Aconcagua
22,841FT / 6,962M | ArgentinaClimbing Aconcagua
- Seven Summits
- Pack Weight: 20-55 LBS
- 16-21 Days
- Gallery
- Dates & Pricing
As the highest mountain outside of Asia, Aconcagua offers climbers the opportunity to embark on fully supported expedition-style ascent without the need for technical mountaineering skills. Considered one of the most accessible of the Seven Summits, Aconcagua provides an ideal introduction to high-altitude mountaineering. With more than three decades of experience on the mountain and multiple levels of support, Alpine Ascents offers climbers an exceptional opportunity to successfully summit this great peak.
Alpine Ascents has guided expeditions on Aconcagua since 1990, longer than almost any other outfitter. Our program reflects more than three decades of refinement and experience. Our President Todd Burleson personally oversees our seasonal base in Mendoza, providing a level of on-the-ground support that sets our program apart. Supported by a carefully selected guide team of American and certified Argentine guides and backed by a team summit success rate of more than 90%, Alpine Ascents’ Aconcagua program gives climbers a strong foundation for reaching the summit.
We offer three climbing options on Aconcagua: the Vacas Valley traverse, the Normal Route, and the Speed Ascent. Each is designed using the same commitment to quality, safety, and exceptional expedition support.
Key Components
Experience: One of Aconcagua’s original outfitters, we have more than 30 years of guiding experience on the mountain and a team summit success rate of 90%
Guide Team: Made up of experienced Alpine Ascents’ Seattle based guides and carefully selected certified Argentinean guides who have extensive knowledge of the mountain
Summit-Day Support: Supplemental oxygen available as needed
Mendoza Operations Base: Dedicated Alpine Ascents facility overseen by President Todd Burleson, providing an invaluable layer of on-the-ground support
Guide ratio: 3-to-1 climber-to-guide ratio on summit day, among the lowest on the mountain, with additional guides added as conditions warrant
Camp Infrastructure: Premium camps and equipment on both routes, including dome tents at all high camps on the Normal Route
Private Facilities: Exclusive-use bathrooms reserved for Alpine Ascents at all Normal Route high camps
Nutrition: Fresh, high-quality meals sourced locally in Mendoza, designed to support energy, recovery and acclimatization, with accommodations for dietary restrictions
Porter Support: Reduced pack weights through double carries on the Vacas Valley Route and porter support for group gear on the Normal Route; additional porters available on both routes
Extended itinerary: Both routes build in extra acclimatization days, giving teams time to adapt, wait out weather, and summit successfully
Connectivity: Wi-Fi access available at all camps for a fee (conditions permitting)
Pre-Expedition Preparation: Lead guide webinar available, with expert insight and preparation straight from our team
Gear Support: Full-service gear department for expert equipment support and rentals
Training Guidance: Individual pre-trip assessment and training plans
From start to finish, my Aconcagua experience was world class in every regard.
Our guides were remarkable leaders who offered the right mix of experience, expertise, and inspiration. Without them, there is no way that I and our other climbers would have successfully summited. I cannot overstate what tremendous assets they are to AAI and am so grateful for their leadership.
Overall the expedition was fabulous. I felt safe, cared for, and like I was set up for success on Aconcagua. The guides, admin team, and support staff were all delightful people who showed great Argentinian hospitality.
Everything was extremely well-organized and of high quality.
The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy sharing their skills and expertise with the group so we could be as safe and well-treated on the mountain as possible.
Everyone at Alpine Ascents was very welcoming, accommodating, knowledgeable, and kind.
I really appreciated the sense of community and kindness of people within the organization and our group. The experience was extremely high quality and I would/will recommend you guys to anyone interested in mountaineering.
The best guides I have ever had!
The perfect match and we all say that without them that it would have made it much more difficult to achieve the ultimate goal of summiting. Their personable communication skills were top notch!
3 distinct approaches for climbing the highest peak in the Americas.
Vacas Valley Route: A classic expedition we have offered since 1990, featuring a scenic and demanding crossing of the mountain, with three high camps above base camp and ample rest days for a true mountaineering experience.
Normal Route: A direct ascent featuring acclimatization hikes from a comfortable, well-appointed base camp, porter support, fewer camp moves, and a slightly less demanding schedule.
Speed Ascent: Introduced in the 2025-26 season, this approach uses pre-acclimatization technology that allows climbers to complete a full Aconcagua expedition in as few as 11 days (or 9 days with helicopter support).
