An alternative and beautiful path. Aconcagua will express its most rustic side, as an adventurous spirit will enlighten the trail with every step.
We will walk across the Vacas Valley up to Plaza Argentina base camp. Then we follow the Polish Glacier route up to Camp 2. Crossing the mythic base of the Polish Glacier we will take the Normal Route, in the last stretch, up to Camp 3. From there we will try the Summit.
The descent follows the normal route, knowing the famous Plaza de Mulas base camp.
This special trail, for special people.
Aconcagua climb
The main characteristics of this type of expedition is that you choose the date of departure and you share it only with your fellow climbers. Most of the services are included and you have your own guide, which is very important as he will provide you with vital information, security and ensure a harmonized rhythm in your climb.
Difficulties
Technical difficulty: climbing Aconcagua via Polish Glacier Traverse route does not present any technical difficulty. Even though in this expedition you take some part of the Polish Glacier, you do not require a previous climbing experience on rocks or ice.
Physical difficulty: the process of acclimatization is really important in order to succeed in getting the summit. As this is a factor on any of our expeditions, the only pre requirement would be to follow a program of training that is adapted to the activity that you are going to make. The rest of the program is planned in order to make you enjoy and know one of the most beautiful traverse in the Aconcagua mountain.
Other types of difficulties: the biggest problem that you may face on your expedition are the effects of the altitude on your body. These can be overcome with a previous and correct acclimatization to Aconcagua climb, which is a factor on any of our programs. Another difficulty are the low temperatures on the mountain, the effects of which are reduced with a high-quality clothing and equipment.
Important
Go to Aconcagua climb is one of the most wonderful experiences a person can live. There, one can know oneself deeply, and also may know deeply those around you.
A general but essential advice for those who want to climb Aconcagua: to be aware that what matters is not the summit, but to walk towards it step by step, without being exposed to danger because to preserve our heart healthy is what makes sense to the adventure.
And if we get to the summit it is really amazing. Then, for it to be worthy, the important thing is to start again, step by step, from hill to hill, from year to year, because the mountains, like life, are infinite and generous and they deserve to be shared among friends.
Graphic of Altitude and Acclimatization (click to enlarge)
Transfer airport or bus station / hotel / airport or bus station
One of us will be waiting for you at the airport or bus station to drive you to the hotel, allowing you the possibility to enjoy your trip fully. And after the expedition, we will take you back to the airport or bus station.
Assistance and support for lost luggage recovery
You will have all the necessary support to retrieve their luggage as soon as possible. In Acomara-AconcaguaExpeditions we know the importance of the equipment for the success of the expedition and the extra costs which may entail having to rent or purchase again. While the loss of baggage is a responsibility of the airlines, our Customer Support Staff will assist you in Mendoza for the fast recovery of it.
Hotel in Mendoza
Two nights in a four star hotel are included, one when arriving to Mendoza and one when returning from the mountain. The rooms are double and the breakfast and taxes are included.
If you prefer a single room, please do not forget to let us know.
Assistance to buy the climbing permits
Mount Aconcagua is located in a provincial Park managed by the Provincial Government of Mendoza.
To get into the Park you should get a permit in accordance to the activity that you are going to participate in (climbing, long trek, short trek). This procedure must be done personally, as a government rule. Each climber must go to the Park’s office with their own passport.
Luggage care
If you wish to leave certain personal belongings that you will not need during the days of the expedition, you can do so at our office in Mendoza City, Puente Del Inca or the camp in Plaza Argentina. Maximum security is guaranteed.
Transfer Mendoza / Penitentes - Puente del Inca / Mendoza
We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Penitentes - Puente Del Inca in our own vehicles. We will drive over 180 kilometers, which separate Mendoza City from Penitentes - Puente Del Inca (roundtrip). The scenery on the journey is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the central Andes.
Meals
On the expedition you will enjoy all the meals (B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / PL: Packed Lunch if we are on the move / D: Dinner) that are carefully planned by professionals to have a balanced diet during those days on the mountain.
The cooks always prepare every meal, with fixed menu from day nº 3, except at the high altitude camps where the guides will be in charge of the cooking. You will enjoy tasty and large portions of very good meals.
If you are vegetarian, let us know.
Overnight at Hotel Ayelén in Penitentes
No doubt the Hotel Ayelén is the best place to eat and rest in the area of Penitentes. You will stay comfortably in double rooms with private bathroom, central heating, balcony with mountain views and breakfast buffet. You will also enjoy delicious food and the warmth of the hotel staff. To learn more about the Hotel Ayelén plaease see www.ayelenpenitentes.com.ar.
Assistance for the arrangements of loads to be transported by mules
Our mountain guides will advise you on when you have to decide what to include in your luggage and the way that we are going to arrange it on the mules.
Load mules
These strong animals were the ones that helped the armies that fought for the freedom of South America, to transport their belongings over the mountains.
