Complete Guide to Trekking in Aconcagua

Trekking in Aconcagua

Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America, is an emblematic destination for trekking and nature lovers. Among the many options it offers, there are two routes that stand out especially for those who want to experience this Andean giant without trying to reach its summit: the Trekking to the Mirador de la Pared Sur and the Trekking to Base Camp (Plaza de Mulas). These experiences allow you to explore and get to know the park’s majestic surroundings, enjoy impressive views of its most important glaciers, and experience the spirit of adventure characteristic of high altitude camps.

Below, we tell you everything you need to know about these two unmissable routes, as well as useful information on prices, equipment and tips for planning your excursion to Cerro Aconcagua.

Aconcagua Short Trek: Viewpoint of the South Wall

The trek to the Aconcagua South Wall Lookout is perfect if you are looking for a few days tour and enjoy the breathtaking views of this mountain. It is one of the most popular options for those who want to experience the park environment without embarking on the long trek to Aconcagua Base Camp, such as Plaza de Mulas.

Technical details of the trekking to the Mirador de la Pared Sur:

  • Duration: 2 to 3 days (round trip).
  • Distance: About 8 to 12 kilometers, depending on the itinerary.
  • Maximum height: Approximately 4,100 meters.
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Ideal for people with no previous experience and good physical condition.

You must spend at least one night at Camp Confluencia. The most exciting point of the tour is to reach the viewpoint, where you will have a privileged view of the imposing South Wall of Mount Aconcagua, one of the most famous and admired faces by mountaineers. From here, you will be able to observe the hanging glaciers and connect with the highest mountain in America.

Trekking to Aconcagua Base Camp: Plaza de Mulas

If you have more time and are looking for a greater challenge, the trek to Aconcagua base camp, known as Plaza de Mulas, is the best alternative. This is the base point for climbers attempting the summit, but it is also a stand-alone attraction for those who wish to enjoy unique landscapes in a multi-day adventure.

Technical details of the trekking to Plaza de Mulas:

  • Duration: 4 to 6 days (round trip).
  • Total distance: Between 35 and 45 kilometers, depending on the itinerary.
  • Maximum height: 4,300 meters (Plaza de Mulas).
  • Difficulty: Moderate, due to the altitude and the distance covered. Ideal for people in good physical condition.

This trek to Aconcagua base camp is ideal if you are looking for a more intense experience. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery and views of the glaciers at base camp, sleeping in Confluencia and visiting the Mirador de la Pared Sur to better acclimatize to the altitude before the ascent to Plaza de Mulas.

Aconcagua 2025 Trekking and Permits Prices

Aconcagua trekking has a cost that varies depending on the duration, the type of route and the services included. Here is an approximate idea of the prices for 2025:

Additionally, aTrekking Permit must be paid to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Best Time for Trekking Cerro Aconcagua

The austral summer, between December and March, is the best time for any trekking on Mount Aconcagua. During these months, weather conditions are more stable, with higher temperatures and less chance of precipitation.

However, do not forget that temperatures in the mountains can drop rapidly, especially in the afternoon or at night. Always wear appropriate clothing, ideally using the layering system to cope with sudden changes in weather.

Necessary Equipment for the Trekking

Whether you choose to trek to Aconcagua base camp or a shorter route such as the Mirador de la Pared Sur, it is essential to have the right equipment to ensure your safety and comfort:

  • Footwear: Waterproof and comfortable trekking boots.
  • Clothing: Layered clothing (warm clothes, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat).
  • Hydration: Water bottles and water purification tablets, as mountain water may not be safe to drink untreated.
  • Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat and high protection sunscreen.
  • Specific equipment: trekking poles, 30-40 liter backpack, warm and insulating sleeping bag (if you sleep in a tent).

Frequently Asked Questions about Aconcagua Trekking

Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Aconcagua trekking?

It is not mandatory for shorter routes, but it is recommended, especially if you are not familiar with the terrain. For longer routes, such as the hike to Aconcagua base camp (Plaza de Mulas), an experienced guide is suggested.

2. Is there wifi or cellular signal in the Aconcagua campsites?

Limited wifi services are available at some of the main campsites, such as Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas. Cellular signal is very weak or non-existent in most of the park, so it is advisable not to rely on it and to plan any important communication before entering the park.

3. What services are available at the Aconcagua camps?

In campsites such as Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas, you will find basic services and some additional ones:

  • Chemical or ecological toilets: Available in all main camps.
  • Rest areas: Domes or tents equipped for resting, with 220v electricity and wi-fi.
  • Meals: The guided services include full board during the trekking.
  • Medical assistance: There are medical checkpoints at the main camps to monitor acclimatization and attend to emergencies.

How long does it take to acclimatize?

Acclimatization depends on each person, but we recommend at least one day of rest at an intermediate camp such as Confluencia, before continuing on to Plaza de Mulas or higher altitudes.

5. What kind of food should I bring for the trekking?

For day treks, you can carry a light lunch, energy snacks such as granola bars, nuts and dried fruits. For longer routes such as base camp, it is advisable to bring light, easy to prepare and high in calories. If you hire an agency, meals are included in the service, which is an advantage for not carrying so much weight.

