CET Neva tours . mountaineering, climbing, trekking, ski tours, kayaking, rafting

Expedition on Aconcagua (6,962m)

Named Acconcahuac (the stone sentinel) by the Incas and rising to 6962m. Aconcagua is the highest peak in the southern and western hemispheres, and the worlds highest summit outside Asia. An eroding volcano, Aconcagua sits 32-33⁰ South Latitude in western central Argentina, 15 km from Chilean border. The surrounding mountains are steeply sloped and incredibly arid, a wasteland of broken rock and scree. There is little green, and few people visit the area apart from skiers, mountaineers, and the military. A trans-Andean highway links Aconcagua.s roadheads to the nearest centres . Santiago in Chile 159km to the east, and Mendoza in Argentina 182 km to the west.

Normal route (North-West ridge), M Zurbriggen 1887

An established scree trail. It can be easy to slide on snow traversing into the Canaleta (talus-filled gully). Summit reached over non-glaciated terrain with no technical difficulties. Ascent 2730m from Plaza del Mulas.

Itinerary (Internationl flight could be to Santiago or Buenos Aires)

Day 01: Mendoza (760m)
Arrival to Mendoza. Lodging at Hotel.

Day 02: Mendoza
Day in Mendoza. Getting the .Climbing. permit in "Direccion de Recursos Naturales Renovables" office. Personal equipment check. Ready group food, gaz and equipment. Lodging at Hotel.

Day 03: Mendoza/Puente del Inca (2,700 m)
Transfer 180km (3-4 hours) to Los Penitentes or Puente del Inca. Lodging at Hotel.

Day 04: Puente del Inca/Confluencia (3,300m)
Transfer to the Park.s entrance and trek 4-5 hours to Confluencia Camp. Our gear will be carried on mules. Upon arrival, we will set the tents and have enough time for a good rest.

Day 05: Confluencia/Plaza Francia (4,000m)/Confluencia
Trek to Plaza Francia, base to Aconcagua.s South Wall, to enjoy great views and start the acclimatisation process. Return to Confluencia, totally 4-5 hours.

Day 06: Confluencia/Plaza de Mulas (4,270m)
Trek 7-8 hours from Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Our gear will be carried on mules. Stay in the tents.

Day 07: Plaza de Mulas
Acclimatisation day at Base Camp. Short trek to the glacier and around.

Day 08: Plaza de Mulas/ Camp1 «Canadá»(4,910m)/ Plaza de Mulas
Acclimatisation ascent (3 hours) from Plaza de Mulas to C1 «Canada» and return to Plaza de Mulas.

Day 09: Plaza de Mulas/Camp1 «Canadá»
Acclimatisation ascent (3 hours) from Plaza de Mulas to C1 «Canada» and set up camp.

Day 10: Camp1 «Canadá»/Camp2 «Nido de Cóndores» (5,250m)
Ascent for about 4 hours to next camp at C2 «Nido de Condores». Stay in the tent.

Day 11: Camp2 «Nido de Cóndores»/Plaza de Mulas
Descent to Plaza de Mulas for resting.

Day 12: Plaza de Mulas
Day at leisure. Full day stay in Plaza de Mulas.

Day 13: Plaza de Mulas/Camp2 «Nido de Cóndores»

Ascent to camp at C2 «Nido de Condores» Stay in the tent.

Day 14: Camp2 «Nido de Cóndores»/Camp3 «Berlín»(5,900m)
Ascent to C3 .Berlin.( about 3 hours). Night in the tent.

Day 15: Camp3«Berlín»/Summit (6,962m)/Camp3 «Berlín»
Summit attempt on Mt. Aconcagua reaching 6,962mts.

Days 16 and 17: Extra days in case of bad weather.

Day 18: Camp3 «Berlín»/Plaza de Mulas
Descent from Berlin Camp to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (3-4 hours).

Day 19: Plaza de Mulas/Puente del Inca/Mendoza
Descend to Puente del Inca. Our gear will be taken on mules. Transport to Mendoza.
Lodging at Hotel.

Day 20: Mendoza/Home
Morning transfer to Mendoza Airport. Flight home.

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