal Route is a walk-up, presenting minimal technical difficulty.
4) Ascending via the Normal Route gives climbers a chance to hike up to and view the great 10,000 foot South Face of Aconcagua.
ACCLIMATIZATION: We follow a 21-day itinerary, "door-to-door". Of these 21 days, 13 days and 12 nights are spent on the mountain, with 2 "storm" days available, if needed. We climb the mountain gradually building in rest days at key points and use a total of 5 camps to reach the summit -- Confluencia (11,500 feet), Plaza de Mulas (Base Camp)(14,000 feet), Camp Canada (16,000 feet), Nido de Cóndores (Condor's Nest)(17,500 feet) and Berlin Camp (High Camp)(19,500 feet). This approach greatly increases our chances of summitting.
BEDS/TENTS: Sleeping on the ground in tents takes its toll on one's body. On most commercial expeditions, clients sleep in tents the entire time they are on Aconcagua. CLIMB ECUADOR clients sleep on beds with mattresses, in pre-fab structures at the lower camps, Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas, for a total of 7 nights. This allows clients to be better rested and have more energy for the final summit push. All tents for the higher camps are new North Face tents.
GUIDES: As always, we guarantee a 2:1 client-to-guide ratio. All guides are experienced, licensed Argentinean guides who have enjoyed years of success assisting clients reach the summit of Aconcagua.
MULES/PORTERS: Our expeditions use mules to carry ALL gear to Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas. Clients carry only a light day pack. From Plaza de Mulas to Berlin Camp (High Camp) we employ porters to carry ALL GROUP gear. Clients carry only their personal gear (about 30 pounds), or they can hire (at an extra charge) a "personal" porter and be left with only their day pack again for the entire expedition. Carrying less weight ensures that clients have more energy near the top.
FOOD: All meals served at the first two camps, are prepared by professional cooks. Meals at higher camps are prepared by the guides. All food is of high quality and our menu is designed to give climbers the energy and nutrients they will need for a successful expedition.
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: Fly to Mendoza, Argentina. Overnight flight.
DAY 2: Arrive in Mendoza. Check into the brand new, 4-star Hotel NH Cordillera. Guided city tour. Explore Mendoza's plazas, cafes, restaurants and bars.
DAY 3: Guided tour of local wineries. Learn how wine is made. Orientation meeting for climb.
DAY 4: Buy climbing permit. Drive 3 hours to Puente Del Inca, the trailhead for Aconcagua expeditions via the Normal Route. Spend the night in a comfortable hostel.
DAY 5: Trek up the Horcones Valley to Confluencia Camp (11,500 feet). Sleep in beds.
DAY 6: Acclimatization trek to Plaza Francia (13,500 feet). View the awesome 10,000 foot South Face of Aconcagua. Return to Confluencia.
DAY 7: Trek to Plaza de Mulas (14,000 feet), Base Camp for our expedition. Sleep in beds.
DAY 8: Rest day at Plaza de Mulas. Take short hike. Play frisbee.
DAY 9: Climb to Camp Canada (16,000 feet). Return to Plaza de Mulas.
DAY 10: Rest and acclimatization day at Plaza de Mulas.
DAY 11: Climb to Camp Canada (16,000 feet). Sleep in tents for the first time.
DAY 12: Climb to Nido de Cóndores ("Condor's Nest")(17,500 feet). Camp.
DAY 13: Rest and acclimatization day at Nido de Cóndores.
DAY 14: Climb to Berlin Camp (19,500 feet), our highest camp. Prepare for summit.
DAY 15: Climb from Berlin to the summit of Aconcagua (22,841 feet), the highest point in North and South America. Return to Berlin. Rest.
DAY 16: Descend to Base Camp (Plaza de Mulas).
DAY 17: Descend to Puente del Inca on the highway to Mendoza. Spend the night in hostel.
DAY 18: Return to Mendoza. Check back into the Hotel NH Cordillera. Farewell Dinner.
DAY 19: Fly home. Buen viaje!!
DAY 20: Extra day to be used if needed during climb.
DAY 21: Extra day to be used if needed during climb.
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TRIP DATES:
Call for dates
TRIP PRICE: $3200 (Without Permit)
(Click on "Trip Data" link below for more information)
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