Aconcagua is the highest summit in South America and the highest mountain outside Asia. Its figure of 6962 m makes the ascent a serious high-altitude expedition even on the classic route, which has no difficult technical sections. Mountain Guide runs an annual 17-day programme, short formats for acclimatised participants, private and premium expeditions, a combined trip with Ojos del Salado, and separate logistics for independent groups.
Aconcagua logistics is set out in the top-level catalogue alongside the programmes. A group with its own leader can choose the full-board package of up to 7 days or the full-board package of up to 4 days. For tour operators, agencies, clubs and professional guides there is a separate Aconcagua B2B logistics service quoted by route and by service matrix.
To climb with Mountain Guide, compare the classic 17-day programme, the 12-day route, the 7-day Aconcagua Blitz, the premium expedition, the private expedition and Aconcagua + Ojos del Salado. When choosing, take account of your previous altitude acclimatisation, your experience of self-sufficient days in the mountains and the number of days you can safely give to the expedition.
Aconcagua climbing programmes and logistics
Aconcagua logistics – up to 7 days of full board—
Aconcagua logistics – up to 4 days of full board—
Aconcagua B2B logistics for agencies and guides—
The classic programme – 17 days
The main option for someone who has already been above 5000 m and is planning a goal of almost seven thousand metres for the first time. Experience at 5500 m or higher is preferable – on Elbrus, in Ecuador, in Bolivia or on Ojos del Salado, for example. Stepped acclimatisation, a second visit to the high camps and two reserve days give more time to adapt and more room for weather decisions, but they do not guarantee the summit.
The shortened programme – 12 days
A format for strong, experienced participants who already know how their body responds to altitude and who arrive prepared. The schedule is tighter than the classic one, so there is less margin for acclimatisation and for changes in the weather.
Aconcagua Blitz – 7 days
The short programme is intended only for participants with current prior acclimatisation. It does not replace a gradual gain in altitude and it is not suitable as a first introduction to big mountains.
Premium Aconcagua – 17 days
The full 17-day route with an individual comfort specification: an upgraded hotel category, glamping in the accessible camps, high-altitude tents pitched in advance, porters and reinforced support, all confirmed against the dates. Premium service does not replace acclimatisation and does not shorten the route.
Private Aconcagua – 17 days
A closed expedition from two participants upwards, with your own dates within the season and an agreed number of guides. Russian-speaking support for two people is quoted separately; from three participants it forms part of the base arrangement.
Aconcagua and Ojos del Salado – 22 days
The two highest summits in South America in a single expedition. The combination lets you carry the acclimatisation of the first part over to the second mountain, and it suits anyone who wants a large amount of altitude in one trip. Also available separately is the Ojos del Salado climbing programme.
Private and premium expeditions
For a closed team there is a separately published private Aconcagua expedition. If extended comfort and camp servicing matter, use the premium 17-day programme. Both pages separate the base inclusions from the options, which are confirmed only in a written quotation.
Aconcagua logistics for independent groups and B2B
If you have your own leader, or you are putting together a commercial group, Mountain Guide can cover the ground part of the expedition without selling a complete tour. Two base configurations are published on the site:
The full-board package of up to seven days and the full-board package of up to four days include the transfers, meals and accommodation in Puente del Inca stated on their own pages. Extra nights and services at base camp and the high camps are agreed separately. For tour operators, clubs and guides we put together an offer around the dates, the group size, the route and the level of service required. A separate B2B page for agencies and guides gathers transfers, camps, meals, mules, porters and high-altitude services into an unambiguous service matrix.
Why Aconcagua cannot be treated as a simple trek
On the classic North-West route there is usually no compulsory rock climbing and no crossing of a crevassed glacier. But the technical simplicity of the terrain does not cancel out the altitude of 6962 m, the strong wind, the cold, the dry air, carrying loads between the high camps and the long summit day. The state of the snow and ice changes, so the actual equipment list and the tactics are settled before the season and on the ground.
The decision to keep climbing is not taken on the basis of the price paid, or of a wish to reach the summit at any cost. The priorities are the participant’s condition, the conditions on the route and the guide’s decision.
The season, the permit and organising the trip
The main climbing season falls in the southern-hemisphere summer. The exact dates on which the routes operate, the tariff periods and the access rules are set by the authorities of Mendoza province for each season. A permit is required to enter the route. Its cost is not usually part of the programme price unless the page of the chosen tour states otherwise directly.
The expedition begins in Mendoza. Participants then move to the national park area, walk in via Confluencia to the Plaza de Mulas base camp and continue upwards through the system of high camps. The specific schedule differs between the 17-day programme, the 12-day programme and the 7-day Blitz – check the sequence and the included services on the page of the tour you choose.
The complete guide to Aconcagua
Below are separate guides to each stage of the decision: from choosing the length and the training through to the permit, the loads, the insurance and summit day. The articles do not replace the programme of a particular departure; they help you check it before booking.
Aconcagua: the full overview
Altitude, difficulty, route, season and choosing a programme.
7, 12 or 17 days
How the length relates to acclimatisation.
After Elbrus
Which skills carry over and what is missing.
Preparation
Training, altitude experience and a check climb.
Acclimatisation
Nights at altitude, symptoms and the decision to descend.
Equipment
Boots, crampons, sleeping bag, clothing and the kit check.
Summit day
Setting off from Cólera, pace, turning round and the descent.
The camps
Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas, Nido and Cólera.
Daily life
Water, food, showers, communications, charging and sleep.
Weather and season
Wind, frost, snow, the forecast and reserve days.
Mules and porters
Loads on the approach and above base camp.
Logistics and the permit
Mendoza, the park, the camps and services for groups.
Logistics or a guide
Where responsibility lies in a full package and in a services package.
Cost
The full budget, without figures that date quickly.
Insurance
Altitude, activity, rescue work and evacuation.
Reasons for turning round
Manageable mistakes and outside factors.
Routes
The Normal Route, the traverse, the Polish Glacier and the South Face.
Nature and ecology
Water, waste and the rules of a protected area.
The history of Aconcagua
The first ascents and how the mountain developed.
The altitude of Aconcagua
Why the figure of 6962 m is used and what it means for the climb.
Aconcagua on the map
Argentina, Mendoza, the Andes, the co-ordinates and the position near the border with Chile.
The difficulty of Aconcagua
The technical character of the classic route, the altitude and the requirements.
Aconcagua in the “Seven Summits”
The role of the highest point in South America and choosing the order.
How to enquire
Discuss the programme on TelegramSend an enquiry by emailWhatsApp, if you have no Telegram
Choose a programme and send an enquiry stating the dates you want, your previous altitudes, the make-up of the group and the level of service you need. If none of the ready-made formats is enough, we will quote a private expedition or B2B logistics. Before participation is confirmed, you need to check the current programme, the included services, the permit and the insurance and equipment requirements.