Aconcagua (Horcones Route)

Aconcagua (Horcones Route)


From £4,750
Altitude 6,962m Grade: 1C

The Horcones Route on Aconcagua is regarded as the easiest and most straight forward route to the summit. Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern and Western hemispheres, the second highest of the Seven Summits and the world’s highest summit outside of the Himalaya.

Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern and Western hemispheres, the second highest of the Seven Summits and the world’s highest summit outside of the Himalaya.

In 2024-25 Adventure Peaks will again be offering Aconcagua climbs via the Vacas Valley Route known as the ‘False Polish Route or Aconcagua 360’ and also the ‘Horcones Valley Normal Route’.

What is the difference and how do I choose?

The Vacas Valley Route known as the False Polish Route from the east is a much less frequented and more beautiful route. The team climbs the mountain from one side of the mountain to high camp and the summit before descending the normal Horcones route on the other side of the mountain, giving you a far better experience away from the crowds. This route is worth the extra cost and provides more summit days!

The Horcones Route is regarded as the easiest and most straight forward route to the summit. It is the most direct and cost-effective route where the distance and times between camps are shorter and much steeper averaging 4-5 hrs. Unfortunately, it is not the most scenic route and a lot more crowded.

The Adventure Peaks Expeditions provides you with the very best opportunity for you to climb Aconcagua. It is well organized to give you the best chance to succeed in safety with a high level of comfort. We are high mountain specialists who have been operating Aconcagua for 24 years, hence our success levels. We do not compromise on the number of days and have a well refined program giving more summit days than most others who often fail due to bad weather on their limited summit days.

Trip Comparison - Please double check the dates and prices section for the current price

Vacas Valley False Polish Route 2024/25Horcones Valley Normal Route 2024/25

Expedition Cost (Land only/No Flight) £5,150
(early booking discount £200 = £4,950)

Permit Fee (subject to variation) $950 = £760

Expedition Cost (Land only/No Flight) £4,750
(early booking discount £200 = £4,550)

Permit Fee (subject to variation)$800 = £640

Why climb Aconcagua with Adventure Peaks

  • 24 years of guiding Aconcagua with client success close to 100%. In 2019 all 7 of our expedition reached the summit.
  • Up to 5 days for a summit attempt.
  • We use strong and specialist Expedition leaders on a high guiding ratio, 1:4 ratio between BC and C3, then 1:3 on summit Day. Maximum 12 clients.
  • Adventure Peaks plans and organises its own expeditions with a regular Adventure Peaks Leader, supported by additional local guides. Adventure Peaks are High Altitude Specialists and not just a trekking company. Unlike many we are not re-selling someone else’s trip.
  • High Quality Base camp services with exceptional food, Communal tent at camp 1 & 2 and a cook tent at camp 3.
  • Quality food. Our guides prepare meals at each camp using a variety of ingredients, avoiding the use of freeze dry food.
  • Porters for the removal of the groups rubbish and human waste.
  • High-altitude porters carry group equipment.

Previous experience/fitness

The climb up Aconcagua is non-technical. It is suitable for mountain walkers with previous winter walking experience. The route may be dry or may have a solid covering of snow and ice. Clients should have prior experience climbing to around 5500m before attempting Aconcagua. Previous experience of camping, as well as carrying loads of 14kg (or pay additional porterage), would be advantageous even though porters carry all group equipment. Summit day is long and tiring, ascending from 5950m at high camp to the 6962m summit. This could take 8-10 hours to ascend and 2-3 hours to descend. You should make sure you are fit and used to long mountain days. We offer optional pre-expedition training weekends and have a permanent UK office with staff who have climbed Aconcagua many times before and can offer on-going training advice.

Weather conditions

It can be very hot in Mendoza and on the walk in to basecamp. Wearing shorts and t-shirts with sun hats and plenty of suncream is the norm, however there can also be torrential rain on the walk in so full waterproofs are also essential. From basecamp upwards there can be heavy snowfall, and from Camp 1 up the wind can cause severe wind chill. At high camp and on summit day the temperature can drop to -20 Celsius, so down jackets, good mitts and double boots are essential.

