Plomo, Aconcagua Expedition

The highest peak of the Americas is open to all walkers in excellent physical condition (the "normal" route). Climbing Cerro Plomo through a process of altitude acclimatization and the length of the trip will both help maximize our chances of reaching the summit.

Day 1/  Arrival in Santiago
Day 2/  Santiago - La Parva 10,171 feet  
Day 3/  Portozuelo - Piedra Numerada 11,220 feet  
Day 4/  Olla del Plomo 14,108 feet
Day 5/  Plomo summit 17,815 feet
Day 6/  Back to Santiago  
Day 7/  Santiago - Mendoza
Day 8/  Mendoza - Punte del Inca - Confluencia 10,827 feet
Day 9/  Confluencia - Return trail to French camp for altitude acclimatization
Day 10/  Confluencia - Plaza de Mulas 13,780 feet  
Day 11/  Plaza de Mulas, Rest day   
Day 12/  Plaza de Mulas - Camp number 1, at 17,060 feet - Plaza de Mulas
Day 13/  Plaza de Mulas, rest for altitude acclimatization  
Day 14/  Plaza de Mulas - Camp number 1 overnight  
Day 15/  Camp number 1 to Camp number 2, at  19,685 feet  
Day 16/  Summit (22,841 feet) - Berlin Camp
Day 17/  Back to Plaza de Mulas  
Day 18/  Reserve day in the event of weather troubles
Day 19/  Back to Puente del Inca  
Day 20/  Back to Santiago
Day 21/  Depart from Santiago.

Aconcagua is an exceptional mountain in many regards. Highest top of the Americas, it's altitude touches a dreaded 23,000 feet...the postcards, however, elude to it toping out at 23,080. No other summit of the world, offers at this altitude, such accessibilities. It is indeed a path which, in normal conditions, leads us to the top. But even though the path is a generally easy one, the ascent itself remains a physical challenge reserved only to candidates in excellent physical shape.
The Chilean Andes shelter incredible landscapes: we suggest that you discover the Esmeralda cordillera and to climb a beautiful easy glacial top of 17,815 feet, Cerro Plomo. We then pass by Portillo, a famous ski resort, to join Mendoza, then Puente del Inca, in Argentina. The Aconcagua adventure awaits us.  We will spend eleven days devoted to it.  The "normal" route ensures the most chances of success. Return to Santiago at the end of the expedition.

Day 1/  Arrival in Santiago
Reception at the Santiago airport and transfer with an English speaking guide to the hotel (4/5 stars).

Ascent of Cerro Plomo
Day 2/ Santiago of Chili - La Parva (9,186 feet)
In the morning, transfer to La Parva (31 miles from the capital, 2 H of road). The road, very tortuous, leads us up to 9,186 feet of altitude where we find a fresher climate. Camping at the end of the track, around 10,171 feet.

Day 3/  Portozuelo - Piedra Numerada (11,220 feet)
Our team of muleteers join us. Short day of walking.  Our goal is always to acclimatize ourselves, do not forget!  Passage of two small passes (11,877 feet and 11,352 feet) before going down towards the valley from the Río Molino. Camping at the Piedra Numerada locality, a small island of greenery. Beautiful sights on Plomo and the ascent route which we will follow. Possibility in the afternoon of gaining a bit more altitude above camp....always in order to better our acclimatization.  3 H  walk.

Day 4/  Piedra Numerada - Olla del Plomo (14,108 feet)
Hike up the Rio Molino  valley, "Olla del Plomo", as they call it.  Settle in at base camp.  We are at the foot of the slopes of the Cerro Plomo itself, close to the glacier. Altitude acclimatization hike and possible sighting of Plomo.
3 H walk.

