ACONCAGUA; THE HIGHEST OF THE AMERICAS, 20 Days
 Code: MEACONCA

Climbing expedition to attempt Aconcagua by the "Polacos" or "Falso-Polacos" route on the northeastern flank. Acclimatization traveling and climbing volcanoes in the southern Bolivian highlands.
Dates: 24/Dec, 31/Jan
Price: USD 3,302 More information about prices (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: USD 462 More information about prices
Difficulty: Strenuous More information about Difficulty grading
Accommodation: 7 nights in hotels, 1 night in hostels, 12 nights camping.
 

Aconcagua - one of the “Seven Peaks” -, is not only the highest mountain of the Americas but also the highest of the southern Hemisphere; being one of the main destinations for mountaineers in the world. In average 4,500 climbers attempt this mountain every year but, the rate of successful climbs is very low. From the several routes that this mountain has, two are the most popular: the “normal” route by Plaza de Mulas, and “Polacos” or “Falso-Polacos” by Plaza Argentina.

Despite its moderated technical difficulty, many climbers do not reach the summit due to one of the following reasons: 1) Bad weather conditions that happened frequently in Aconcagua considering its location 32 degrees south of the Equator. Strong winds and cold temperatures are common in Aconcagua, especially at the beginning or end of its short season. 2) Stomach upsets caused by – unfortunately common – pollution on campsites. It is not casual that one of the campsites along of the normal route is called Cólera. 3) Not proper acclimatization procedures; most of the climbers go to high too fast. 4) Desertion caused by exhaustion; for most of the climbers it is mentally exhausting to spend several weeks in the same rough and dry landscape to attempt one summit, and – on top – carrying its own gear up and down the mountain since porters are scarce and extremely expensive at Aconcagua.

That is why we suggest our clientele a completely different approach for a successful climb that is getting acclimatized in Bolivia while you travel by land towards northern Chile to then be transferred to Mendoza, get the permits and start a short program to climb Aconcagua by “Polacos” (or Falso Polacos) route.

In this way, taking more or less the same numbers of days that most of the standard expeditions take, you will gain two main side-benefits during the trip, that is:

  • Before getting in Mendoza, you have already enjoyed an extremely diverse landscape, including: Lake Titicaca, northern Bolivian highlands, Uyuni salt flats, volcanoes of the Bolivian desert, and the Atacama Desert in the northern Chile.
  • The program have been design to gradually – and properly - get you acclimatized, first doing light treks on the shores and islands of the southern Lake Titicaca, then ascending to view-points and sacred volcanoes while we travel by land.

Our expedition starts at Lake Titicaca heading then to the southern highlands visiting on the way Uyuni salt flats. Along of the way we will take several short acclimatization hikes to be ready to trek to the top of the three chosen volcanoes: Tapaquilcha and Uturuncu; all of them with amazing views than could be 300km radio in a clear day.

We have chosen “Polacos” (Polish) or “Falso-Polacos” route to attempt Aconcagua because – after the acclimatization program in Bolivia – there you will have the best chance to summit, not mentioning that you will enjoy the most scenic views of the mountain. Our route starts in Penitentes with a rest day, from there we will approach to base at Plaza Argentina in two trekking days, and later establish two high altitude camps. Deppending of the clients experience we will either traverse to the normal route or climb straight to the summit from Camp II.

Itinerary:

D1. Arrival in La Paz. Transfer to Hotel.
D2. Visit of Tiwanaco. Transp.to Patapatani. Camp.
D3. Trek Kala Uta. Boat Pariti-Qwaya. Transp. La Paz. Hotel.
D4. Transp.to Tawa. Hotel de Sal.
D5. Trek to Tunupa view-point. Transp.to Cañapa. Camp.
D6. Climb Tapaquilcha. Transp. Quetena. Basic accommodation.
D7. Climb Uturuncu. Transp.to San Pedro de Atacama. Hotel.
D8. Transfer to Calama. Flight to Santiago. Transfer to Mendoza. Hotel.
D9. Rest day. Hotel
D10. Transp.to Punta de Vacas. Trek to Pampa de Leñas. Camp.
D11. Trek to Casa de Piedra. Camp
D12. Trek to Plaza Argentina. Camp.
D13. Rest day. Camp.
D14. Trek to Camp-I. Camp.
D15. Trek to Camp-II. Camp.
D16. Climb of Aconcagua. Return to Camp-II. Camp
D17. Spare day. Camp.
D18. Trek to Plaza Argentina. Camp
D19. Trek to Pampa de Leñas. Camp
D20. Trek to Quebarada de Vacas. Transfer to Mendoza. Hotel.

