Mt. Aconcagua Expedition -“Highest peak in South American continent”

Aconcagua, reaching 6,962 meters (22,841 ft.), is the highest peak in the Western and Southern Hemisphere. This giant mountain is among the Seven Summits and may be the most challenging climbing adventure for you offering a paradise of mesmerising peaks, moulding the dreams of all climbers of the world.

Notably, Aconcagua situated in the Andes mountain range in Argentina’s Mendoza Province is considerably simpler to ascend and you do not need more technical climbing skills (such as ice or rope climbing) than the other seven-thousanders. This makes more people, including professional climbers and non-professional climbers, with inadequate acclimatisation to attempt it.

The good news is that despite having one of the highest vertical climbs of any path, reaching 3900m, the Normal Route, referred to as the Horcones Valley Route, is not an entirely technical ascent. 

The mountain’s native name is ‘Aconcagua’, which means ‘White Sentinel’ or ‘Sentinel of Stone’ which reflects the mountain’s snowy appearance and dominant look. 

Travellers are given a chance to observe different landscapes as they embark on the ascent through the lower desert and as they ascend into the harsh, windy environment that comes with the final effort. 

This blend of approachability and resource intensity has established Mount Aconcagua as one of the most popular high-altitude ascents in the entire world. 

It’s time for you to grab this opportunity to achieve something great and to get intimate with the powers of the Andes.

• The mountain is situated inside Aconcagua Provincial Park in the northwest sector of Mendoza Province in Argentina.

  The marvellous Mt. Aconcagua lies at the Latitude and the longitude coordinates -32.653179 and -70.010864.

  In regard to its geological position, this mountain can be classified as part of the Principal Cordillera which is a subrange of the Andes mountain system. It was discovered that the mountain mainly comprises sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks(less prominent), and volcanic formations to which the seismotectonic evolution of the area contributed. 

  Did you know that an analysis of the South American Plate reveals that the Nazca Plate underthrust has been instrumental in the uplift of the Andes including Aconcagua? This geological activity is also responsible for the mountain’s rough features and steep vertical cliffs especially at the South Face, characterised by sheer cliffs and ice faces.

  You will find that the vicinity of the Aconcagua station is mostly an arid region since there is little precipitation on the face of the mountain being situated in the rain shadow of the Andes that prevents the moist air from the Pacific Ocean. This gives a desert-like environment at the base of the mountain. 

  However, as you move higher, the vegetation density decreases and eventually you get rock scree and even permanent snow fields around the summit. There are parts of Aconcagua, such as large ample glaciers including the Polish Glacier. These glaciers have been in recent instances of retreat as a result of climate change.

  Comprising a huge sheer cliff of ice on the west side and the Horcones Valley which is impressively huge, those who find themselves adventuring up the mountain feel like they are in touch with an almighty force similar to when climbing another level of mountain such as Everest. 

  Mt. Aconcagua lies just 112 kilometres approximately from Argentina’s wine country but presents climbers with an extremely demanding alpine challenge.

  It sits at the heart of the Andes and is bordered by two major valleys: the Horcones Valley and the Vacas Valley. Here are the two main approaches to the valley, both of which lead directly into the mass of the mountain.

  • Normal Route (Horcones Valley Route): This is the most common and least technical path thanks to the logistical convenience and safety. The ascent is moderately easy in that it does not involve much use of technical equipment except ice axes, crampons and ropes, although it is a physically testing climb because of the altitude and weather conditions of Horcones Valley. You can start from the trailhead at Los Penitentes via Confluencia Camp at 3,368m and arrive at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp at 4,300m, which is the starting point for summit attempts​.
  • Polish Glacier Route (Vacas Valley): This is a bit more challenging than the previous one and this sees a climber using the side ridges of the mountain. This also caps the number of climbers who could manage to tackle the Polish Glacier, which is an icy slope on the upper part. Thus, unlike the Normal Route, this path although it is less crowded, more technical and requires technical gear and mountaineering skills.
  • Polish Traverse Route: A combination of the two, this circuit route incorporates the valley of Vacas to reach high past the Moraines- then it crosses over to join the Normal route near the summit. While this one is longer, this route provides the climbers with beautiful 360-degree views of Aconcagua and other Andean mountains.

• As with almost any mountain, the ecology of the area surrounding Mount Aconcagua includes the vegetation and animals that thrive directly on the low altitude of the mountain and the tough climate characteristic of this area. 

  Lower Elevations (2,500m – 3,500m)

  The region at the base of the Aconcagua, especially the Horcones Valley, has quite a tame climate with ample heat, low rainfall, and high humidity. Within this environment is found a variety of hardy shrub species such as Fabiana imbricata and Azorella compacta, together with different types of grass and wildflowers that only come into bloom during what is more akin to a stub summer season. 

  These plants are chosen to endure high heat and aridness of the weather and have taken into account constant winds in the area​. Plant life here is also supported by the water from snow melt which forms small swamps used in warmer months​.

