ACONCAGUA, ARGENTINA (6962 meters / 22,840 feet)

7 SUMMITS SOUTH AMERICA

The name Aconcagua, “Stone Sentenal”, captures what this enormous mountain is all about. Aconcagua rises to a stunning 6962m, spanning the Chilean and Argentine borders, and gazes sternly down onto both countries below. Aconcagua is the highest peak outside the Himalayas and is the highest peak in the Americas, deeming it one of the coveted Seven Summits. The non-technical nature of the climb makes Aconcagua an attainable goal for any climber who is fit, motivated and ready for a challenge.

Since its first non-native ascent in 1896, Aconcagua has drawn thousands of climbers from all over the world to test themselves on its slopes. For good reason, the climb is scenic, relatively low in objective hazard and offers a chance to meet and mingle with fellow climbers from all over the world. An additional bonus to climbing Aconcagua is the time spent in the colorful city of Mendoza, a perfect place from which to launch an expedition. Here you will find Plenty of restaurants serving the delicious world famous Argentine steak, flavorful micro-breweries, museums, and of course fantastic wine tasting all at your finger tips!

The route we ascend is the"Normal" route which follows the North West ridge to the summit. The route is non-technical but still demands a very high level of physical fitness.

Difficulty: Strenuous
Total nights in the mountains: 15 Itinerary length Mendoza to Mendoza: 19 days

ACONCAGUA 19 DAY ITINERARY

DAY:	ACTIVITY:
1	Arrive in Mendoza, pick up at the airport and transport to hotel. Trip meeting and clothing & gear review that evening. Enjoy some fine Argentine steak during the welcome dinner.
2	After breakfast walk to the Park office to purchase permits for the climb and then to town to buy any last minute necessities for the trip. At 1:00pm we load all of our gear into the van and enjoy a 3 hour drive to the town of Penitentes (8,900 feet) located just a few minutes from the trail head for Aconcagua. Check into the hotel and enjoy one final night of comfortable beds!
3	A short transport takes us to the trail head of Aconcagua where we get the first views of the mountain itself! The mules carry all our equipment, leaving us to carry only our essentials for the days hike. About 4 hours of hiking takes us up the Horcones Valley to the Confluencia Campsite, (3320m / 11,450 feet) where we set up camp for the night.
4	We stay at the Confluencia Camp for acclimatization purposes and take a day hike to the Plaza Francia (4000m / 12,800 feet) where we have stunning views of the Massive South Face of Aconcagua. Return to Confluencia for the night.
5	A big day of hiking! 14 miles takes us to Base Camp called “Plaza de Mulas” (4,360m / 14,300 feet) Set up camp and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding Glaciers and peaks!
6	Rest / acclimatization day at Plaza de Mulas.
7	Load up for a carry to Camp 1 known as Plaza Canada (5,000m / 16,400 feet). The trail winds through scree and some snow to take us to a lofty camp overlooking the valley with views of the summit of the mountain. We leave our equipment there and return to base camp for the night.
8	Rest day in Base camp
9	Pack up our tents and return to Camp 1. Spend the night there.
10	Load up for a carry to Camp 2 called “Nido de los Condores” (Nest of the Condors, 5,500m), about 4 hours up and 1 hour back down to Camp 1. Spend the night at Camp 1.
11	Return to Camp 2. Spend the night there.
12	Rest/ Acclimatization day at Camp 2
13	Ascend to Camp 3 (5,900m / 19,400 feet) about a 4 hour hike. Camp at Camp 2.
14-16	Summit days! Due to unpredictable weather, need for additional acclimatization, 3 days have been allotted for the summit.
17	Descend down to Base Camp.
18	Hike out to the trail head and sped the night in the hotel in Penitentes.
19	Transport back to Mendoza. Celebration Banquet at one of the finest restaurants in town!

SERVICES INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED

Trip Includes:

   *    Airport pick-up in Mendoza
   *    2 night's lodging in Mendoza (day 1/19) - Hotel Montanas Azules (www.mazules.com.ar)
   *    1 night's lodging in Penetentes
   *    Professional, English speaking guide
   *    3 healthy meals a day during the wilderness components of the trip
   *    Welcome dinner in Mendoza, Celebration banquet after trip
   *    Private Transportation between Mendoza and the trailhead
   *    Mule support up and down from Basecamp
   *    Sleeping tents
   *    Base camp dining tents
   *    First aid kit stocked for wilderness expeditions
   *    Satellite Phone
   *    Oximeter
   *    VHF Radio
   *    Client to Guide ratio of 4:1

Not Included:

   *    International flights to/from Mendoza and applicable airport taxes
   *    Personal clothing and equipment (see gear list)
   *    All food during in-town days with the exception of the Welcome Dinner & Celebration Banquet
   *    Climbing permit (approx $350-$400 USD depending upon exchange rate and season)
   *    5 freeze dried dinners (for easy re-hydration above camp 2 - see details below **)
   *    Power snacks (Cliff Bars, Gu, Balance, Etc)
   *    Tips and gratuities
   *    Any costs incurred by travel delays, lost or delayed luggage, or for any other reason
   *    Miscellaneous personal costs off the mountain
   *    Incidental personal expenditures, including emergency evacuations, extra nights in hotels, and medical expenditures
   *    Travel, Personal, and/or medical / evacuation insurance

** Stoves will be provided to make hot water for dinners above camp 2. Participants are required to bring 5 evening-time meals, recommended brands are "Mountain House", "Backpackers Pantry" "Richmor Natural High", Mary Janes Farm Organic", that they can easily hydrate and eat for dinner. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

CLIMBING REQUISITES / PORTER SUPPORT

Climbing Requisites:

Basic mountaineering skills are required for this climb. Expedition members must all be comfortable using crampons, ice axe and know how to execute the self arrest position. The route is non technical but weather conditions can move in quickly and create scenarios where an ice axe may be employed. Expedition members must all be in very good physical condition. The Aconcagua climb is much more physically demanding then the climb up Kilimanjaro. While porter support is available between the high camps and can be contracted by individual expedition members who wish, members must be able to carry their own personal effects plus their portion of group equipment up to 5900m while still maintaining energy to climb the following day if need be.

Porter Support:

Porters are available to carry your gear between all the higher camps leaving you to carry only your daily essentials. Porters can be contracted at base camp for $120 USD between each camp with a load of 20kg. We will be happy to help arrange a porter on the mountain if and when you need.

DATES AND PRICE:

Aconcagua:	January 4-22, 2010	Price per Person:
	February 2-20, 2010	$3630 USD (4 person minimum)
		$3145 (6+ participants)
		** Maxium Group Size of 9