Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside Asia and the highest peak in the Americas, stands at 6,961 metres in the Andes of Argentina. The Normal Route offers a challenging high-altitude expedition that tests endurance, resilience and sound mountain judgement.
The ascent involves long trekking days, progressive acclimatization, load carries and extended stays at high camps. Although the Normal Route is generally considered non-technical in favourable conditions, extreme altitude, strong winds, freezing temperatures and a demanding summit day make this a serious mountaineering objective.
This expedition is suited to experienced high-altitude trekkers and mountaineers with excellent physical fitness, a disciplined approach to preparation and the ability to manage prolonged exertion in challenging conditions.
Note: Prices mentioned are applicable for Indian passport holders. For foreign passport holders, the cost may vary. Please connect with the Boots & Crampons team for clarity.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the expedition. Signing it is mandatory.
Arrive in Mendoza and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore the city. Meet the expedition leader and fellow participants for an initial briefing.
Complete the required permit formalities before travelling approximately three hours to Puente del Inca, at around 2,700 m. Settle into the hotel and prepare your equipment for the approach trek.
Transfer to the Horcones entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park for permit checks. Mules transport the designated expedition loads as you begin the approach trek to Confluencia, your first mountain camp. Walking time is approximately 2.5–3.5 hours.
Spend the day acclimatizing with a trek towards the Horcones Glacier and views of Aconcagua’s impressive South Face. Return to Confluencia camp for the night.
Trek through the Horcones Valley to Plaza de Mulas, the expedition’s base camp. This is a demanding day of approximately 7–8 hours, with a significant increase in altitude.
Take a recovery day at base camp to help your body adjust to the altitude. Rest, hydrate and prepare for the upcoming acclimatization climb.
Climb Cerro Bonete as part of the acclimatization programme, gaining valuable altitude before returning to Plaza de Mulas. Allow approximately 5–6 hours for the outing.
Carry designated equipment and supplies to Camp 1 before descending to Plaza de Mulas for the night. This load-carry day supports acclimatization and prepares for the higher camps.
Continue acclimatizing and review your equipment. The planned activity includes familiarization with boots and crampons and a guide-led briefing or demonstration, as conditions permit.
Ascend to Camp 1 with the remaining designated equipment. Maintain a steady pace, manage hydration and allow time to settle into camp at altitude.
Continue the ascent to Camp 2, carrying the designated equipment. The route gains altitude over rocky terrain, so a controlled pace and careful acclimatization are essential.
Spend the day resting at Camp 2 and allowing your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Use the time to hydrate, recover and prepare your equipment for the next stage of the ascent. The guide will assess the group’s condition and prevailing mountain conditions before proceeding.
Ascend to Colera, the final high camp before the summit attempt. On arrival, organize your equipment, hydrate and rest in preparation for the following day.
Set out early for the summit attempt via the Normal Route, passing Independencia and continuing towards the Canaleta and final summit ridge. This is an exceptionally demanding day, with progress dependent on weather, altitude, group condition and the guide’s assessment. Return to Colera if conditions permit.
Descend to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Organize your equipment for the return journey and recover after the high-camp ascent.
Descend to the park entrance, with mule support for the designated loads. Transfer back to Mendoza and check into your hotel.
Return to Mendoza according to the planned schedule, subject to the progress of the expedition. If the reserve day is required for a delayed summit attempt, the schedule and departure arrangements may be adjusted accordingly.
A reserve day is available for a delayed summit attempt if adverse weather or mountain conditions prevent the planned ascent. Its use is subject to the expedition leader’s assessment and the prevailing conditions. If the reserve day is not required, the expedition will proceed according to the confirmed departure arrangements.
Permits & Documentation
Mount Aconcagua climbing permit.
Accommodation
Two nights’ accommodation in Mendoza in a double-sharing room, including continental breakfast.
Transportation & Load Support
Transfer to Horcones Lake to begin the approach trek.
Mule support for designated expedition loads between Puente del Inca and Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, and on the return journey.
Meals
Three-course meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to the expedition schedule.
Meals at the high camps as specified in the itinerary.
Communication
Wi-Fi access at Base Camp.
Radio communication between the expedition team and Base Camp.
Guides & Expedition Support
High-mountain guide support at the stated participant-to-guide ratio of 3:1.
Expedition support above Base Camp, including tents, cooking equipment, fuel and food, as specified in the itinerary.
Additional Benefits
Exclusive discounts on Fast&Up products for participants.