Mules move over mountain with great caution, having the possibility to carry big loads. The negative aspect of these animals is their untamed character. That is why we have selected a professional team of muleteers, called "arrieros", who have dedicated their lives to the country animals. They know how to deal with these animals, because of their experience..
From Puente Del Inca to Plaza Argentina, making two stops in Pampa de Leñas and Casa de Piedras camps and in the return from Plaza de Mulas, your belongings will be carried by mules. Each mule can carry up to a limit of 60 kg, and every client may transport on the mules a maximum of 30 kg on each stage of the approach. We strongly recommend you to bring a strong duffel bag.
Transfer to the entrance of the Aconcagua Park
You will be driven by a private transfer over 15 kilometers, from the hotel in Penitentes to the first Rangers Station. Here your permit is checked out and you are informed about the park rules.
Camps in Pampa de Leñas and Casa de Piedra
While you are gaining height, your body needs some time to start with the process of acclimatization to Aconcagua climb. Therefore, it is extremely important to stop for a night in Pampa de Leñas and the following day continue with the trek to Casa de Piedras.
In every stop you will meet the Arrieros, who will give you your gear to spend the night. The guides will help you in the setting of the tents, and will prepare the dinner and breakfast.
Base Camp in Plaza Argentina
Once you have arrived at Plaza Aregntina, you will spend 4 nights in the campsite. It´s fully prepared to make the trip around the magnificent South American mountain as comfortable as possible. There are tents for eating, kitchen, equipment storage. Toilets are available too. An excellent team of people will attend you, preparing delicious meals and providing you an excellent service. The advantages of the campsite are not only its commodities, but also the direct contact with nature.
Base Camp in Plaza de Mulas
Once you have arrived at Plaza de Mulas, you will spend the night in the campsite, fully prepared with tents for eating, another for the kitchen, a third tent for equipment storage, and toilets. Here excellent workers will prepare delicious meals and provide you an excellent service too.
IMPORTANT - Porters for common gear to altitude camps
Most of the groupal gear and common equipment (tents, kitchen sets, stoves, ropes and the garbage produced for the group) will be carry to altitude camps for a team of porters (from Plaza Argentina base camp to Camp 1, from Camp 1 to Camp 2, from Camp 2 to Camp 3 and the return from Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas base camp). On the Mount Aconcagua, the porters have gradually become an important part. Their main characteristic is that they are very strong people and they have been on the summit many times. Their job helps the participants to move in a comfortable way and saving energy to achieve their goal, which is the getting to the summit.
Also, you can hire a porter service to altitude camps for your personal equipment. Just let us know.
The Guides (See more information about them)
Our mountain guides are qualified professionals of the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) and the EPGAMT (Provincial School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides). The last qualification takes 2 years long. All our guides are professionals with proven experience and ability to offer security to the teams.
The expedition is leadered by a high mountain guide every 3 clients. The guide´s equipment includes: VHF radio, a first-aid kit, complete with the appropriate drugs for altitude sickness, ropes, an altimeter, a digital oxygen-meter, and professional clothing and equipment. All these will provide security and comfort.
Tents
Normally, during the summer high-season, Mount Aconcagua is a mountain with good weather conditions. Yet if you happen to have a few days of storms, you will be responsive to nature's whims at high altitudes. Therefore, we will be sure to provide you with the highest quality tents at these high altitude campsites. The expedition includes The North Face and Mountain Hardware tents, which have proved to work well for over the years. Usually two climbers will sleep in each tent, but if the guide considers it necessary, a maximum of three climbers may sleep in one tent.
To learn more about North Face VE 25 tents please follow this link: www.thenorthface.com and for Mountain Hardwear Trango tents please follow: www.mountainhardwear.com.
Bed service and use of mattresses Therm-a-rest in the altitude camps
Always looking to give you the best service to facilitate your success, Acomara-AconcaguaExpeditions includes service bed at base camps and the use of self-inflating mattresses Therm-a-rest for the altitude camps resting. This will certainly help with better sleep which results undoubtedly in a better recovery of power during the rest time. To learn more about mattresses please follow this link: www.cascadedesigns.com.
Extra days
Our expeditions include three extra days in case of contingencies that may prevent the normal development of the itinerary.
We takes the responsibility to develop the program as it has been described. However, sometimes the conditions are out of our control and the guides reserve the right to modify the schedule in response to the circumstances and safety of the group. If this situation arises, the client will not receive any sort of severance pay.
Communication
The expedition take advantage of the VHF and BLU radio lines that help to stay in contact between the high-altitude campsites, Plaza Argentina, Puente del Inca and Mendoza. Therefore, almost instantaneously answer to whatever issue that may arise.
Farewell dinner
At the end of the expedition, the whole group will share a dinner in one of the restaurants in Mendoza in order to celebrate the new friendships.
Participation or Summit Certificate
We will extend you a certificate signed by the Guide of the expedition and the Ceo of Acomara-AconcaguaExpeditions certifying that you have participated in the expedition to Mount Aconcagua (or reached the summit if that happened).