  However, some of the most conspicuous plant species include the Nardophyllum bryoides, a subshrub which grows among the rocks in lower grounds, and the Collaea argentina, which, even at lower grounds near cliffs, cling to the walls. These types of plants are found in a region with climatic conditions, with an average day temperature of 5°C and night temperatures dropping to sub-zero.

  Mid Elevations (3,500m – 5,000m)

  When climbers move to middle altitude the vegetation starts to become scarce by the decreasing pressure and oxygen content. There are very few trees while small shrubs and moss are abundant and are able to survive in difficult weather conditions.

  Wildflower meadows are no longer as rich as before and dominant plant types are such short flowering plants like the Senecio species, types of grasses, and small perennials, which can endure freezing temperatures at night and a tendency of frequent wind gusts that may go up to 60 kilometres per hour.

  Wildlife found in this zone is characterised by animals found at that altitude. Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) These birds fly above the valley to look for carcasses. 

  Other animals that can be spotted at this location are the South American foxes including the Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) alongside hares and small rodents like the Lepus species and Octodon species which are commonly seen near the shrubby zones. Certain animals have adapted well to this weather with thicker undercoats in winter to keep warm.

  High Elevations (Above 5,000m)

  From 5000m the environment around Aconcagua starts to become hostile. In terms of vegetation, the lifestyle is perhaps more akin to that of mountaintops, which is to say, there is very little of it.

  Tiny lichens and mosses are found struggling to find the nutrients that the earth forces out of the gravel in the brief summer months when the temperature and winds are slightly more forgiving. These organisms are suitable for dry, frozen environments, acquiring moisture in their bodies to survive dryness within a short time and storing the moisture to stay alive in the dry few months.

  Wild animals are scarcely found in these regions because of poor availability of fodder and hostile environmental circumstances. In the upper part of the slopes, one could see Andean condors flying while the other few are mountain bird species that can survive extreme weather. 

  Daytime temperatures can fall as low as -20°C at night and while the winds die down at the summit, they often gust at over 100km/h, which makes it practically impossible for any fauna to live anywhere close to the summit.

• By most ratings of difficulty, Mount Aconcagua can be called a difficult climb due to some of the severest and most unpredictable weather conditions. It has been established that the weather in the mountain is greatly determined by its size and geographical location and as such can be characterised by drastically changeable and extreme weather conditions. 

  Its altitude, which is situated at the highest point of the Western and Southern Hemisphere, is borne to produce different kinds of weather.

  You may witness that daytime temperatures at the Plaza de Mulas base camp can be between 5-15°C but at night it can get as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. But, as you go higher up, the temperatures remain low, lower in fact. 

  As climbers ascend the mountain they can be exposed to wind chill factors that make it near impossible to stay warm at -20°C or cooler. 

  When you climb to the higher regions, you may encounter even stronger winds attaining a maximum velocity of over 100 km/h (62 mph). In bad or stormy weather one may be caught in the ‘viento blanco,’ a gale compounded by a blizzard that renders visibility almost nil.

  Straits of precipitation in the form of snow exist, more especially at high camps/summits. Nevertheless, whiteout conditions may occur anytime and on any day, even if other times visibility is good, gusting winds can be lethal and make cold feel much colder than it is. 

  Winter is wet, and sudden storms are possible in the climbing season, which is from November to March, so appropriate preparation for the worst is an absolute must.

  Indeed, there are always different plans for climbers since the weather on the mountain is volatile. Severe weather conditions for storms are attributed to low-pressure systems that develop over the Pacific and travel eastward​. 

  As a climber, you must always be ready for these changes and have appropriate equipment and accurate information concerning mountain meteorological conditions.

  Seasonal climate and weather on Mount Aconcagua as opposed to the time of climbing varies from November to March. You should expect wide fluctuations in temperatures, heavy snow and possibly extreme or tumultuous winds. 

  Here is a month-by-month overview of the typical weather conditions on the mountain:

  November

  November marks the start of the climbing season. Expect there to be a variation of about 5°C to 15°C in base camp, at daytime but as soon as the sun goes down, temperatures may drop to freezing point or even below. Temperatures remain highly volatile during this season while wind is moderate most of the time. Light snow and rain are expected during this season although storms are rare compared to the early season climbers have to expect sudden changes in the climate.

  December

  In December, the temperatures rise higher as the climbing season starts to peak and get more intense. Values at base camp regularly oscillate within the range of 10–20°C, but freezing night is not an exception. Deals mainly with wind that is generally light but can blow hard- especially at higher elevations. Snow increases and sometimes there can be occasional snowstorms and whiteouts for climbers.

  January

  It is normally warm in January and this makes it possible for climbers to undertake the Aconcagua summit. At base camp, during the day it rises up to 20°C while at night drops to -5C. But the higher camps are cold most of the time with temperatures often below 0 degrees Celsius. It snows often, and climbers might face greater cold, storms and white-outs with wind speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph). The best weather for climbing is this month, though the climbers need to prepare for a sudden storm at any time.

