Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART UK & FLY TO MENDOZA
You will depart the UK for your epic adventure! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
DAY 2: EXPLORING MENDOZA
On arrival in Mendoza you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
After check-in at the hotel, there will be an expedition briefing and a comprehensive gear check. Guides will be able to assist you with any equipment rentals or purchases required. Following the briefing, you will have the evening free to explore Mendoza and enjoy the many great restaurants in the area.
DAY 3: MENDOZA / PUENTE DEL INCA (2,725M)
After breakfast, we will start the journey from Mendoza (760m) to Puente del Inca (2,725m) to start our acclimatisation. There will be a lunch stop at Uspallata. Once we have checked into our accommodation in Puente del Inca we will prepare the loads for the mules ready for our trek to start tomorrow.
DAY 4: PUENTE DEL INCA / CONFLUENCIA (3,300M)
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the park entrance, show our permits, and then we’re off! Today sees us completing a 3.5-hour trek to Confluencia Camp (3,300m), where we will spend two nights. Once the tents are up we’ll explore the surrounding area.
WiFi and hot showers are available for an additional cost.
Trekking time: 3.5 hours
DAY 5: CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA FRANCIA (4,000M) / CONFLUENCIA
Today we trek to the Plaza Francia lookout (4,000m), from where we can view the stunning South Face of Aconcagua whilst we eat lunch. After exploring the area we return to Confluencia Camp for the night.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
DAY 6: CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA DE MULAS (4,260M)
Today’s trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,260m) follows the Horcones Superior River and rises onto a lateral moraine next to the Horcones Glacier. Although this will be a long day the pace will be moderate to ensure everyone arrives at the camp feeling well. On arrival in camp we will be able to relax, with hot drinks and snacks.
Trekking time: 7-9 hours
DAY 7: PLAZA DE MULAS
Although today is a rest day there will be a walk around the area surrounding base camp, so we can admire the views. In the afternoon we’ll have a gear briefing ready for tomorrow’s climb of Mt. Bonete.
DAY 8: PLAZA DE MULAS / MT. BONETE (5,100M) / PLAZA DE MULAS
Today we will climb Mt. Bonete (5,100m). For many climbers, this will be their first summit over 5,000m. From the top, we have one of the best panoramic views of Aconcagua and the surrounding mountains. The climb also gives us the essential acclimatisation necessary to climb Aconcagua.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
DAY 9: PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 “CANADÁ” (4,910M) / PLAZA DE MULAS
Another acclimatisation trek today to Camp 1, known as “Camp Canadá” (4,910m). Aconcagua has been experiencing persistent drought so everyone will have to carry some water with them from Base Camp to Camp 1 ready for our move on day 11. After lunch and a tour of the camp we’ll return to Base Camp. Note: if you have not hired a personal porter you will be able to carry some of your gear to Camp 1 today, to reduce the weight on day 11.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
DAY 10: PLAZA DE MULAS
Rest and acclimatisation at Base Camp. It will be important to check gear today, and get plenty of rest ready for the move to Camp 1.
DAY 11: PLAZA DE MULAS / CAMP 1 “CANADÁ”
We move from Base Camp to Camp 1 this morning. You’ll carry your personal gear whilst porters carry tents etc. On arrival at Camp 1 we’ll have lunch and set up the tents.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
DAY 12: CAMP 1 “CANADÁ” / CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES” (5,250M)
Today we move from Camp Canada to Camp 2 “Nido de Cóndores”, for two nights of rest and acclimatisation. You’ll again carry your personal gear and water whilst porters carry expedition equipment. Once we have arrived at Camp 2 we’ll set up tents, have dinner and settle down for the night.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
DAY 13: CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES”
Another rest day, however we will also practice some of the skills needed to perform safely on summit day (self-arrest, crampon use). Guides will assess each climber’s skills to ensure all are well-trained.
