Aconcagua from 5000 m

This program will make you feel the emotion of high altitude and will allow you to view the most imposing walls of the highest peak of America, taking you to the summit of Mount Bonete at 5000 m, which besides withholding its own grandeur, constitutes a priviledged scenario from where you can contemplate an extraordinary vastness and singular beauty, surrounding the Aconcagua.

Schedule

Day 1: Trek to Confluencia Camp.

After the group meeting in Penitentes we will be transported to Horcones. This day we go to the entrance of the Aconcagua Park . We arrive to Horcones, the entrance to Aconcagua Park , where we check our entrance tickets with the Park Rangers. From there we get to see the first sight of the Aconcagua and start trekking for 4 to 5 hours, going around the Horcones River through the Valley of the same name, until we arrive to Camp Confluence at 3500 m. The INKA Expeditions staff will be waiting for us with a comforting refreshment and we can rest until dinner.

Day 2: Breakfast and trekking to Plaza Francia.

On our second day at the park we walk for 4 or 5 hours to Plaza Francia, 4200 m, bordering the Inferior Horcones River , seeing the transformation process of the water from fresh snow on the high peaks to different glacier forms, until it converts into a turbulent river. We can finally enjoy the spectacular scenery the Southern wall of the Aconcagua shows us, with its almost 3000 m vertical, hanging glaciers, channels and avalanches. It is a magnificient view you will never forget. In the afternoon we return to Confluence for dinner and rest.

Day 3: Approach from Confluence to Plaza de Mulas

This day begins early. After going through the last vegetation areas, we cross the "Playa Ancha", a deserted and very windy valley, formed by erosion of the large ancient glaciers. We climb little by little, while we go through the Superior Horcones Valley , overcoming the obstacles the Horcones River offers us. At the end of the walk, after 8 or 9 hours and after climbing the "Cuesta Brava", a large slope, we arrive at Plaza de Mulas, our base camp at 4250 m. At the camp we meet up with our personal equipment, the rest of the geear and the INKA Expeditions staff, there to assure us a comfortable stay.

Day 4: Rest in Plaza de Mulas

At Plaza de Mulas, we use this day to rest. This is a good oportunity to get to know the Camp, take a shower and explore the outskirts. We have meetings with the guide and a medical check up. It is also the moment you can get to know your expedition mates, from other parts of the world and the staff working at the camps. The sunset is a magnificent explosion of colors, and it reflects on the western wall of the Aconcagua.

Day 5: Ascent to Bonete Hill (4900 m)

Breakfast. Ascent to Bonete Hill (4900 m) through terrain easy. This hill offers a spectacular view of base camp Plaza de Mulas and of the gigantic western face of the Aconcagua . We have a delicious lunch on the way. Return to Base Camp for dinner and rest in tents. Trekking duration: 6 hs.

Day 6: Descent from Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes

This day we walk for approximately 7 hs, on the way to Horcones where INKA Expedition vehicles pick us up to take us to Penitentes, passing through the Mountain Climber Cemetery and Puente del Inca point of extraordinary value because of its historic culture, geomorphology and thermal waters. Private transport to Penitentes. End of trek.

Equipment

Sunglasses, flashlight and spare batteries, 1 o 2 lt canteen, sun hat, wool cap, warm gloves, trekking shoes, resting shoes, two or three pairs of socks, jogging suit or sport clothes, sweater or pile sweatshirt, warm jacket (waterproof), shorts, sunscreen, bandana, warm sleeping bag, insulated mat, 40 lt backpack.

Services Included

• Private transport to and from Pentitentes-Horcones.
• All meals during trekking.
• Meal tents with cook, tableware, tables, stools.
• Trekking guide.
• Lodging in tents with insulated mats.

Services not included

• Park entrance permits
• Personal equipment
• Sleeping bag
• Mules for load transportation