— Expeditions
Aconcagua
Climb to the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere
Difficult
19 Days
6962
Price
€6500
Per Person
Overview
Our Aconcagua 360° Expedition offers the ultimate journey around the highest mountain in the Americas, combining the spectacular Vacas Valley Route on the eastern side with the classic Normal Route for the descent. This complete mountain traverse showcases Aconcagua from every angle, delivering a true expedition experience through remote valleys, dramatic alpine landscapes, and one of the world’s great high-altitude challenges.
- Summit Aconcagua (6,961m) — the highest mountain in the Americas
- Complete the legendary 360° traverse, ascending one route and descending another
- Experience both the remote Vacas Valley and the classic Normal Route
- Small expedition teams led by Black Mountaineering Elite Guides
- Elite local guides, logistics and high-altitude support
- Proven acclimatisation strategy designed to maximise summit success
- Carry out a true expedition through the heart of the Andes
- Stunning camps beneath towering glaciers and dramatic mountain scenery
- Develop essential high-altitude expedition skills and decision-making
- Earn your place among the Seven Summits progression on one of the world’s great mountaineering objectives
Location
Argentina
Duration
19 Days
Route
Polish Traverse
Grade
Difficult
Altitude
6962
Activity
Approx 6-8 hrs
itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Mendoza.
Welcome to Argentina and the start of your Aconcagua 360° Expedition.
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you’ll be met by the Black Mountaineering team and transferred to the expedition hotel. Later, we will conduct a full expedition briefing, equipment check, and final preparations before we come together for a welcome dinner and an opportunity to meet the team.
Overnight: Team Hotel, Mendoza
Day 2
Mendoza to Penitentes & Puente del Inca.
After breakfast, we depart Mendoza and drive towards the Andes, stopping at the Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance to complete all official climbing permit formalities.
We then continue to Penitentes – Puente del Inca, where we’ll check into our expedition hotel and make the final preparations for life on the mountain. Here, our expedition equipment is organised and loaded onto the mule train, which will transport the bulk of our gear to Plaza Argentina Base Camp ahead of the team.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax, enjoy the mountain surroundings, and prepare for the expedition ahead.
Overnight: Expedition Hotel, Penitentes – Puente del Inca (2,725m)
Day 3
Penitentes to Pampa de Leñas.
After breakfast, we drive to the entrance of the Quebrada de Vacas, where our approach trek begins.
Following the wide Vacas Valley, we make our way towards Pampa de Leñas (3,100m), our first expedition camp. On arrival, we’ll set up our tents, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and rest beneath the vast Andean sky.
Throughout the approach to Base Camp, you’ll carry only your daypack, while our mule team transports your personal expedition equipment.
Overnight: Expedition Camp, Pampa de Leñas (3,100m)
Day 4
Pampa de Leñas to Casa de Piedra.
Today we continue deeper into the remote Vacas Valley, following the river through vast desert landscapes surrounded by the towering peaks of the Andes.
As we approach Casa de Piedra (3,600m), we’ll gain our first spectacular views of Aconcagua’s impressive eastern face. On arrival, we’ll set up camp, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and rest beneath the mountain.
You’ll carry only a small daypack, while our mule team transports your personal expedition equipment.
Overnight: Expedition Camp, Casa de Piedra (3,600m)
Day 5
Casa de Piedra to Plaza Argentina Base Camp.
Today we make our final approach to Plaza Argentina Base Camp (4,000m), the gateway to Aconcagua’s spectacular eastern route. As we climb higher into the Andes, the mountain reveals its true scale, with breathtaking views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and the immense north-east face of Aconcagua.
Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our fully supported Base Camp, which will be our home as we prepare for the ascent. Here, we’ll organise equipment, monitor acclimatisation, and begin the next phase of the expedition.
As on previous days, you’ll carry only your daypack, while our mule team transports your personal expedition equipment.
Overnight: Plaza Argentina Base Camp (4,000m)
Day 6
Rest and acclimatisation day at Plaza Argentina Base Camp.
