Trekking around the Aconcagua

General Description

A unique opportunity for those who long to stand on the mighty Aconcagua Mountain, the highest mountain outside Asia, without having to climb it. This trek circumnavigates the Aconcagua and reaches 5,795 mts / 19,000ft, at Nido de Condores. We cross broad Central Andes valleys and enjoy majestic altitude skies' sunsets, surrounded of guardian peaks. The first contact with the "Stone Sentinel"will undoubtedly be a great moment in your life.

Itinerary

Day 1-
Arrival in Mendoza Airport, gear check, permits purchase and transfer to the hotel in Puente del Inca at 8,900 ft.

Day 2-
Transfer to Punta de Vacas and hike to Pampa de Lenas at 10,100 ft with mules assistance. Overnight in Camp. (LD)

Day 3-
Hike to Casa de Piedra at 11,800 ft with mules assistance. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 4-
Hike to Guanacos route Base Camp at approximately 14,000 ft with mules assistance. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 5-
We shuttle loads to Camp 1 of the Guanacos route and hike back. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 6-
Hike to Camp 1 at aprox. 15,000 ft. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 7-
Shuttle loads to Camp 2 on the Guanacos route and hike back. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 8-
Hike to Camp 2 at aprox 16000 ft. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 9-
Traverse and ascend to reach Nido de Condores Camp in the regular route of Aconcagua. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 10-
Descent to Plaza de Mulas and dinner at the Plaza de Mulas Hotel. Overnight in Camp. (BLD)

Day 11-
Hike to Puente del Inca. The mules carry the loads. Overnight in hotel. (BLD)

Day 12-
Transfer to Mendoza. Farewell lunch and transfer to the airport. (B)

Extension

A holiday in Argentina should include a visit of one of the Estancias (ranch), the most representative feature of Argentinean way of life, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the "gauchos" traditions and culture and appreciate their dexterity in cattle and horse gathering. This is also a unique occasion to taste the world wide famous "asado de carne" (Argentinean barbecue) while enjoying the local music and dance and the excellent Mendoza wine.
We recommend Estancia Chateau d'Ancon, only 45 minutes from Mendoza, set in the heart of the famous Mendoza vineyards and facing the Tupungato Volcano (6000 metres).
Wine aficionados may also enjoy a stay in a Bodega (Argentinean version of Frech "Chateau") and learn more about wine industry in Argentina

General Information and Price

Rated: Moderate. This trek is suitable for both, the novice and experienced trekker who want to experience high altitude for the first time or want to experience this mountain a bit more leisurely.


We have mules support to carry loads the first three days and the last day of the trip to help acclimatization.
We include a porter to take our group gear to Camp 1. Extra personal porters can be hired at base camp.

Fixed Departure dates
December 28, 2005
Other dates will be opened in January and February 2005 depending on requests

Tour Tariff
	Per person
USD	$ 1835
EUR	1523
GBP	1028

(*) Price last updated on 30 October 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .



Permits (valid for 7 days after entering the park):
From November 15 till November 30 - USD 30.- per person.
From December 01 till December 14 - USD 40.- per person.
From December 15 till January 31 - USD 50.- per person.
From February 01 till February 20 - USD 40.- per person.
From February 21 till March 15 - USD 30.

Included:
All ground transfers from airport
Lodging and camping
All expedition meals
Packing mules
Group gear: tents, first aid kits, communication devices, GPS and kitchen gear.
The participant-guide ratio will be around 4:1, depending on the group size, usually groups of 3 to 10 people.

Not included: Sleeping bags and pads, trekking permits, showers in Plaza de Mulas and other non-specified locations,other meals and drinks outside camps