DAY 14: CAMP 2 “NIDO DE CÓNDORES” / CAMP 3 “CÓLERA”
We’ll climb to Camp 3 (“Cólera”); we’ll carry our personal gear and water whilst porters carry expedition equipment. In Camp 3 the guides will check our summit gear whilst we rest; there will also be an orientation ready for the summit climb tomorrow. Following an early dinner we’ll have an early night ready for tomorrow’s early start.
Trekking time: 3 hours
DAY 15: CAMP 3 “CÓLERA” / SUMMIT (6,962M) / CAMP 3 “CÓLERA”
Summit Day! There will be an early breakfast before a gradual climb following switchbacks to ‘Independencia’ (a small, A-framed hut). We will then traverse the North Face of Aconcagua to the Canaleta, a low-angle gully that leads to the summit ridge. A few hundred metres below the summit the route traverses east and leads directly to the top. After photos, and some time to enjoy the views, we will descend to Camp 3.
Note: Amount of time spent on the summit is determined by weather and arrival time.
Trekking time: 8-12 hours
DAY 16: CAMP 3 “CÓLERA” / PLAZA DE MULAS
We have a slow descent today to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. Once we arrive in Base Camp we’ll have the rest of the day free to celebrate our achievement and enjoy dinner.
Trekking time: 4 hours
DAY 17: PLAZA DE MULAS / HORCONES / MENDOZA
The last day of trekking sees us descend to the park entrance, with mules carrying our belongings. We will then transfer to Mendoza and check in to our hotel.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
DAY 18: CONTINGENCY DAY
This is a contingency day. If it is not needed for the climb you will have a free day in Mendoza
DAY 19: CONTINGENCY DAY
This is another contingency day. If it is not needed for the climb you will have another free day in Mendoza
Note: If contingency days are not required on the mountain and you return earlier to Mendoza, additional accommodation charges in Mendoza will apply.
DAY 20: RETURN TO THE UK
This marks the end of our Aconcagua adventure. We say goodbye and transfer back to Mendoza Airport for our flights back to the UK.
Food & Accommodation
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Day 1 & 2 FlightBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 3 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 4 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 5 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 6 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 7 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 8 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 9 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 10 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 11 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 12 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 13 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 14 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 15 & 16 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 17 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 18 Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 19 & 20 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Argentina?
Argentinian food is hearty, flavourful, and perfect fuel for adventure. The country is famous for its world-class beef, with traditional asados (barbecues) at the heart of local culture—expect perfectly grilled steaks, sausages, and slow-cooked meats. You’ll also enjoy classics like empanadas, milanesa (breaded meat cutlets), fresh bread, pasta dishes, and regional specialities, often paired with excellent local wines, particularly around Mendoza.
While trekking Aconcagua, food becomes all about energy, warmth, and recovery. Meals are designed to be high-calorie and easy to digest, helping you perform at altitude. Expect a mix of hot breakfasts, soups, pasta, rice, potatoes, stews, and dehydrated or expedition-style meals at higher camps. Snacks like chocolate, biscuits, nuts, and energy bars are always on hand, alongside hot drinks such as tea, coffee, and soups to help with hydration and warmth. It’s simple but satisfying mountain food—fuel that keeps you going on one of the world’s great high-altitude climbs.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Aconcagua Trek?
Aconcagua is a serious high-altitude expedition and sits at the very top of our challenge scale. While it doesn’t require technical mountaineering skills such as ropes or ice climbing on the normal route, the sheer altitude (6,960m), long days on foot, extreme weather, and sustained physical and mental demands make this one of the toughest trekking peaks in the world.
You’ll be trekking for multiple weeks at altitude, carrying a daypack while support teams handle the heavy loads, but don’t underestimate the challenge. The thin air, cold temperatures, strong winds, and demanding summit push—particularly the ascent of the Canaleta—push even experienced trekkers to their limits. Previous multi-day trekking experience, strong cardiovascular fitness, and mental resilience are essential. With expert guides, a carefully paced itinerary, and a strong acclimatisation plan, Aconcagua is achievable—but it is a true test of endurance and determination, best suited to confident adventurers looking to take on an iconic challenge.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Aconcagua Trek
This is a Bucket Lister Plus (BL+) trip, meaning everything essential is taken care of for you.