Today is dedicated to rest, recovery, and allowing your body to adapt to the altitude before we begin our higher rotations on Aconcagua.
We’ll organise personal equipment, review the climbing strategy, monitor each team member’s acclimatisation, and prepare loads for the move to the higher camps. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, hydrate, and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of Base Camp.
Overnight: Plaza Argentina Base Camp (4,000m)
Day 7
Plaza Argentina Base Camp to Camp 1 & return.
Today we complete our first acclimatisation rotation on Aconcagua, climbing from Plaza Argentina Base Camp (4,000m) to Camp 1 (4,950m).
Each climber will carry approximately 10kg of expedition food and equipment, which will be cached at Camp 1 in preparation for our move higher on the mountain. After lunch and time to acclimatise at altitude, we descend to Plaza Argentina Base Camp to rest and recover.
This important rotation follows the proven principle of “climb high, sleep low,” allowing the body to adapt gradually before we begin our higher camp progression.
Overnight: Plaza Argentina Base Camp (4,000m)
Day 8
Rest and training day at Plaza Argentina Base Camp.
Today is dedicated to recovery following our first carry to Camp 1 and to making the final preparations for our move higher on Aconcagua.
The guide team will complete a full equipment check and lead practical team training, covering the systems, routines, and mountain procedures required for the ascent. The remainder of the day is focused on rest, hydration, nutrition, and allowing the body to continue adapting to the altitude.
Overnight: Plaza Argentina Base Camp (4,000m)
Day 9
Plaza Argentina Base Camp to Camp 1.
Today we leave Base Camp and climb to Camp 1 (4,950m), beginning our progression onto the higher mountain.
You will carry your own personal clothing and equipment, while our high-altitude porters transport the shared expedition equipment. Our tents will be carried and set up in advance, allowing the team to settle into camp and focus on recovery, hydration, and acclimatisation.
Spending the night at Camp 1 is an important stage in adapting to the altitude before continuing higher on Aconcagua.
Overnight: Camp 1 (4,950m)
Day 10
Camp 1 to Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos & return.
Today we continue our acclimatisation programme with a carry from Camp 1 (4,950m) to Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos (5,500m).
Each climber will carry approximately 10kg of expedition food and equipment, which will be left at Camp 2 in preparation for our move higher on the mountain. After lunch and time to acclimatise, we descend back to Camp 1 to rest and recover.
This rotation is another important step in preparing the body for the higher camps and eventual summit push.
Overnight: Camp 1 (4,950m)
Day 11
Camp 1 to Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos.
Today we move from Camp 1 (4,950m) to Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos (5,500m), continuing our ascent of Aconcagua.
You will carry your own personal clothing and equipment, while our high-altitude porters transport the shared expedition equipment. Our tents will already be pitched on arrival, allowing the team to settle into camp, rehydrate, and continue acclimatising before the next stage of the climb.
Overnight: Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos (5,500m)
Day 12
Rest day at Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos.
Today is dedicated to rest, recovery, and continued acclimatisation at Camp 2 (5,500m).
The guide team will monitor everyone’s health and acclimatisation, review the weather forecast, and prepare equipment for the move to the higher camps. The day is focused on hydration, nutrition, and conserving energy as we enter the final stages of the expedition.
Overnight: Camp 2 – Upper Guanacos (5,500m)
Day 13
Camp 2 to Camp 3.
Today we make our move to Camp 3 (6,000m), traversing across the mountain to join the Normal Route beneath the legendary Polish Glacier.
This spectacular crossing offers a unique perspective of Aconcagua and forms part of the famous 360° Route, combining the remote eastern approach with the classic summit route.
You will carry your own personal clothing and equipment while our high-altitude team supports the movement of shared expedition gear. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into Camp 3 and make our final preparations for the summit push.
Overnight: Camp 3 (6,000m)
Day 14
Summit Day – Aconcagua (6,962m).
Today is the day we have been preparing for. Setting out well before dawn, we begin our summit push towards the highest mountain in the Americas.