International Travel & Visa
International flights to and from Argentina.
Visa fees and related documentation expenses, where applicable.
Personal Mountaineering Equipment
Personal climbing equipment, high-altitude clothing, sleeping bag and other individual gear.
Insurance & Medical Expenses
Personal travel and mountaineering insurance, including high-altitude rescue and evacuation coverage.
Medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation and repatriation costs.
Personal Expenses
Meals and refreshments not specified in the itinerary.
Personal purchases, laundry, phone calls, internet usage outside Base Camp Wi-Fi and other incidental expenses.
Additional Expenses
Extra accommodation, meals, transport or other costs arising from delays, itinerary changes or an extension beyond the included arrangements.
Tips & Gratuities
Tips for guides, mountain staff, mule handlers and other support personnel.
Other Exclusions
Any service, equipment, fee or expense not explicitly listed under Inclusions.
Please read carefully before registering.
Aconcagua demands sustained physical endurance, previous high-altitude experience and the ability to function in cold, windy conditions with limited comforts. Preparation should begin well in advance of departure.
1. Previous Experience
Previous high-altitude trekking or mountaineering experience is essential.
Participants should be comfortable with consecutive long days of walking, significant elevation gain and carrying a loaded backpack.
Familiarity with crampons and high-altitude camping is strongly recommended.
2. Cardiovascular Endurance
Build aerobic fitness through hiking, uphill walking, stair climbing, jogging or cycling.
Gradually increase training duration and intensity.
Practise long outings on consecutive days to prepare for sustained effort.
3. Strength & Load Carrying
Train your legs, glutes and core through squats, lunges, step-ups and other appropriate strength exercises.
Practise uphill walking with a weighted backpack, gradually increasing the load.
Include downhill training to prepare your legs for long descents.
4. Altitude & Mental Preparation
Understand the effects of altitude and the importance of gradual acclimatization.
Be prepared for cold, strong winds, fatigue, basic facilities and changing conditions.
Follow your guide’s instructions and respect decisions to rest, turn around or abandon a summit attempt.
5. Hydration, Nutrition & Recovery
Develop consistent hydration and nutrition habits during training.
Prioritize sleep and recovery between demanding sessions.
Discuss pre-existing medical concerns and fitness for high-altitude activity with a qualified healthcare professional.
Preparation timeline: Begin structured training several months before departure, adjusting the programme to your existing fitness and experience.
Good preparation improves readiness, comfort and safety, but cannot guarantee a summit.
For rental bookings and additional equipment support, visit our contracted business partner — Summit Yak Official Website
Mount Aconcagua stands at 6,961 metres and is the highest mountain in the Americas.
The programme is listed as 18 days, including the planned itinerary and a weather contingency day. Departure arrangements may change if the reserve day is required; please confirm the final schedule with the expedition team.
The Normal Route is generally considered non-technical in favourable conditions, but it is a serious high-altitude expedition. Extreme altitude, severe weather, long summit hours and challenging terrain require substantial preparation.
Previous high-altitude trekking or mountaineering experience is essential. Participants should have excellent endurance and be comfortable with long days, load carrying and basic mountain living.
The main climbing season is the Southern Hemisphere summer, broadly December to February. Exact departure dates depend on the expedition schedule and prevailing mountain conditions.
You should be able to sustain prolonged uphill walking, manage consecutive demanding days and carry a backpack over uneven terrain. A structured training programme should begin several months before departure.
The itinerary includes hotel accommodation in Mendoza and mountain camps along the route. Facilities become increasingly basic at altitude. Please refer to the inclusions for the exact accommodation arrangements covered by the package.
Meals are included according to the published inclusions and expedition schedule. Any meals or refreshments not specified in the package are the participant’s responsibility.
No. Personal mountaineering equipment, high-altitude clothing and a sleeping bag are listed under Exclusions. Check the packing list and speak with the expedition team about suitable equipment and rental options.
Participants should arrange appropriate travel and mountaineering insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude climbing, emergency rescue and evacuation. Check the policy wording and exclusions carefully before departure.
The Boots & Crampons team coordinates preparation and participant queries through the communication channels shared after registration. Briefings and Q&A sessions can be arranged according to the expedition schedule.
No. Summit attempts depend on weather, altitude, health, group condition and the guide’s assessment. Safety takes priority over reaching the summit, and the expedition leader may decide to turn back when necessary.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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