Aventuras Patagonicas Dispatches

Team success: summit! - Dispatch 5

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:40:58 -0300

We are proud to inform that the team got to the summit of Mt Aconcagua yesterday! (Saturday). Seven climbers and three guides stood there at 6962m -22,834 ft-, at the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere. They are all well and completed the traverse to Plaza de Mulas (the Normal route base camp) today. Guide Mike Bradley told me that they felt the earthquake that affected Chile, some four hours before they left High camp for the summit. "It wasn´t a big deal here", said Mike over the sat phone. We are expecting the team to be back in Mendoza by March 2nd. Here we will celebrate with steaks and Malbec red wine. This is the last trip of the season. This was a tough summer in Aconcagua, due to extremely bad weather, so this big team success comes as an awesome way to put an end to the season. Congratulations to all the climbers and guides!

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

High camp - dispatch 4

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:16:21 -0300

The team is moving to the 6,000m frontier tomorrow! They will move to high camp, or Colera, which is at 6,000m or 19,685 ft. Everyone is fine up there, Mike said. They plan to go for the summit on Saturday -the best day according to the weather forecast. We keep our fingers crossed for a beautiful summit day. I atach a picture of high camp -life is slow there, you think it twice before moving! Regards form Mendoza

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Camp I - dispatch 3

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:25:00 -0300

After resting in base camp, the team moved succesfully to Camp I. There they will begin the high altitude acclimatization process, by doing carries of common gear and food to Camp II, above 5,000m. Mike said averyone is fine. One climber who wasn´t acclimatizating well enough, so he stayed at base camp one more day, to see if he could continue with the climb. I will keep you posted. Regards, Nicolás García AP Mendoza

Resting at base camp

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:07:49 -0300

The expedition made it to base camp Plaza Argentina (14,000ft approx) yesterday. All climbers are guides are ok and enjoying a rest day. During the hike-in they shared an "asado criollo" -gaucho barbecue- with the muleteers. The group also had a nice view of the Polish Glacier (picture), from the trail. Leading guide Mike Bradley takes the time to call me every night from his sat phone -thank you Mike I appreciate it!- He says the group is awesome and weather is fine so far. I attach a picture of the East side of Aconcagua, as seen from the trail, with the Polish Glacier in the back.

Regards from Mendoza!

Nicolás García AP Mendoza

Hiking to base camp

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:49:53 -0300

A group of nine climbers and three guides left Penitentes (small ski resort close to Mt Aconcagua) yesterday. They began their three day hike in to Plaza Argentina (14,000 ft aprox), the Ameghino route base camp. Mike Bradley (US) is the leading guide, and Augusto Ortega (Perú) and Eliana Caamaño (Argentina) are the other guides. The climbers are from places ranging from Dubai to Colorado. Due to the snow stroms in the US, getting the team together in Mendoza was a logistic challenge! But all the mountaineers finally got to enjoy a night at the Mendoza Park Hyatt and a welcoming dinner. Then they all got together in Penitentes (picture) and by the time they hitted the trail they were a solid team, Mike reported via sat phone today. I will be sending dispatches to keep you updated.

Regards from Mendoza
Nicolás García AP Mendoza

Summit! - Dispatch 4

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:00:53 -0300

Five climbers and three guides summited today. Congratulations to all the team, that made this achievement possible. The whole group is happy at High Camp now. They started the day very early, with strong winds, but kept on going. Sometime after noon they got to the 22,834 summit, the highest point in the Americas! Thy descended safely to High Camp, where they will spend the night. Tomorrow they will go down by the other side of the mountain, to the base camp of the normal route (Plaza de Mulas). On sunday they will complete the trek to the trailhead, and they will sleep at the lodge in Penitentes. They will be back to Mendoza on Monday, to celebrate. Great team work!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

High camp

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:02:49 -0300

Guide Jacob and the team are moving to High Camp tomorrow, and they will go for the top on Friday. They are now at Chopper camp, or Camp II (18,000 ft). Everyone is fine and the weather forecast shows excellent days ahead. High Camp is at 6000m (19,685 ft). It is a rocky plateau, where some white boulders give some protection from the high winds. The place it's also called White Rocks or Colera Camp. ON summit day, the team will face a cold walk in the morning, before sunrise, with headlamps on and zippered parkas. But then the sun will comfort them and reveal an awesome landscape. I will be updating the information more often now, in the final stage of the climb. Regards from Mendoza
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Back to the city

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:00:40 -0300

The eight climbers and three guides made it back to Mendoza today. They spent a very bad night at high camp, where 90 km per hour winds made it very dangerous to try the summit. So the entire team decided to complete the traverse of the Aconcagua massif: they went from High camp to the normal route base camp, Plaza de Mulas, and then hiked to the normal route trailhead, Horcones. They celebrated yesterday with huge steaks at Don Mario (a fine restaurant). The group was tired but happy, and in spite of the weather they accomplished a great trip. Congratulations!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Base camp

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:25:03 -0300

The team made it to base camp successfully. They completed the 3-day trek to Plaza Argentina (4200m), and are having a rest day there. The climbers and the guides are fine. It is a little windy, but they are still low to worry about the weather. They had some awesome views from the trail. I attach a picture (from a previous trip) of the East side of the mountain, from the campsite Casa de Piedra. You can see the Polish Glacier in the back. Next step for the team is to begin the acclimatization process to higher altitudes. They do this by "climbing high and sleeping low", this is spending some days carrying gear and food to the higher camps, then spending the night in the lower camps. I will be updating the dispatches as Jacob calls me. Until then!
Nicolas Garcia
AP Mendoza

Beyond 5000 m

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:19:29 -0300

Wesley and the team are ok at Chopper camp, or camp II. Altitude is 5400m. They took a rest day there and will do a carry of gear and food to High Camp, which is at 6,000m. So they are entering the high regions of the world! Everyone is fine, weather is a little windy but clear skies. I will keep you informed of their progress -if the guides call me from their sat phone. There goes a picture from a previous trip. Regards.
Nicolas Garcia
AP Mendoza

Acclimatization

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:53:27 -0300

This update is to let you know that the group left the good life at base camp to face the higher camps in the hill. No more haute cuisine... They are carrying gear and food to Camp II (17.800 ft), and getting used to the 5,000m and 6,000 m thin air. The team is fine and weather looks good. I attach a picture of the place (from a previous trip). I will be posting more details soon. Regards

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Summit!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:51:35 -0300

The climbers and their guides made it to the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas, the top of Mt Aconcagua. Four of the clients got to the 22,834 summit. Everyone came back to high camp extremely tired, but happy.