Dates & Prices

Show prices in
All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

Dates
Flight Inclusive
AvailabilityDays
With Flight
Price
Land Only
Price
With Flight
Select
23rd Nov 2024 - 15th Dec 2024
£300 Special Price on Next Booking
Guaranteed23 £4,750
£4,450
£6,250
£5,950
Book Now
21st Dec 2024 - 12th Jan 2025 Guaranteed23 £4,750£6,250 Book Now
11th Jan 2025 - 2nd Feb 2025 Guaranteed23 £4,750£6,250 Book Now
1st Feb 2025 - 23rd Feb 2025 Spaces23 £4,750£6,250 Book Now
15th Nov 2025 - 7th Dec 2025
£400 Early Booking Discount On Next 3 Places
Spaces23 £4,750
£4,350
£6,250
£5,850
Book Now
20th Dec 2025 - 11th Jan 2026
£400 Early Booking Discount On Next 3 Places
Spaces23 £4,750
£4,350
£6,250
£5,850
Book Now
10th Jan 2026 - 1st Feb 2026
£400 Early Booking Discount On Next 3 Places
Spaces23 £4,750
£4,350
£6,250
£5,850
Book Now
31st Jan 2026 - 22nd Feb 2026
£400 Early Booking Discount On Next 3 Places
Spaces23 £4,750
£4,350
£6,250
£5,850
Book Now

* A deposit of £400 will be required at checkout.

Extras

Extras can be added per-person when you book onto a date

ItemPrice
Aconcagua Private Guide Summit Night £1,300
Aconcagua Horcones Valley Permit £840

* A deposit of £200 (or the full extra price, whichever is lower) will be required at checkout for each extra added per-person on this trip

What's Included

  • ATOL Bonded with a permanent UK based office for your financial security
  • Estimated International flights from London (Flight inclusive package)
  • The very best combination of Expedition leadership; A UK Expedition Leader and a regular team of local Argentinian mountain guides to give a 1:3(4) ratio for your climb. Maximum 9 or 10 clients
  • 2 nights hotel acommodation in Mendoza and 1 night in Penitentes or Uspallata on a B&B basis
  • Communication equipment - Satellite telephone to maintain links with our UK office and to receive vital weather forecasts. VHF Radios to allow communication between our groups on the mountain and BC
  • Free internet at basecamp (limitations apply).
  • High quality food, our guides prepare meals above BC using a variety of ingredients, to avoid the use of freeze dried food
  • Group Dome Tent at Camp 1 and 2, cook tent at 3
  • All tents and other communal equipment necessary for the climb.
  • Medical First Aid supplies.
  • High-altitude porters carry group equipment (tents, stoves, shovels and fuel)
  • Rubbish and Human Waste taken down by Porters
  • Group Leaders and Porters position tents.
  • 3-4 days set aside for a summit attempt
  • Private road transfer Mendoza to the mountain and back
  • 2 Group Airport Transfer between Mendoza Airport and hotel (excluding if joining land only)
  • All team members will receive a free logoed gift
  • 15% discount off the RRP for equipment and clothing purchased at our Adventure Peaks shops and online

What's Excluded

  • Travel to and from UK airport (unless otherwise specified).
  • Personal climbing clothes and equipment.
  • National Park Permit, approx £650 for High Season. Variable according to season and exchange rate.
  • Drinks and hotel or guest house meals, unless specified.
  • Personal medical supplies and personal use of communication equipment.
  • Excess baggage.
  • Tips for porters and local guides.
  • Costs associated with an expedition finishing early.
  • Costs associated with you leaving an expedition early.
  • Costs associated with extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances.
  • Transfers to and from Mendoza airport if flights NOT booked with Adventure Peaks

Itinerary

Days 1-2

International flight arriving day 2. Hotel in Mendoza (H,B on day 2)