6. How cold can it get during the trekking?

Temperatures on Aconcagua vary depending on altitude and time of day. On the Mirador de la Pared Sur trek, temperatures can range from 5°C to 20°C during the day, but drop to near 0°C at night. At Plaza de Mulas, nights tend to be much colder, with temperatures reaching -10 °C or lower. Wear appropriate clothing to cope with these changes.

7. Are mules available to transport equipment?

Yes, on the trek to Plaza de Mulas base camp you can hire the services of mules to transport your equipment and reduce the weight to be carried. The price of this service varies according to the distance and the total weight to be transported.

8. What happens if I feel sick during the trek?

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness or any other physical problem, it is important to report it immediately to your guide or camp staff. At the main camps such as Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas, there are medical checkpoints where your condition can be evaluated and, if necessary, a descent can be coordinated for your safety.

Why Choose Aconcagua for Your Next Adventure?

The Cerro Aconcagua treks are not only a sporting experience, but an opportunity to connect with America’s highest mountain at its best. From short routes like theShort Trek to the Mirador de la Pared Sur to longer challenges like theAconcagua Base Camp Hike, this mountain has something to offer to all levels of adventurers.

Now you know everything you need for your trekking to Mount Aconcagua, get ready, pack your backpack and live an unforgettable experience in the Mendocino Andes!

$1 230

Trekking to Aconcagua base camp (Plaza de Mulas +4350 masl).

Reserve your date!
Moderate (3+)
5 days | 4 nights
$515

Trekking to the South wall of Aconcagua (Mirador Plaza Francia +4100 m.a.s.l.)

Reserve your date!
Easy (2+)
3 days | 2 nights

Instruction to assemble your Caca-Tubo!

In 2023, more than 4 million visitors were recorded in National Parks alone. Year after year, our love of the outdoors takes its toll on nature: areas impacted with trash of all kinds, human waste, invasive species, habituated wildlife, eroding trails, contaminated water sources and more. While those of us who participate in these activities have no intention of harming the natural environment, we may not have the knowledge to preserve it either. So-called low-impact practices allow us to enjoy and protect our natural spaces.

One of the most impacted practices we observe every time we go on outings is the mountain, is the correct disposal of waste and garbage. This principle applies to everything from toilet paper and wet wipes to tampons, etc.

In some very affected natural areas or high altitude camps, as for example in the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park or Cerro Penitentes, we are required to lower our poop 💩: for this, the use of the Caca-Tubo is essential.

Did you know that Salmonella bacteria can live up to 51 weeks inside a 20cm deep hole in high mountain environments?

Let alone if it’s just under a rock or flying through the air on toilet paper… poop contaminates running water sources, groundwater and the snow that we need so much at altitude to properly hydrate ourselves. It also dangerously exposes us to pathogens from fecal matter, not to mention disturbing soils and wildlife health.

With these simple steps, you will be able to have your own Caca-Tubo ready to take care of yourself and nature on your mountain outings 💚🗻 .

Materials needed

  • One 110 mm diameter PVC pipe. You can find it in hardware stores or plumbing and building supply stores.
  • Two caps of the same diameter as the PVC pipe, to seal both ends.
  • Resistant glue for PVC.
  • Large individual bags to wrap waste, preferably biodegradable.

Steps to assemble the Poop Tube

  1. Clean the PVC pipe and make sure it is free of debris or impurities.
  2. Take one of the caps and attach it firmly to one end of the tube using the glue. Make sure the seal is airtight.
  3. The other cap will be used to open and close the tube, so it is not attached to either end. You can add a small cordin to the lid to help you open it.
  4. Slightly puncture one of the caps to allow air to circulate and avoid creating a vacuum when sealing the tube with the bags.
  5. You will need a large bag to line the inside of the Poop Tube and smaller bags for the poop.

How to use the poop-tube?

  1. Open the lid of your poop-tube and unroll the large bag.
  2. To make your needs, you have 2 options to choose from:
    1. Open a plastic bag on the floor and do your business! 🎯
    2. Do your business on the floor and then pick it up with the bag.
  3. Close the bag with a knot, making sure that it is not inflated with air inside and that the plastic does not break.
  4. Place the bag inside the Poop-Tube and put the lid on.
  5. To avoid bad odors, you can grind an aspirin and place it inside the bag. You can also include a tablespoon of lime or even “diatomite” cat pebbles to help control odors.

Additional information

Why does the altitude “hit” us?

When we take our first steps at altitude, some interesting changes take placeWhen we open a bottle of water, we feel a puff of air as we twist the cap, potato chip packages swell to the point of bursting, and water boils at a lower temperature. Also, we feel less energetic and move more slowly..

Why is all this happening?

These effects do not occur by magic, but because as altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. because as the altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases.. That is, the force exerted by the air on the Earth’s surface decreases.

So, water boils at a lower temperature because its boiling point is determined by atmospheric pressure and potato chip packages swell because they are hermetically sealed at a standard atmospheric pressure which, as it decreases, causes the air inside the package to expand.

And, as you may have noticed, you may feel more tired. This is because atmospheric pressure helps transport oxygen to the body. As the pressure decreases, less oxygen is available to your body, which makes you feel tired and find it more difficult to breathe.