Highlights:
  • Acclimatization sightseeing lake Titicaca & surroundings.
  • 4WD journey to the Uyuni salt flats, and Colorada & Verde lagoons.
  • Ascents to two sacred volcanoes in the Lipez, including: V.Tapaquilcha 5,758m (18,886f) and Uturuncu 6008 m. (19706ft).
  • Overland traverse of the Atacama desert in the northern Chile.
  • Spectacular views of the Andes during the flight from Calama to Santiago de Chile.
  • Ascent Aconcagua Mountain 6,959m (22,825ft); to the highest peak in the Americas by the polish route.
  • Full resting day in the charming sity of Mendoza in Argentina.

Day 1. Arrival in La Paz. Transfer to Hotel.
Elevations
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450f)
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Timing
Driving: 30 min
Meals
None
Arriving in La Paz, what impresses the most is the crisp clear sky of the highlands. In a normal winter day it is possible to see over a distance of 200Km (120mi). The cold and dry air feels good after so many hours of treated pressurized cabin air.

The airport is located in the city of “El Alto” the highest international airport in the world from here you will be transferred to your hotel descending approximately 30 Min. into La Paz city canyon. Do not stress much about the altitude, our program has been designed to get you gradually acclimatized. At the beginning we strongly sug
gest you to take it very easy, drink plenty of water and eat lightly (get into out Acclimatization page for more information).

You will have the rest of the day free. At early evening we will have a briefing meeting and a welcome dinner.

Day 2. Visit of Tiwanaco. Transport to Patapatani. Camp.
Elevations
El Alto 4,100m (13,450f)
Lake Titicaca 3,810m (12,497f)
Timing
Driving: 4-5 Hrs
Walking: 1-2 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Traveling through this land you will understand how important the shores of Lake Titicaca have been in the origin of the Andean cultures. Surrounded by desert like hills and snow caped mountains, lake Titicaca offered, and still offers, rich lands and a mild climate. Tiwanaco used to be a port, an important ceremonial center and a huge urban establishment. After an illustrative tour through the ruins and museums, we will drive back to La Paz (El Alto) and from there to the southern shores of the lake. On the way to our campsite, we will be culturally transferred to the past as we go by Aymara villages where Indians have been keeping their lifestyle for centuries. Our campsite will be located on a beautiful beach on the shores of Patapatani peninsula, with a great view of the peaks of “Cordillera Real”.
Day 3. Trek to Kala-Uta ruins. Boat to Pariti Island & Qwaya. Transp.to La Paz. Hotel
Elevations
Lake Titicaca 3,810m (12,497f)
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Timing
Walking: 2-3 Hrs
Driving: 4-5 Hrs
Meals
B,L
Today we will start trekking in the Bolivian Highlands. We will visit a small floating island and the archeological sites of Khala Uta (house of stones). Later we will take a motor boat. First, we will navigate along the peninsula’s shores where reeds form a natural labyrinth that hosts many Andean bird species. In the afternoon we will visit Pariti and its amazing pottery museum. Later we will catch the afternoon side-winds to navigate offshore towards Puerto Perez located at the southeastern shores of the lake. The mountains will “grow” in front of us and will dominate the landscape. As the glaciers of the mountains get “tanned” by the late afternoon light. We will arrive to La Paz in the late afternoon.