  February

  February, however, is also a good month for the Aconcagua ascension since the climate is not very different from that in January. At the base camp, there is still a clear indication of warm weather but the temperature gradually begins to drop slightly in readiness for March. It may get even stronger at great altitudes, and there still might be blizzards all the same.

  Daytime temperatures could be as high as -15°C at the summit camp, and the extreme windchill makes it feel even worse​.

  March

  March can be called the official end of the climbing season as the rains start coming in March and temperatures drop. At base camp, the temperature can range only 10°C in the daytime while at night time it may drop to -10°C and below. 

  Snowfall increases and the climate is more severe- wind and extreme forms of precipitation increase. Summit conditions prevailing in this area bear very low temperatures which go down to -20°C occasionally​.

  Thus, the greatest number of successful ascents is reached in January and February. However, in any month, the climber can be exposed to very low temperatures, storms or gusty winds during the Aconcagua season. It is advised to pay attention to fine details and preparation concerning changes in weather conditions during the entire climbing duration.

• • Accessible High-altitude Expedition: The Normal Route is generally regarded as the most straightforward route for the Aconcagua and therefore more appropriate for climbers with mountaineering experience though (without such high technicality required in the other mentioned routes).
  • Stunning Views: From the Horcones Valley, the route presents superb views of the Andes, which the adventuring activity will benefit from.
  • Non-Technical Ascent: While on other mountains, technical rock climbing or ice climbing is mandatory, the Aconcagua Normal Route is long and gradual through easy slopes, but quite challenging because of the climate.
  • Rewarding Summit: There is a feeling of accomplishment after accomplishing the climb because Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Western and Southern Hemisphere. The path mainly consists of exposed moorland, scree and stony ground, or moraines, and although an ice axe and crampons may be needed in parts of the higher slopes, technical climbing is not required. This makes Aconcagua an attractive climbing destination for those who would like to scale high-altitude mountains and still do not require highly technical skills to do so​.

  An expedition through Mount Aconcagua via the Normal Route is one of the most amazing events in climbing history because it is one of the highest Summits in the world.

• Summer (December to February): This is the right time for climbers to ascend to Aconcagua. The climate in lower camps varies from 10°C-15°C (50°F-59°F) in the daytime, but it is -10°C-20°C (14°F- -4°F) at higher camps during the night. The temperatures are moderate though in certain areas climbers are likely to experience sudden snowstorms near the summits.
• Winter (March to November): One should not attempt to climb between March to November because it is extremely cold, there are always blizzard-like conditions and the routes can be treacherous. Elevations range above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) at the summit, the temperature may fall into -30°C (-22°F) and the threat of avalanches and storms is high​.

Climbing to Aconcagua starts in the city of Mendoza where climbers will be received by the Me And Mountain team, test their equipment and receive all required permissions for the climb. 

The nearest airport is Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, also called Mendoza International Airport. The city of Mendoza also has a central bus terminal and a railway station for tourists arriving from other parts of Argentina. The tour starts in Mendoza and then it is a 3-hour drive to the village of Los Penitentes where mules are used to carry equipment to the base. 

The real adventure begins from the Los Penitentes from where it takes deliberation of 3 to 4 hours to reach Confluencia’s Camp which is situated at 3,368 meters above the mean sea level. The next day the expedition goes on, it takes between 6-8 hours to get to Horcones Valley and will ultimately lead to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, which is at 4300m.

NOTE: We organise the Mt. Aconcagua Expedition for Indians offering you the option to start off with us on the journey from India or the city of Mendoza, as per your convenience. 

Confirmation policy

• Email on booking@meandmountain.com or WhatsApp on +91-9051055011 the following details: Name of the participant(s), Name of the event, Date of the event, Email address (Note: This is not the Enrolment form) and proceed with the online payment either via the payment link shared via WhatsApp or the payment section on the website.
• Mode of payment: only online
• The participants will receive the Confirmation email and Ticket via email within 48 hours.
• After the confirmation, you will need to send the dully filled, signed and scanned forms (Enrolment, Medical & Self-declaration) to booking@meandmountain.com, before commencement of the expedition.
• The forms can be downloaded from the links below or ‘FORMS’ section in the home page.
• It is mandatory for all the participants to submit all 3 forms before the expedition, in absence of which Me and Mountain shall have a full right to deny the entry of that participant to the particular expedition.

Cancellation policy

• Cancellation done by 60 days before the commencement of the expedition: 100% of payment will be refunded.
• Cancellation done between 45 days to 60 days before the commencement of the expedition: 50% of payment will be refunded.
• In case of cancellation done within 45 days before the commencement of the expedition, the amount shall be adjusted in any of the events done later with ‘Me and Mountain’.

Discontinuation policy

• In an event of a participant deciding on discontinuing the event mid-way due to any circumstance other than medical condition requiring emergency evacuation, he/she will require to do so by signing the ‘Discontinuation form’ after which he/she is set to go on own. In such situation the participant will neither be eligible for the Refund or the Adjustment voucher.

Consume less spicy diet at least 7 days prior to the expedition.