Climbing Aconcagua: How to Reach the Top

The most dramatic hiking destination in Argentina is Aconcagua. At 6,962 meters (22,841 feet), it is the tallest peak in all of the Americas, as well as the tallest peak outside of the Himalayas. The mountain is located just 112 kilometers from Mendoza, making it easy to access. The peak is an internationally acclaimed mountaineering destination, attracting world-class climbers from around the world to attempt its blustery summit. Climbing season on Aconcagua lasts from December through March, although most climbers attempt the summit around January. Summiting requires excellent physical condition, and most climbers also utilize a guide service.

For those who want to see the mountain from a bit more of a distance (and prefer to be able to breathe), Aconcagua Provincial Park offers beautiful day hikes, and multi-day treks, all with breathtaking views of the mountain. For multi-day treks, hikers can choose between the Horcones Valley and the Vacas Valley. The park service issues permits for short (three day) treks or long (seven day) treks, as long as the treks remain below 4,300m. Because of Aconcagua’s popularity, the park service is able to charge much higher prices for these permits.

If you wish to see the mountain for free, there is a small loop you can do outside of the visitor’s center that takes you to a few smaller lakes and affords great views of the mountains. Although not the most economical hiking option, Aconcagua is a must-visit destination for serious hikers in Argentina.

Aconcagua Tips

The South Wall, the Great Challenge of America

The Normal Route: 6,962 Meters, Objetive Fulfilled

The Normal Route: Summit Insight

The Normal Route: Above: 5,000

The Normal Route of the Pioneers

Activities of the Aconcagua Provincial Park and Permits

Steve V

2023-02-08

Aconcagua January 2023 Traverse We were a team of three climbers from Colorado that completed the Polish Glacier Traverse route. During our planning I reached out to several Aconcagua operators and found Tomas and Andesport to be the most responsive. We hired Andesport for logistics support during the expedition, including providing mules. Tomas met us at the airport upon our arrival and assisted with equipment and food purchases prior to our departure. His team pruchased our permits in advance so that we could take advantage of the discounts. Their mule team and support personal at both Plaza Argentina and Plaza de Mules were outstanding. I highly recommend them to any team that is looking for top notch logistics support on the mountain.

Jennifer V

2023-01-29

Great Family Owned Business My climbing partner and I hired Andesport as logistics support for Aconcagua and we were very pleased with their services. In town Tomas did and amazing job of taking us to exchange money, find the supplies that we hadn’t brought and still needed, and he even gave some excellent restaurant recommendations and connected us with great in city tourism after our climb. Prior to our trip, the entire company provided prompt feedback for any and all questions we had and helped us get our permits. (As someone who has obtained permits on their own, I can say, this service was so great and saved so much time.) When our bags were delayed and my partner needed to return early, they assisted with the necessary accommodations without complaint. Andesport provided transportation to the mountain, coordinated mules, pickup after our climb, meals at base camp, and all the things that allowed us to focus on the climb and made our expedition easier. We can’t thank them enough! Highly recommend Andesport for your Aconcagua expedition!

Rafał K

2023-01-23

Logistics for solo climbing on Aconcagua Andes Expeditions supported me logistically in my solo attempt to reach Aconcagua. From obtaining permits, to airport pickup, accommodation in Mendoza, to transportation to the national park, mules and staying at base camps. Everything was exactly as described. I highly recommend. David and thomas are very communicative and helpful. They are trustworthy.

jennifer b

2023-01-20

You Feel like Family We used them in Jan of 2023, Tomas and David were great making sure all the details were taking care of, getting our permits even with a delayed passport and even taking us back to the airport for our missing bags that showed up a day later. Tomas, was amazing showing us around town for supplies and food suggestions. Prices were fair for what we booked. They are a family company and that is what we wanted to support for our trip here. Being 2 solo female climbers we felt so safe with them, base camp support and the whole time we were in the country. Only thing that was slightly annoying was they were never on time, normally running late, I had been warned about this from other climbers using other people so it must just be the normal out there. All in all we will re-book with them when we return.

Liam V

2023-01-11

Aconcagua - Base Camp Support I opted for a custom logistic support services package from Andesport for a solo attempt of Aconcagua. The Team was very responsive and informative from the initial contact including assistance with obtaining the required permit prior to arrival. The overall trip was smooth from first arrival at the airport to departure with an emphasis on personal service as opposed to some of the bigger companies operating on the mountain. The provided basecamp food and support was sufficient and certainly helped for a successful summit.

Mauricio M

2022-12-13

Aconcagua trip Before I booked, this company was very informative. They helped me get my permit when it was on sale and went above and beyond to get me to Aconcagua. Once in Mendoza they met me at the airport, showed me around the city and went through all the necessary equipment needed. All the staff and guides on all camps where very helpful. Unfortunately I had to be evacuated due to pulmonary oedema but they managed the rescue smoothly. I recommend this company to anyone wanting to climb Aconcagua