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Dr Jon Kedrowski  @drjonkedski
Dr Jon Kedrowski  @drjonkedski
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Aconcagua Expeditions

Do you want to climb the tallest mountain in South America and one of the Seven Summits?

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, the tallest peak

on Earth outside of the Himalayas, and the second highest of the Seven Summits, after Mt Everest.

Located in western Argentina and standing 22,841’/6961m above sea level, Aconcagua is a challenging high

altitude climb but does not require advanced mountaineering skills. It’s a great accomplishment

getting to the summit, and is also a necessary step in preparing to climb the highest peaks in the world

in the Himalayas.


Schedule of Upcoming Aconcagua Expeditions


Aconcagua Climb Details


Why Go With Dr. Jon's Adventures


Download an Aconcagua Application


Climb Quick Stats

Duration:  14-18 days (varies depending on speed of acclimatization and weather delays)

Accomodations:  hotels in cities, tents in base camp and higher camps

Altitude:  2450'/750m in Mendoza; 22,841'/6961m at the summit

Expedition length:  About 60 miles roundtrip on east side and 16,000'/4875m elevation gain

Transportation:  private shuttles, trekking, and climbing

More Information / Sign Up

Aconcagua: What You'll See

    Upcoming Aconcagua Expeditions

    The best time of year to climb Aconcagua is in the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-February). Here's a list of our upcoming Aconcagua expeditions in Argentina. Contact Dr. Jon's Adventures for more information and detailed itineraries for these trips.  Also, you can download the application below.

    December 2023/ January 2024

    Aconcagua - Plaza de Argentina or 360 Route

    Maximum of 6 Climbers

    Event Details

    December 2023/ January 2024

    Aconcagua - Plaza de Argentina or 360 Route

    This climb is up the east side of Aconcagua through the Vacas Valley.  The trip starts in Mendoza with ground transportation taking us to Pu...

    Event Details

    Maximum of 6 Climbers

    Aconcagua Expedition Overview

    What's So Special About Mt. Aconcagua?

    Aconcagua is the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, the tallest peak 

    on Earth outside of the Himalayas, and the second highest of the Seven Summits, after Mt Everest. 

     

    Located in western Argentina and standing 22,841’/6961m above sea level, Aconcagua is a challenging high 

     altitude climb but does not require advanced mountaineering skills. It’s a great accomplishment 

     getting to the summit, and is also a necessary step in preparing to climb the highest peaks in the world 

     in the Himalayas. 

     

    Our launching point is from Mendoza, Argentina, elevation 2450’/750m. Mendoza is the largest wine producing area in South America and has a population of about 1 million in its metro area. In January, Mendoza typically experiences high temperatures in the 80s and 90s and overnight lows in the 50s and 60s. Remember, it’s summer in January, and it’s a very sunny and dry climate. Mendoza is 1 hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Time Zone. 


    There are two main routes to climb Aconcagua. The west side approach is called the Pioneers Route and goes through Plaza de Mulas base camp.  The east side approach is called the Polish Traverse and goes through Plaza de Argentina base camp.  There's also a route called Argentina 360 that is a point-to-point route beginning on the east side, and climbing up and over the mountain and descending on the west side.


    Temperatures on the summit can vary wildly as the mountain creates its own weather. Be prepared for as low as -15F and wind. We’ll follow a climb high/sleep low process for acclimatization and build in a couple extra days for the summit day in case of bad weather. Supplemental oxygen is not needed for Aconcagua, but there will be some supplied to the camps in case of an emergency. 


    We will be utilizing a local company for base camp support and logistics. We will have mules to carry our extra gear up to base camp and personal porters to carry gear up the mountain to higher camps. Mountaineering gear you will need includes high altitude mountaineering boots, ice axe, crampons, a -20F sleeping bag, down jacket, and mittens. You will also need to purchase rescue insurance if you do not already have it. 


    Read more about Argentina and it's people, weather, and culture.