Support for medical assistance in Mendoza city
Your healthiness is what we care about most, even after your expedition is finished. If, for any reason you have to evacuate the mount, or if you finish your expedition with any kind of affection, our support team will provide the necessary attention for your prompt recovery.
We will also assist you in Mendoza city, in case you need additional medical assistance, tests (like a lung X-ray), buy some medicines or be hospitalized. Our objective is that you feel fully accompanied and supported until you totally recover your health and feel ready to return to your country. This doesn´t include doctors' charges or any kind of medical fees.
Support in Mendoza after the Expedition
Once you finish your expedition and return to the city, our support team will continue helping you with anything you need in Mendoza, like buying or changing your travel tickets, returning your rental equipment, taking additional tourist services, equipment caring and general advice on anything you need.
Climbing permit
The only way to enter the Mt Aconcagua Park is by getting the permit personally in Mendoza city. If the ticket is not used within the dates established by the Park authorities, the money will not be returned. The ticket will be invalid in the future years.
The entrance fee's payment support the maintenance and care of Mount Aconcagua Provincial Park and aid to preserve and protect it. It also supports the maintenance of the medical, the park rangers and the rescue service (helicopter).
Extras
Those extra expenses as food or drinks separate from those described in the itinerary should be paid by you, not being included.
Expenses for giving up the expedition
In order to have better but cheaper services, the expedition is quoted taking into account the whole group. In any case that you give up the scheduled itinerary because of personal problems, mountain sickness, etc, you start taking private services. The extra expenses that you will pay, if necessary, could be: mule from Plaza Argentina to Puente del Inca, some extra transfer, extra hotel nights, etc.
Once you give up the itinerary, the transfer from Puente del Inca to Mendoza city in a regular bus is included in the expedition..
The included hotel night in Mendoza city at returning can be taken as soon as you get to Mendoza.
Personal equipment and Sleeping bag
Your personal equipment is not included in the expedition. You can bring it from your country or you the option of either purchasing or hiring all gear needed for your expedition once you are in Mendoza. We will help you with this.
Personal Insurance
Having a personal insurance is not a fundamental requirement to climb the Aconcagua mountain. However, we suggest that you to contact an insurance company if you wish to get one taking into account the risk in the mountain.
Porters for personal equipment
The porters may help you to transport your belongings from a camp to another one offering you a better result on the mountain. So do not hesitate in letting us know, if you decide to take one. The price will depend on the stretch that your equipment will be carried.
Climbing Aconcagua Polish Glacier
| Recomended Equipment and Clothing | |
| Feet: - 2 pairs of synthetic inner socks - 4 pairs of thick socks for cold (sky type) - 1 pair of comfortable trekking boots - 1 pair of gaiters Legs: - 1 pair of fine synthetic pants - 1 pair of thick shelter pants - 1 pair of rainproof pants - 1 pair of comfortable long pants (trekking type) Body: - 2 synthetic underwear shirts - 1 turtleneck of synthetic material - 1 fleece jacket of alike - 1 shelter jacket (down or synthetical) - 1 rainproof jacket Head: - Sun cap or hat - Shelter hat (wool or fleece) - Light balaclava - A good pair of sunglasses with UV filter and nose and side protection - A pair of sky goggles - A handkerchief for the neck |
Hands: - 2 pairs of light inner gloves - 2 pairs of rainproof gloves for shelter (mitten type) Expedition material: - Book, walkman or anything that helps to be distracted in the tent - 1 Sunscreen (never less than factor 20) - Water bottle for two litter - 6 pairs of hand warmers - Sleeping mattress for high mountain - Personal care elements - Front lamp with extra batteries - An stainless steel thermo of one litter or half a litter - Personal crockery (Bowl, cup, fork and spoon) - A synthetic or duvet sleeping bag for – 35 º C Technical equipment: - 1 comfortable backpack of 80 liters or more - 1 Pair of double or triple boots for high mountain (suitable for 7000 meters and – 40ºC temperature) - Semi-automatic crampons - 1 pair of telescopic poles - 1 ice axe |
The expedition can be hired with the PAE option, which consists in a previous two or three days stay in Puente del Inca or El Plata valley and guided trekkings around the area (up to 5000 masl), to ensure further the process of acclimatization (wich is very important to get the summit). If PAE is of interest, please consult us for more information.
To confirm the reservations Acomara-AconcaguaExpeditions asks for a downpayment that can be sent through banking transfer (ask for account information) or through internet by PayPal - www.paypal.com. To ensure the security of your information, all credit cards and electronic transfers are handled by PayPal.
The balance must be paid in Mendoza, before starting the expedition.
Cancellations
The cancellation of any reservation must be made in writing and 20 days before the expedition starts, without exception. Under no circunstances will the deposit be refunded. Instead the you will assume a credit in your favor (if applicable) equivalent to the amount paid less 15% of administrative fee. This credit can be used towards different services offered by Acomara-AconcaguaExpeditions in climbing season and for the lapse of three years.