Following the Normal Route, we climb steadily through the high Andes, passing iconic landmarks before making the final ascent to the summit of Aconcagua (6,962m). Standing on the roof of the Americas is an unforgettable achievement and the reward for months of preparation and determination.
After celebrating on the summit, we descend carefully back to Camp 3, where we’ll rest after one of the most demanding days of the expedition.
Overnight: Camp 3 (6,000m)
Day 15
Camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp.
After an early breakfast, we begin our descent via the Normal Route to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, completing the second half of the legendary Aconcagua 360° Traverse.
You will carry your own personal clothing and equipment during the descent, while our expedition logistics team ensures your fresh clothing and additional kit are waiting for you on arrival at Base Camp.
The afternoon is yours to relax, recover, and celebrate completing the climb with the team.
Overnight: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
Day 16
Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes.
Today we complete our descent from Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, trekking out through the Horcones Valley to the park entrance, where our expedition vehicle will be waiting.
You’ll carry only your daypack, while our mule team transports your personal expedition equipment. From there, we transfer to our comfortable lodge in Penitentes, where you can enjoy a hot shower, a well-earned meal, and your first night back below the high mountains.
Overnight: Expedition Lodge, Penitentes
Day 17
Penitentes to Mendoza.
After breakfast, we depart the Andes and travel by private Black Mountaineering transfer back to Mendoza City.
On arrival, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy the comforts of the city, and reflect on an extraordinary expedition before joining the team for a celebratory evening.
Overnight: Team Hotel, Mendoza
Day 18
Contingency Day
An additional contingency day is built into the itinerary to provide flexibility in the event of adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances that may affect the safe progress of the expedition.
This reserve day greatly improves the likelihood of a successful summit by allowing the guide team to make sound decisions based on mountain conditions, weather forecasts, and the team’s acclimatisation, rather than being forced to adhere to a fixed schedule.
Overnight: Determined by the expedition itinerary and current mountain conditions.
Day 19
Final departure home.
Today marks the end of your Aconcagua 360° Expedition.
As participants will be travelling on different international flight schedules, airport transfers are not included on departure day. You are free to arrange your own transport to Mendoza International Airport at a time that suits your onward journey.
We hope you leave Argentina with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the incredible achievement of standing on the highest mountain in the Americas.
Included
What’s Included
- Small guide-to-client ratio to maximise safety and summit success
- Expedition led by Black Mountaineering
- Mule transport for personal equipment to and from Base Camp (25kg per person)
- Hotel accommodation in Mendoza (1 night before and 1 night after the expedition, 4★ hotel, shared basis with breakfast)
- All meals and drinking water throughout the expedition (Mendoza accommodation is bed & breakfast only)
- Premium Base Camp facilities including heated dining tent, lounge, electricity, tables and chairs
- Satellite and VHF radio communications at Base Camp
- High Camp accommodation (1 tent shared between 2 climbers)
- Expedition cooking team providing freshly prepared hot meals and drinks
- Emergency oxygen with summit masks and regulators
- Porter support for all communal expedition equipment including tents, stoves, fuel and waste management
- Daily professional weather forecasts
- Daily avalanche forecasts
- Official Aconcagua Summit Certificate upon successful ascent
What’s Not Included
- Aconcagua Climbing Permit (approximately USD $800–1,000 and must be purchased in advance)
- International flights to and from Argentina
- Recommended expedition gratuity (USD $250 per participant, distributed amongst the guide team, cooks, mule drivers, porters and support staff)
- Personal travel, mountaineering and emergency helicopter rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing equipment and clothing
- High Altitude Porter services for personal equipment (optional – approximately USD $650 for a standard 40L load)
- Additional costs arising from leaving the expedition itinerary for personal, medical or other reasons
- Personal expenses including satellite phone calls, specialised food and drinks, laundry and other incidental costs
- Hot showers at Base Camp (approximately USD $15 per shower)
- Base Camp Wi-Fi (approximately USD $25 per 24 hours)
- Any item not specifically listed under What’s Included
Available Dates
Join the Experts!