Then yesterday they completed the circumvalation of the masif, as they went down by the normal route, that leads to base camp Plaza de Mulas. Today they will trek to the trailhead, and spend the night at Pênitentes, a lodge with showers, coffee, beer, tv; new things after so many days in the wild.

We will welcome the climbers in Mendoza tomorrow, for a good celebration dinner. Congratulations to guide Mike Bradley and to the team!

I atach a pìcture of the Canaleta, the final gully before the summit.

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

A new Aconcagua adventure began

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:48:53 -0300

Nine climbers and three guides met at the Mendoza Hyatt last Saturday. They went from complete strangers to a smooth team in just 24 hour, which is awesome, and headed towards a a lifetime experience in Mt Aconcagua, People from such different corners of the world as Letonia, Oman, England, Macedonia and the US will be family to each other for more than two weeks; 12 individuals pursuing a unique goal in a hostile environment. It is always moving to see them get on the van, after the group picture, and leave to the big mountain. From Mendoza, we will keep you relatives, friends, colleagues and jealous rivals informed of their progress in the slopes. The first stage of the climb has been completed: jet lag, gear check, paperwork (climbing permit fees), welcoming dinner -with ith 4 (or was it 5) bottles of Malbec wine from Mendoza, transfer to the small ski resort that we use as logistic base in Aconcagua. Tomorrow (Monday) begins the 3-day hike in to base camp. But we´ll get to that in due time. Regards from the Andes!

Nicolás García

AP Mandoza

Resting at Plaza Argentina

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:23:57 -0300

Wes and the team got to base camp yesterday and are having a rest day today. They completed the 3-day hike in as scheduled -big asado (barbecue) and awesome views included-. Everyone is fine. They will start carrying gear to higher camps tomorrow. Plaza Argentina is at 13,800 ft. it has big dining tents, a fine cook and it's almost a small tent's village. I attach pictures of the place. I will be updating dispatches as Wes calls me from his sat phone. Regards!

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

High regions

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:47:37 -0300

The team is moving to the high regions of the mountain today. They will move from the Chopper Camp (Camp II, 17,800 ft) to High Camp (6,000 m- 19,685 ft). Everyone is fine! The guides and climbers will decide tonight if they go for the summit tomorrow or in Saturday. It is the key stage of the climb, and where the skills and leadership of AP guides makes a difference. Weather forecast shows clear days and no strong winds for some days. I will pass the news as soon as they come from the mountain! I attach a picture from a previous trip.

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Off the mountain

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:48:05 -0300

The team completed the Aconcagua traverse, by descending from the summit via the Normal route. In their way down they launched the more challenging and risky stage of the trip: the chain of celebration dinners, starting at base camp Plaza de Mulas (picture) yesterday, followed by the one planned for today at Los Penitentes (the lodge close to the trailhead), and still one more party here in Mendoza, scheduled for Monday. Again, congratulations to all of them.

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Towards the mountain

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:46:17 -0300

A new adventure began! The 9 climbers and three guides of our number 12 expedition of this season left the city of Mendoza today. After recovering from jet lag with a massive dose of steak & red wine and 24 hours at the Park Hyatt hotel, they headed towards Aconcagua Mt. They will sleep in a lodge in Los Penitentes, a small ski resort 3 miles from the trailhead, and on Monday they will start the 3-day hike in to base camp. Plaza Argentina (13,800 ft) is the name of the Ameghino route base camp. Guide Wesley Bunch, a Jackson Hole guide with many Aconcagua seasons in his pack, is leading the trip. Pablo Borja, from Venezuela, and local guide Emiliano Poletti, complete the team.

I will be posting information as the group moves up the slopes and they call me from their sat phone. It The weather forecast for the mountain looks good, while it is so hot in Mendoza that the buildings are melting and the trees take turns to shade each other! Regards.

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Patience game

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:34:26 -0300

The expedition is at Camp I, waiting for the weather to improve before they move up the mountain. It has been snowy the last days, but without wind and according to the weather forecast the upper regions of Aconcagua are clearer now. They did their carry to Camp II, also called the Chopper camp. Everyone feels fine! I will give you more details as Mike calls me. I atach a picture of Aconcagua by Mike, from last season. Regards

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Working up the slopes

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:37:27 -0300

The expedition led by Mike Bradley is doing well up the mountain. They completed the hike in exactly as scheduled -with some good views of the Polish Glacier (picture)- included-. The 11 climbers and 3 guides rested at base camp Plaza Argentina (13,800 ft) for a day, then did a arry of gear to camp I. They had a minor issue with the sat phone, and that is why we did not send a dispatch before. Mike says everyone is fine and that motivation is high. "We are working as a solid team by now", he told me over the sat phone. This stage of the climb is very important, because it is when the climbers complete the acclimatization process. They do that by progressing up the mountain step by step: doing carries to higher altitudes, then sleeping at lower altitude, and just then moving to the next camp, where they rest, carry again, then move up. Patience is the key.

I will send more updates as they call me. Regards!

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

BIG team success!