Day 5 /  Plomo (17,814 feet)
Climbed since 1895, this summit is very well known.  It formally constituted a religious sanctuary for the local population. This is our opportunity to use crampons and ropes on an easy terrain.  Good practice, in the event that we will need to use them on Aconcagua. On the way, pass by Hermandad bivouac (15,092 feet) and in front of an old Inca ruin (Pirca) around 17,060 feet. The route follows a vast stony croup, then, a great traverse on the left side (snow), leads us to the top. Descent via the same route. From the top of Plomo, views onto the Sierra Esmeralda and the area very close to Tupungato (21,555 feet); further, one can even see the southern face of Aconcagua. After this ascent, it is preferable to go down to Piedra Numerada.  One will sleep much better here and the day, tomorrow, will not be so long. Camp.
7 H to climb up to the summit and between 3-5 H of descent!

Day 6/  Piedra Numerada - La Parva - Santiago
Return to La Parva while following the ascent route. In the afternoon, transfer to Santiago. Night at the hotel (4/5 stars).
5 H walk and 2 H of road.

Day 7 / Santiago - Portillo (9,367 feet) - Mendoza (Argentina)
Today, we reach the border of Argentina by a very long fertile Andean valley. The landscape of the cordillera becomes dry and desolate. A lightly populated zone.  Only mining and electrical power stations fixed a population, renewed in the winter time by tourism in the ski resorts (Portillo at 87 miles). Pass the border and the tunnel that marks a change in the mountain side. Shortly thereafter, Puente del Inca, and the park entrance of Aconcagua. Descend to Mendoza which became an obligatory stop over in order to complete the formalities of obtaining a license for the ascent. An opportunity to experience the colonial charm of this city ... And perhaps its famous wine!
Overnight hotel (4/5 stars)

Trekking approach to the Aconcagua
Day 8 /Mendoza - Puente del Inca - Confluencia
Heading in the other direction, we take a road to join Puente del Inca, where we begin our trek.  Climb up to Confluencia (10,827 feet).  Bridges now exist to cross the torrent a bit after the Horcones Lake and, again, at Confluencia.  Camping up river from Confluencia.
4 H walk.

Day 9/ Confluencia - French Camp - Confluencia
Round trip from Confluencia up to the foot of the southern face of Aconcagua (a true ice cascade at 10,000 feet, one of the most gigantic in the world).  The site is full of beauty.  We run parallel to the most powerful glacier of the secteur for several miles.  The ambiance of our camping site is very likeable.  Second night in Confluencia.
7 H Walk (round trip).

Day 10/ Confluencia - Plaza de Mulas
Climb to the base camp at Plaza de Mulas (altitude 13,180 feet). 7-8 hours of walking in a mysterious, barren valley (the famous Playa Ancha :  7.5 miles in length).   At Plaza de Mulas, at the foot of the western face of the Aconcagua, a fun atmosphere still reigns « Quiere usted mate ? »  Numerous fixed camps are rigged here.  There is the permanence of the military, park guards and a medical center with a Doctor.  A suprising «little village ». 
7-8 H walk.

Day 11/ Plaza de Mulas
Rest day and acclimitization at the base camp.

Aconcagua ascent
Depending on how we feel, the wind, our acclimitization and mountain conditions, several options are possible; our course of action below is indicative.
Our altitude camps can vary according to climatic conditions and the level of the participants.  It is possible to add a third camp at Nido de Condores (18,045 feet), an intermediate camp situated between Cambio de Pendiente and Berlin.

Day 12/ Round trip to Camp I (Nido de Condores - Cambio de Pendiente)
Climb to Cambio de  Pendiente which will later be our first camp (17,060 feet).  Return to camp at the base of Plaza de Mulas.
Climb in 3-5 hours of walking, 1 H descent crossing over a scree covered slope.

Day 13/ Rest and walk
We settle in at our hotel on the other side of the superior Horcones glacier.  From here, we can climb on the sides of the Cerro Catedral where we will admire the glacier ice fall.  Our view from here will best allow us to see our future efforts on our following stages on the Aconcagua. 

Day 14/  Camp I (Nido de Condores)
Climb to sleep at this camp.

