Aventuras Patagonicas on Aconcagua Normal Route with porters Full Itinerary

Aconcagua Normal Route with porters Full Itinerary

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  Day 01

  Group meets in Mendoza, Argentina. Equipment check and afternoon briefing will be at the hotel. For dinner we will have a chance to taste fine Argentinean cuisine and wine.

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  Day 02

  Drive West from Mendoza to Penitentes ski area at 8,500'. Our drive winds along the Rio Mendoza deep into the heart of the rugged Andes mountains where we begin our acclimatization in Penitentes. An afternoon hike is recommended, though optional.

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  Day 03

  We will begin our approach to Base Camp. This 25 mile approach gives us the chance to begin our acclimatization. We follow the Horcones Valley, and camp our first night in Confluencia, at 10,900’. Mules carry our gear.

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  Day 04

  Hike to the base of the majestic South Face of Aconcagua, at 13,000', toward Plaza Francia. Return to Confluencia to spend our 2nd night, before heading to Base Camp the next day. This hike will facilitate our acclimatization process.

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  Day 05

  After 3 days of hiking through colorful desert landscape we reach our Base Camp, Plaza de Mulas, at 13,800'.

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  Day 06

  Rest and acclimatization day at Base Camp. We want everyone to have the best possible chance to make the summit. The most effective way to do this is to take the time to acclimatize to the low oxygen environment. We will incorporate rest days into our schedule and climb in traditional expedition style. We will be carrying loads up to our next camp, and returning to sleep below at the previous camp. The next day we will move to the higher camp.This day (Day 6) we will practice snow and ice techniques on the Nieve Penitentes, unique snow and ice formations created by direct sunlight.

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  Day 07

  Carry a load to Camp I, Plaza Canada, at 16,170' . Return to Base Camp.

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  Day 08

  Leave Base Camp. Move to Camp I. Beautiful campsite with impressive views of the north side of Aconcagua and alpine Cerro Cuerno.

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  Day 09

  Carry a load to Camp II, Nido de Condores, at 17,820'.

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  Day 10

  Leave Camp I. Move to Camp II.

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  Day 11

  Carry a load to Camp III, Piedras Blancas (High Camp) at 19,200'.

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  Day 12

  Move to Camp III. This unique spot will be our High Camp where we will spend at least 2 nights. Here we are surrounded by interesting rock formations only a day from the summit.

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  Day 13 - 15

  Summit! Weather permitting. We allow a window for our Summit Day in case of poor weather and depending on how group is acclimatizing.

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  Day 16

  Descent from High Camp to Base Camp.

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  Day 17

  Hike out the Horcones Valley with its impressive views of Aconcagua s South Face. Spend the night in Penitentes.

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  Next Day

  Drive to Mendoza. Enjoy delicious banquet with your team. Spend night in Mendoza. Next Day fly home or continue traveling in South America.