The expedition was of the highest quality and professional standards
Our guides were excellent leaders that accommodated all skill levels and needs. They exhibited exceptional leadership during the easy and hard times of the expedition. Cleary they are passionate about their craft and excited to share their knowledge. They were also our friends when we needed them to be, and motivators when we needed it the most.
30 Years of Guiding on Aconcagua
Alpine Ascents has operated on Aconcagua for more than 30 years and was among the first companies to operate commercial guiding services on the mountain. During this time, we helped set guiding standards and pioneered waste-removal practices that contributed to preserving Aconcagua’s alpine environment.
Over the decades, our expeditions have achieved a team summit success rate of nearly 90%, with many expeditions seeing 100% of the team reach the summit. This record reflects the skill and dedication of our guides, our acclimatization program, as well as the teamwork and determination of our climbers.
Our guides are exceptionally experienced, well equipped, and supported by a full-time operations staff based in Mendoza to ensure every expedition is properly outfitted and managed. Combined with a proven acclimatization schedule and comprehensive pre-trip support, this depth of experience provides climbers with an exceptional opportunity to reach the summit of Aconcagua.
The Alpine Ascents Way
While not a technical climb, Aconcagua is often underestimated. Extreme altitude, challenging weather, and the physical demands of the expedition require careful preparation, a high level of personal care, sound judgment, and strong logistical support.
Alpine Ascents operates with one of the lowest guide-to-climber ratios on the mountain: one guide for every three climbers above base camp. We also offer options to add additional guides, porters, and supplemental oxygen, when appropriate, ensuring the highest level of safety, support, and summit success. Key logistics, such as food preparation, camp infrastructure, porter support, and itinerary design may seem secondary, but we know these details play a critical role in a successful and enjoyable climb. We also maintain manageable team sizes, unlike some outfitters that combine large groups with relatively few guides.
Over the past 30 years, we have refined a proven approach to acclimatization, expedition logistics, and mountain support. Both our Vacas Valley Traverse and Normal Route itineraries include additional acclimatization days, allowing climbers time to adapt to altitude, respond to changing weather, and maximize summit opportunities. Supported by an experienced guide team and a seasonal operations base in Mendoza, we can quickly respond to challenges that may arise during the expedition.
Our commitment to safety, guide quality, operational excellence, and customer service has made Alpine Ascents one of the most experienced and respected operators on Aconcagua.
Aconcagua’s Mountaineering History
As one of the famed Seven Summits, Aconcagua stands out as a must-climb peak for mountaineers around the world. Translating to “Stone Sentinel,” Aconcagua rises to 22,841 feet, making it the highest mountain in the Americas and the tallest peak outside Asia. This spectacular giant is surrounded by a range of stunning summits over 20,000 feet, and its lower slopes—reaching up to 13,000 feet—unfold into dramatic desert landscapes rich with unique flora and fauna.
What makes Aconcagua truly special is its combination of great height, accessibility, and cultural richness. It offers climbers the rare opportunity to experience the scale and challenge of a high-altitude expedition without requiring technical climbing skills. The mountain’s immense size, powerful weather, and sweeping Andean vistas create a sense of adventure rivaled only by the world’s most renowned mountaineering destinations.
Beyond its natural beauty and mountaineering appeal, Aconcagua holds deep cultural significance in Argentina, standing as a symbol of endurance and exploration.
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Local Impact
At Alpine Ascents, our commitment to responsible climbing and local engagement on Aconcagua runs deep.
We were the first outfitter on the mountain to implement a formal waste-removal system using WAG Bags, setting a new standard for Leave No Trace (LNT) practices. Today, all human waste from our expeditions is carried down from high camps by porters, transferred to base camp, and then transported by mule in lined barrels to the park entrance, where it is properly disposed. We hire local porters on the Vacas Valley Route to manage waste removal directly from camps, ensuring a cleaner environment and providing additional employment opportunities. Beyond environmental responsibility, Alpine Ascents maintains a strong partnership with our local outfitter and dedicated staff in Mendoza, offering unmatched logistical and on-the-ground support. This includes assisting with early departures, missing gear, lost luggage, hotel needs, and personalized transport—details that make a meaningful difference for our climbers and strengthen our connection with the local community.
Both the Vacas Valley and Normal Route take about 20 days after departing Mendoza, including acclimatization and weather days.
Alpine Ascents offers a Speed Ascent option via the Normal Route that takes 11 days on the mountain.
You fly into Mendoza, Argentina, with most people flying through Santiago, Chile.
There are 2 routes, the Normal Route and the Vacas Valley route, sometimes referred to as the Polish Variation or 360.
The Vacas Valley Route uses multiple carries to ascend the mountain and features a more scenic route with multiple pre-established camps above base camp and ample rest days.