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:32:11 -0300

8 climbers and three guides made it to the 22,834 ft summit the highest spot in the whole hemisphere and the highest mountain in the World outside the Himalayas. Guide Jacob called from High Camp when they returned. Everyone was tired but deeply happy. Now they will complete the traverse of the mountain, by going down by another side of the mountain. They will descend to the Normal route base camp, Plaza de Mulas, tomorrow. Then they will trek to the trailhead on Sunday, spend one night in the lodge there and come back to Mendoza on Monday. We are very proud of this huge team effort and look forward to share a good steak (and wine) with them. I attach a pic of the summit (from last season), so you can share the emotion. I will still send one more update when they et out of the mountain. Until then!

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Carry to 6000m- the final stage is on its way

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:08:07 -0300

The expedition is doing great! They move as a solid team and are highly motivated, according to the report we just received from Jacob. They are resting at Camp II "Chopper Camp" now, at 17,700 ft. The group has already experimented real high altitude; they made a carry of gear and food to High Camp, the "Colera Camp", which is at 6000m (19,685 ft). The 8 remaining climbers (one person was not acclimatizing well and had to remain at lower altitude) and three guides are super strong, says Jacob. They plan to move to High Camp tomorrow and go for the summit on Friday or Saurday. Weather forecast is good for both days. I attach a picture (from a previous trip) of High Camp. Keep your fingers crossed and wait for more dispatches...

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Chopper camp

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:06:01 -0300

Hola a todos,

Jacob "the Boss" Schmidtz called from his sat phone. The group is at CII, called "the chopper camp",at 18.000 ft approx. "Everyone is perfecto, it´s a pretty strong team", were his words.

They will do a carry to CIII, then rest for one day. Then go for the final push. I am attaching a pic of CII. At that altitude you really get a taste of this big mountain, as wind and cold and of course altitude show their power. Bu it is also where the most awesome landscape, clear skies of the purest blue, and the real dimensions of the place appear. And when the leadership and knowledge of the guides provide the safety margin that we are proud of.

I will post news soon, stay tuned...

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Summit and Polish Glacier climbed-100% success

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:18:31 -0300

All the climbers and guides made it to the 22,841 ft top of Mt Aconcagua, by the technical Polish Glacier route. This is an outstanding achievement, because everyone completed absolutely all the goals: to enjoy a safe and solid expedition, to climb the mountain all the way to the summit and to do it by a demanding route, the East side glacier. Special congratulations to climbers Mike Danaher, Patrick Flynn, Christopher Howard and James Watson, and to the guide Martin Molina. It is demanding to handle roped climbing at that altitude. I am attaching pictures of the glacier, from a previous trip, so you can see the place. Also a nice picture of the summit ridge. The group is coming back to Mendoza tomorrow. Regards.
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Summit!!!

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:52:37 -0300

Three climbers and guide Cacho Beiza got to the summit yesterday! I do not have the names yet. As important, or more, than the summit, it´s the fact that all 10 climbers made it to high camp (6000m!) as a solid group and will complete the Aconcagua traverse. Leading guide María José is happy and says this is an excellent expedition so far. The group is now going down to the Normal Route base camp, Plaza de Mulas (13,950 ft). THey will get to the trailhead tomorrow (Tuesday) and should be back in Mendoza by Wednesday. Congratulations to all!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

The trip is on

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:41:17 -0300

Eleven climbers and three guides began a new Aconcagua adventure yesterday. They left Mendoza well rested and well fed (thanks to the combination of the Park Hyatt's luxuries, Argentinian steak and plenty of Malbec red wine). A solid group, as you can see in the pictures, they heades towards Los Penitentes yesterday and began the hike in today. Los Penitentes is a small ski resort, used in summer as starting point for Aconcagua expeditions. The altitude is 8,860 ft. The three-day hike in ends in base camp Plaza Argentina (13,780 ft).The leading guide is Mike Bradley, a seasoned guide based in Colorado. Augusto Ortega (from Perú, with just 53 Aconcagua summits!) and local credit Eliana Caamaño complete the guiding team. The climbers are: Trent Evink, Jeff Westerfield, Crl Linden, Zaheer Carolia, Alison Spencer, Warren Hynes, Ryan Crago, Amalia Franceschini, Richard "Dick" Field, Wui Kin Chin and Matthew Gabriele.

I will be updating information as these guys call me from their sat phone. Greetings from Mendoza! (37 Celcius degrees and so dry).

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Rest day at Plaza Argentina

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:40:59 -0300

The team completed the hike in beautifully. I just received a sat phone call from guide Jacob "the Boss" Schmidt. "Everything is perfect" were his words -as usual-. The trail to base camp Plaza Argentina (13,450 ft) has some imposing views. Here is a picture of the trail (from a previous trip). The group will do a carry to camp I tomorrow. I will keep you posted. Regards,

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Approaching the glacier

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:34:03 -0300

Guide Martín and the climbers are at base camp now, and they will move to Camp I on the Polish Glacier route tomorrow. All 4 climbers feel strong and are well rested and fed. We hope the weather and the glacier conditions stay good, so thy can keep their steady progress. I will send detailed updates as they gain altitude. I attach a picture of the way to Camp I, from a previous season.

Regards,

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

towards Camp II

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:32:19 -0300

The team is in great shape! Everyone is ok and motivated. After some acclimatization and carries up the slopes, the expedition is facing the high regions. They will move to Camp II -called the Chopper camp- tomorrow. The altitude of this campsite is 17,800 ft. Then it is up to the guides and the team to decide their strategy for the summit push. We will keep you informed. I am uploading a pic from a previous trip. Regrads,

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Back in town

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:29:48 -0300

After two brave summit atempts, the group completed the Aconcagua traverse and came back to Mendoza yersterday. They tried the summit twice from High Camp, but the intense cold and wind made it unsafe to push on. "We saw climbers going down with their noses white as that wall", one AP climber told us. The group did complete the traverse, which means they did both sides of the mountain. Then we had a solid Argentinean meat and red wine dinner last night. Everyone is ok and it was a great group. Congratulations to them!