Day 3

Wasting no time in Mendoza we complete the permit formalities before travelling overland into the mountains and to Penitentes or Uspallata, a drive of about four hours. Here you organise your gear in readiness for the mules and our walk into base camp. Hotel, (H,B)

Day 4

From Los Penitentes, we make our way to the Horcones Valley (2950m) for the start of the trek to Confluencia (3395m) where we spend the night. A walk of about 4hrs. (C,B,L,D)

Day 5

Today is an acclimatisation day where we trek to Plaza de Francia (c4000m), before returning to Confluencia for the night. You will get your first clear view of the imposing south face of Aconcagua. Climbing high sleeping low is important (C,B,L,D)

Day 6

Today we trek to our base camp at Plaza de Mulas (4360m). This is a tough 8-hour day with 1000m of ascent. We will now fully appreciate our previous rest and acclimatisation. Base Camp is well set up with excellent food awaiting (C,B,L,D)

Day 7

Rest Day, acclimatisation and preparations for the climb. Showers available! Base Camp 4360m, (C,B,L,D)

Day 8

A second acclimatisation day where we trek up with a day sac to Bonete Peak (5004m). Great views of our route up Aconcagua. 5-6 hrs walking 550m ascent (C,B,L,D)

Day 9

Rest and acclimitisation day in base camp. (C,B,L,D)

Day 10

Today our real work starts as we climb up to camp 1 at Plaza Canada (c5000m), taking most of our food (about 8kg) as an acclimatisation walk. We rest for a while and then take a further walk without a load up towards camp 2 (Nido de Condores) at 5400m. Depending on conditions you could be walking on good neve or scree; the altitude will make both feel much steeper. You will return to base camp to aid rest. Climbing high and sleeping low is essential for acclimatisation in these early stages; you will feel much stronger in the longer term. Overnight Plaza de Mulas 5-6 hrs walking 650-1100m ascent (C,B,L,D)

Day 11

Acclimatisation day and final preparation in base camp. (C,B,L,D)

Day 12

Today we move up with personal gear to Camp 1. Camp 4900m. (C,B,L,D)

Day 13

Climb to camp 2 (Nido de Condores) with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight Nido de Condores 5400m (C,B,L,D)

Day 14

Rest Day and preparation to go up to Camp Camp Colera. Overnight Camp 2. (C,B,L,D)

Day 15

Move Nido de Condores to Camp Colera 5970m, our launching platform for the summit bid. When the team and weather is ready to make a summit bid we will move up to Colera ready to make the attempt the following day. Porters move group equipment. Camp, Colera. (C,B,L,D)

Summit Days 16-19

The team has 3 or 4 days in which to reach the summit leaving spare time in case of bad weather, however the summit will be attempted on the first day of good weather. Camp Colera or BC. (C,B,L,D)

Day 20

Today we descend from Camp Colera all the way back down to Plaza de Mulas or a fourth summit day. Camp, Plaza De Mulas. (C,B,L,D)

Day 21

Descend to Road Head. Drive to Mendoza Hotel, Celebration meal. (H,B,L)

Days 22-23

Return international flight. (B)

Kit

You will receive an Adventure Peaks 120 litre kitbag to use on your expedition and to keep afterwards. (Please buy a small padlock to lock the zips at all times). (If you are a non-UK client or have been on a trip with us before, you will receive a logoed top in lieu of a kitbag. Please let us know your top size.

Please ensure your 65-70 litre rucksack is such that equipment such as sleeping bags and mats can be placed inside, rather than hanging from the outside.

Aconcagua can be a very cold mountain therefore quality clothing, gloves and boots are essential for your own comfort and safety.

Boots – You will need double boots the best boots are the Boreal G1 Lite’s or La Sportiva G2.

Gloves – Down over-gloves/mitts with a normal glove as an inner are recommended.

Clothing – on summit day good quality insulated trousers and a down jacket are adequate. A down suit will be too warm.

All of the above items can be bought or hired from Adventure Peaks.  Clients receive a 15% discount when purchasing equipment and clothing from the shop.

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/



We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)

You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com

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