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Dmytro Horbatov
Aconcagua is an iconic peak. It is the highest point in Argentina, South America, the southern and western hemispheres, the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia. Climbing Aconcagua is part of the program "Seven Peaks" - ascents to the highest points of all continents.
Technically, the ascent to Aconcagua along the classical route is not difficult, but we should remember about the high altitude (6,962 m) and changeable weather. The ascent to heights above 5000 m is always a serious event, which should be prepared responsibly.
A nice bonus of the summit will be the beautiful landscapes of the Andes on the approaches, the famous Argentine wine and meat on your return to Mendoza.
The total cost of climbing Aconcagua including flights and all additional expenses is quite high, so we have optimized the program as much as possible: you will get excellent service for a reasonable price.
To climb Aconcagua you should have experience in smaller peaks, such as Kazbek, Kilimanjaro or Mera Peak.
Our route assumes qualitative acclimatization of participants, with ascents and descents, and comfortable rest. So that by the decisive ascent you will be both adapted to the altitude and full of energy for the difficult ascent!
The program includes several reserve days in case of bad weather
It's expensive (from $100 a day), but it allows you to eat delicious and quality food, and therefore gain strength. Local chefs cook pasta, pizza, salads, steaks, poultry for us - you won't want to come down the mountain!
Personal and group gear will be transported to the base camp at Plaza De Mulas by mule
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The consultant was personally in Argentina and will advise you knowledgeably
Experienced teamleader of the Kuluar Club, who have been to the Andes more than once, will accompany the participants throughout the program.
During the work of the club we have developed an algorithm, which allows us to organize the programs of the highest quality. You can see this for yourself by applying for participation.
More than 23,000 participants have already been with Kuluar and 97.8% have been satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
Meet the group in Mendoza (760m) in far away Argentina. We will stay in a comfortable 4* hotel. You should arrive in the morning (or better the day before) to have time to rest and arrange permissions. Today our team leader KULUAR will give you a briefing about the program and check you outfit. Dinner with delicious Argentine steaks - the ascent of Aconcagua will be a constant delicacy for us.
We get our permissions early (if we didn't do it yesterday) and take a shuttle to the mountain. On the way there are fantastic desert landscapes with cacti. The trip distance of 180 km will take about 3 hours. Upon arrival, we give our personal belongings to be taken by mules to the upper camp and go for a walk to the Inca Bridge. Dinner is again a delicious steak.
A short transfer to the entrance of Aconcagua National Park and we finally start walking! We are gaining altitude. We have a small backpack with water and spare clothes for the day, all the things are carried by the mules. We walk along the red land with the view of Aconcagua. We sleep in tents in the camp, there are showers and electricity, there is no mobile communication.
Distance: 9 km, time: 2,5-3,5 hours, height difference: +550 m, overnight stay: 3300 m
We have a tasty breakfast and go on acclimatization to the Camp France, which is located at an altitude of 4200 m. The altitude is already felt and there is no hurry, so we walk slowly and tell stories. From Camp France we have the most beautiful view of our almost 7000m high peak - the southern face of Aconcagua. We return to Confluence for the night.
Distance: 20-22 km, time: 7-9 hours, altitude difference: +900/-900, overnight stay: 3300 m
A long and protracted passage to the base camp of Aconcagua - Plaza de Mulas. The camp is comfortable and has everything: big dining tents with tables, good kitchen (sometimes even steaks are cooked), medical tent (examination is obligatory), hot shower (10$ for 10 min), internet, electricity, massage and even an art gallery!
Distance: 20 km, time: 8-10 hours, altitude difference: +960 m, overnight stay: 4260 m
Acclimatization should be active, but not exhausting. We hike to the Orcones Glacier, have lunch and go for medical examination. Without medical examination you will not be allowed to ascend Aconcagua and will not be allowed to the upper camps. We are preparing the outfit for tomorrow.
