ITINERARY

Day 1 > Mendoza
Pick up at the airport if needed (optional). Your guide will check your gear and assist you with the park’s trekking permit procedures. The program does not include hotel and meals in Mendoza.

Day 2 > Mendoza – Horcones – Hike to Confluencia Camp (Transfer 3 hs + Trek 3-4 hs / 3,390 m)
Private transfer from Mendoza to our warehouse in Penitentes. (there are lockers and storage place available for our guests). You can have coffee and snacks while the guides get the mule loads ready. Another 15 minutes ride takes the team to Horcones. This is the trailhead and also where the Park rangers will check permits. A scenic hike (carrying only a daypack) leads to Confluencia, the first camp of the Horcones Valley routes. / 3-4 hs

Day 3 > Confluencia – South Face viewpoint (Plaza Francia / 6-7 hs / 4,050 m)
We take a detour to admire the imposing South face of Mt. Aconcagua. We stop at a perfectly located viewpoint at the foot of the sheer ice wall to have lunch. After a 7-hour hike we spend the night back at Confluencia. / 6-7 hs

Day 4 > Confluencia rest and acclimatization day

Day 5 > Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas ( 7-9 hs / 4,350 m)
After a demanding 8-hour hike, arriving at Base Camp feels like a reward. Our camp manager and crew will greet you like one of the family. A hot shower before a hearty dinner, or free internet access to stay in touch with your loved ones, are just some of the treats at our “home away from home”.

Day 6 > Rest day at Plaza de Mulas
Sleep in your tent, read in the dining tent or try the yoga mats in our heated lounge tent; but whatever you do, get hydrated.

Day 7 > Cerro Bonete trek (5-6 hs / 5,004 m)
A non-technical hike to the neighboring Cerro Bonete offers an astonishing view of the West Face of Aconcagua -and a 5.000 mt peak bagged-. / 6-7 hs

Day 8 > Plaza de Mulas – Horcones – Mendoza (6-7 hs + 3 hs transfer)
After a last breakfast with the lead guide and the climbers that will go on with the summit ascent, we retrace our steps down the Horcones valley. Our vehicle will be waiting at the trailhead (with cold sodas or even a beer) to drive you back to Mendoza, where our program ends.

Optional > Heli-Charter
End your trip in style by flying out of base camp in a private helicopter instead of walking. Seeing the Andes from the Condor’s point of view is a whole different experience!
Early in the morning, our BC Manager will coordinate the helicopter flight (weather permitting). After enjoying one of the world’s most scenic transfers, the helicopter will land in Horcones. A more humble land vehicle will drive you to Mendoza, where our program ends.

NOTE (*): Please note that the program begins in Mendoza the day before the hike, in order to have time to check your gear and obtain the trekking permit. Please schedule your arrival accordingly.