    Aconcagua Base Camp Accommodations

    Step on in to the base camp set up for Dr Jon's Adventures on Aconcagua.  Here we show you our nice kitchen set up, showers, tents, and leisure and dining tents.  

    Expedition Details

    Please email us if you cannot find an answer to your question and to inquire about trek cost.

    Please inquire for an exact cost. Since we offer a highly customized trip, our costs are dependent on group size.  The cost for a 1-on-1 guiding experience is higher than for a group of 5, for example.


    Regardless of group size, here's what's included in the price and what's not:


    Expedition Cost Includes: 

    • Jon’s guiding fee & airfare. 
    • Roundtrip transportation to and from the Mendoza airport and the hotel.
    • Roundtrip transportation to and from Mendoza to Punta de Vacas (trailhead).
    • Hotels in Mendoza (2 nights). 
    • Meals in Mendoza and Pentitentes. 
    • All base camp meals. 
    • Your climbing permit. 
    • Mules for transporting gear to base camp. 
    • Porter to carry personal gear to high camps. 
    • Weather forecasting services on the mountain. 
    • Medical care in Base Camp 
    • Satellite coverage and tracking through Jon’s InReach device. 
    • Dr. Jon’s Adventures gear (long sleeve hoodie, hat, Buff, puffy) 


    Expedition Cost Excludes: 

    • Your roundtrip flights to/from Mendoza, Argentina 
    • Visa / passport 
    • Travel insurance 
    • Personal climbing gear  (we'll provide advice on what to purchase/bring)
    • Food for higher camps (dehydrated meals) 
    • Laundry / snacks / alcohol 
    • Tips

       


        

    While Aconcagua has a reputation as a non-technical high altitude mountain climb, it's still a very demanding physical challenge.  Your goal is to be as fit as possible going into this climb as it will help you acclimatize faster, and you can enjoy your downtime instead of being wiped out every day.  


    In order to speed up the acclimatization process, we recommend that clients who do not live at high elevation come to Colorado for 2-3 days first and spend a couple nights at 9000-10,000’ while also doing an acclimatization climb up even higher (which we can guide you on). 


    To reiterate, this climb does require an advanced level of endurance and aerobic conditioning. Our philosophy is, you never want your lack of physical fitness to prevent you from reaching your dreams.  On this climb, a lack of physical fitness could force you to have to turn around early and head back down the valley while the rest of the group continues up the mountain.


    Also, while Aconcagua may not be as technical a climb as many other high altitude peaks, it still requires knowledge and proper use of crampons and ice axe.  We often encounter deep snow and hard ice at some point on the climb.  


    How can you prepare and train for climbing Aconcagua?  

    • Contact us for training advice (which is included in the climb price). 
    • Sign up for our customized daily Personal Adventure Training program. 
    • Come to Colorado to train 1-on-1 with Dr. Jon in the Rocky Mountains, where you will train on terrain that's similar to this climb in terms of elevation gain and difficulty.
    • You'll want to do a consistent regimen of aerobic (running, hiking, cycling, etc.) and resistance (weight training, balance, core, etc.) training to sufficiently prepare you for the amount of time you'll spend your on feet during the climb, the amount of elevation gain, the uneven terrain, and the altitude.
    • We hire porters to carry most of your gear to higher camps other than the daypack you carry each day with food, water, and layers.  However, we recommend preparing by doing at least one multi-day backpacking trip before you go as a great way to train for hiking several hours a day for consecutive days, and getting comfortable living out of a backpack.  
    • You must have experience climbing cold, glaciated peaks (such as Mt. Rainier, Denali, or some of the more challenging CO 14ers) to learn how your body adapts to higher altitudes, how to pace yourself on long climbs, how to eat and drink on the move, to test your gear, figure out how to layer clothing to stay cool or warm, depending on the weather, and be comfortable with an ice axe and crampons. 
    • You must also have experience with winter camping, and multiple-day trips with a heavy pack.


