Assistance to obtain the trekking permit: The acquisition of the entrance permit to Aconcagua Park consists of two steps: first, the passenger must complete an online form with his personal information, and second, he must pay the entrance fee, whose value varies depending on the date he will enter and the activity he will perform. In order to facilitate this process, we will complete the online form for you with the information provided in your Reservation Form. In addition, in order to expedite the payment process, you may pay the fee in advance by making a deposit using our bank account - well in advance. In this way, we will be able to pay this permit for you, saving you the hassle of changing money on your own or any other inconvenience that may arise from withdrawing money from an ATM. There is an extra charge for this service.
Transfer mendoza / penitentes / mendoza: You will travel the 180 kilometers that separate the city of Mendoza from Penitentes in our own vehicles for passenger transportation. This way you will cross the most incredible landscapes of the Central Andes having the opportunity to enjoy its beauty. When you return from the trekking, the transfer to Mendoza city will be done by regular bus. The private transfer option has an extra cost (please consult).
All meals: In our trekking, you will enjoy all meals (B: breakfast / L: lunch / L: lunch / D: dinner), which are carefully planned by professionals to have a balanced diet during the mountain days. All meals, which are fixed menu, are prepared by our cooks. The program includes all the meals detailed in the itinerary day by day. Lunch will be exchanged for lunch on trekking days. If you are vegetarian, or celiac, or in case you need a special diet, please do not forget to let us know in your Reservation Form. Our staff will gladly prepare a special menu for you, according to your needs. This service has an extra cost.
Lodging in Penitentes: The group will stay in Penitentes for one night (at the beginning of the trek) in rooms for 2 to 4 people, depending on the number of passengers in the group, and with private bathroom. Lunch, dinner and breakfast are included.
Assistance for the arrangement of loads transported by mules: Our guides will advise you when deciding what to include in your luggage and the mode of transportation.
Pack mules: We have more than 120 mules for transporting loads and people. These animals graze during the fall, winter and spring months and before starting the Aconcagua season, they are carefully checked and medicated by veterinarians. During the season, they are treated with great care and attention; after two trips to Plaza de Mulas or one trip to Plaza Argentina, the mules rest for 4 to 5 days to recover from this activity. The negative aspect of these animals lies in their indomitable character. That is why we have a great team of people who have dedicated their lives to the countryside and the animals: Los Arrieros. They understand and manage by their own family tradition the work with these animals. From Puquios to Confluencia, from here to Plaza de Mulas and back to Puquios, your loads will be transported by mules. Each passenger is allowed to carry up to 15 kilograms on each leg. We recommend bringing a sturdy bag to cover your load when being transported by the animals. Note: 15 kilograms = 33 pounds.
Transfer to the entrance of Aconcagua Park: The group will be transferred in our own vehicles to the first park ranger station where your permit will be verified and you will be instructed on the park rules.
Camping in Confluencia: During our trekking you will stay two nights in Confluencia, which has the necessary amenities for our customers, equipped with large dining tents with electric lights, tables, benches, crockery and the friendly attention of our people.
Trekking to Plaza Francia: You will walk to the viewpoint of the mythical South Wall of Aconcagua. This is the most vertical face of the mountain and its almost 3,000 m. of vertical drop will dazzle you with a spectacle of glaciers and walls. During this trek you will reach 4,000 m. above sea level.
Plaza de Mulas base camp: Once you arrive at Plaza de Mulas, you will spend two nights at the camp equipped with all the amenities to make your stay at the Colossus of America comfortable. Dining tent, kitchen tent, equipment storage tent, and latrines. Here you will be attended by an excellent group of people, who will be in charge of preparing the most delicious meals and will provide you with an exceptional service.
Optional - day 6 of the program ascent to Cerro Bonete (5.100m) The ascent to the summit of Cerro Bonete. Upon reaching the summit, we will enjoy a delicious lunch, and then we will start our return trip. Upon arrival at Plaza de Mulas the camp staff will entertain the group with a reception and then you can rest until dinner. It should be noted that this option should be planned before purchasing the entrance permit to Aconcagua Park since the amount of the permit varies according to the altitude at which the group will arrive. This means that if the group decides to rest in Plaza de Mulas, a 7-day trekking permit must be purchased and if the group decides to climb Cerro Bonete, an Ascension permit must be purchased.
Our guides: A qualified mountain guide is included in our services, who will be in charge of the trekking. Our mountain guides are professionals graduated from the AAGM (Argentine Association of Mountain Guides) or from the EPGAMT (School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides, tertiary career of 3 years of duration).
We have fixed points throughout the mountain, a chain that we take advantage of to stay connected via VHF radio between Plaza de Mulas, Confluencia and Puquios. We also have satellite internet for communication between the mountain and Mendoza. In this way, we can respond to any contingency almost immediately.
Sleeping tents or dome beds: Normally, Aconcagua is a mountain with good weather during its summer period. But if you have to know its stormy days, at that moment you will take dimension of the force of nature in these heights. That is why we do not hesitate to provide our trekkers with high quality sleeping tents or dome tents. We use only two recognized brands: The North Face and Mountain Hardwear. The distribution in the high altitude tents is normally 2 passengers per tent, but if our guide deems it necessary, he can accommodate up to 3 passengers maximum per tent.