For the Normal Route, we do our acclimatization in and around a comfortable, well-appointed basecamp rather than performing multiple carries as on the Vacas Valley Route. This route has a slightly less demanding schedule. From this basecamp, we ascend directly up the mountain to multiple pre-established camps.
The Normal Route offers porter support, fewer camp moves, and a slightly less demanding schedule than the Vacas Valley Route.
Aconcagua is located in Argentina on the border of Chile. It is the largest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.
Aconcagua, though not technical, is a very physically difficult mountain. We strongly recommend climbers complete prior climbs beyond Kilimanjaro for best success. A beginning mountaineering course such as our (Baker 6 Day), one of our Mt. Rainier or Mt. Baker summit climbs, or an equivalent climb will greatly help with trip readiness. Please note the Vacas Valley Route is the more physically demanding route due to the multiple carries and is generally for the more experienced climber.
While most of our teams reach the summit, climbers who depart early usually lack the necessary fitness or do not have the proper understanding of self care required.
Aconcagua, which translates as “Stone Sentinel,” is 22,841 feet / 6,962 meters, making it the highest mountain in the Americas and the highest mountain outside of Asia.
December through February are the months when the weather is most stable. Stormy conditions and high winds can occur any time of the year.
You need a complete high-altitude mountaineering layering system, double boots, and technical gear like crampons and an ice axe to climb Aconcagua.
For more information check out our gear list.
To prepare for Aconcagua, start training at least 6 months in advance with a focus on cardiovascular endurance, weighted pack training, and back-to-back long hikes. We are expecting climbers to ascend 1000-1200 feet in an hour with their full backpack.
For more informatioan read our training page and our blog.
Yes, porters for your personal gear can be hired for the Normal and Vacas Valley routes on Aconcagua.
Your Aconcagua pack weight will be 45-55 lbs for the Vacas Valley route and 35-45 on the Normal Route. Porters (at extra cost) can reduce this weight to 20lbs.
On Aconcagua supplemental oxygen is available for purchase on summit day for the Normal Route, and we carry oxygen for medical use on both routes.
Breakfast is typically oatmeal, cereal, granola, hot cornmeal, or pancakes. At Base Camp our breakfasts are more substantial and generally include toast and eggs as well as the former options.
Lunch on the trek generally consists of fresh sandwiches prepared by the guides, while at Base Camp, guides may make hamburgers or pizza from scratch.
Dinner may include such options as: pasta with pesto and fresh grated cheese, pad thai, macaroni and cheese and curried rice with chicken. One thing that sets us apart from many companies is that we do NOT provide freeze-dried meals in a bag.
Vegetarians and vegans as well as other specific dietary needs CAN be accommodated; please contact us should you have special food needs.
Find out more on our Planning page.
Alpine Ascents provides water prepared by boiling and/or with purification tablets during meals and longer rest stops. Climbers need to bring water purification drops or tablets to treat their own water during shorter breaks. Steri-Pens can be a nice addition to treatment drops/tablets but should not be your only water treatment tool.
Dome tents and shared 4 season tents are used. While in Mendoza we stay at high standard hotels, and in Penitentes we stay in a local lodge.
We have an evacuation plan for each mountain. All our guides are WFR and/or EMT certified. Climbers who need to descend early are escorted are assisted down the mountain (helicopters are an option) and transport back to Mendoza is organized by the guide team.
Additonal costs for our Aconcauga climb are listed on our Price & Policies page.
Acclimatization is built into the itinerary, so no prior acclimatization for Aconcagua is required except for our Speed Ascent.
Summit day is 12-14+ hours, with other days being 6-8+ hours of climbing.
At Alpine Ascents, our commitment to responsible climbing and local engagement on Aconcagua runs deep. We were the first outfitter on the mountain to implement a formal waste-removal system using WAG Bags, setting a new standard for Leave No Trace (LNT) practices. Today, all human waste from our expeditions is carried down from high camps by porters, transferred to base camp, and then transported by mule in lined barrels to the park entrance, where it is properly disposed. We hire local porters on the Vacas Valley Route to manage waste removal directly from camps, ensuring a cleaner environment and providing additional employment opportunities.
Alpine Ascents maintains a strong partnership with our local outfitter and dedicated staff in Mendoza, offering unmatched logistical and on-the-ground support. This includes assisting with early departures, missing gear, lost luggage, hotel needs, and personalized transport – details that make a meaningful difference for our climbers and strengthen our connection with the local community.
Guides:
Alpine Ascents uses a combination of highly regarded US and Argentinean-based guides. All guides are WFR and/or EMT certified.
