Aconcagua

At 6,965m (22,840ft) Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere and indeed the world, outside of the greater ranges. Contrary to popular belief the crest of the massif does not form part of the Andean range but lies due east of the main chain in an unusual geographic demarcation. For this reason her summit soars well above all the peaks surrounding her, making the view in any direction overtly panoramic.

Aconcagua's proximity to Mendoza, and nearby roads, precludes the need for any extended or gruelling approach march commonly associated with Himalayan 7000ers. Aconcagua's non-technical lines of ascent, free of the objective dangers of avalanche and rock fall are ideal for first time high altitude aspirants, and for those seeking a training ground and springboard for loftier Himalayan objectives.

Field Touring & Aconcagua

We have been operating Aconcagua expeditions since 1994, and with the exception of one season, have placed more than 60% of our teams upon the summit. In recent years our strike rate has gone beyond 85%, an outstanding result when you consider that each year a staggering 2000 to 3000 climbers will attempt her, with less than 23% of those reaching the summit.

We have now had over 200 climbers reach the summit as part of a Field Touring Expedition.

We run our expeditions as open trips, whether you choose to climb, with a guide, in a paired arrangement, or solo, a safety net of competent and experienced guides, backed up by a strong network of local support is in place to assure your safety for the duration of the expedition.

We have filmed 2 documentaries on climbing Aconcagua, the most recent of which has been sold to National Geographic television and will commence airing in late 2003.

The Climbing Team

In recent years we have found an increasing trend for our climbing teams to be composed of independent styled and self sufficient adventurers. The benefit of joining a like-minded group of climbers with a common goal goes beyond the savings found in just sharing expedition and permit costs.

Our expeditions are great learning opportunities, from both your trip managers and the other climbers around you. Typically half of our team will be setting out on their first major expedition attempt, while the other half could have an experience that spans the globe and includes several 8000m peaks.

We do not take applicants from travel agencies, or completely inexperienced people who don't know a crampon from a ruck-sack, you can be assured the people whom you will be climbing with are competent, have prepared themselves for the expedition, and will be there to share with you the excitement of a major life adventure.

In general our team members come from USA, Europe, and Australia.

Hire Gear

We have a wide range of climbing equipment and clothing that can be hired direct from us for a discounted price, please advise us upon making a booking if you will need to hire equipment from us. Alternatively, Mendoza has numerous stores where climbing equipment and clothing can be hired, our guides will help you select appropriate gear in Mendoza if required.

Included / Not Included

Included:
Airport transfers in private vehicles, four nights hotel accommodation in basic but comfortable tourist class lodgings in Mendoza and Puente del Inca on twin share basis (IDD phone, TV, air-con rooms) with breakfasts included, private air-con coach for transfer to Puente del Inca, jeeps for trailhead transfer, mules for 25kg personal gear to basecamp, all basecamp sleeping tents, all BC messing and dining facilities, all food at BC, spares, back-up and support gear from BC (extra clothing, boots etc), guides on the mountain, all four season high altitude tents, all HA stoves and gas, all group technical gear.

Not included:
Climbing permit, any alcohol, coffee or cold drinks (coffee and cold drinks included at base camp) visa costs, airfares to Mendoza, personal laundry. Any costs associated with departing the program early.

Joining The Expedition & Further Information

If you are interested in joining our Aconcagua expedition we invite you to send us an email with your contact details and/or any further questions you may have. Your application will be dealt with promptly and staff from our office will contact you with further information.

Expedition Overview

The route we will climb is a variation of the Polish Glacier route, once we reach the base of the Polish Glacier the team will then traverse to the North side of the mountain, and on towards the summit, avoiding the steep and technically difficult snow and ice climbing required higher up on the glacier.

The trek to base camp begins in Puente de Vacas and is a three day trek of approximately 30 miles following the Las Vacas river through the Vacas & Relinchos Valley's to Plaza Argentina base camp.

Mules are used to transport everyone's gear to base camp and to ferry members at river crossings, leaving you with a light day pack containing your camera, some lunch and a jacket in case the wind picks up. At the end of our second day's trek to base camp we will be able to see the eastern flank of Aconcagua and the Polish Glacier.

Base camp is the high point for the mules, and from here on we travel expedition style and carry our own gear. After sorting through our equipment in base camp and making any last adjustments to your gear, the team will begin the ascent to camp 1, located in the col between Aconcagua and Cerro Ameghino. After resting and gaining proper acclimatisation the team will move up to camp 2 which is located at the base of the Polish Glacier.

After a day of rest we will move to the higher northern flanks and establish camp 3 where we will begin our preparations for the summit attempts. Summit day will be an early start at around 6am, it will be a long day, between 8 and 14 hours depending upon your climbing speed. Passing camp berlin and independencia, you may choose to take a short break for lunch before continuing up to the summit.

During the entire expedition our trained guides and staff will monitor each person's progress, and are always on hand to give advice on techniques and any medical assistance which may be required.

Our Staff & Guides

All of our major expedition climbs (except for private groups we organize from time to time) are managed by a western Field Touring trip manager. Our lead guides are as experienced and knowledgeable as any in the business today. Just as importantly, they are enormously respected by their teams. Click here to read client testimonials. They also hold advanced wilderness first aid certification, and in many cases are qualified Emergency Medical Technicians.

Their expertise, which embraces dozens of years of climbing on peaks up to and in excess of 8000m, is at your complete disposal. Rather than push or drag you up a hill, they will show you the best way to achieve your goal, and in a fashion that will leave you with a very high degree of independence and self satisfaction. Staff arrangements on all trips is notified to team members around 6 weeks prior to departure. If you'd like to know earlier who is going to be running your climb, we can often advise this up to 3 months prior to departure.
Click here to view our staff & guides biographies

Mt Aconcagua False Polish Glacier Information Form

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Aconcagua Expedition - The False Polish Glacier Route