Climb Aconcagua

Difficulty

• Tough – Level 5: Climbing up to 7,000 m faces extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and physically demanding long days on the mountain. Participants will encounter reduced oxygen, freezing temperatures, and will need excellent physical and mental resilience to succeed.
• You can expect 6–8 hours of trekking on most days, and a demanding 10–12 hour summit day, often in harsh conditions such as wind, cold, and low oxygen.
• A successful climb requires you to complete 3–5 months of focused physical and cardiovascular training, along with preparing for tough mountain conditions at altitude.

Accomodation

• 2–3 star hotels in Mendoza before and after the climb.
• High-altitude expedition tents with mess tents and toilet facilities during the climb.
• Showers available at Plaza de Mulas.

Food & drink

• Meals prepared by porters and cooks on the mountain.
• Hearty Argentine dishes; vegetarian and other diets on request.
• Filtered drinking water provided daily.

Visas & vaccinations

• No visa required for UK or US citizens for stays up to 90 days.
• WHO-recommended vaccines: Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Yellow Fever.

Best time to go

• Climbs operate December to February, the only suitable weather window for safe ascents in the Andes.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

19-Day Itinerary

• Days 1–2 | Mendoza and preparation

  Arrive in Mendoza, meet your guide and fellow climbers, and spend a day checking equipment, preparing gear, and securing permits.

• Days 3–5 | Trek to Confluencia Camp (3,390 m)

  Transfer to Penitentes and hike to Confluencia. Acclimatise with a trek to Plaza de Francia and a rest day before moving higher.

• Days 6–8 | To Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,350 m)

  Ascend gradually through the Horcones Valley to base camp. Use rest and acclimatisation days, including a side ascent of Cerro Bonete (5,004 m).

• Days 9–10 | Gear carries and final rest

  Carry gear to higher camps, returning to Plaza de Mulas before your final rest and preparation for the ascent.

• Days 11–13 | Move to high camps

  Climb to Plaza Canadá (5,050 m), Nido de Cóndores (5,560 m), and Camp Colera (5,970 m), staying overnight before summit day.

• Day 14 | Summit (6,961 m)

  Summit day involves a demanding 10–12 hours via the North Ridge and Canaleta to the Americas' highest point, followed by a descent to Camp 3.

• Days 15–16 | Contingency days

  Reserved for weather delays or extra acclimatisation to help summit success.

• Days 17–19 | Descent and return

  Descend to Plaza de Mulas, hike out of the park, and return to Mendoza for a final celebration before departure.

Included

• Hotel accommodation in Mendoza (as per itinerary)
• Airport transfers in Mendoza
• Park entry fees
• All meals during the expedition (except in Mendoza)
• Professional guides, assistant guides, porters and cooks
• First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
• VHF radio communication

Not Included

• International flights
• Climbing permit (approx. US $800 / GBP £612)
• Personal travel insurance (must cover 7,000 m)
• Meals and drinks in Mendoza
• Personal porters (available at extra cost)
• Tips for crew
• Personal gear or equipment hire

Costs

Meeting point

Aeropuerto Internacional El Plumerillo - Mendoza
Acceso A Aeropuerto Internacional Gabrielli F. J.
Las Heras
Mendoza
Argentina

Getting there

• The expedition starts and ends in Mendoza, Argentina. Fly into Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ). Most flights transit São Paulo, Santiago, or Panama City. A Kandoo team member will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel.
• Transfers are included on arrival and departure days. If changing airlines en route, allow at least three hours between flights.

Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot based on 1,090 reviews.

At each stop, the staff and services, cooking, water, hygiene, etc., was a cut above the other companies. But well beyond that, and most importantly, our guide, Vicente 'Micki' Lopez, was absolutely spectacular in every fashion. Professional, experienced, thorough, friendly and even an EMT! The other guides, even from different camps, deferred to his knowledge and leadership.

And, now I can speak for each in our group, at all times we felt his first priority was our safety. Indeed, when it became apparent that two of our team should go no further, he made the right decision, got them to a stable environment and continually monitored their status. And to be quite frank, I don't think I either could have summited if not for his guidance nor been permitted to do so if my health became of any concern. In fact, all the Grajales guides and staff shared this common philosophy. And trust me, from some of the stories and occurrences we witnessed, this was not as common throughout the camps as one might expect. Bill

Words cannot describe how impressed and happy we all were with the whole team during our trek to Kilimanjaro. Montse G

Most important our head guide Richard was one of the best mountain guides I have had the pleasure to climb with.... and as an enthusiastic, mountaineer with many 6000m summits to my name, his mountain knowledge, motivational briefings every night to a widely experienced group and cautious but pragmatic approach to safety have been second to none. MrMOUNTINMAD

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.