How does atmospheric pressure decrease at higher altitudes?

At sea level, the average atmospheric pressure is about 1013 hPa (hectopascal). At 1500 masl, the pressure decreases approximately 15% at 850 hPa. At about 3000 masl, the pressure drops to approximately 700 hPa, with 30% less air pressure and oxygen. Therefore, it is not surprising that you feel headaches or upset tummy.

At 5500 meters above sea level, the pressure drops to about 500 hPa: half the atmospheric pressure at sea level. To reach these altitudes, it is important to acclimatize properly..

Is it possible to measure the air pressure air pressure during an ascent?

You can use an altimeter, which is essentially a small barometer. An altimeter makes use of the normal change in pressure with altitude and must be calibrated at a known altitude at the beginning of the ascent.. Since the actual pressure change is usually slightly different, altimeters may have small errors (usually no more than 7 to 15 meters).

Pressure altimeters provide more accurate elevations than GPS units, which often have a 15 to 30 meter difference and do not always work under dense cover (e.g., within a forest).pressure altimeters, which often have a difference of 15 to 30 meters and do not always work under dense cover (e.g., inside a forest).

On the other hand, many cell phones already have pressure sensors and there are altimeter applications that you can download free of charge..

Would you like to know how you can prepare, move and make decisions at altitude? In this article of our blog, we leave you a lot of tips: Prepare body and mind for altitude.

Preparing body and mind for altitude

If you are planning to ascend beyond the end of the vegetation, it is important to know a few things about altitude and how it can affect your body and mind, it is important that you know a few things about altitude and how it can affect your body and mind..

Travelling along the edge of the hill Vallecitos at more than 5000 meters above sea level (masl) at dawn or contemplate Mount Aconcagua from the summit of the Penitentes at more than 4000 meters above sea level, are moving experiences. Therefore, so that you can immerse yourself in high altitude mountaineering and enjoy the experience in the best possible way, here are 5 things you should keep in mind.

At high altitudes, there is less oxygen

The Andes mountain range is like an amusement park for high altitude mountaineering, but its practice has significant effects on the body and mind. People perform better, both physically and mentally, at sea level, where the atmospheric pressure is 1 atm. Once we reach 2500 meters above sea level, the atmospheric pressure and oxygen percentage decrease, making it more difficult to breathe.and it is more difficult to breathe.

Move slowly and at a slow pace. Avoid sudden movements, such as bending down and getting up quickly. Rest as needed and take deep breaths.

The higher you go, the more intense the environment is

Walking at high altitude can also affect the hydration of your skin. It is important to always wear sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses, and sunglasses, along with clothing that covers your head and neck.

The rarefied air is accompanied by a lack of humidity.

Drink plenty of water, a few days before and throughout your altitude exposure.

Take into account the weather

Mountain weather can change drastically in a matter of hours, or even minutes! Rain, hail, snow, cold, and high winds are a real possibility throughout the year when hiking above 3000 meters, are a real possibility all year round when hiking above 3000 meters above sea level.

Once you are in the field, it will be impossible to control the weather. Therefore, you should always analyze several forecasts before setting out and, if possible, find a way to check their updates during the outing.

Plan your trip according to the characteristics of the seasonal climate of the place you are going to. For example, in the north of Argentina, during the period from December to March, thunder and intense storms are common, so it is advisable to avoid those months.

Above the “vegetation line”.

The landscape changes as we ascend. The altitude of the “vegetation line” varies according to the climate, but in all habitats it represents the same thing: the limit to which vegetation is able to grow because conditions become too harsh to be tolerable.

The terrain becomes much looser and rougher, so it is essential to have the right hiking shoes and ankle protection.

In this zone, the pircas often mark the path to follow and it is more difficult to find well-formed trails. In addition, low-impact practices become stricter. The lack of trees and vegetation diminish the protection against bad weather.so we recommend that you plan your plan your options in advance to know how to evacuate to know how to evacuate the area or take shelter in case of a storm.in case of a storm.

Altitude sickness is real

The body does not react well when we climb high altitudes too quickly. When we set up an itinerary without foreseeing the acclimatizationaltitude sickness can manifest itself due to the change in air pressure and lack of oxygen.

To acclimatize, the body needs to gain altitude progressively. However, even if a correct acclimatization plan has been followed, altitude sickness can still manifest itself.

Symptoms of altitude sickness may include nausea, headache, thirst, lack of hunger or coordination, shortness of breath, confusion and vomiting.

If you notice these warning signs early on, the recommendation is not to take medication, but to hydrate well and stop the ascent until you feel an improvement. In case of severe multiple symptoms, the best way to solve it is to get off, rest, hydrate and eat light food.

Hiking at high altitude is worth it for the unique sensations you will experience: the intense physical activity is compensated by the breathtaking views and the unique mountain air. You will be able to enjoy the experience safely if you go slowly, discovering your rhythm and taking into account these tips.

Y if you want to keep on learning about high altitude mountaineeringwe invite you to take a look at this other article of our blog, where we have more information waiting for you: Why does altitude hit us?

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