    In terms of acclimatizing to high elevations, getting up to and above 10,000 feet will certainly be helpful in the weeks leading up to your climb.  We have a tried and tested method for safely gaining altitude on this climb and taking appropriate rest days to allow our bodies time to adapt and produce more red blood cells.  We monitor our clients pace and physical health to ensure they are moving at the correct pace for them to avoid the issues and symptoms that signify altitude sickness.


    With the exception of our meals up in higher camps on the mountain, all meals are covered in the cost.  We'll have cooks in base camp (Plaza de Argentina) and a dining tent where we'll be served 3 meals a day.  


    You are welcome to bring your own higher camp meals with you when you fly in, or we can go shopping to purchase snacks and dehydrated meals once in Mendoza.


    You will want to bring your own snacks and sports drink (in powdered form) for hiking, to maintain your energy levels.  You'll be burning more calories than your normally would at home, so those snacks are very important for maintaining your strength. 


    Also, motivation and attitude tend to go down with energy level, so follow the adage "When you feel good, eat."  (Meaning that if you aren't feeling good, you are likely also behind on your calories and need to catch up, so eat while you feel good and avoid that situation.)


    We also bring an expedition water filter for the team, so bring your reusable bottles and we'll keep you filled up with treated water.  Not only does this save you from purchasing bottled water, but we also eliminate a lot of potential plastic waste!


    Once you are registered, we will provide you with a list of gear needed for this trek.  It's best to buy everything you need several months in advance of your trip so you can test everything out multiple times on training climbs.  Getting a blister from new boots on day 1 of your expedition is not fun and can ruin the experience.


    Remember, not all gear lists are perfect or comprehensive. Our gear list will have suggestions of the major items you will need. Part of the reason why there are so many gear options out there is that we all have slightly different anatomy.  What works for us may not work for you.  Go out on your own mini-expeditions and train in your gear to break it in and determine if it will work for you. If you get blisters at home in a pair of boots, you’ll get them on this expedition too.


    You will need crampons, ice axe, high altitude mountaineering boots, and down jacket and pants.


    See below for the potential daily itinerary of our Aconcagua Expedition for the Polish Traverse route.  Other routes will have different itineraries. We will send you a specific itinerary once we've determined the route for your trip.


    A security deposit of 25% of total trip payment is due 120 days prior to trip start date.  Final payment is due 60 days prior to the trip start date.  Payment can be made by check, credit card, Venmo, Zelle, or Paypal. 


    Our cancellation policy is: 

    • Full refund of your payments (minus 5% cancellation fee) if you cancel 90 or more days prior to your trip start date.
    • Refund of everything you've paid except your security deposit if you cancel 45-89 days prior to trip start date.
    • If you cancel less than 45 days we won't be able to refund anything because we've spent the money securing permits, porters, base camp logistics, etc.   We'll discuss offering you a credit on a future expedition or trip with us.  


    While Aconcagua is not an overly technical mountain, it can still be dangerous due to the high elevation, temperature extremes, and it's grueling physical challenge. You will experience intense heat and bitter cold and windy conditions.  Sickness, rockfall, and serious altitude sickness are also possible.


    Climbers should be prepared for and knowledgable about weather-related travel delays, traveler’s diarrhea, high altitude coughs,  Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

     

    To minimize the travel risks associated with weather-related delays, we build into the itinerary a couple extra rest /weather days.


    Everyone reacts differently to higher altitudes, depending on their fitness, genetics, and the elevation at which they normally live. We mitigate this risk by following general procedures of doing acclimatization climbs and including rest days to allow our bodies to adjust to higher elevations. 


    If a member does start showing signs of altitude sickness, we have numerous resources available to assist them, including medications such as Diamox. We also have extra guides that can stay behind with a member who is having difficulty, to give them extra acclimatization time.  Our logistics company will also have emergency bottles of oxygen available on the mountain if needed.


    We recommend medications to bring for common ailments and have extras with us. To avoid traveler’s diarrhea, we bring water treatment and filtration devices and also purchase bottled water for our trekkers. If someone were to experience stomach distress, we also have medication to help them.  


