A Technical and Challenging Ascent in Aconcagua

Duration

18D / 17N

Tour type

Mountaineering

Tour altitude

6962 m

Group size

2 to 10 people.

Description

POLISH GLACIER
The Polish Glacier Direct Route is a technical ascent for experienced mountaineers and adventurers looking to reach the highest peak in South America, and one of the 7 Summits, in a unique and challenging way. In addition, our itinerary will allow you to make a 360° tour of Aconcagua, being able to know all its camps and enjoy all the views of the colossus of America.

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Tour Program

Itinerary

Day 01
MENDOZA – ALTITUDE: 760 MTS.
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you will enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in Mendoza which will be our meeting place. Your confirmation letter will confirm our meeting time where we will provide a complete orientation to include: a comprehensive gear check, an overview of the entire climb and a question and answer period. Guides will assist you with any gear rentals or purchases if required. For the evening you are free to walk the streets of Mendoza and enjoy the many great restaurants in the area. Accommodation: Hotel double or triple room. –Transportation: Airport – Hotel in Mendoza
Day 02
MENDOZA / PENITENTES – ALTITUDE: 2700 MTS
After registration with Aconcagua Provincial Park we drive to Penitentes to start our acclimatization. Upon reaching Penitentes we will check in to our quaint hotel at the base of the mountain and have lunch. In the afternoon, the mule’s loads are prepared at our Depot at Los Puquios for the following day. Transportation: Mendoza – Penitentes – Accomodation: Hotel – Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 03
PENITENTES / PAMPA DE LEÑAS – ALTITUDE: 2950 MTS
We drive you to Punta de Vacas, Aconcagua Park Entrance. We will get our permits checked at the Ranger station. Then, we head off to Pampa de Leñas by walking 4 or 5 hours, starting the 3 days approaching trekking to the base camp. Transportation: Penitentes – Punta de Vacas –  Accommodation: Tents – Meals. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04
PAMPA DE LEÑAS / CASA DE PIEDRA – ALTITUDE: 3250 MTS.
On this day, we advance towards an intermediate camp, passing through the Quebrada de Vacas, for 6 to 7 hours. This is where we will be able to see the first sight of the Western Face of the Aconcagua. We spend our last approaching night, from Base Camp. Accommodation: Tents – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05
APPROACH FROM CASA DE PIEDRA TO PLAZA ARGENTINA – ALTITUDE: 4200 MTS.
We start trekking for 5 to 6 hours, ascending the Relincho steep slope , which takes us to Inferior Plaza Argentina. This is where we will be able to see the last native vegetation before climbing towards the glaciers, where Plaza Argentina is placed. Accommodation: Tents – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 06
REST DAY AT PLAZA ARGENTINA – ALTITUDE: 4200 MTS
At Plaza de Argentina we rest and use the day for acclimatization. This is a good opportunity to get to know the Camp, take a shower and explore the area. We get together with the guide, do a medical check up, reorganize and review the equipment, prepare the loads for transportation for the next day. Accommodation: Tent / Dormitory Dome– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07
CARRY EQUIPMENT AND FOOD TO CAMP 1 – ALTITUDE: 4900 MTS.
We transport in a way to keep our backpacks as light as possible and fundamentally to be able to gradually adapt to the altitude. During the load transportation to Camp 1, we reach a level of 4900 m. Then we return to Plaza Argentina. Accommodation: Tent / Dormitory Dome – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08
REST AT BASE CAMP – ALTITUDE: 4200 MTS.
This is a day we mainly use to recover energy, to rest, to hydrate ourselves and for abundant meals. Accommodation: Tent / Dormitory Dome – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09
ASCENT FROM BASE CAMP TO CAMP 1 – ALTITUDE: 4900 MTS.
We start the ascent to Camp 1 taking the first part of the Polish Route. After a 5 to 6 hour walk on easy terrain we arrive to Camp 1 (4900 mt). We meet with the load that we brought the day before. We assemble the camp and then we load division for carrying the following day. Accommodation: Tent – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne
Day 10
CARRY EQUIPMENT TO CAMP 2 POLISH – ALTITUDE: 5863 MTS.
We carry food and fuel to Camp 2 of Polish Glacier Direct Route. This program helps us keep our backpacks as light as possible and continue with our gradual acclimatization to altitude. During the load transportation to high Camp 2, we reach a level of 5863m. Besides this effort, it is very important to control our body adaptation to altitude and the evolution of our acclimatization. Then we return to Camp 1, have dinner and rest. Accommodation: Tents – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11
ACCLIMATIZATION AT CAMP 1 – ALTITUDE: 4900 MTS.
This day is dedicated to improving the acclimatization to altitude. The guide may propose different activities according to the condition of the group. We take the opportunity to rest and give our body more opportunities to acclimatize. Accommodation: Tents – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12
ASCENT TO CAMP 2 – ALTITUDE: 5863 MTS.
We have breakfast and start the ascent from Camp 1 to Camp 2. We meet with the load that we brought two days before. From there, you can see unforgettable sights of the highest peaks of the Central Andes. The Guide individually reviews each member of the group and gives his final recommendations. We also plan the final strategies for the last day of ascension to assure success in reaching the summit. We have dinner and rest. Accommodation: Tents – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13
SUMMIT DAY – ALTITUDE: 6962 MTS.
The day begins early in the morning. This is the most demanding day of our expedition because involves technical climb, ropes work and ice climbing skills. We will climb almost 1200mts this day. The terrain will be ice and snow. It could be deep snow depending on weather conditions. Maximum slop is 60° near the “Bottle Neck”. Once we reach the summit ridge it is almost two hours snow traverse to get the summit. There we can directly observe under our feet the Southern Wall of the Aconcagua, considered one of the largest faces in the world. An indescribable feeling of satisfaction takes over as we reach the summit at 6962 m, where is waiting for us a 360° view and the experience of achievement that you only finally understand once you reach it. After sharing these moments of accomplishment and emotion with our expedition mates we will descent through the Canaleta to the Northwest ridge and traverse to Camp 3 of Normal Route (Plaza Cólera) where we will meet with our equipment to eat and sleep. Accommodation: Tents – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14
DAYS 14,15, SPARE DAYS IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS.
In this type of technical routes it is important to take into account all aspects of safety, and climatic aspects are an issue to consider. This is why we are the only company that provides 4 spare days to be able to find the precise moment to start the ascent through the glacier. Accommodation: Tents – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16
DESCEND TO PLAZA DE MULAS BASE CAMP
We descend to Plaza de Mulas, the biggest camp in all the Aconcagua Park. Our team will be waiting for us with a special reception. From this base camp you’ll see a unique sunset that makes the west face of Mt. Aconcagua look like it is on fire! We enjoy the surroundings and later we have a celebration dinner. Accommodation: Tent / Dormitory Dome – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17
RETURN FROM BASE CAMP TO PENITENTES AND BACK TO MENDOZA.
We have breakfast and then start the descent from Plaza de Mulas to Penitentes. There is a private transport waiting for us to take us to the hotel in Mendoza City. Transportation: Horcones – Penitentes – Mendoza – Accommodation: Hotel double or triple room –Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box
Day 18
MENDOZA
Breakfast at the hotel. End of services. Accommodation: Not included – Meals: Breakfast.

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