Day 15/ Camp II (Berlin)
Above the Cambio de Pendiente, the slope is gentler.  In one hour, we reach the Nido de Condores camp, a high pass largely  exposed to winds (17,717-18,045 feet).  Above, a traced shoe-laced path on a steep slope leads us to Berlin camp (19,193 feet-19,685 feet).

Day 16/  Aconcagua Summit (22,841 feet)
Despite a snappy cold which can further aggravate due to the wind, it is an early-morning departure.  Some rocks to overcome to arrive at Piedra Blanca and then a nice path lengthily crosses the rock slide of the Gran Acarreo.  The next portion lasts forever....stones on stones up until the crest of El Filo del Guanaco.  A superb view onto the southern face, icy and dizzying, before arriving at the summit.
Climb 3,609 feet in 6-10 Hours approximately.  Descent in 2-3 Hours onto Berlin camp.

Day 17/  Berlin - Plaza de Mulas
Our descent is easily facilitated by the scree covered slope , but the fatigue incites prudence. Camping at Plaza de Mulas.
2-4 H walk.

Day 18/ Reserve day
in case we need a second attempt.

Day 19/  Plaza de Mulas - Puente del Inca or Los Penitentes
Organization and weighing of our belongings for the mules.  We are on our long return phase. Descend towards the « world » and Argentina.  Night at inn at Puente del Inca (or that of Penitentes), which, believe it or not, will make us forget a large number of our hardships (shower, Argentinian beef, beer and wine).
6 H walk.

Day 20/  Puente del Inca -  Santiago
Around 10:00, our bus arrives to take us to Penitentes.  Return to Santiago.  Hotel in Santiago (4/5 stars).

Day 21/  Depart from Sabtiago
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

Technically, Aconcagua is not difficult. It is a walk on a path well marked in the middle of scree up to the foot of the last couloir: Canaleta; sometimes snowy, often walking over scree covered slopes (tiring).  A certain ease walking with crampons in the snow and ice. Cerro Plomo: easy walk at the end of the itinerary with the aid  of crampons on the snow or partly on glacier without crevasses.  The very high altitude and extreme weather conditions which can sometimes prevail ("el viento blanco", violent wind which prevents any ascent... or any retreat) require that one be in very good physical and mental condition and that one has already tested their adaptability in high altitudes.  Physically, Aconcagua is even more testing than summits higher than 23,000 feet.
- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

During the treks, each participant will carry with them a light back pack carrying only personal belongings necessary for the day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc....)
The rest of the equipment is transported by mules to the camps.
Above the Aconcagua base camp: participants carry their personal belongings (clothes, mountain material, foam mattress, etc...).The collective equipment (tents, water, camping stove, etc...) is entrusted to our porters.   
At the Plaza de Mulas (base camp), we have the possibility to rent porter services to take our personal belongings up to the altitude camps (not included in the price).  Indicative prices for the transportation of 44 pounds from the base camp:  $150 US Dollars to Nido de Condores (Camp 1) ; $220 US Dollars to Berlin (Camp 2).

The guides
- a Western English speaking Mountain World Travel High Mountain guide (UIAGM-IFMGA)
- an assistant/guide/cook for our ascensions (from 5 people and up).

The local team
- Minibus driver.
- Porters for Altitude Camps 

Land tranfers by private minibus.

- Santiago, Mendoza:  4/5 star hotel, based on double occupancy
- Local inn at Puente del Inca or Penitentes (Day 19), based on double occupancy.
During our treks, nights under tents (dome tents, 2-3 places, adapted to the mountains, 2 people per tent) and a mess tent for meals and to spend our evenings.

Aconcagua Ascent
- Base camp:  spaces reserved for sleeping tents, a mess tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent.  First aid post near camp.
- Above the base camp:  high altitude tents (based on three people per tent, in order to limit carrying too much extra weight).

