Aconcagua or the Stone Sentinel at 6961m is the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas and the 2nd highest 7 Summit.
We take the 360 route which is both enjoyable and less crowded. The ascent via the Vacas Valley over the summit and then descending via the Normal Route offers the best chance of success and acclimatisation.
The expedition uses a combination of established paths between the Polish Route, the Ameghino Traverse, Upper Guanaco and the Normal Route.
The 3 day trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp is gentle and spectacular. From Basecamp we make further acclimatisation hikes before camping at the higher sites along the first part of the Polish Route. Below the immense Polish Glacier we traverse by Cerro Ameghino up to Camp 2, located in a pleasant plateau and ideal for a days rest before moving to Camp 3. From Camp3 we finally see where we rejoin the Normal route and our path to the summit.
This route will allow you many advantages including to see the unique landscape: the magnificence of the Polish Glacier and the greatness of the Andes; and most importantly, it will allow you to have a better acclimatization and thus more chances to reach the summit.
The descent by the Normal Route will take us to Plaza de Mulas, Aconcagua´s biggest Base camp. In the morning we trek towards Laguna de los Horcones and all the way to the roadhead where our transfer to Mendoza and the restaurants will allow us to celebrate in style.
See FAQ, downloads section or contact us for further details

• What is included in the price?

  What the price includes
  • Transport from Mendoza airport
  • A night before and after the climb in a hotel with breakfast.
  • All food and camping during the trek and on the climb.
  • Transfer to and from the trek start.
  • Tents (Four season mountain tent – double occupancy)
  • First aid kit / pulse oximeter
  • ALL PARK entrance fees. These fees are over 1000 USD alone
  • Guides and porters fees as per government regulations, their food
  • Porters can be hired individually on Aconcagua
  • Liability insurance for the porters/guides.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes

• Is this to the summit of Aconcagua

  Yes to the very top of the 2nd highest 7 summit in the world.
  However if you want to join the trek to Basecamp with the climbers please contact us and sign up for the trek below.
  If your dream is to climb K2 or Everest 1 day but you don't feel ready yet, contact us and we can plan what you need to do to get there.

• What training is included before we leave?

  1 weekend in the UAE in January is provided for members to get to know each other and hike the great trails here.
  2 technical sessions, each half day are provided free of charge in the UAE that cover all the skills necessary before you go.
  Additional sessions are available at discounted rates.
  Additional mountains in the build up are also available.
  We also have a base in the French Pyrenees at 2000m and run altitude training trips there.

• Can we join the group and just trek to Basecamp?

  Absolutely, the whole Basecamp Trek is also available
  You are guided all the way.
  Contact us for a special discount code to sign up for the trek and the exact itinerary.

• What level of experience do I need to sign up for the summit?

  We insist that you have climbed at least 1 4000m peak. This does not need to be with us.
  You must be conversant and knowledgeable about the expedition process and technical climbing.
  If you are concerned about this please contact us and we can advise on how to go about this.
  It is not an obstacle and although more experience will definitely help you, there is a saying "The mountain does not know how much experience you have". This applies both ways. All of our trips are run with safety at the forefront.
  There are no "technical" sections on Aconcagua that require the use of ropes. You will however need to use crampons, ice axe, walking poles and be accustomed to withstanding temperatures and wind conditions below zero C.
  We can help you gain the necessary experience.

• Can I contact you and meet up before we sign up?

  Please do and infact we would prefer to meet in person before you sign up with us.

• What is not included ?

  What the price does not include
  • International Flight
  • Drinks such as alcohol or soft drinks.
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Food for the first and last night at the hotel in Mendoza
  • Personal equipment for mountain climbing such as sleeping back, boots,
  warm clothes... We can help you prepare yourself for this and offer
  guidance and some discounts.
  • Additional nights in the hotel in Mendoza due to delays, accidents etc.
  • Personal mountain insurance.
  • Porters for personal gear on Aconcagua
  • Single occupancy supplement

• How long is the trip?

  Approximatley 18-19 days.
  
  A proper acclimatisation is essential and increases summit success.
  There are a number of rotations up and down the mountain during this period and this amount of time allows for any illnesses and unforeseen incidents.

• Is it safe?