 
Day 4. Transport to Tawa. Hotel de Sal
Elevations
Tawa 3675m (12,054f)
Timing
Driving: 8-10 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
In order to make the best of our time we will make an early start since we have a long driving day towards Tawa. Today we will traverse most of the “Altiplano” (High Plateau) passing by the city of Oruro that 15 years ago thrived on the area’s tin mines, nowadays relies on its role as a center of commerce (read smuggling) between Bolivia and Chile. Continuing our journey to the south, we enter the seemingly never ending plains. Evening late we will get to Tawa village located in the northern shores of Uyuni salt flat, there we will stay in a salt hotel owned by the local community.
Day 5. Trek to Tunupa view-point. Transport to Cañapa. Camp.
Elevations
Tunupa view-point 4,400m (14,432f)
Cañapa 4,200m (13,776f)
Timing
Driving: 7-8 Hrs
Walking: 2-3 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Driving along of the salt lake shores we will reach Coquesa village and drive up to 4000m to pay a short visit to a ceremonial cave where we will meet ancient mummies probably sacrificed to the sacred volcano Tunupa. A short hike towards a view-point at 4,400m will allow us to start our acclimatization and enjoy spectacular views of the largest salt concentration in the planet. Later we will navigate over the rock hard salt towards Uyuni town in the eastern side, visiting on the way Incahuasi island. Later we will continue in the same south direction passing on the way by the world’s largest silver mine: San Cristobal. It is said that this mine is several times richer that the one in Potosi and among the richest in the planet. Our campsite will be located near an old mining campsite at the foot of Tapaquilcha volcano.
Day 6. Climb of Tapaquilcha. Transport to Quetena. Basic accommodation.
Elevations
Tapaquilcha 5758m (18886f)
Quetena 4100m (13,448f)
Timing
Driving: 6-7 Hrs
Walking: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
An abandoned sulfur-mining road will save us a lot of time, allowing us to drive from part of the way from our campsite. From this point we will have an easy walk – still on the road - to the last col, from where we will ascend on rough sandy terrain towards the main summit. The crest is what remains of a volcanic explosion in the long-distant past. Later we drop back down to the vehicle and drive towards Quetena village at the foot of Uturuncu volcano, on the way we will pass by the province of Lipez, an area that was baptized by the National Geographic as “The Andean Tibet” and one of the most spectacular places in the Andes. The color-washed volcanoes, deserts, lagoons, bizarre formations of petrified lava, Geysers, fumaroles and the wildlife are complementary to the landscape’s immensity and the intense blue sky. Tonight we will stay in a basic hostel owned by a local family.
Day 7. Climb Uturuncu. Transport to San Pedro de Atacama. Hotel.
Elevations
Uturuncu 6008m (19,706f)
Quetena 4100m (13,448f)
San Pedro 2438m (7,996f)
Timing
Driving: 8-9 Hrs
Walking: 4-5 Hrs
Meals
B,L
Very early in the morning we will start our day driving on another sulfur-mining road up to 5200m, there we will start our hike on the road towards the col between the two main summits of the volcano. From this point, we have to follow a steep path over the scree to the southern Bolivia’s highest Summit. It is said that Uturunco is the fastest growing volcano on earth, one inch per year; but it will take a long time until it puts on the warning lights. The view from this solitary Summit is truly spectacular with the volcanoes being lost in the immensity of the cordillera. Later we drop down to the mine, have lunch and leave towards San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, there – after a long but rewarding day – we will stay in a hotel and get a deserved hot shower.
Day 8. Transfer to Calama. Flight to Santiago. Transfer to Mendoza. Hotel.
Elevations
Calama 2275m (7,462f)
Santiago 543m (1,781f)
Road pass 3185m (10,447f)
Mendoza 950m (3,116f)
Timing
Driving: 7-8 Hrs
Flight: 2 Hrs
Meals
B,L
Today will be a busy transfer day, planned in this way to avoid spending too much time in the “low” lands and loose our acclimatization. After a short driving day to the airport at Calama city, we will take our flight to Santiago de Chile and immediately board a bus that will take us to Mendoza, on the way we will have our first vistas of Aconcagua mountain. Mendoza is a beautiful city famous for its splendid wines; there we will stay in a charming hotel.
Day 9. Rest day. Hotel.
Elevations
Mendoza 950m (3,116f)
Timing
None
Meals
B
Today we will have an easy day with only two tasks: to get the permits for Aconcagua National Park and to buy some supplies for the climb.
Day 10. Transport to Punta de Vacas. Trek to Pampa de Leñas. Camp.
Elevations
Punta de Vacas 2400m (7,872f)
Pampa de Leñas 2800m (9,184f)
Timing
Driving: 2-3 Hrs
Walking: 4-5 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Our vehicle will take us to Punta de Vacas at the beginning of the valley from where we will start our hike towards Pampa de Leñas. Today’s hike is more extended than steep since we cover almost 12km with a minimum ascend of 400m. Our first campsite on the ascent to Aconcagua will be located in a desert-like valley called Vacas (cows). Here is where park rangers will check and register our permits.
Day 11. Trek to Casa de Piedra. Camp
Elevations
Casa de Piedra 3,200m (10,496f) Timing
Driving: 6-7 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Today we will have a similar hiking day than yesterday; the same elevation gain and the same distance to cover but, in a higher elevation. Probably we will meet other climbers on the way to our campsite and you will have the chance to compare their performance with yours; certainly better due to a better acclimatization in the Bolivian highlands. Our campsite will be located near Casa de Piedra (Stone house), where – through the gap created by Quebrada Relinchos (neigh raven) - we will have the first sights of the western slopes of Aconcagua.
Day 12. Trek to Plaza Argentina. Camp.
Elevations
Plaza Argentina 4,200m (13,776f)
Timing
Walking: 6-7 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Trekking on steep terrain and following Quebrada Relinchos, we will gradually ascend towards Plaza Argentina located thousand meters higher. A long but rewarding day to get to our base campsite, this is the highest place where we will still see local vegetation before getting into the mountain landscape of rock & ice.
Day 13. Rest Day. Hotel.
Elevations
Plaza Argentina 4,200m (13,776f)
Timing
None
Meals
B,L,D
After a three day hike from Punta de Vacas, we need a rest free day in order to get better acclimatized. Good opportunity to have a hot shower and hike the surroundings of the campsite. As part of the park norms, is mandatory to pay a visit to the doctor who is going to check your body signs. Basically, what the team of doctors located both main base camps search, are non-acclimatized climbers or people with early symptoms of either pulmonary or cerebral edema. We will have a short group meeting to talk about the climb, later sort our common and personal equipment getting the loads ready for the next day.
Day 14. Trek to Camp-I. Camp.
Elevations
Camp-I 5,000m (16,400f)
Timing
Walking: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Ascending on easy terrain, and enjoying great aerial views of Quebrada Relinchos and Horcones valley, we will gradually ascend to our first high-altitude campsite; camp-I. This will be a hard day since we have to carry our tents and food for the next days. After reaching our campsite, we will leave the tents, some food and sleeping bags to then continue carrying a backup load as higher as possible towards Camp-II.
Day 15. Trek to Camp-II. Camp.
Elevations
Camp-II 5,850m (19,188f)
Timing
Walking: 6-7 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Today we ascend to the second high-altitude campsite located at the foot of the Polish glacier. The same as yesterday, we will also carry our tents and the equipment.
Day 16. Climb of Aconcagua. Camp.
Elevations
Aconcagua 6,959m (22,825ft) Camp-II 5,850m (19,188f)
Timing
Walking: 9-12 Hrs or 2-3 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Depending of the physical shape and state of acclimatization, today we will either have a rest day (in which case we have to retrieve the backup load left on the way to Camp-II two days ago) or attempt the summit.