Our experienced team can offer you personalised advice based on 25 years of experience at high altitude, ensuring that you are as prepared as possible when you arrive in Argentina. We know not everyone has access to mountains and know there is no one size that fits all approach. We know some of you will only have access to gym training.
Aconcagua does require serious training and preparation before coming on this strenuous climb and it’s time to start mapping out a training plan now.
Climbers must have prior experience of similar peaks, including significant ascents in the Andes, Alps, Rockies, Caucasus or Himalayas.
Climbing Aconcagua (6,961m) requires a high level of physical fitness, as it is one of the toughest non-technical high-altitude climbs in the world. The main challenges come from altitude, extreme weather, and long summit day rather than technical climbing skills. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed physically:
1. Endurance & Cardiovascular Fitness
- Expect long days of hiking (6–10+ hours per day).
- The summit push can take 12–18+ hours round trip.
- Your body must sustain exertion at high altitudes with reduced oxygen levels (only ~40% of sea level oxygen at the summit).
✅ Training:
- Long hikes with a heavy pack (15–20 kg)
- Running, cycling, swimming (to build cardiovascular base)
- Stair climbing with weight
2. Strength & Load-Carrying Ability
- You’ll carry loads of 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs) to high camps.
- Terrain includes rocky trails, loose scree, and snow.
- Strong legs, core, and back are essential.
✅ Training:
- Squats, lunges, deadlifts (for leg strength)
- Core workouts (planks, Russian twists)
- Carrying a weighted pack uphill
3. High-Altitude Adaptation
- No matter how fit you are, acclimatisation is key.
- Aconcagua’s altitude can cause AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), HAPE, or HACE if you ascend too fast.
- Even fit climbers can struggle if they don’t adapt properly.
✅ Preparation:
- Do an acclimatisation climb (e.g., Kilimanjaro, Mera peak or Island peak) before Aconcagua.
4. Mental Resilience
- Summit day is brutal—expect freezing temps (-30°C/-22°F), strong winds, and exhaustion.
- You’ll be sleeping in a tent for weeks, dealing with altitude headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
- The wind on the summit ridge can be soul-crushing.
✅ Mental Prep:
- Train in bad weather to toughen up.
- Push through long, exhausting training days.
- Simulate Aconcagua conditions: cold-weather training, multiple back-to-back hikes.
5. Recovery & Injury Prevention
- Aconcagua is long and grueling (2–3 weeks), so recovery matters.
- Your knees, ankles, and back take a beating.
- Blisters, muscle strains, and altitude sickness can derail your climb.
✅ Injury Prevention:
- Strengthen ankles and knees (step-ups, single-leg exercises).
- Train with trekking poles to reduce joint strain.
- Prioritise mobility, stretching, and foam rolling.
Minimum Fitness Benchmarks for Aconcagua
You should be able to:
✅ Hike 10+ hours with a 15–20 kg pack at high altitude
✅ Ascend 1,000m+ in a day without exhaustion
✅ Maintain a resting heart rate below 60 bpm (a sign of solid cardio fitness)
✅ Complete a 30-minute stair climb with a 20 kg pack without stopping
✅ Run 10 km in under 50 minutes (optional, but a good fitness indicator)
Who Should NOT Attempt Aconcagua?
🚫 If you can’t carry a 15+ kg pack for several days
🚫 If you haven’t trained for long endurance hikes
🚫 If you have no high-altitude experience (unless on a well-planned itinerary)
🚫 If you struggle in cold, extreme conditions
Final Thoughts
Aconcagua is not technical but brutally demanding. Many fit people fail due to altitude and weather. If you’re already comfortable at 5,000m+ and have solid endurance, strength, and mental toughness, you stand a good chance.
Would you like a specific training plan for Aconcagua? Let me know your fitness level, and I’ll help!
Here is our carefully designed Jason Black Mountaineering 12-week structured training plan for Aconcagua, designed to build endurance, strength, altitude preparedness, and mental toughness.
Adjust based on your current fitness level and experience.
Aconcagua Training Plan (12 Weeks)
Goal: Build endurance, strength, and altitude adaptation to handle long climbs with a heavy pack.