  Climbing and mountaineering are inherently dangerous sports and should be performed only with the proper instruction and supervision of an experienced guide
  We work on the premise that the inherent risks of outdoor activities and mountain climbing can be in part identified and mitigated by information, training, interesting gear and knowledge gained in part, through the experiences of others.
  Although many people have now climbed Aconcagua , the mountain and its potential dangers are undiminished. Reaching the summit late in the day can be a fatal error and our guides will ensure that sensible timings are adhered to. The aim of our expedition will be to get as many team members as possible to the summit. However, this will not be to the detriment of safety. Safety will govern all decision making on the mountain and will be based on the sound mountaineering judgement of our highly experienced expedition leader.

• Can you take me on other mountains before?

  Yes. We are a professional and established mountaineering company. Whatever your level of experience we can provide adventures in the mountains.
  We have hikes and climbs in the UAE and all over the world from Argentina to Russia and Pakistan.
  We will eventually add them here but in the meantime contact us for your customised path to the roof of the world.

• Can you tell me more details about the climb?

  What's it like to climb Aconcagua?
  
  You need experience walking in crampons and with the use of an ice axe but nothing more. However, the sheer height of Aconcagua, along with extremely cold temperatures on the mountain, make it a challenging ascent, even for accomplished mountaineers.
  
  Aconcagua is one of the toughest 7 summits along with Everest and Denali. This means you can expect an average of 6 to 8 hours per day at altitudes below 7,000 metres. Summit day will involve one extremely long and/or tough day to reach maybe 6 - 12 hours total.
  
  Can a beginner climb Mount Aconcagua?
  Yes, it is possible to climb Aconcagua without any prior experience, if you are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to truly prepare for such a big mountain and accept the consequences that it may not work out how you planned, simply because you don't know how your body will respond to the altitude.
  
  How fit do you need to be to climb Aconcagua?
  In order to climb Aconcagua, you need to have an ex

• Do you have a recommended list of equipment?

  When you sign up we arrange a personal meeting and go through everything that you will need. You will have climbed before and have some equipment. Our connections with retailers will give you a discount and ensure you look good and are safe.
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Four season sleeping bag for base camp use and high camps
  • 7000m Plastic mountaineering boots and Neoprene overboots
  • Down suit or duvet/salopette combination
  We can provide assistance with obtaining equipment not normally stocked by retail outlets. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us but, for this expedition, we strongly recommend that you purchase your own personal equipment and test it before departure.

• Who will be my leader?

  Sean is your western guide.
  He has lived in Dubai for 12 years and splits his time between here and the Pyrenees.
  He has led 5 expeditions to the summit of Everest and 15 expeditions to mountains over 8000m as well as many around the globe.
  If we employ further western guides they will be qualified and experienced mountain guides or mountaineering instructors.
  We also ensure that all of our Sherpas have a good track record of mountaineering at high altitudes.
  Our lead Sherpa has summited Everest 12 times and K2 twice.
  
  Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our Sherpas have the right temperament to lead an expedition comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. To that end, we aim to provide a staff (and clients ) who will make the expedition both successful and enjoyable throughout.
  All of our staff are personally known to us, having normally worked several expeditions for us previously.

• What about acclimatisation?

  To enable all expedition members to acclimatize well and so maximize their chance of success, the expedition will be nearly 19 days long. Adaptation to the altitude takes time and there can be no short-cuts, even if supplementary oxygen is used in the final stages. The atmospheric pressure at 5,500m is half that at sea level. On the summit, it is lower still. A thorough programme of acclimatization is built into the itinerary, which consists of regulated height gains, followed by descent and rest. Before the final ascent to the summit, there will be an opportunity for climbers to descend for a good rest in preparation for the toughest stage of the expedition, the climb to the summit.
  We also have home base acclimatisation units that can be bought or hired at additional cost.

• Do you have references or previous clients that I can speak to?

  Of course.
  This works in our favor as we love our clients and our clients love us.
  Contact us.

• The price for the expedition is high?

  We are based in the middle of this range but do not take shortcuts on safety . We keep the maximum size of the group to 6 climbers ensuring that Sean is in contact at every moment with each of them.
  Our basecamp reflects this.
  And remember our price also includes the 1000USD park entrance fee.
  It is quiet, peaceful and a learning place.
  This closed bubble also helps prevent illnesses from spreading as they will in a large basecamp.
  Would you rather be with 20 other climbers?

• Is there a discount available?

  Everything is priced to provide the best possible service.
  
  We can provide a discount for -
  
  return clients
  clients who book multiple trips (such as Everest, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua)
  family and friends of clients who want to trek to basecamps (such as Everest or K2)
  group bookings of 2 or more