Aconcagua 6.962 m - 360 Route
The Aconcagua 360° Route is a complete traverse of the highest peak in the Americas (6,962 m / 22,841 ft). Starting via the scenic Vacas Valley and ascending through the Polish Approach and Ameghino Traverse, the route allows excellent acclimatization before descending the Normal Route through Horcones Valley. Over 19 days, climbers move through diverse terrain with strategic rest and acclimatization days, increasing summit success. It's a challenging yet rewarding expedition—perfect for experienced trekkers aiming to summit one of the Seven Summits.
Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival in Santiago, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. In the afternoon or evening, you'll meet your guides for a detailed briefing, go through a full gear check, and have time to address any last-minute questions. The day ends with a team dinner at a local restaurant.
Max Altitude: 650 m / 2,130 ft
Lodging: Hotel in Santiago
Day 2
After breakfast, we begin the drive northeast toward the Andes, crossing into Argentina via the Los Libertadores pass. We arrive in the small mountain outpost of Las Cuevas in the afternoon, where we organize mule loads and prepare for the start of the trek.
Max Altitude: 3,150 m / 10,335 ft
Lodging: Shared cabins
Day 3
Today we officially enter Aconcagua Provincial Park at Punta de Vacas. After checking permits at the ranger station, we begin the approach with a 4–5 hour hike to our first camp at Pampa de Leñas. Mules will carry the heavy loads while we trek with daypacks.
Max Altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
Lodging: Tents
Day 4
We continue trekking deeper into the Vacas Valley, following the river for about 6–7 hours. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, and we catch our first view of Aconcagua’s massive eastern face. Camp is set near the river at Casa de Piedra.
Max Altitude: 3,250 m / 10,663 ft
Lodging: Tents
Day 5
We leave Casa de Piedra early and begin the steep ascent through the Relinchos Valley, where the terrain becomes more rugged. After 6 hours of climbing, we reach Plaza Argentina, our base camp on the mountain’s eastern flank.
Max Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Lodging: Tents in base camp
Day 6
This is a day dedicated to recovery and acclimatization. We’ll do light hikes, hydrate well, and undergo medical checks to ensure everyone is adapting properly to the altitude. There’s also time to enjoy a hot shower and organize equipment for the upper camps.
Max Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Lodging: Tents in base camp
Day 7
Today we’ll carry gear to Camp 1 (known as Camp Canadá) to reduce pack weight for the ascent and support acclimatization. After reaching around 5,000 meters, we return to base camp for the night.
Max Altitude: 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
Lodging: Tents in base camp
Day 8
Another rest day to allow your body to continue adjusting to the altitude. Proper rest, hydration, and nutrition are key to success on Aconcagua.
Max Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Lodging: Tents in base camp
Day 9
We ascend to Camp 1 with lighter packs, as much of the load was carried earlier. The climb takes about 5–6 hours over moderate terrain. Once at camp, we set up tents and prepare for the next stage.
Max Altitude: 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
Lodging: Tents
Day 10
We make a load carry to Camp 2, located around 5,500 meters. It’s a tough but crucial day for acclimatization. After caching gear, we return to Camp 1 to rest.
Max Altitude: 5,500 m / 18,045 ft
Lodging: Tents (Camp 1)
Day 11
We ascend again, this time to Camp 2 with full packs. The route follows the Ameghino Traverse, offering incredible views of the Polish Glacier and surrounding peaks.
Max Altitude: 5,500 m / 18,045 ft
Lodging: Tents
Day 12
Another strategic rest day to support acclimatization. The guide may suggest short acclimatization hikes depending on how the team is feeling.
Max Altitude: 5,500 m / 18,045 ft
Lodging: Tents
Day 13
We ascend to our final camp, located at approximately 5,970 meters, near the Normal Route’s Berlin and Cólera camps. This camp is well-positioned for a summit push.
Max Altitude: 5,970 m / 19,586 ft
Lodging: Tents
Day 14
Summit day begins early, often before dawn. We follow the Normal Route via the North Ridge, passing the Independencia Refuge (6,400 m), then crossing the notorious “Portezuelo del Viento.” The final climb includes La Canaleta and the Guanaco Ridge leading to the summit of Aconcagua at 6,962 meters. After celebrating on the summit, we return to High Camp for the night.
Max Altitude: 6,962 m / 22,841 ft
Lodging: Tents
Day 15
We descend all the way to Plaza de Mulas via the Normal Route, enjoying sweeping views of Aconcagua’s massive west face. The camp here is the largest on the mountain and offers a celebratory meal after the long descent.
Max Altitude: 4,260 m / 13,976 ft
Lodging: Tents in base camp
Day 16
Our final trekking day! We hike 6–7 hours down the Horcones Valley to the park exit at Puente del Inca. After saying goodbye to the mountain, we drive back to Las Cuevas for the night.
Max Altitude: 3,150 m / 10,335 ft
Lodging: Shared cabins in Las Cuevas
Day 17
After breakfast, we drive back across the Andes to Santiago. You’ll have the afternoon free to rest or explore.
Max Altitude: 650 m / 2,130 ft
Lodging: Hotel in Santiago
Day 18
Extra day
Day 19
Departure from Santiago
We’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure, ending this unforgettable high-altitude journey.
Price: 6.800 US$*
* min. 3 persons
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Included
- Certified professional mountain guide
- Private transfers (Hotel in Santiago – Aconcagua Park – Hotel in Santiago)
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Santiago
- 2 nights in a shared cabin in Las Cuevas
- Mule transport for up to 30 kg of personal gear per person
- Full board and accommodation at base camps
- Porters for group expedition gear and food
- Shared use of high-altitude dome
- WiFi access at base camps
- Bathroom access at base camp
- Waste management and removal
- Assistance with climbing permits
- Personalized gear rental advice
Not Included
- Personal accident insurance (mandatory)
- - Costs incurred due to evacuation or withdrawal from the expedition (e.g. rescue, evacuation, porters, accompanying guides, base camp accommodation, etc.)
- Personal protective and camping gear (clothing, sunglasses, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.)
- Transfers to and from the airport
Personal gear porters
- Lunches and dinners in Santiago or Las Cuevas
- Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Domestic or international flights, or any other service not specified in the program, such as restaurant meals, drinks, laundry, tips, etc.