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aconcagua rota-normal expedicao

Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Expedition

From U$D 6595
Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Expedition
Level
High
Duration
18 days
Location
Mendoza - Argentina
Season
2026/2027
Max altitude
6,962 m / 22,841 ft

Aconcagua Expedition guided Tour to the highest mountain in the Americas via Horcones Valley

Map of Argentina

Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Guided Expedition

Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Guided Expedition: Climbing Aconcagua by the Normal Route offers the best climbing the Andes of Argentina has to offer. It’s also a great adventure introduction to full-blown expeditionary climbing and one of the best stepping stones toward reaching the world’s highest peaks.

“As the highest peak in South America and the highest mountain on Earth outside of Asia, Aconcagua is a colossal challenge for any mountaineer. Surrounded by impressive glaciers, including the ten km-long Ventisquero Horcones Inferior, this impressive summit of 6,962 m / 22,841 ft meters offers significant challenges, although it is not considered highly technical.”

Why Choose Our Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Guided Expedition?

Andes Vertical Mountain Guides guarantees the best service at the base camp, carried out with meticulous logistics, and therefore a high probability of summiting, done by our carefully selected guides, with more than 20 years of experience and over 100 successful expeditions. We guarantee that on an expedition, you’ll find a Normal Route Guided program to Mount Aconcagua in small or personalized groups, providing greater agility and better-adjusted services than in larger groups. Choose our Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Guided Expedition and make your mountaineering experience one to remember.

Optional Acclimatization Program

Additionally, we provide extended trips as acclimatization program before going to Aconcagua for those considering embarking upon their expedition in top-notch shape. This weeklong program will assist you in reaching the best possible acclimatization at elevations higher than 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) that will adequately equip you for success on your Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Guided Expedition.

Why Choosing Us?

  • Over 20 Years of Experience guiding in Aconcagua Park
  • Small Groups with personalized service
  • Certified and Experienced Guides | WFR First-Aid certified
  • Excellent Food Services in comfortable camps
  • Comprehensive Assistance from start to finish
  • Permanent Communication | Wi-Fi, medical service, and mules service available in Plaza de Mulas

Got Questions? Feel free to contact us anytime for more information!

See What Our Clients Say About Us:  Check here! 

Available dates

JOIN THE GROUP! 100% GUARANTEE DEPARTURES SEASON 2026/2027

Nov. 29th / Dec. 16th
U$D 6,595
Dec. 6th / Dec. 23rd
U$D 6,595
Dec. 13th / Dec. 30th
U$D 6,595
Dec. 20th / Jan. 6th
U$D 6,595
Dec. 27th / Jan. 13th
U$D 6,595
Jan. 3rd / Jan. 20th
U$D 6,595
Jan. 10th / Jan. 27th
U$D 6,595
Jan. 17th / Feb. 3rd
U$D 6,595
Jan. 24th / Feb. 10th
U$D 6,595
Jan. 31st / Feb. 17th
U$D 6,595
Feb. 7th / Feb. 24th
U$D 6,595
Topography

Itinerary

Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Guided Expedition Program

View Aconcagua Normal Route Map

Day 01 • Arrival in Mendoza | 760 m / 2,493 ft

Welcome to Mendoza! Upon your arrival at Mendoza Airport, our driver will meet you to take you to your hotel. After checking in, you can relax or explore the city’s charming sidewalk cafes. Then, your trip guide will contact you to discuss the schedule for the upcoming days.

Day 02 • Team Meeting and Gear Check in Mendoza

On the second day, you will meet all the team and your guide. A gear check will be carried out and any necessary rentals will be arranged. The gear check is essential for our adventure ahead! Your guide will also assist with climbing permit procedures.

Day 03 • Transfer Mendoza to Penitentes | Trekking Horcones to Confluencia | 3,390 m / 11,300 ft

We’ll transfer from Mendoza to Penitentes in private vehicles, a scenic 3-hour drive. In this charming mountain village, we’ll prepare loads for the mules and then we’ll take a short ride to Horcones to check in with the park rangers. An easy hike carrying only a daypack, leads us to Confluencia, the first camp on the Normal route. 3 hr drive + 3-4 hrs hike

Day 04 • Confluencia – South Face Viewpoint – Confluencia | 4,050 m / 13,287 ft

From Confluencia, we’ll take a detour from the Normal route to admire the imposing south face of Mt. Aconcagua. The main goal of the day is acclimatization. We’ll return to Confluencia for the night. 6-7 hrs

Day 05 • Rest Day at Confluencia

Today is a rest day at Base Camp. You can sleep, read in the dining tent. Hydration is key!

Day 06 • Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas | 4.350 m / 14,500 ft 

After a demanding yet manageable 8-hour hike, we’ll arrive a Plaza de Mulas basecamp. Our Base Camp staff will greet us with a delicious dinner in a comfortable dining dome, a well-deserved reward after the most challenging day of the approach. 7-9 hrs

Day 07 • Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas

This day is dedicated to rest. You can sleep, read, enjoy conversations with fellow climbers, have a good meal in the dining tent, or practice yoga in our heated dome. Whatever you choose, make sure to stay hydrated!

