The descent is also easier as it cuts a day off the trek back to the trailhead. Last but not least, our Vacas Valley approach enjoys much earlier light, so it’s a bit warmer and more hospitable than the “Normal” Horcones Valley route.

CTSS teams gather in Mendoza to run through gear checks and briefings, acquire climbing permits, and go out to dinner as a team.

From Mendoza, we will travel to Penitentes, our last staging point by the trailhead, where we will organize mule loads to start our trek the following morning.

We spend three days trekking into base camp carrying only day packs as this leg of the expedition is supported by mules who help carry our trekking duffels to camp each day for us. Our base camp duffels are sent directly ahead and meet us at Plaza Argentina Base Camp for our climb.

Once we arrive at base camp, we will employ a double-carry acclimatization strategy, which involves carrying and caching our gear before sleeping low and moving up the next day. We use three camps above base camp and maintain our high camp as we go for the summit.

Summit day is long, cold, physical, and at a very high altitude. The summit route is not very technical but demands excellent fitness and solid cramponing technique on moderately steep terrain. The summit route can be snow right out of high camp or only a little snow just below the summit, depending on the year and snow accumulation.

From our high camp, we drop down the other side of the mountain, connecting via the ‘Normal Route’ to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, thus completing the traverse.

We then pack up, wave goodbye to the mountain and trek back out to the trailhead for a late transport back to Mendoza the same evening.

Physical preparation is key for Aconcagua. Even if you plan on hiring porters you should be in the best mountaineering shape of your life for this expedition. No matter what you read on other websites about “trekking” this peak, make no mistake: Aconcagua is a mountaineering challenge that requires you to carry a heavy pack uphill at high altitudes day after day. Train as if you’re heading to Denali then enjoy the climb rather than suffer through it!

For an expedition as long and strenuous as Aconcagua we highly recommend purchasing your gear rather than renting. Properly fitting and breaking in your boots, pack and other big-ticket items is extremely important. Additionally, having every little item already secured and packed will make your time in Mendoza much more relaxed and ensure you’re fully ready for the trip.

If an airline loses bags or there is a major gear malfunction there are a few rental and mountaineering gear shops in Mendoza. During the busy Aconcagua season sizes and availability are not guaranteed. Your guide can help point you in the right direction if this situation arises.