A Detailed Guide to the High Andes Aconcagua Mountain Tour in Mendoza

Are you looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure while visiting Mendoza, Argentina? Central and Northern Argentina boast some of the highest peaks in the world. If you’re searching for a thrilling guided Mount Aconcagua experience, the High Andes Aconcagua trek is just what you need. Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. The towering mountain stands at a staggering 22,837ft and is located in the Argentine province of Mendoza. The mountain lies within the Andes mountain range in the very heart of South America. The High Andes Aconcagua trek takes you on an adventure from Mendoza, Argentina’s second largest city, up to the summit of Aconcagua. Mt. Aconcagua is a challenging climb that requires a lot of physical and mental endurance. This epic two-week trek draws thousands of experienced mountaineers from around the world each year who seek breathtaking views and a truly rewarding experience.

What You Need to Know About Trekking to Mt. Aconcagua

If you’re planning a mountaineering trip to Argentina’s iconic peak, there are several important details you should know before you go.

The High Altitude

Mt. Aconcagua lies at an elevation of 22,837ft. Because of the high altitude, this trek is a physically and mentally demanding experience ideal for advanced and expert hikers who have previous experience climbing mountains. At this altitude, even experienced mountaineers have to be prepared for some particularly challenging conditions such as freezing temperatures, strong winds, and reduced oxygen. If you’re not adequately prepared for this extreme environment, you could face serious altitude sickness-related issues that can lead to severe complications and even death if left untreated. Be aware that Aconcagua also has some very specific regulations regarding group sizes and climbing routes dictate that during peak season, December through mid-January and mid-February through March, all climbers must be organized in groups with a minimum size of four people. Be sure to raise this point when booking your tour.

Tour Preparation

In order to start preparing for a successful climb up Aconcagua, you must ensure that you have all necessary permits and a guide before even beginning your journey to Mendoza. There are several agencies that offer mountain treks to the summit of Mount Aconcagua and getting in contact with one of them will ensure that your adventure is safe, organized, and well-equipped. Food and medical supplies are provided but ensuring that you are in the best health possible before starting your journey is paramount. If you’re not used to the physical strain of trekking in high altitudes, regular cardio is recommended prior to embarking on your adventure. Additionally, packing warm gear such as jackets, gloves, hats and layers to keep warm during your ascent is also essential to your comfort and biological processes in high altitude environments.

What Does The High Andes Aconcagua Tour Entail?

The suggested itinerary for the High Andes Aconcagua trek usually takes around ten days from pick-up from the airport in Mendoza all the way up to the summit and back down again. The tour starts with a two-day drive out to Penitentes ski resort where climbers can spend one full day learning how to use technical climbing gear and adjusting to higher altitude before making your ascent up Mount Aconcagua. As climbers ascend further up the mountain, you’ll have plenty of time to explore its geography and unique views of the snow capped mountain ranges. The itinerary then includes progressively stopping at a number of pre-planned campsites as you make your way up the mountain before reaching your ultimate destination: the summit of Mt. Aconcagua. From there, it’s simply time to savor your accomplishment, take pictures, and take in awe-inspiring views before beginning your descent back down the mountain back to Penitentes Ski Resort for a two-day return drive back to Mendoza.

Other Activities

Other activities are usually included during the tour like snowmobiling, rappelling, and easy rock climbing depending on your group’s physical capabilities and preferences. Tour companies tend to provide guides who can provide a safe and enjoyable tour in these activities should they be desired.

What Should You Look For In a Tour Company?

When shopping around for a guided tour you should look for a company that offers all necessary equipment including but not limited to; two-way radio communication, GPS systems for tracking location during inclement weather, oxygen tanks and climbers will also need full technical gear such as ice ax, helmets and crampons depending on weather conditions at that particular time of year. Experienced guides should be certified by international standards, should know how to select and set up campsites with proper equipment and should be knowledgeable about emergency preparedness on high altitude treks. Your tour company should also offer affordable prices for high-quality service, personalized customer service as well as a packing list with appropriate gear for your particular destination as well as a detailed individualized itinerary that isn’t overly or not restricted enough or flexible according to weather conditions. A great option when looking for an unforgettable experience including all these elements is the High Andes Aconcagua Trek, offered by GetYourGuide in Mendoza. Their dynamic packages have no limits in terms of adventure activities included such as mountaineering and rappelling while offering plenty of opportunities to give back to local communities through charity drives while at it. They are experts in providing high quality services from the comfort of their Mendoza offices through their experienced personnel on the ground in Argentina. Put yourself in the hands of their passionate and skilled local guides for one of the best outdoor experiences in all of South America! Book your High Andes Aconcagua Trek today for an “once-in-a-lifetime’ journey up this impressive mountain!