Frequently asked questions - FAQs - Climbing Aconcagua

Technically speaking, Aconcagua is not an extremely difficult mountain. However, the climb is an enormous physical and mental challenge. Weather conditions can be very challenging; extreme winds and cold are not uncommon. Physically, you must be able to hike with a heavy backpack for several days at a time. Targeted endurance training, starting at least 6 months before the expedition, is absolutely essential.

Yes. We recommend the Aconcagua expedition only for experienced mountaineers. Experience in high-altitude mountaineering is not strictly required, but it is an advantage. Aconcagua is not suitable for complete beginners. Excellent physical fitness is necessary. You must be comfortable navigate in grueling, steep terrain, loose scree, on hard-packed snow and ice. Knowledge of using an ice axe and crampons.

Each participant must have all the personal gear listed on the equipment list. For guided expeditions, we provide the tents, stoves, safety equipment, etc. Participants bring their own personal gear and, if necessary, can also rent some equipment locally in Mendoza (from external rental companies). It is recommended to bring as much of your own gear as possible, as availability and prices may vary in Argentina.

Mallku Expediciones does all the paperwork for you. We will send you some forms and will ask you for some personal data, including health data. Furthermore, you have to present a valid rescue insurance policy suitable for Aconcagua. The insurance has to cover search & rescue from high altitude with sufficient coverage. We strongly recommend Global Rescue with High-Altitude-Package. After receiving your documents, we will present them to the local authorities. Once they have been officially approved, you have to make the payment. After payment, the authorities will issue the ascent permit for Aconcagua and you are good to go.

If you have booked a guided expedition with us, we will welcome you at Mendoza Airport and transfer you to the Hotel. Later on you will get to know your Mountain Guide and other participants. We do a briefing about the Aconcagua expedition and an individual equipment check. We inform you about all the details, prepare the lugagge with you. The following days are planned regarding to your booked program. The approach to base camp will be made. From base camp up higher you will ascent via several high camps to the summit of Aconcagua. Descent back to base camp and return to Mendoza city. The schedule is flexible. The expedition leader adjusts the schedule daily based on weather forecasts, wind conditions, and the group's overall acclimatization status. We include "reserve days" to sit out bad weather at base camp or high camps, maximizing your safety and summit chances.
If you have chosen a self-guided expedition you have to define your itinerary and ascent strategy by yourself. We just arrange the booked services for you, there will be no guidance, neither recommendations from our side be given.

Congratulations! In this case your expedition has been a huge success. You can return earlier to Mendoza city to celebrate your successful summit. Our services remain the same, you will get the same amounts of hotel nights, transfer e.g. as stated in your program. It is your choice if you like to go back home earlier or extend your stay in Mendoza or somewhere else. The occurred costs for extended stays, flight changes etc. will be paid by you. We don´t give refunds for unused services, e.g. food on the mountain etc.

You will get full board all days. That means breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks during the day. For all trekking days, you will get lunch packs. All meals will be freshly prepared for you. We ensure that you get a healthy diet. Options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available on demand. Please make your request for special food, allergies, etc., during the booking process. In the high camps, the food will be prepared by the mountain guides and assistants; we serve you high-calorie, easily digestible expedition meals to keep your energy levels up for the strenuous climbs. We don't have limitations for food at Mallku Expediciones. You have beverages included, including alcoholic beverages in moderate quantities.

The base camps on Aconcagua are comfortably equipped. There are dining tents, sleeping tents, restrooms, showers, and communal tents. Unlimited internet access via Starlink is included in our expeditions, though service may be disrupted due to weather conditions. We also offer free charging for electronic devices. Availability depends on weather conditions; we use solar panels to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. Medical care is available at all base camps. Medical teams are an integral part of the infrastructure on Aconcagua. Our expeditions also include waste disposal, and we ask our participants to sort their trash on-site. Helicopter flights down to the valley can also be chartered from the base camps.

All luggage is transported to Base Camp. Participants hike with only their light daypacks until base camp. At Base Camp, the equipment and clothing needed for the days spent at the high camps are separated from the rest of the luggage. Some of the luggage is left at Base Camp. Only the gear necessary for the ascent is transported to the high camps. The ascent to the high camps takes place over several days. Several "porter hikes" are conducted, which also serve as acclimatization. Luggage, necessary food supplies, and equipment are transported to the higher camps in stages. Depending on the program booked, a few kilograms of porter support may be included. Additional porters can be booked. A porter can carry a maximum of 20 kg. You can also share a porter with other participants, prices upon request.

Medical staff are present at the base camps of Aconcagua. They can be consulted at the first sign of illness. In addition, medical checks are conducted for all climbers. Expert doctors check each participant's physical state and measure their altitude adjustment. It is compulsory to complete and pass these checks. If the medical team determines that acclimatization is insufficient, the ascent will be delayed or, in the worst-case scenario, prohibited. Mallku Expediciones also uses a self-monitoring system during guided expeditions. We instruct our participants on how to independently and continuously monitor their progress in acclimatization. The mountain guides are medically trained and monitor the acclimatization process. If the body does not acclimatize sufficiently, or if symptoms of AMS appear, an immediate descent to lower elevations is necessary; in the worst case, the participant has to cancel the expedition.

An evacuation constitutes an acute emergency. The individual's life is critically endangered, necessitating immediate evacuation from the mountain. Accidents, life-threatening injuries, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema are life-threatening, and the participant will be evacuated using available resources and in accordance with prevailing conditions. Depending on the condition, location, etc., evacuation will be carried out by ground or air rescue. In ideal circumstances, the patient is flown to the valley right away and then transported to the hospital by land. Due to the extreme altitude and adverse conditions, there are, of course, limitations. Rescue cannot be guaranteed.

Each participant must have search & rescue insurance that covers these costs. Please review the conditions of your insurance. Mallku Expediciones provides assistance and coordination but does not cover any costs. Participants are responsible for covering these costs by themselves if they are not reimbursed by insurance. Immediate payment right after the rescue is mandatory. Any costs resulting from the rescue, such as hospital stays, additional hotel nights, etc., are the responsibility of the participant. It is advisable to bring extra cash with you in case of such an unfortunate event. There are no refunds for unused services.

If you choose to terminate the expedition, we will arrange all necessary changes to the itinerary, such as an escorted descent or return transportation to Mendoza. However, we do not offer any refunds for unused services. If additional costs arise as a result of the termination (e.g., hiring a private mountain guide for the descent to the valley or extra transportation), the participant has to pay this costs.