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Hike in to base camp - Dispatch 1

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:50:21 -0300

The expedition began the 3-day hike in to base camp today. Before that, the nine climbers and three guides shared a meeting and a welcoming diner in
Mendoza, and then a night at Penitentes (small ski resort located at 2700m, some 4 miles from the trailhead). Expert guide Jacob Schmidt is leading, Alaskan Forrest Wagner and Patagonian Fermin Avila complete the guiding team. We celebrated Forrest 29th birthday the night before they left, and he got good local Malbec wines as a present fom clients of his last trip! I attach a pic of Forrest and one of the team, at the Mendoza Hyatt before leaving (still looking well...)
Regards
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

View of the Polish Glacier - Dispatch 2

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:02:51 -0300

The 4 climbers guided by Martín are well and resting at base camp. To get there, they hiked for three days in the scenic Vacas and Relinchos valleys. From the campsite Casa de Piedra they could spot their goal, the Polish Glacier (picture). This glaciar tongue runs down the East face of Aconcagua, and it is a route of medium technical difficulty. It was opened in 1934 by a very tough group of Polish climbers.
Base Camp Plaza Argentina (13,940 ft) has dining tents, cook, beer, etc; it is an intermediate step between the urban life and the tent life!
I will send more information as the team progresses up the slopes. Until then!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Rest day at Base Camp - Dispatch 2

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:01:44 -0300

The team completed succesfully the hike in yesterday. They are having a rest day today. In the approximation trek they got to see one of the most spectacular views of Aconcagua, the Polish Glacier (East Face). The Ameghino Valley route, which all Aventuras Patagonicas expeditions take, presents many advantages: it is less crowded than the Normal route, it has more wildlife and it allows for better acclimatization.
The group is ok and enjoying the comforts of base camp, at 4200 m. I attach a picture of the trek, taken last season. I
Regards, Nicolás

Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager

Big day tomorrow - Dispatch 4

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:09:28 -0300

Before the sun rises, the team is going to leave the warmth of the sleeping bags, force some tea into their stomachs and face the hostile atmosphere of the 6.000m high camp. Even before that, the guides will be ready, melting snow and preparing everything for the summit push. Then it is one or two hours of really cold walking, usually in silence, with headlamps on, and every part of the body covered. But then the sun goes up, warming climbers and revealing the awesome landscape around. THen is the roof of this hemisphere! -highest hill in the world outside the Himalayas-.
Seven of the climbers will try the summit with guide Calvin. I attach a previous picture so you can see the place. I will write with news tomorrow!
Regards
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Carry to high camp

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:09:26 -0300

The climbers and the 4 guides -Calvin, Eliana, Marco and Marian- are in Camp II, the Chopper Camp (17700 ft). They are having a rest day now, after some windy days (and nights) . Tomorrow they will do a carry of gear and food to High Camp. This means they will get to 6000 meters! (19,685 ft). After this comes the move to high camp to sleep, and try the summit next day. But it all depends on the group condition, the weather and the guides' desitions up there. I will track their progress and keep you posted. Regards
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Towards the mountain

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:04:38 -0300

Climbers Mike Danaher, Patrick "Steve" Flynn, Christopher Howard and James "Dan" Watson and guide Martín Molina left for Mt Aconcagua yesterday. After a night in a lodge at the foot of the mountain, they began the hike in to base camp today. They will have an "asado" -barbecue- gaucho style tonight, in the trail. The approximation trek has some very nice views of their target, the Polish Glacier route. This looks like a strong team! We will be updating the information as we recieve calls from the mountain, via sat phone. We also haved radio communication with base camp (Plaza Argentina). I attach a picture of the group, just before leaving Mendoza. Regards,
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

City behind - mountain ahead

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:55:16 -0300

After a couple of busy days dealing with planes, hotels, permits and minor hang overs due to Mendoza's red wines, the expedition finally headed towards the Andes. The 10 climbers and 3 guides spent last night in a lodge, located close to Mt Aconcagua Park. They began their hike in today. It's going to take them 3 days to reach base camp Plaza Argentina. The trailhead is at 8,800 ft and base camp is at 13,940 ft. I attach a picture of the group before leaving Mendoza. María José Moisés, a talented rock climber and high mountain guide from Mendoza, is the leading guide. Her team is completed with Larry Holmgreen, from Alaska, and Cacho Beiza, a seasoned Argentinian guide. We will be posting disptaches as the guides call me from their sat phone. Regards,
Nicolás García AP Mendoza

Summit day!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:08:15 -0300

The expedition got to the summit today! Guide Wesley and three climbers took advantage of the good weather window and stood in the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas, the summit of Mt Aconcagua (22,841 ft). They got to high camp very tired but very happy.
Then tomorrow (Monday) they will complete the circumvalation of the masif, desdending from the mountain by a different route.
They will trek to the trailhead on Tuesday, then spend the night at Penitentes, a lodge with showers, coffee, beer, tv; new things after so many days in the wild.
We will welcome the climbers in Mendoza by Wednesday. Congratulations!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Summit!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:06:27 -0300

Congratulations to the team of climbers, who summited today under the snowfall! Eight climbers and two guides stood in the highest point of the Western Hemisphere, at 22,841 ft. They left early this morning from High camp, and went all the way to complete a 1,000m climb. I received a short phone call from Jacob. He says everyone is ok and safe, back in the camp and really tired. I will post more details tomorrow. It has been a great achievement in a tough season. The picture is from a previous trip.
Regars,
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Back in Mendoza

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:59:17 -0300

Happy New Year! The climbers and the guides celebrated New Year with a big dinner in Mendoza last night. They arrived to the city yesterday, after their Mt Aconcagua traverse. "The group is very good, we had a great experience", said lead guide Mike Bradley. "We agreed not to stay at high camp and go for the summit because of the high winds, but doing the traverse instead. It was the right thing to do", Mike told me. Everyone is heading back home now. So this is the last update of group AP#4. Thanks for reading and have a good 2010! I attach a picture of the summit ridge, taken by Mike two seasons before. Regards
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