Day 08 •  Cerro Bonete Trek | 5,004 m / 16,417 ft

This is an acclimatization hike to the nearby 5,000 m peak, Cerro Bonete, offering an incredible view of the west face of Mount Aconcagua. 5-6 hours

Day 09 • Gear Carry to Plaza Canadá | 5,050 m / 16,568 ft

On this day, The team climbs to the first high camp to carry part of the gear and then returns to Plaza de Mulas. 3-4 hours

Day 10 • Rest Day at Plaza de Mulas

This rest day allows you to enjoy a well-deserved hot shower—a very satisfying reward after the first stage of the climb.

Day 11 •  Plaza de Mulas – Plaza Canadá | 5,050 m / 16,568 ft

The team leaves base camp and moves to Camp I, marking the first step of the summit push. 2 ½ – 3 hours

Day 12 • Plaza Canadá – Nido de Cóndores | 5,560 m / 18,241 ft

The team will move to Camp II, each member carrying a backpack weighing 18-22 kg. 3-4 hours

Day 13 • Nido de Cóndores – Cólera (Last Camp) | 5,970 m / 19,586 ft

The team moves to the highest camp of the trip. You’ll have dinner at almost 6.000 m. It’s higher than most places on Earth!  2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 hs.

Day 14 • Summit Day | 6,962 m / 22,841 ft

We leave early to get the most of the (long) day. You will be carrying a very light backpack with just the essentials (water, snacks, some clothing, camera). 8-12 hours

Day 15 • Extra Weather Day

We have included two extra days for weather contingencies or acclimatization issues to increase the chances of a successful summit.

Day 16 • Extra Weather Day

Day 17 • Cólera – Plaza de Mulas

We will descend back to the comfort of base camp and enjoy a well-deserved celebration dinner. 2-4 hours

Day 18 • Plaza de Mulas to Horcones | Transfer to Mendoza

The hike down to Horcones takes approximately 7 hours. Most of the gear is loaded onto the mules, so you walk light. After picking up the gear at Penitentes, our van drives us to Mendoza. Hotel check-in marks the end of the program. 7-8hrs + 3 hr drive

Services

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • Fully certified, English-speaking guides.
  • Hotel accommodation in Mendoza (based on double occupancy – 3 nights: 2 before the expedition and 1 after, only coinciding with the group itinerary). Climbers descending early will incur extra hotel fees.
  • All transfers in licensed, private shuttles.
  • Complete base camp services (dining tents, bathrooms, meals, storage).
  • Full board during the expedition (all the meals while in the Park, meals in Mendoza and Penitentes not included).
  • Water: end-to-end drinking water (including water carriers, if needed). This is an increasingly important issue, given the dramatic reduction of the glaciers and streams on Aconcagua.
  • All group gear for the expedition (sleeping tents, stoves and cooking gear, radio, etc).
  • Mule transport of gear and supplies, to and from Base Camp.
  • One porter for every four climbers, to carry 20 kg of common gear.
  • Free internet at BC (limitations apply)
  • Permanent VHF radio communication.
  • Satellite coverage and tracking during the trip, through an InReach device.
  • All guides provided with professional first aids kits and pulse oximeters to monitor individual acclimatization progress.
  • Assistance with climbing permit procedure.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Aconcagua entrance fee
  • Evacuation insurance (required by Mt. Aconcagua State Park).
  • Porters for personal gear.
  • Meals in Mendoza.
  • Drinks in Mendoza and Penitentes.
  • Hotel nights on dates that differ from those of the group.
  • Personal gear, medications, ground or air evacuations, room service, laundry, beverages, personal phone/satellite communications, other items of personal nature; insurance liability, hospitalization or medication of any kind; any other service not mentioned on this list.
  • Any costs incurred by the climber if she or he leaves the trip early (such as mules, transfers, guide, etc). We strongly recommend all participants buy trip cancellation insurance.
Recommended equipment for the Mount Aconcagua Normal Route Expedition

Essential Gear for Your Aconcagua Expedition (click here)

Having the right gear is key to your safety and comfort on Aconcagua. Start gathering your equipment early to ensure you get the right sizes and quality. While some items may be costly, there are often online deals or local sales you can look for.

When making purchases, remember that not all salespeople are familiar with high-altitude climbing. Therefore, it is important to balance their advice with our recommendations. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.

Expect a range of weather conditions, from warm days at base camp to cold, windy conditions near the summit. Choose clothing that is warm, lightweight, and allows freedom of movement. Additionally, consider the layering principle for better insulation: use several thin layers rather than a thick one.

Gear Recommendations

Our list includes trusted gear options, but explore what suits you best. If you’re concerned about costs, space, or future use, gear rentals are available in Mendoza, including sleeping bags, mattresses, and mountaineering boots. Ask us! We will be happy to assist you in choosing what best accommodates your needs.

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