meeting the team

The Guanacos Valley Traverse Route we are taking is a pristine approach to Aconcagua. The elevation gain between camps is designed to allow more efficient acclimatization. Acclimatization is the key element to summiting this highest peak in the Western Hemisphere.

We expect to see a large guanaco herd in this valley, a rare sight in the Aconcagua region. This route approaches Aconcagua via the Guanacos Valley and traverses to the summit, then descends via the Normal Route of Aconcagua. It circumnavigates the mountain, explores several valleys, and passes by four spectacular faces of Aconcagua.

Here is what the guides planned for each day:

Day 01
Group meets in Mendoza, Argentina. Equipment check and afternoon briefing at the hotel.  

Day 02
Drive West from Mendoza to Penitentes ski area at 8,500 feet. Our drive winds along the Rio Mendoza deep into the heart of the rugged Andes mountains where we begin our acclimatization in Penitentes.

Day 03 - 05
Approach to Plaza Guanacos Base Camp, mules carrying our gear. This approximately 35 mile approach is essential to our acclimatization. For the first two days, we follow the same route as Aventuras Patagonicas old Traverse and Polish Glacier Expeditions. The third day begins our new approach. We continue up the Vacas Valley instead of ascending the Relinchos Valley. The chances of seeing other expeditions on this new exciting route is remote. The chance of seeing numerous wildlife is much more probable.  Spectacular glaciers contrasting with a desert backdrop make this approach both surreal and unforgettable. We have an excellent chance of seeing herds of guanacos.

Day 06 / Dec 21
Plaza Guanaco Base Camp at 13,000 feet. Rest and acclimatization day at Base Camp. The most effective way to summit is to take the time to acclimatize to the low oxygen environment. We will incorporate rest days into our schedule and climb in traditional expedition style. We will be carrying loads up to the next camp and returning to sleep below at the previous camp. The next day we will move to the higher camp

Day 07
Carry a load to Camp I at approximately 15,200 feet. The route goes up the narrow valley between the North side of Cerro Ameghino and Cerro San Francisco. Here we will be able to see Nieve Penitentes, unique snow and ice formations created by the direct sun. Return to Base Camp.

Day 08
Leave Base Camp. Move to Camp I.

Day 09
Carry a load to Camp II at 16,500 feet, a pleasant well-protected area with tremendous views of Cerro Mercedario, Cerro Mano and other Andean giants. Return to Camp I.

Day 10 /Christmas day
Move to Camp II.

Day 11
Carry a load to Camp III, below the Polish Glacier at 17,800 feet.

Day 12
Move to Camp III. Improvise depending on how group is doing.

Day 13
Carry to High Camp, Piedras Blancas (White Rocks) at 19,200 feet.

Day 14
Move to High Camp.

Day 15 - 17 / New Year’s Eve and New Year 2015!!
Summit! Weather permitting. We allow several days for our Summit Day in case of poor weather.

Day 18
Descend the Normal Route to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. This will be quite exciting since we will be descending a different side of the mountain

Day 19
Hike out the Horcones Valley with its impressive views of Aconcagua's South Face. Mules carry our gear. We arrive in the afternoon to Penitentes where we take a quick shower and head on to Mendoza to the comfort of the Mendoza Park Hyatt.