Distance: 5-8 km, time: 3-4 hours, altitude difference: +300/-300, overnight stay: 4260 m
On Aconcagua you can take porters, but they are expensive - from 10 to 20 dollars for 1 kg of cargo between camps! That's why today we take a part of our gear to Camp Canada, at an altitude of 5050 m. The way is not long, only 3 km, but the first time at a new altitude is always difficult. The main thing to remember is next time it will be much easier. Those who don't want to carry a big rucksack can use the services of porters. For the overnight stay we are going down to the base.
Distance: 6 km, time: 3,5-5 hours, elevation difference: +800/-800, overnight stay: 4260 m
Remember, we have a fairly short hike ahead of us - there's no hurry. We have a slow breakfast, maybe even lunch at the base camp (depending on the weather) and leave for Canada. On arrival, we pitch our tents and cook dinner - we eat sublimates on the mountain. In very dry years, there may be water problems at camp and we may have to lift from the base.
There is an incredible sunset at Camp Canada.
Distance: 3 km, time: 2-3 hours, elevation change: +800 m, overnight elevation: 5050 m
We pack up camp and head for the Condor's Nest. The name is not accidental, because there are giant birds circling here. But don't worry, they are not interested in us. A small set of heights, but we go with heavy backpacks. On arrival we pitch our tents, sink the water and have a rest.
Distance: 3 km, time: 1,5-3 hours, elevation difference: +400 m, overnight stay: 5450 m
Let's go for acclimatization to Kohler (or Berlin) camp. Maybe today we will touch the altitude of 6000 m for the first time. Spend some time here and go down to Camp Nido De Condores. We pack personal things and continue our descent to the base camp. Descending the Aconcagua is a pleasure - it's quick and easy, though watchful. Tents and food will stay in the upper camp.
Distance: 10 km, time 6-9 hours, altitude difference: +500/-1700, overnight stay: 4260 m
Rest: take a shower, eat, sleep.
The ascent to Aconcagua begins! We leave after breakfast, because today we go directly to the second camp, without stopping at the first. We recommend to take one porter for several participants for this trip.
Distance: 6 km, time: 5-8 hours, altitude difference: +1200 m, overnight stay: 5450 m
If you have a strong group, it is possible to climb Aconcagua from Camp Nido de Condores, but this is an exception. We are transferring our tents to the camp Kohler (or Berlin) at about 6000m. It is from there we will start our assault tonight. We are going to have a rest as early as possible.
Distance: 2 km, time: 2-3 hours, altitude difference: +500 m, overnight stay: 5450 m
The culmination of our program is a day of climbing Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.
Early ascent, exit is planned for 3-4:00 am, depending on the group and the weather. Depending on the state of the mountain, it may be necessary to use crampons (we have them with us for sure). The first part of the trail will pass by easy hiking trail up to 6450m, and then we will go to the grotto at 6650m, where the steep rocky couloir starts up to the summit. It is quite unpleasant section, sometimes the stones change into hard glaciers. Somewhere here we will meet the dawn and see the incredible shadow of the mountain.
The way to the summit takes 7-10 hours, which means the control time is about 14:00.
Congratulations, tears, laughter! Emotions are overwhelming!
The summit itself is a fairly large comfortable plateau, where in good weather you can relax, enjoying the scenery, because we are above all the mountains around!
Let's not forget that the descent is a more important and responsible part of the ascent than the ascent. It takes 2.5-4 hours to get to the high-altitude camp, and here we'll spend the night.
Distance: 6 km, time: 10-14 hours, altitude difference: +1010/-1010, overnight stay: 5950 m
We gather the high-altitude camp and take things down to the base. Here we will have a shower, tasty food and we will start celebrating the ascent.
Distance: 8 km, time: 2-5 hours, elevation change: -1700 m, overnight stay: 4260 m
Early breakfast and a long walk to the exit of the national park. We walk fast, because we have light backpacks (the main things are carried by mules) and good acclimatization. And the way is also constant downhill. Additional motivation - today we are already in Mendoza in our comfortable hotel! Remember that this is the wine capital of Argentina!