    We will constantly emphasize the following safety protocols:

    1. Stay well-hydrated and caught up on calories. Appetite tends to decrease at higher elevation, so eating can become more of a necessity rather than a pleasurable activity. 
    2. Go slow while hiking and keep the heart rate low. No need to rush, enjoy the beauty.
    3. Bring adequate layers as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.


    Climbers can fly into Mendoza, Argentina from their home country.  Currently with varying COVID policies by country, we recommend avoiding a connection in Santiago, Chile.  With Mendoza being only 1 hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Time Zone, U.S. travelers shouldn't have to worry about jet lag.


    Upon arrival at the Mendoza Airport , we will have a staff member there to transport you by private vehicle to your hotel in the city.  All climbers on the team will be staying at the same hotel.  We will assist you in booking your roundtrip flights (the only transportation you arrange on your own and pay for out of pocket) so that you arrive at a similar time as other team members.


    Once in Argentina, all your transportation is prearranged and covered.  


    Travel insurance is required for the climb and should include coverage for trip cancellation or delay, baggage loss, medical expenses, and evacuation .  There are many options in the marketplace.   We will help you select the right insurance for you as part of our inclusive pre-trip planning services.


    For information on travel advisories and restrictions in Argentina, go to the U.S. Embassy website.  In addition, we check in frequently with our staff in Argentina on what's happening on the ground in the country and keep our members updated as their trip approaches.


    A valid passport is required for entering Argentina.  We will assist you on applying for and securing your visa upon arriving in Argentina.


    Why Go With Dr. Jon's Adventures?

    Know Your Guide

    An Educational Experience

    We Help You Prepare

    Dr. Jon will be your primary guide for the Aconcagua climb and will get to know you prior to the trip.  We will also hire a local guide company to assist with base camp logistics, and cultural and language differences.

    We Help You Prepare

    An Educational Experience

    We Help You Prepare

    We will help you prepare for the climb, offering gear and training advice in the months leading up to your trip. While it's difficult for most people to fully acclimatize before coming to Aconcagua because of where they live, we can help you prepare for the daily physical rigors.

    An Educational Experience

    An Educational Experience

    High Success Rate / Built-In Rest Days

    You get to see the awe-inspiring beauty of the the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere and an educational experience from Dr. Jon, who has a Ph.D. in environmental geography, weather, and climate and is an expert of high altitude moutains.

    High Success Rate / Built-In Rest Days

    High Success Rate / Built-In Rest Days

    High Success Rate / Built-In Rest Days

    Dr. Jon is an expert at high-altitude acclimatization and being able to assess what his clients need.  He will help you prepare for the altitude beforehand, but also guide your climbing strategy on the mountain and determine when you are ready to climb higher and when you need a rest day.  We don't follow a set itinerary because of this.

    Climbing Stories

    High Success Rate / Built-In Rest Days

    Customized to Your Needs / Desires

    During the climb and at base camp, Dr. Jon will share personal stories of triumph and loss during his many climbing adventures, including a Everest, K2, Mt. Rainier, and Colorado 14ers.

    Customized to Your Needs / Desires

    High Success Rate / Built-In Rest Days

    Customized to Your Needs / Desires

    We can customize the trip and itinerary based on the needs of your group.

    Let's go to Aconcagua!

    Potential Daily Itinerary - Polish Traverse Route

    Day 1: Arrive in Mendoza (elev. 2450 ft / 750m)

    Day 2: Transport to Punta de Vacas Hike to Pampa de Lenas Shelter

    Day 2: Transport to Punta de Vacas Hike to Pampa de Lenas Shelter

    • We'll assist you to your hotel from the airport. 
    • Do a gear check
    • Dinner at a popular local restaurant
    • Stay at the NH Cordillera Hotel
    • Explore Mendoza, purchase snacks / high camp food if needed.


