Aconcagua Summit Trip (6962m)

7098 miles away on the far side of the world lies a 300 million year old colossus of rock, 4.33 miles high (6962m) called Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of Asia and one of the fabled 'Seven Summits', the highest peaks of the seven continents.

It is this 'Stone Sentinel' that will lure a team from Imp Adventures to make the Trans-Atlantic journey to South America, and onto Argentina to attempt a summit climb during the southern hemispheres austral summer month of January.

Unlike other such high mountains, its main approach routes are mainly free of snow and ice. There are surprisingly few glaciers; the wind and sun are so strong that most snow is either blown off the mountain or melted away. This means that during suitable weather, people with no technical climbing expertise can reach Aconcagua's summit, with only strenuous hiking experience.

Many people think Aconcagua seems like the next step after Kilimanjaro, but it presents a different level of challenge. Aconcagua is very much harder than Kili', because;

• It is over 1000m higher, with greater risk of altitude sickness.
• The weather is notoriously severe, with extremely high winds
• The terrain is more difficult with extensive scree problems
• It is normal for climbers to carry their own loads above base camp

The expedition will attempt to climb Aconcagua via the normal 'Horcones Valley' route, thus giving participants the best opportunity of achieving summit success on this notoriously difficult mountain.

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £4500
(including flights, permit + UK leader)
Charity Rate: £9000
Grading: Dt (more info)
No of People: 8

Book Trip

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Depart UK
• Day 2 - London – Madrid – Chile/Buenos Aires – Mendoza
• Day 3 - Mendoza – Purchase stores and park permits
• Day 4 - Drive Mendoza – Park entrance 'Puenta Del Inca'
• Day 5 - Trek to Confluencia Camp 4 hrs
• Day 6 - Acclimatisation trek to Plaza Francia rtn
• Day 7 - Trek to 'Plaza de Mulas' BC - 17km, 8 hrs
• Day 8 - Plaza de Mulas rest day
• Day 9 - Plaza de Mulas – Camp Canada low camp gear stash
• Day 10 - Plaza de Mulas – Camp Canada low camp sleep
• Day 11 - Camp Canada – Nino de Condores sleep
• Day 12 - Nino de Condores rest day
• Day 13 - Nino de Condores – Camp Berlin sleep
• Day 14 - Camp Berlin – Summit – Nino de Condores
• Day 15 - Nino de Condores to Base Camp
• Day 16 - Base Camp to Puenta del Incas - Mendoza
• Day 17 - Mendoza slip day
• Day 18 - Mendoza slip day
• Day 19 - Fly to Buenos Aires
• Day 20 - Buenos Aires leisure time
• Day 21 - Buenos Aires – Madrid - London

What's Included

• Professional Leadership by experienced and qualified Mountain Leaders whom are current mountain first aiders and are experienced at High Altitude mountaineering and the technical difficulties involved in climbing Aconcagua.
• Quality Guest House accommodation including breakfasts prior to and after the trek. Tented accommodation and all meals whilst on the trek
• Transport throughout the trip (less UK)
• Pack Mules to transport reality bags to and from Base Camp
• Emergency VHF communications
• Expedition briefing prior to expedition start

Not included

• Transport (flights) to Mendoza rtn (Argentina) from England
• Meals other than stated
• Clothing and Equipment
• Freeze dried rations for High Altitude use (Participants will be able to buy these from an approved supplier at a discount rate prior to departure)

Other Information

Accommodation

Accommodation in Mendoza and Buenos Aires will be in quality hotels with shared rooms including breakfast. During the trek it will be in shared tents apart from Puenta del Inca where it will be in a bunkhouse.

Equipment

A complete clothing and equipment list will be sent on booking. Participants should be aware that Aconcagua is a serious cold weather objective and double insulated boots, down jackets and expedition rated down bags will be required, as well as lightweight crampons and a lightweight ice axe. (Tents will be provided)

Transport

Transport throughout the trek including airport transfers in South America will be by private bus. (Buenos Aires will be by taxi to and from the airport)

Special notes

An expedition-briefing day will be held prior to departure to discuss the climb, clothing, equipment and other altitude related issues.