Way beforehand, we must have discussed the route to be taken depending of the client’s endurance and technical experience. Basically there are two alternatives: 1) The “Falso Polacos” which implies an extremely long traverse to the normal route that we which just below Independencia refuge, or 2) The “Falso Polacos” which has also two possibilities; the direct route which is very technical and reserved only for experienced climbers in an optimal physical shape, or - what we recommended - the original Polish route contouring the glacier by its left side. Either way, we will descend from the summit to Camp-II and spend s second night there.
Day 17. Spare day. Camp.
Elevations
Plaza Argentina 4,200m (13,776f)
Timing
Walking: 4-5 Hrs or 9-12 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
This spare day can be used in different ways, let say: 1) That we have used the day before to rest and get acclimatized, today we would attempt the summit, or 2) If we have all reached the summit the day before, or that the ones who didn’t are not strong enough to make a second attempt, we will all descend to Plaza Argentina.
Day 18. Trek to Plaza Argentina. Camp
Elevations
Plaza Argentina 4,200m (13,776f)
Timing
Walking: 4-5 Hrs or None
Meals
B,L,D
Today we will stay at Plaza Argentina for the night. A second night on the way down if - in the best case-scenario – we reached the summit two days ago.
Day 19. Trek to Pampa de Leñas. Camp
Elevations
Pampa de Leñas 2800m (9,184f)
Timing
Walking: 9-10 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Today we have an extremely long day to descend to Pampa de Leñas since we have to cover a distance of about 22km.
Day 20. Trek to Quebarada de Vacas. Transfer to Mendoza. Hotel.
Elevations
Punta de Vacas 2400m (7,872f)
Mendoza 950m (3,116f)
Timing
Walking 4-5 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Another long day to trek the last stretch to the trailhead at Punta de Vacas where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Mendoza. There after the check in the hotel, we will have a long waited shower, rest and get ready for the farewell and celebration dinner.
*** End of our program ***

ALTITUDE CHART

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MORE INFORMATION

Please get into our “Resources” page in our website, there you will find plenty of information about pre-departure, National Parks, suggested reading, useful links and much more.

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