In the case of the continuation of the program by climbing Ojos del Salado, part of the group with a team leader moves to Santiago. Participants who don't go to Ojós have reserve days on their own or with a second team leader, depending on the size of the group.
Distance: 30 km, time: 6-7 hours, altitude difference: -1500, overnight stay: 760 m
In case of bad weather, the schedule may be shifted. If all goes according to plan, we will explore the interesting places around Mendoza during these days.
Congratulations on your ascent of Aconcagua, we hope you enjoyed it all! And see you next time on higher peaks. Perhaps on Everest?
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the senior guide has the right to make changes to the itinerary.
A visa to Argentina is not required. You will get a stamp in your passport upon arrival. To ascend the Aconcagua, you will need a permit; it is stamped in Mendoza on the first day.
In order to participate in the hike, you must not have any diseases incompatible with active tourism: list here.
Climbing Aconcagua opens up many peaks for you. We recommend:
We have prepared for you a commemorative Aconcagua Medal, which you will receive after the ascent!
The schedule does not include reserve days
In the cities we eat in cafes, tasting the famous Argentine steaks and washing them down with the equally famous Malbec. It will cost about $30 per day to eat, depending on your appetite. Vegetarians don't have to worry either, there's no problem finding delicious food for you too.
The base camps are cooked by local chefs, cooked nourishingly and deliciously - a full meal. Pasta, pizza and even steaks.
When we go out on the mountain we have sublimates, and we drown water ourselves.
Plaza de Mulas has 3g, so we recommend buying a local sim card in Mendoza or using a virtual sim card, such as the AirAlo app.
There is also paid internet at the base camp, but costs about $10 for 30 min.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the track.
You can use the form below to find the cheapest tickets:
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. You can find our insurance guidelines here: "Insurance for the Kuluar participants"
Technical complexity of the ascent is minimal, but the altitude of almost 7000 m is given in signs.
You have to take your own tents and food to the high-altitude camps (or take a porter).
The day of ascent is not easy for everybody. Don't count on easy walk, it is not going to happen. Prepare yourself physically and mentally
The equipment needed to climb Aconcagua can be rented in Mendoza. It costs a lot, but it is in good condition. A set of down sleeping bag for -15-20, high altitude boots, cats and tops will cost about $300 per program.
The best time to climb Aconcagua is in winter, from mid-December to late February. It is during the winter months that we plan our programs to the highest peak in South America.
It's really hot in Mendoza, maybe +30 or more.
We start the trek also with temperatures of +20...+25, but as you get higher it will get colder.
Temperatures down to -5 at night in Plaza de Mulas are possible, and up to -15...-20 at the top.
Climbing Aconcagua requires good physical preparation. It is advisable to start training 3-4 months before the start of the expedition. Run at least 2-3 times a week at a comfortable pace, gradually increasing the duration of runs. Remember that it is not the speed of running that matters, but the distance you run.
Prices are as of 2023, subject to slight changes
The cost depends on the number of participants:
*Please note: It is not the consultant's job to select a separate flight for each participant. The consultant gives general recommendations based on his/her experience and shares the flights of other participants, so that you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the consultant to buy you an air ticket, book a hotel or an extra excursion, read the conditions on the page: additional services.
Full payment for the program is made on the first day of the trip to the guide in dollars.
You must make an advance payment of $800 to reserve a place in the group. You can do this by contacting us or by using the payment form on the website.
Friends, we ask very much that you pick up dollar bills from 2003 and newer. Dollars from the 90's are not accepted in many countries, and we sometimes have problems when paying with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and new dollars to all:)
Important! Terms and conditions of refund of prepayment, in case of cancellation:
In the case of a withdrawal from the route, the money is not refundable.
