Climbing Expeditions

Aconcagua Expedition

(22,841’) Andes Range, Argentina
Days:19 January 5 - 23/February 8-26, 2009

Led by: Ryan Waters 

Skill Level Prerequisites:

Beginner and Intermediate

Cost of Trip:

- False Polish (Falso Polaces) $3,250 U.S.
- Trip begins in Mendoza, Argentina

Trip Description:

Cerro Aconcagua (6,992m) is the highest mountain in all of the Americas and another member of the 7 Summits, but this is just one of the draws of this magnificent Andean peak. Aconcagua offers mountaineers and adventurers alike, a chance to climb on a big mountain expedition for a relatively low cost and in a short amount of time.

We believe in maximizing our chances on the mountain, with conservative acclimatization, high staff to client ratios, and top-notch base camp services. We offer climbs on the False Polish Traverse (non technical) route. For many, this is the trip of a lifetime…for others it may be the first of many more high altitude adventures to come. Aconcagua is often the mountain that peaks the interest of those who would like to climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents.

Mountain Professionals is in a strategic position to offer the best combination of professional American and Argentine staff. We maintain a year round office in Argentina and can deliver personal attention to all expedition members beginning with your arrival to South America.

We utilize high quality tents, food, climbing gear and recognize the importance of the clients overall experience on and off the mountain. While on Aconcagua you will be climbing alongside our professional international mountain guides that maintain the highest safety standards and have climbed together to the summit of Aconcagua.

Projected Itinerary:

False Polish Route

Day 1:
Arrive in Mendoza. Met by Mountain Professionals staff, transport to stay in hotel.

Day 2:
Sort Gear and visit the Permit Office in Mendoza, private transport to Pentitentes (2720 meters) sleep in hotel.

Day 3:
Drive to Punta de Vacas. Walk 8 kilometers to Las Lenas (2700m). Easy trail walking; mules carry baggage. Camping.

Day 4:
Walk 18 kilometers to Casa de Piedra (3200m). Easy trail walking; mules carry baggage. Camping.

Day 5:
Walk 15 kilometers to basecamp, "Plaza Argentina" (4200m). Steep trail walking; mules carry baggage. Camping.

Day 6:
Rest in basecamp.

Day 7:
Carry loads for acclimatization safety to Camp 1 (5000m). Walking on scree and through melted ice mixed with rocks. 4-6 hour hike. Return to basecamp.

Day 8:
Rest day in basecamp.

Day 9:

Return to Camp 1.

Day 10:
Carry loads for acclimatization safety to Camp 2 (5900m). Walking on scree and through melted ice mixed with rocks. 6-7 hour hike. Return to Camp 1.

Day 11:
Return to Camp 2.

Day 12:
Rest in Camp 2; prepare for summit attempt.

Day 13:
Climb Traverse to connect with normal route at Independencia to Summit (6962m). Descend via Normal Route and traverse back to Camp 2.

Day 15-16:
These extra days are allowed for inclement weather and perfect acclimatization, as well as for multiple ascents of the mountain.

Day 17:
Descend to Plaza Argentina.

Day 18:
Descend to Punta de Vacas. Transport to Pentitentes hotel.

Day 19:
Return to Mendoza in transport and have celebration dinner, stay in hotel

Price Includes:

• Transfer from Mendoza airport or bus terminal to and from hotel
• Hotels in Mendoza (twin sharing) including breakfast and welcome dinner
• Transfer to and from Aconcagua Park Gate
• Mountain Professionals guides
• Assistant guides and cooks
• Mules for group and personal gear to and from BC
• All meals on mountain
• Camping equipment including tents, tables, and chairs
• Group climbing equipment

Price Does Not Include:

• Items of personal nature, individual travel costs, delays, taxis, etc.
• Personal Argentina entry visas if applicable
• Personal Climbing Permit Fee
• Recommended Travel Insurance
• Personal clothing or gear
• Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks
• Staff gratuities

Please contact Mountain Professionals at admin@mtnprofessionals.com

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