Aconcagua Trek

You will meet your Bucket List Leader at the airport and fly out as a group for Bucket Lister + Trips. If you have booked a Bucket Lister Trip we will see you in Argentina soon!

If you have transfers with us we will take you to the hotel. For those making their own way, we will meet you at the hotel in Mendoza.

Upon arrival in Mendoza, those who have transfers booked with us will be met at Mendoza International Airport and transferred to the hotel.
After check-in at the hotel, there will be an expedition briefing and a comprehensive gear check. Guides will be able to assist you with any equipment rentals or purchases required. Following the briefing, you will have the evening free to explore Mendoza and enjoy the many great restaurants in the area.

After breakfast, we will start the journey from Mendoza (760m) to Puente del Inca (2,725m) to start our acclimatisation. There will be a lunch stop at Uspallata. Once we have checked into our accommodation in Puente del Inca we will prepare the loads for the mules ready for our trek to start tomorrow.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the park entrance, show our permits, and then we’re off! Today sees us completing a 3.5-hour trek to Confluencia Camp (3,300m), where we will spend two nights. Once the tents are up we’ll explore the surrounding area.
WiFi and hot showers are available for an additional cost.
Trekking time: 3.5 hours

Today we trek to the Plaza Francia lookout (4,000m), from where we can view the stunning South Face of Aconcagua whilst we eat lunch. After exploring the area we return to Confluencia Camp for the night. Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Today’s trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,260m) follows the Horcones Superior River and rises onto a lateral moraine next to the Horcones Glacier. Although this will be a long day the pace will be moderate to ensure everyone arrives at the camp feeling well. On arrival in camp we will be able to relax, with hot drinks and snacks.
Trekking time: 7-9 hours

Although today is a rest day there will be a walk around the area surrounding base camp, so we can admire the views. In the afternoon we’ll have a gear briefing ready for tomorrow’s climb of Mt. Bonete.

Today we will climb Mt. Bonete (5,100m). For many climbers, this will be their first summit over 5,000m. From the top, we have one of the best panoramic views of Aconcagua and the surrounding mountains. The climb also gives us the essential acclimatisation necessary to climb Aconcagua.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Another acclimatisation trek today to Camp 1, known as “Camp Canadá” (4,910m). Aconcagua has been experiencing persistent drought so everyone will have to carry some water with them from Base Camp to Camp 1 ready for our move on day 11. After lunch and a tour of the camp we’ll return to Base Camp. Note: if you have not hired a personal porter you will be able to carry some of your gear to Camp 1 today, to reduce the weight on day 11.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Rest and acclimatisation at Base Camp. It will be important to check gear today, and get plenty of rest ready for the move to Camp 1.

We move from Base Camp to Camp 1 this morning. You’ll carry your personal gear whilst porters carry tents etc. On arrival at Camp 1 we’ll have lunch and set up the tents. Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Today we move from Camp Canada to Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores”, for two nights of rest and acclimatisation. You’ll again carry your personal gear and water whilst porters carry expedition equipment. Once we have arrived at Camp 2 we’ll set up tents, have dinner and settle down for the night.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Another rest day, however we will also practice some of the skills needed to perform safely on summit day (self-arrest, crampon use). Guides will assess each climber’s skills to ensure all are well-trained.

We’ll climb to Camp 3 (“Cólera”); we’ll carry our personal gear and water whilst porters carry expedition equipment. In Camp 3 the guides will check our summit gear whilst we rest; there will also be an orientation ready for the summit climb tomorrow. Following an early dinner we’ll have an early night ready for tomorrow’s early start. Trekking time: 3 hours

Summit Day! There will be an early breakfast before a gradual climb following switchbacks to ‘Independencia’ (a small, A-framed hut). We will then traverse the North Face of Aconcagua to the Canaleta, a low-angle gully that leads to the summit ridge. A few hundred metres below the summit the route traverses east and leads directly to the top. After photos, and some time to enjoy the views, we will descend to Camp 3.
Note: Amount of time spent on the summit is determined by weather and arrival time. Trekking time: 8-12 hours

We have a slow descent today to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Once we arrive in Base Camp we’ll have the rest of the day free to celebrate our achievement and enjoy dinner. Trekking time: 4 hours

The last day of trekking sees us descend to the park entrance, with mules carrying our belongings. We will then transfer to Mendoza and check in to our hotel. Trekking time: 6-7 hours

This is a contingency day. If it is not needed for the climb you will have a free day in Mendoza

This is another contingency day. If it is not needed for the climb you will have another free day in Mendoza

Note: If contingency days are not required on the mountain and you return earlier to Mendoza, additional accommodation charges in Mendoza will apply.

This marks the end of our Aconcagua adventure. We say goodbye and transfer back to Mendoza Airport for our flights back to the UK.