Cerro Aconcagua

Cerro Aconcagua (6959m), the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, lies just within Argentina, some 12 kilometres from the Chilean border. The itinerary is physically strenuous and a great challenge, but is not technically demanding. It is suitable for most adventurous people with a good level of physical fitness, and experience of trekking and camping in remote mountain areas.Our 17-day expedition begins in Mendoza. For Aconcagua, mules are used to transport food and climbing equipment to (and rubbish out from) the Plaza de Mulas base camp. Group members and guides carry a day pack only with their own up and down the mountain. We use a guide:client ratio of approximately 1:3 on Aconcagua, as the better the ratio the higher the chances of summit success for all. Groups ize is a maximum of 12 but is usually around 6 clients and 2 guides. For this programme, experience in the use of crampons and snow-shoes is not a requirement, but previous experience of backpacking and camping in winter conditions would be beneficial.