    Day 2: Transport to Punta de Vacas Hike to Pampa de Lenas Shelter

    Day 2: Transport to Punta de Vacas Hike to Pampa de Lenas Shelter

    Day 2: Transport to Punta de Vacas Hike to Pampa de Lenas Shelter

    • 3 hour ride to Punta de Vacas (7630 ft / 2325m)
    • About 5 mile hike up to Pampa de Lenas Shelter.
    • Stay overnight at Pampa de Lenas Shelter (9600 ft / 2925m)

    Day 3: Hike to Casa de Piedra Shelter

    Day 2: Transport to Punta de Vacas Hike to Pampa de Lenas Shelter

    Day 4-5: Hike to Plaza de Argentina Base Camp, then Rest Day

    • Continue hiking up the Vacas Valley, 11 miles to the Casa de Piedra shelter
    • May get first glimpse of Aconcagua
    • Shelter is at 10,600' / 3230m

    Day 4-5: Hike to Plaza de Argentina Base Camp, then Rest Day

    Day 4-5: Hike to Plaza de Argentina Base Camp, then Rest Day

    Day 4-5: Hike to Plaza de Argentina Base Camp, then Rest Day

    • Cross the river and hike 9 miles up the steep valley to base camp.
    • Plaza de Argentina sits at 13,800' / 4206m
    • Set up base camp, hot dinner in dining tent.
    • Day after is a rest day for acclimatization and get prepared for climbs to higher camps.

    Day 6: Gear Carry to Camp 1

    Day 4-5: Hike to Plaza de Argentina Base Camp, then Rest Day

    Day 7: Climb to Camp 1 and Spend the Night

    • Climb high / sleep low:  we carry gear to camp 1, cache it, then descend back to base camp.  
    • Camp 1 sits at 15,750' / 4800m
    • Breakfast and dinner at base camp, lunch in Camp 1

    Day 7: Climb to Camp 1 and Spend the Night

    Day 4-5: Hike to Plaza de Argentina Base Camp, then Rest Day

    Day 7: Climb to Camp 1 and Spend the Night

    • Climb back up to Camp 1 and sleep.  
    • Breakfast in Base Camp, lunch and dinner in Camp 1.  

    Day 8: Gear Carry to Camp 2

    Day 9: Rest Day in Base Camp for Acclimatization

    Day 9: Rest Day in Base Camp for Acclimatization

    • Head up to Camp 2 from Camp 1, cache gear.
    • Lunch in Camp 2, then descend to Base Camp to spend the night.
    • Camp 2 sits at about 18,140' / 5530m

    Day 9: Rest Day in Base Camp for Acclimatization

    Day 9: Rest Day in Base Camp for Acclimatization

    Day 9: Rest Day in Base Camp for Acclimatization

    • Get gear organized for summit climb.
    • Rest day for acclimatization.


    Day 10: Climb to Camp 2 and Spend the Night

    Day 9: Rest Day in Base Camp for Acclimatization

    Day 11: Climb to Camp 3 and Prepare for Summit

    • Early morning start to climb to Camp 2 and spend the night.

    Day 11: Climb to Camp 3 and Prepare for Summit

    Day 11: Climb to Camp 3 and Prepare for Summit

    Day 11: Climb to Camp 3 and Prepare for Summit

    • Early morning climb to camp 3 at 19,500 ft / 5940m
    • Set up camp, rest, and get ready for summit attempt.


    Day 12-14: Summit Day(s)

    Day 11: Climb to Camp 3 and Prepare for Summit

    Day 12-14: Summit Day(s)

    • Alpine start for an early morning summit experience!
    • Extra 2 days built in for weather delays.  
    • Summiting requires about 8-12 hours roundtrip from high camp.  
    • Descend to base camp

    Days 13-16: Trek Out

    Day 11: Climb to Camp 3 and Prepare for Summit

    Day 12-14: Summit Day(s)

    • Long hike out from base camp to Punta de Vacas and drive to Mendoza. 
    • Usually can fly home 2-3 days after summit day.  

    Aconcagua Expedition Application

    Interested in coming with us to Aconcagua?  Fill out the application below and email it to Dr. Jon's Adventures.

    AconcaguaExpeditionApplication (pdf)

    Download

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