✅ Weekly Schedule Overview
|
Day |
Activity |
|
Monday |
Strength Training + Stair Climb with Pack |
|
Tuesday |
Cardio (Running/Cycling) + Core |
|
Wednesday |
Weighted Hike (8–15 km) |
|
Thursday |
Strength + Endurance (Stair Climbs, Step-ups) |
|
Friday |
Rest or Light Recovery (Yoga, Stretching) |
|
Saturday |
Long Hike (15–25 km, 1,000m elevation gain) |
|
Sunday |
Cross-Training (Swimming, Cycling) or Active Recovery |
Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Base Building
Goal: Build cardio endurance, leg strength, and pack-carrying ability.
✅ Hiking:
- 8–12 km (5–7 miles) with a 10 kg pack
- 600–800m elevation gain
- 3–4 hours duration
✅ Strength Training (2x per week)
- Squats – 4 sets of 8
- Lunges – 3 sets of 10 per leg
- Deadlifts – 4 sets of 6
- Step-ups (Box 45 cm) – 3 sets of 12 per leg (with a weighted pack)
- Planks – 3 x 1 min
- Pull-ups – 3 sets of 6
✅ Cardio Training
- 45–60 min runs at moderate pace
- 30 min stair climb with a 5 kg pack
- Cycling/swimming for active recovery
✅ Mental Prep
- Train in bad weather (rain, wind, cold)
- Hike on rough terrain
Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Strength & Endurance Boost
Goal: Increase hiking difficulty, pack weight, and elevation gain.
✅ Hiking:
- 12–18 km (7–11 miles) with a 12–15 kg pack
- 800–1,200m elevation gain
- Summit a local peak (if possible)
✅ Strength Training (2x per week)
- Increase weights for squats, lunges, deadlifts
- Farmer’s carry (15–20 kg each hand) – 3 sets of 30m
- Stair climbing (40+ min with a 10 kg pack)
✅ Cardio & Endurance
- 1 x interval running session (5x 3 min fast, 3 min slow)
- 60+ min continuous running or cycling
- Rowing or swimming (good for lung capacity)
✅ Mental Training
- Simulate summit conditions: hike while fasting for part of the day
- Sleep in a tent on weekends
- Push through long back-to-back training days
Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Peak Performance & Altitude Prep
Goal: Final simulated climbs, heavy loads, and max endurance.
✅ Hiking (Most Important)
- 20+ km (12+ miles) with a 15–20 kg pack
- 1,200–1,500m elevation gain
- 6–8 hours duration
- Back-to-back long hikes (Sat & Sun) for real fatigue training
✅ Strength & Endurance Training
- Stair Climbing (45–60 min with 15 kg pack)
- Bulgarian Split Squats – 3 sets of 10 per leg
- Dead Hangs – 3 sets of 30 sec (for grip strength)
✅ Altitude & Cold Exposure
- If possible, train at altitude or use a hypoxic training mask
- Spend time in cold weather gear to adapt
✅ Mental Prep
- Simulate summit day: Start a long hike before sunrise with limited food/water
- Sleep in high-altitude environments (if possible)
- Long stair workouts at the end of the day (simulate exhaustion)
Final Prep (Last 2 Weeks)
🔹 Reduce heavy training (Tapering)
🔹 Focus on sleep, stretching, and light hikes
🔹 Pack & gear test (Fully loaded backpack, boots, and summit gear)
🔹 Simulate high-altitude breathing (practice slow, deep breaths)
Key Training Tips
✔ Train with your backpack & boots early!
✔ Use trekking poles for stair climbs and hikes
✔ Hydration & nutrition practice – Know what fuels you best
✔ Recovery matters! – Foam roll, stretch, and prioritise sleep
✔ Train in extreme conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat)
Are You Ready for Aconcagua?
✅ Can you hike 1,500m+ with a 15 kg pack?
✅ Can you handle 8–10 hour hikes back-to-back?
✅ Have you trained in cold, high-wind conditions?
✅ Do you feel mentally prepared for suffering?
