Cerro Aconcagua, Argentina
22,841 ft/ 6952m
December 14, 2009- January 5, 2010
UTM 19H 405092E 6386748N
Come climb Cerro Aconcagua a.k.a. The Stone Sentinel with Kling Mountain Guides. At 22,841 ft Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and the tallest in the world outside of the Himalayas. It is also one of the coveted Seven Summits. it sits in on the boarder of Argentina and Chile surrounded by 19,000 ft peaks in the heart of the Ande mountain range. This mountain range, stretching over 5000 miles and through seven countries is the longest mountain range in the world. This trip is scheduled to coincide with most academic winter breaks. It also allows for a New Years eve celebration dinner Argentina style!
Expedition Background
Our expedition will use the Folso De Los Polaco route. We begin the climb in the beautiful Vacas and Relinchos valleys. This starts with an eight mile trek to Las Lenas (8,851 ft), our first camp on the approach. We will utilize mules and muleteers. This allows for us to carry very light loads during the trek to base camp.
After leaving Las Lenas, we will trek to our second camp, Casa de Piedra at just over 10,000 ft. From Casa de Piedra camp we will be rewarded the first great views of Cerro Aconcagua and the Polish Glacier up the Rellenchos Valley. One more day of trekking will bring us to our base camp at Plaza Argentina(13,780 ft).
Once at base camp we will spend a full day resting and acclimatizing in preparation for our cary to Camp 1. We will now switch from trekking shoes to climbing boots for our climb to Camp 1. We will no longer have mules to help us with our loads. We will wind through the glacier moraines and penitents bringing food, fuel, and equipment to Camp 1 and returning to base camp. This will be our last night at base camp.
See pictures of this on our photo gallery page.
At this point we will have now been on the mountain and "off the grid" for six days. Today will consist of climbing with the remainder of our equipment to Camp 1 (16,200 ft). Once at Camp 1 we will spend the rest of the current day and the following day resting and acclimatizing. The remainder of the trip has significant flexibility built into the schedule. If the team needs an extra day at Camp 1 for further acclimatization, than we will take it. After our rest day at Camp 1 we will again load our packs for a carry of equipment to camp 2 (19,200 ft.) This camp is at the base of the Polish Glacier and will be our high camp.
Day nine of our expedition will consist of another camp move. This will set us up for our summit bid. Once at Camp 2 (19,200), we will again spend at least one full day eating, drinking, and resting in preparation for our summit day. This will be day 12 on the mountain.
On our summit day we will rise early for our climb to the summit. Our wake up time will vary depending on weather and team dynamics. No matter what time we rise, this will be a very demanding day both physically and mentally. If the weather is not ideal, or more acclimatization time is needed, two contingency days are built into the schedule.
Once we have summated, we will descend back to our base camp at Plaza Argentina where the once thin air will seam thick! We will spend a night and begin our trek out. If all goes as scheduled and there are no delays, we will spend New Years eve in Mendoza celebrating our achievement with a traditional Argentinean party.
From here we will pack our duffles and begin to make our way back to the airport and our individual homes. What an adventure.!
Price Includes
- Guide fees including our Mexican support staff
- Transport from airport to hotel in Mendoza
- Accommodations in Mendoza
- Accommodations in Penetenties
- Mule support to Plaza de Mulas (base camp) and back to trailhead
- Ground transportation
- Group equipment including stoves, cooking fuel, technical climbing equipment, equipment, first aid kits, radios
- Meals while on the mountain
Price Does Not Include
- Visa fees
- Items of personal nature
- Individual travel costs, delays, etc.
- Excess baggage fees
- Personal clothing or gear
- Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks
- Hotels before and after trip
- Recommended Travel/trip cancelation insurance
- Guide/ Staff gratuities