1 Pre & 1 Post Night Accommodation in Mendoza (Contingency Day Accommodation is Excluded)
All accommodation on the mountain, including fully serviced base camp and high camps
- All transport within Argentina as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
All meals during the trek and climb, including freshly prepared meals at base camp and hot meals at high camps
Professional, experienced mountain guides throughout the expedition
UK Bucket List Company tour leader support
Mule support for transporting group equipment and expedition gear up to Plaza De Mulas (From Plaza De Mulas to High Camps 1, 2, & 3 you need to carry all your own gear- Personal porter service can be arranged at an additional cost)
Porters and camp staff to support the expedition
All required climbing permits and national park fees
Group safety equipment, including radios and emergency support
Pre-trip support and preparation guidance from The Bucket List Company
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Aconcagua Trek
International flights
Flights to and from Argentina are not included in the trip cost.
Visa
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Accommodation on contingency day
The itinerary includes one contingency day; however, accommodation for this night is excluded.
Personal Porter Between High Camps
From Plaza De Mulas to High Camps 1, 2, & 3; you will need to carry/transport all of your own gear. There is an option to hire a personal porter at an additional cost. Prices vary according to load and distance, and should be booked in advance of your trip; please ask us for more information.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must specifically cover high-altitude mountaineering up to 7,000m, including emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation. You’ll need to provide your policy details before departure.
Personal climbing equipment
Personal equipment is not included, such as boots, crampons, harness, helmet, technical clothing and sleeping bags. A full kit list will be provided before departure.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, laundry and any optional extras while in Mendoza.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Argentina?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
Do I need prior experience before tackling this climb?
Although this is a trekking mountain, and no advanced technical skills are required, this is not a walk in the park. Aconcagua is the second-highest of the Seven Summits, at 6,961m; do you have experience at high altitude (for example, Kilimanjaro)? Do you have experience carrying a pack for consecutive days? Lastly, some sections might be icy; have you used crampons and an ice axe before?
If your answer to the previous questions is no, we strongly suggest looking at one of our other mountain adventures, for example Kilimanjaro or Island Peak.
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How do I organise my climbing permit?
Do not worry – we will ask you for any necessary supporting documents/information and arrange this for you. The permit price is included in the base cost of the trip.
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
Looks like I'm going to need to bring a lot of specialised kit with me ...
Our in-country team have lots of the equipment available for hire; this reduces both the cost and the amount of luggage you will need to bring from home.
How fit do I need to be to climb Aconcagua?
The level of fitness required cannot be overstated; most training plans for Aconcagua are 3 – 6 months long, depending on base fitness, for this reason. Alongside cardiovascular fitness you need the strength to carry a heavy pack (20+ kg) between camps, on very steep terrain where you will most likely be wearing double boots and crampons. You need the physical stamina for long acclimatisation days (8+ hours) and for the demanding summit day (at least 13 hours). You also need to be mentally tough; ascending steep terrain, for consecutive days, at altitude, whilst often carrying a heavy pack, requires mental stamina.
Are there any checks along the way?
Yes! There will be a kit check before you leave the hotel in Mendoza to head to the mountain; if you do not have the correct equipment you will have to hire it (or stay behind). The National Park also requires that every climber undergo at least two medicals whilst on the mountain; if you do not pass these you will not be allowed to continue.
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
Can I drink the tap water?
Be cautious in Mendoza; although the water is generally considered safe to drink the high mineral content could cause stomach upsets – the last you want before heading up a mountain! On a trip like this you’re better playing it safe and drinking bottled or filtered water.
You will definitely need a water purification system for the climb, whether that be purification tablets or filter bottles.