New Year at Camp II

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:57:42 -0300

Happy New Year to all! The expedition led by guide Wes Bunch had a high party yesterday -at almost 18,000 ft in Camp II, the "Chopper Camp". The climbers and the guides are ok and motivated. They are carrying gear and food to Camp III today -which means they will reach 6,000 m (19,685 ft)! It has been windy these days, but it appears to be a calm weather window thet they can take advantage of. One way or the other, the final stage of the climb is on its way now. I will keep you posted, every time Wes calls me from his sat phone. I attach a picture from a previuos trip. Regards from Mendoza!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

New Year at 18,000ft

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:55:28 -0300

Happy New Year! Your relatives, friends, loved ones, etc, who are climbing with us, experienced a high New Year evening: they celebrated with a small but rather emotive party at almost 18.000ft (Camp II). Guide JAcob called from his sat phone yesterday. He said they were having a "snowy New Year", and that everyone was well and happy. Before that, they did a carry of gear and food to Camp III, which means they reached 6000m (19,685ft)! The group also decided to try the summit via the Normal route, and not the Polish Glacier. Jacob is confident that everyone will reach the summit. They will move to Camp III today, and might try the summit tomorrow or Sunday. I will let you know as they call me! The picture is Camp III, from a previous trip. Regards
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

New Year Party at Plaza Argentina

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:52:35 -0300

Hello and happy new year to all. Guide Calvin Herbert called us last night, as his group was getting ready for a New Year party in base camp Plaza Argentina, at 13,900 ft. "Everyone is well and strong, and we have perfect weather", said Calvin. The hike in was completed as scheduled. During the 3 day trek they had a view of the imposing East face of Mt Aconcagua (picture, from a previous trip). lude the names of the climbers, as request by some of them: Deri Llewellyn-davies; Laurence Hanusa; Laurence Hanly; John Elfers; Sean Haywood; Jonas Classon; Aneta Litwin; Andrew Jaquays: Huimin du (Cindy); Edward Piwowarski; Dane Zehrung; Martin Shetter.
They will be doing a gear and food carry to Camp I today, so they will touch the 5,000 m zone. I will send you more information as they call me! Regards from Mendoza.
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Move to Camp II

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:31:30 -0300

After a successful acclimatization at lower altitudes, the team is moving between Camp i and Camp II, called the Chopper Camp, above 5000 m (16400 ft). They did a carry of gear to Camp II and are moving there probably tomorrow, for the final stage of the climb! They are ok and motivated. Weather has been windy but it`s improving. I am sending a picture of the 5000 m zone, from a previous trip.

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

High regions

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:22:52 -0300

Guide Jacob and the team are ok at Camp I, and moving to camp II probably tomorrow. They had a rest day today. There are strong winds in the mountain but it seems it will improve by the time they get to the high regions -the 6000m zone-. The team is strong and the plan is to go to High Camp (also called White Rocks or Colera), at 19,680 ft, and from there to the summit via the Polish Glacier. Then they plan to come back to High Camp to spend the night, and in the next day they will go down the other side of the mountain, to the Plaza de Mulas base camp. I will write an update when I have more information. Regards,

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Last stage - Dispatch 3

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:25:09 -0300

Mike and the climbers are facing the final push tomorrow. They are at Camp II -Chopper Camp- now, and will move to High Camp tomorrow. This means they are going to be positioned at 6000 meters (19,680 ft), and ready to go for the 22,841 ft summit. The group is higly motivated. I will keep you posted!

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Good start

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:14:50 -0300

The 12 climbers and 4 guides of this expedition left Mendoza today. After a team meeting and a steak dinner yesterday, they bought their climbing permits today and left in two vans. They completed the 3 hour scenic ride to Los Penitentes (small ski resort at the foot of Mt Aconcagua), and will sleep in the lodge there. The group will begin the hike in tomorrow. It will take them 3 days to reach base camp (Plaza Argentina, 4250m). Tomorrow night they will share a barbecue with our gauchos (the muleteers who handle the load mules). Here is a pic of the group before leaving -while they still look (and smell) good-. I will be sending you all the news of this expedition, every time leading guide Calvin Herbert calls me from his sat phone. Regards from Mendoza!

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Meet the Polish Glacier

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:16:37 -0300

Yesterday the climbers had their very first contact with the goal of their climb, The Polish Glacier. It was from the trek to base camp, in Casa de Piedra. This part of the hike in offers an awesome sight of the long glaciar tongue known as Polish Glacier (picture), in the East face of Aconcagua. It was a Polish team who first climbed this wall in 1934, the first technical route to be opened in this mountain. Nowadays it is a world classic glacier climb in high altitude.

Back to our expedition, the group is now resting in base camp Plaza Argentina (4250m), where they will have a Christmas celebration tomorrow. Everyone is fine. I will write an update when they call me from the sat phone and give me more news. To those who celebrate it, have a Merry Christmas.
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Christmas at base camp

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:07:16 -0300

The group arrived safely to base camp Plaza Argentina (4250m) today. In the hike in the had a good view of the East side of Aconcagua, with the imposing Polish Glacier (picture). The team is higly motivated. Tomorrow it's going to be a rest day and they will have salmon for dinner! Base camp manager Susy has everything ready for a nice Christmas dinner. Here in Mendoza (a mere 750 m above sea level) we will make a toast to the climbers! Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Hike in

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:15:33 -0300

The climbers began their aproximation trek this morning. All urban stress left behind (jet lag, climbing permits, gear checks, transfers), three days of awesome scenery ahead. The trailhead is Punta de Vacas, an old railroad station. From this point the arrieros (muleteers) used to take live cattle to Chile across the Andes, hence the name "Punta de Vacas", something like cow's point. It is at 9150 ft. Base camp Plaza Argentina is at 13950 ft. I am including the names of the climbers, so their relatives, friends, jealous rivals, etc, can keep track of their progress. They are: William Birdzell, Chase Franklin, Brian Osoro, Jennifer Andre, Tim Dryna, Adam Hodge, Jay Lowry, Richard Agnew, Jennifer Zinck, Margaret St Hill and Marc Lewinstein. Good climb to all of them! I attach pictures of the group, having massive doses of steak and Malbec red wine (with AP Director Rodrigo Mujica), and posing in the Hyatt before leaving.
Regards,
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

