The Andes – Introduction

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The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 km along the western edge of South America. They pass through seven countries, including Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. The range is known for its dramatic landscapes, high peaks, volcanoes, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. The Andes are not only a natural marvel but also a place rich in history and culture, home to ancient civilizations like the Incas. Mount Aconcagua, located in the Argentine Andes near the Chilean border, is the highest peak outside of Asia, standing at 6,961 meters (22,838 feet), and represents a major challenge for mountaineers worldwide.

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Aconcagua 14–15 Day Program – Normal Route (Valle de los Horcones)

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Period:  On Request Basis 

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Best season: December – February
• Summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Temperatures are milder and winds tend to be less extreme.

 

Day 1: Flight Athens → Buenos Aires

• Depart Athens (ATH) and arrive in Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport, EZE).

• Overnight in Buenos Aires.

• Tip: Rest and recover from long flight; light walking and hydration.

 

Day 2: Buenos Aires → Mendoza

• Domestic flight or night bus to Mendoza (~1.5 hours flight).

• Check-in at hotel in Mendoza.

• Equipment check and last-minute purchases.

• Meet guide and team if using a logistics company.

 

Day 3: Mendoza – Penitentes – Confluencia Camp

• Drive Mendoza → Penitentes → Horcones Valley (~6–7 hours).

• Begin trek to Confluencia Camp (3,380 m).

• Acclimatization walk around camp.

• Overnight in tents.

 

Day 4: Confluencia → Plaza de Mulas Base Camp

• Trek ~7–8 hours ascending gradually to Plaza de Mulas (4,370 m).

• Set up base camp.

• Light acclimatization walk around camp.

• Overnight in tents.

 

Day 5–6: Acclimatization at Plaza de Mulas

• Day hikes to nearby hills (e.g., Plaza Francia) up to 4,800–5,000 m.

• Return to Plaza de Mulas.

• Focus: Hydration, nutrition, and rest.

 

Day 7: Camp 1 – Plaza Canada

• Trek ~5–6 hours to Plaza Canada (4,090 m) if needed for extra acclimatization.

• Overnight in tents.
  (Optional for gradual acclimatization)

 

Day 8–9: Summit Prep and High Camp (Plaza Argentina / Nido de Cóndores)

• Gradual hike towards Nido de Cóndores (5,570 m).

• Overnight at high camp.

• Focus on acclimatization, light trekking around camp, prepare for summit push.

 

Day 10: Summit Day

• Early morning start (~1–2 AM).

• Trek to Cerro Aconcagua (6,961 m).

• Return to high camp (Nido de Cóndores) or descend to Plaza de Mulas.

• Overnight at base camp.

 

Day 11–12: Descend to Horcones / Penitentes

• Gradual descent to Horcones (~8–9 hours).

• Drive back to Mendoza.

• Overnight in Mendoza, celebrate summit.

 

Day 13: Mendoza → Buenos Aires

• Return flight to Buenos Aires.

• Overnight in Buenos Aires.

• Optional sightseeing or rest day.

 

Day 14: Buenos Aires → Athens

• Depart Buenos Aires and arrive in Athens.

 

Day 15 (Optional)

• Buffer day for weather delays, summit postponement, or sightseeing in Mendoza.

 

Equipment List – Aconcagua (Normal Route)

 

Clothing:

• Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)

• Mid layers (fleece or down jacket)

• Outer shell (waterproof/windproof jacket & pants)

• Insulated down jacket (for summit day)

• Trekking pants & shorts

• Gloves (light and insulated)

• Hat, balaclava, neck gaiter

• Sunglasses (high UV protection)

• Gaiters

 

Footwear:

• Mountaineering boots (double boots recommended)

• Camp shoes / sandals

• Warm socks & liner socks

 

Sleeping & Camping:

• 4-season sleeping bag (-20°C comfort)

• Sleeping pad

• Tent (if not provided by logistics company)

 

Climbing Gear:

• Crampons (for icy sections on Normal Route if icy conditions)

• Ice axe (for self-arrest)

• Trekking poles

• Helmet (optional on Normal Route)

 

Other Essentials:

• Backpack (50–60L for multi-day trek)

• Hydration system / water bottles

• Water purification (tablets or filter)

• Sunscreen & lip balm (high SPF)

• Headlamp + extra batteries

• Personal first aid kit

• High-energy snacks / nutrition

• Passport, permits, insurance documents

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