If you can check all the boxes, you’re in solid shape! Let me know if you want customised adjustments based on your current fitness level!
Travel Documents
Passport 6mts Valid
Debit/Credit Cards
Insurance Papers
Photocopy of passport
Base Layers
Merino Wool Underwear (4 pcs)
Merino long sleeve base layer (2 pcs)
Merino long pants base layer (1 pcs)
Merino Short Sleeve T Shirt (2 pcs)
Mid Layers
Tech Fleece (1pcs)
Tech fleece with hood (1pcs)
Heavyweight Hiking Pants (1pcs)
Lightweight Hiking Pants (2pcs)
Windproof/Rain Layers
Hard Shell Jacket (1pcs)
Hard Shell Pants (1pcs)
Insulation Layers
800+gram Goose Down Jacket with hood
Insulated Pants
Lite puffer Jacket
Headwear
Warm Hat (2pcs)
Balaclava (1pcs)
Baseball Cap (1pcs)
Bandana or Buff (2pcs)
Eyewear
Cat 4 Glacier Glasses
UV Nose protector
Ski Goggles
Gloves
Lightweight Liner Gloves
Shell Guide Glove with Insulated Liner
7000m Expedition Mitts
Footwear
Liner Socks (3 pairs)
Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
Double Skin Mountaineering Boots 7000m (Kailas /
Lasportiva / Millet)
Trekking Approach Shoes
Camp Booties (optional)
Gaiters (optional)
Sleeping Equipment
Sleeping Bag -30°C
Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Closed-cell Foam Pad
Earplugs
Inflatable Pillow
Mountaineering Gear
Large 120ltr Duffel Bag (we provide)
Expedition Backpack 75L+ for above basecamp
Trekking Backpack 30L
Trekking poles (optional)
Ice Axe (2pcs)
Crampons
Headlight 500-700 Lumens (2pcs)
Travel Items
Small hotel Duffel Bag
Travel Clothes
Cash
Visa Card
ATM card
Additional Food Items
Snack food
Salty-sweet bars
Summit gels
Nuts
Beef jerky
Medical
Personal First-aid kit
Compeed blister packs
Sutures & steri strips
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
250mg Diamox 20days
Medicated throat lozenges
Medicated throat spray
Antibiotic Azithromycin 500mg
Laxatives
Imodium
Mosquito repellent
Menstrual products
Electrolytes
Nail cutter
Duck tape – Repair Kit
Hand & Feet chemical warmers
Toiletries (Personal)
Toilet Paper
Toothpaste &Toothbrush
Bio Baby wipes (2pcs)
Soap
Shampoo
Shaver
Towel
Small nail-brush
Sunscreen: SPF 50
Lip Screen: SPF 30
Aftersun
Additional Items
Compression Stuff Sacks
Plastic Cup (high camps)
Plastic Bowl (high camps)
Plastic Spoon (high camp)
Water Bottles 1- litre (3pcs)
Thermos 1- litre
Pee Bottle 1- litre
Female Urination Device (FUD)
Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
Optional Electronics
Country-appropriate power adapters
Avalanche Transceiver
Adventure Sports Watch
GPS/ Garmin inReach Mini
Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
Phone camera
Batteries
Charging leads
See more about our payment policy Here
On Booking your expedition our returns policy can be viewed here
We recommend Global Rescue
This is Mandatory and you will not receive your permit to climb from the National park rangers until you show proof of Insurance for up to 7,000 meters at the park gate apron entry.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient personal travel insurance for this expedition. Your policy must provide cover for; a) medical injury or sickness b) trekking up to 7,000 meters (c) helicopter evacuation in an emergency situation, and d) repatriation to one’s country of residence. You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurers and ensure you receive written confirmation that any pre-existing medical conditions are fully insured. We advise you to obtain travel insurance as soon as you book, that will cover you for unforeseeable circumstances such as illness or injury that might result in you not being able to take part in your expedition.
1. Medical injury or sickness
2. Mountaineering above 5,000 metres
3. Helicopter evacuation in an emergency situation
4. Repatriation to country of residence.