On the trail

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:14:14 -0300

The expedition finally took off. The 10 climbers (one person had to pospone the trip for working reasons) and 3 guides set foot in the trail today. With an excellent weather forecast for the next 5-6 days, they shouldered their light packs and began the 3 days hike in to base camp. (Mules get to do the bad part of the job, with 60 kg in their backs). They will have an "asado criollo" -Gaucho barbecue- tonight, at the Pampa de Leñas campsite. One of the climbers asked me to include their names in this dispatches, so relatives will know where their loved ones are. The climbers are: Bill Whiteman, Micheael Whiteman, Landon Robinson, Logan Robinson, Clark Kopelman, Youssef Radwan, Miriam Rack, Jon Garrood, Mathew Chernin and Phil Chernin.
As yo can see, there are three father and son teams in this trip! Which is wonderful. I attach a picture of the trail, from a previous trip.
More news as they come in from the sat phone!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

expedition has already began

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:12:26 -0300

The expedition has already began the up and down process of acclimatization. They had a rest day at base camp yesterday, and today they are making a carry of food and common gear to Camp 1, so they will cross the 5000m frontier. Then they will go down again (to the luxury of the dining tents and the fine cooking of base camp manager Susy). Tomorrow they will move to Camp 1 to stay there and face the next stage of the climb. They will have a high Chistmas!
There goes a picture of the 5000 m range, from a previous trip.
I will write more when they call me. Regards!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza
Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager

Celebration dinner

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:09:44 -0300

The group is back in Mendoza. Everyone is tired but happy. They are getting some rest at the Hyatt and will go out tonight for a celebration party in a "finca" (farm), at 13 km from Mendoza. So this will be our last dispatch for this group. Congratulations and Merry Christmas for the climbers and for their relatives, friends, lovers, colleagues and plain courious that followed their Aconcagua experience!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Getting ready

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:45:27 -0300

Greetings from Mendoza! Everything is getting ready here for our first Polish Glacier trip of the Aconcagua season. There is a very strong team of guides in this expedition: Jacob Schmidt (picture) is the leading guide, with many Aconcagua summits in his pack, and some 8000m Himalayan peaks too. Augusto Ortega, from Perú, is the man with more concagua summits in History: 53 times he`s been to the top! He also climbed Everest. Alaskan guide Larry Holmgreen and local credit Fermín Avila -a seasoned Aconcagua porter before becoming a certified guide- complete the team. They are finishing the details and meeting the 12 climbers that will attempt this technical route. The whole group is getting toether tomorrow for a meeting, then for a good solid Argentinean dinner in a well known Mendoza restaurant. I will be sending updates of their progress in the mountain to our website.

Best wishes,

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

All set for the trip!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:38:44 -0300

As the 11 climbers slowly come to Mendoza after long hours on planes and airports, the 3 guides -Wesley Bunch, Forest Wagner and Rolo Abaca- are working hard to finish shopping and packing (picture). A day in the comfort of the Park Hyatt hotel should help the climbers to cope with jet lag! Tomorrow they have gear checks, a team meeting and then dinner in a good restaurant. Then on Sunday the climbers will get their Aconcagua permits and head towards the mountain. I will be posting information and following the expedition progress from Mendoza.

Regards, Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Summit!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:32:37 -0300

In a clear and sunny morning, part of the group summited yersterday! They made the push from High Camp (or White Rocks), at 19600 ft, to the top. The summit of Aconcagua, at 22.834 ft, is the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas. The place has an awesome view, of the sea of smaller peaks around and of the imposing South Face. I don not have the information of who summited yet. But we are all proud that the expeditions succedeed, in a tough season (cold and windy). I will post more news soon! This is a picture of the summit ridge, from a previous trip.

Regards, Nicolás

Steak & Malbec before the climb

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:51:54 -0300

The 4th group of the season completed yesterday their acclimatization to Mendoza's steak and Malbec wine(s). British, American and Australian are the nationalities in the 7 climbers group. There are two father and son teams! Seasoned guide Mike Bradley is in charge, and Mt Rainier guide Andy Kittleson is coguiding. Today they headed towards Los Penitentes. This ski resort, at 2700m, functions in summer as starting point for many expeditions. Tomorrow they will get to the trailhead and begin the hike in to base camp (three days). They will be calling to Mendoza from a sat phone, so I will post more news as they come. Regards!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Happy in Mendoza

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:17:53 -0300

The private expedition completed the Aconcagua traverse and came down happily to the city today. As with most climbers this though season, the weather made it too dangerous to reach the summit. The AP private expedition accomplished a brave climb, they made it to High Camp and completed the Aconcagua traverse, despite the winds and cold temperatures of previous days. I am sending a picture ot the other side of the mountain, the base camp Plaza de Mulas. They are now in Mendoza having a well deserved rest. Our congratulations to Johny and the guides!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

The altitude game

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:07:04 -0300

The group has left the good life at base camp to face the higher camps in the hill. No more haute cuisine -although Martín and Eliana, the guides, are fine cooks. Camp I is at 16000 ft, still comfortable. Everyone is feeling fine. I will give you more info as they call.

Regards from Mendoza! (hot and dry here, kind of windy up there)

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Base Camp sweet Base Camp!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:57:32 -0300

After a long day descending from high camp the group is at Base Camp drinking beer and eating Pizza!

They are all excited to be back and enjoying a warm Base Camp, with all is amenities, Chef and comfort
Cheers to them!

Rodrigo Mujica / AP Director

Summit Day!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:51:04 -0300

The team got only 65 meters from the top!! Nine members of this expedition got only 200 feet from the top! What a phenomenal accomplishment with the harsh weather this team has experienced during their climb! This season has been a hard one, so far. Temperatures have been extremely cold for early December. The mountain has finally begun to warm up.

We would like to congratulate all Team Members and Guides from this first trip of the season. They made a tremendous effort to get so close, in -30 below temperatures and high winds, several days in a row. We would also like to thank and congratulate Guide Wesley Bunch for his excellent leadership and his solid team Guides as well

Only a handful of climbers have summited Aconcagua this season so far. Summer has arrived late to the Southern Hemisphere, but fortunately it is finally arriving. Aventuras Patagonicas is extremely proud of the way this trip was handled. As I mentioned earlier, it is among one of the toughest trips we have had on the mountain, in our many years of guiding on Aconcagua.

Our tents held up well in the storms, the stoves continued to run hard (thanks to our awesome guides), despite the rough weather conditions. The harsh temperatures and high winds on the mountain early December, caused many teams (not Aventuras Patagonicas teams) to retreat. This team was prepared, enabling them to wait out the weather and make their superb summit attempt during a brief window of good weather, while other teams had long been chased off the mountain by the conditions.
We have a team now positioning at Camp 1. They are already getting more reasonable weather than our Nov 28th Expedition endured

Happy Climbing and Congratulations again to all climbers on our November 28th Expedition!

Best

Rodrigo Mujica / AP Director

The team moved to High Camp

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:43:57 -0300

Sunday -19600ft-. They face the final stage of the climb, to try the 22.841ft summit of Mt Aconcagua, or to do the Traverse; climb to High Camp, and then go down via the Normal route, the other side of the mountain. I will keep you posted!

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

High Camp and Summit day tomorrow!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:41:46 -0300

Big day tomorrow! Wes and the team are in high camp. An euphoric Wes called a minute ago, to say they are THE ONLY ONES THERE (unusual); and that the weather is awesome, as good as the team attitude. Bad weather is over (at least today), and they will try the summit tomorrow. I attach a pic of how it is going to be tomorrow (from last season). High Camp, or White Rocks, is at almost 6000m (19600ft), so they have an almost 1000 meter gain ahead, to reach the 22.841ft summit. This is the highest point in the WEstern Hemisphere! I will post the news tomorrow.

Regards,
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Chopper Camp

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:34:03 -0300

The group is resting at CII (camp 2), called "the chopper camp",at 18.000 ft approx. They will do a carry to High Camp tomorrow. I am attaching a pic of CII. At that altitude you get a taste of this big mountain, as wind and cold and of course altitude show their power. It is also where the most awesome landscape and purest blue skies are enjoyed.

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Successful trek to base camp

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:12:11 -0300

After hiking the Vacas Valley and the Relinchos Valley, the 6 climbers and 2 guides arrived today to Plaza Argentina (14200 ft). The approximation trek has one of the most spectacular views of the whole mountain, the Polish Glacier (picture from a previous trip).

Everyone is fine and hungry. Our base camp chef, susy, will see to that. Martín (lead guide) promised to send me a picture from a sat phone. I will keep you informed!

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Camp II

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:55:03 -0300

Guide Carlos Liendo just called from his sat phone to say that they are all ok and moving to Camp II. This means they are crossing the 5000 m of altitude, to get to the 18000 ft camp. Although the strong winds of the last days broke one of their tents, Johny and the guides are fine and having a good climb. I attach a picture from a previous trip.

Nicolás García

AP Mendoza

Progress in the mountain

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:53:24 -0300

With hard work and motivation, the group is progressing up the slopes. Despite the strong winds and bitter cold of the last days, the climbers and guides are ok at camp II, and waiting for the weather. In fact many seasoned climbers in Aconcagua believe that bad weather in the lower camps is not bad, because it means that it can improve in the altitude days -when it really counts-. The picture of the camp is from a previous expedition. more news as they come!

Nicolas García

AP Mendoza

Good bye Mendoza

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:48:18 -0300

In a fresh Sunday morning, the 6 climbers and two guides left the city of Mendoza and headed towards the "Cordillera" -the range-. This is a special trip, since three of the climblers are a familiy: Chet, Shelley (who is celebrating her birthday today) and their son Jackson. The van will take them across three mountain ranges, the Pre Andes, the Frontal Range and the main range, where Aconcagua lies. They will sleep at 2700m today, and so they will begin the acclimatization process. Tomorrow they will start walking, from the trailhead to Pampa de Leñas, a campsite where they will share a gaucho barbecue with the arrieros (muleteers). Then they will have two more days to the base camp. I will send an update when they get there. Regards!

Nicolas Garcia
AP Mendoza

Carry to Camp 1

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:12:58 -0300

The group is acclimatizing succesfully to high altitude. Today they made their first trip to Camp 1 (aprox 16000 ft), to carry their gear, food and gas. Everything is fine up there.

Aventuras Patagonicas 3rd trip of the season is ready to go!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:10:27 -0300

The 6 climbers and two guides are working hard in Mendoza. They are doing gear checks and packing all the stuff. We will have a solid Argentinean steak dinner tonight, of course with some Malbec red wine since we are in the land of the sun and the wine. Here is a picture of the guides Martín Molina, a master rock climber and UIAGM guide from Mendoza, an Eliana Caamaño, a really strong lady from the city of Rosario, in the Pampas, as they prepare the gear in our logistics house.

Tomorrow the team leaves to Penitentes, a small ski resort close to the trailhead, where they will spend one night to start acclimatizing. Then it is a 3-day hike to Plaza Argentina. This is the nice base camp of the East side of Aconcagua. It is the last point where the mules take the loads; from there on, is human power! The group will stay at least 3 more days at base camp (nice dinners by chef Susy Tarditti). Then the altitude game begins. But there will be plenty of dispatches before, as they call me from their sat phone and I deliver the news to you. Until then!

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Arrival to Plaza Argentina

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:04:01 -0300

Climber Johny Bergius and his guides, Carlos Liendo and Larry Holmgreen, are having their well deserved rest day today. They arrived to base camp Plaza Argentina (14.000 ft aprox) yesterday, after a 3-day hike. Everything is fine. "Johny is feeling strong", said Carlos, via sat phone. I will write more when they call. I post a picture of the trail, from a previous expedition, so you can see the place. Regards!

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza
Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager

On the trail

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:37:12 -0300

Johny and his guides hit the trail today.

After seeing that the mules carry all the load of the expedition -literally- they headed towards the trailhead (Punta de Vacas). They have a 3 day trek head. Forecast indicates fine weather! I will pass the news as they call me from the mountain. Regards!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

They hit base (camp)

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:15:16 -0300

Lead guide Wesley, called today from his sat phone, to deliver the good news that the group arrived perfectly well to base camp Plaza Argentina (13800 ft).

They will enjoy an excellent dinner tonight, made by our chef and base camp manager Susy -a guide and climber herself-. Tomorrow will be a rest day for them. Then begins the process of carrying loads to altitude, which is good to acclimatize and to go light in the final push. I am attaching a picture of Plaza Argentina from a previous expedition. More news as they come!

Regards,
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

Approach to Base Camp

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:53 -0300

Hello to all. Your relatives, friends, etc who are climbing with us are doing well in their 3 day trek to base camp (Plaza Argentina). They will get to Casa de Piedra (stone hut) today, and to BC tomorrow in the afternoon, according to the plan. Weather is fine, and the forecast says the sun will shine for many days in a row.

The group will get to see some awesome sights of Aconcagua's Polish Glacier today (pic). This glacier was first climbed in 1934 by a Polish expedition. It was a milestone of mountaineering in the Andes, and today it's still a demanding route.

The route of our expedition shares base camp with the Polish Route, but then it joins the Normal Route high in the mountain.

More news when they get to BC!
Nicolás García
Mendoza

Our second expedition of the season left town today

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:34:33 -0300

After a succesful acclimatization to Mendoza's steaks and Malbec wine, our second expedition of the season left town today. The british climber John Bergius and the guides Carlos Liendo (Chile) and Larry Holmgreen (Alaska) headed towards Los Penitentes.

This ski resort functions in summer as starting point for many expeditions. Tomorrow they will hit the trail, as our arrieros (gauchos) load the mules with the group supplies. It will take them 3 days to get to base camp (Plaza Argentina), if all goes according to plans.

They will be calling to Mendoza from a sat phone, so I will post more news as they come.

Regards!

Nicolás García
AP Mendoza

The trip is on its way!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:54:26 -0300

The group left the hotel today and headed towards Los Penitentes, a small ski resort 6 km from the trailhead (2700m). Spirits were high. They will start walking tomorrow from Punta de Vacas. Tomorrow, many stoic mules will carry their mountain gear, their asado (barbercue) and even some bottles of Malbec red wine to their fisrt camp, Pampa de Leñas. I will keep you posted!

28 nov dinner

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:28:45 -0300

After long hours on planes, airports and taxis, the 13 climbers and 4 guides of our first Aconcagua expedition of the season got together in Mendoza. We are honored to have them in our city (almost a million habitants, tree.lined streets, sidewalks coffees and vineyards in the country -of course you can also see mountain in the horizon-).

We greeted them with big Argentinan steaks and the comfort of the best hotel in town. The guides are very optimistic and said it is a pretty good group so far (well prepared and with team spirits).

Wesley and Calvin are the Lead Guides (both well seasoned Tetons guides both), and María José (Mendoza) and Mariano (Argentinean Patagonia) are the coguides. Both firts class climbers and bright guides. The group will get the Aconcagua permits tomorrow and head towards the Andes, a 3 hour interesting drive.

Nicolás García
Mendoza

First trip of the season is getting ready!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:13 -0300

The Guides and AP staff are already in Mendoza packing and getting all ready for the first Aconcagua expedition of the season, Our Nov 28th Ameghino Valley and Upper Guanacos Trip, scheduled to depart in a few days. Clients will be arriving soon to Mendoza as well, Our expedition begins and ends in the City of Mendoza, Argentina. The city of Mendoza is a charming town with pleasant wide avenues, boulevards and parks. Our first step will be to check clients gear at the Mendoza Park Hyatt, often done on their room. Gear check is a critical step. It is important to pare down to the essential items you will need to climb to the Top of the Americas. Often at gear check we discover someone has brought gear that is not warm enough. More than one experienced Alaskan has forgotten the essential expedition parka!

A group meeting will follow gear check. We will introduce our guides and team members and talk about several aspects of the expedition. We will discuss the philosophy and style of the expedition, the effects of Diamox and prescription medications at altitude, sanitation, water treatment, teamwork, and the art of climbing big mountains. Dinner will take place immediately after the meeting at a fine Mendoza restaurant reached via a pleasant walk from the hotel. We will have a chance to taste gourmet Argentinean cuisine, fresh beef, delicious wines (there are plenty of alternatives for non-drinkers and vegetarians in the group as well).

Aventuras Patagonicas's Director Rodrigo Mujica has also been in South America for weeks now planning the last details, and will arrive to Mendoza today.

AP Operation's Manager Nicolas Garcia is also in Mendoza making sure all details are taken care off.

We are all VERY excited about this new coming season!

Our clients for this expedition

Ted Allsopp
Jim Leahy
Andrew Walo
Richard Kisson
Zbigniew Mach
Jim Berryhill
Amy Roberts
Rusty Carter
Jack Crawford
Kathryn Veseth
Christopher Paslawski
Thomas O'Connell
Graham Austin

Our guides for this expedition

Wes Bunch - Lead Guide
Calvin Herbert - Assistant Guide
Maria Jose Moises - Assistant Guide
Mariano Galvan - Assistant Guide