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

- In the cities, meals at restaurants.
- Lunch is, in general, in picnic form; sometimes a warm meal.
- Outside of the cities, meals are prepared by our cook from local products.  
- In our Aconcagua camps: meals prepared by participants:  food is adapted to the altitude (use of camping stoves)
- Complimentary snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit, cookies, cheese, etc...) during our trekking days and ascents.
Drinks : bottled mineral water is provided during meals and during vehicle transfers.  Unlimited tea at camping sites.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Santiago
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Porters if you hire them above the Aconcagua base camp
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the website of Mountain World Travel or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Santagio:

• American in cooperation with Lan Chile operates daily flights to Santiago from anywhere in the States through Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York.
• Delta operates daily flights to Santiago from anywhere in the States through Atlanta.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers:
- for Argentina, a valid passport, no visa needed for up to 90 days
- for Chile, a valid passport and a visa; US citizens are admitted to Chile for up to 90 days.
For US citizens, please check with
US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements (Argentina)
US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements (Chile).
For other nationalities, please contact the Argentina and Chile embassy of your country.

Vaccines: No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B recommended.
Visit:
For Argentina  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationArgentina.aspx
For Chile  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChile.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended
This trip takes place at high altitudes.  It is recommended that you speak with your doctor if you have not had preliminary experience « traveling » in altitude or if you have a particular sensibility in altitude.

Important notice
It must be assured that you are  in perfect health for this expedition. Obligatory medical visits are organzied by the Aconcagua park authorities at Plaza de Mulas and at Los Horcones (beginning of the trek).  If the doctors, after the exam, determine that someone is not in the right condition to attempt Aconcagua (for example:  high blood pressure, bronchitis, tachy cardia, etc...), the authorities will not allow them to continue.  In this event, the traveler must accept this decision and can not claim any reimbursement from Mountain World Travel.  It is strongly advised that one brings a medical certificate that can positively influence the decision of the Argentine doctors.

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests should be considered).
Please visit    http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 7 and 8
At least 4 months prior:  Hike over 13 miles every weekend, carrying a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds and you should be engaged in another intense sports activity that develops endurance on a year round basis AND, in addition, you have implemented a third training element (of your choosing) at least 4 months prior to departure.

Basic Equipment
- Thermal underwear (fast drying)
- Thin thermal fleece turtle neck
- A warm fleece jacket in fleece (light weight/well insulated).
- A mountaineering jacket and a down jacket.
- Mountaineering pants.
- Thermal long underwear.
- A ski hat and a neck gaiter.
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun.
- Very good ski sunglasses with side protections.
- A ski mask for the summit.
- A pair of warm/waterproof technical mountaineering Gore-Tex gloves (double lawyer of down)) or a pair of Gore-Tex over-mittens and warm under-gloves.
- A pair of replacement gloves.
- A rain poncho
- A survival blanket (reinforced model).
- A water bottle (no Camelback, as tube will freeze).
- Hand and foot warmers

Shoes and technical material
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Mountaineering shoes with rigid soles compatible for crampons.
- Thermal Socks
- A head lamp.
- Waterproof/breathable Over-pants (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gaiters.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles (optional).
- A pair of crampons with "antibottes" (rubber plates preventing snow from balling up underfoot).
- A technical climbing ice axe.
- Mountaineering helmet.
- An adjustable, light and compact harness, adapted for walking.
- Two locking carabiners
- A 2 meter sling
- 6 feet of cordelette, 7 millimeter diameter
- An ascender
- A belaying device
- An ice screw.

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 5° F to -13° F)
- A self-inflated mattress

Pharmacy
- You own small "pharmacy" to have validated by your Doctor. It should contain: sun lotion, bandages, sterile strips and double skin, anti diarrhea medication, pain killers, an anti inflammatory, a muscle relaxant, eye lotion, cough drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic, disinfectant, tweezers, personal ear plugs, and personal drugs. And anything else indicated on the "Trip Details" page or in "Important Information" (including necessary items to treat altitude sickness).
- However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).

Luggage
- A large, robust and technical back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, for daily carrying.
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porters' team or the vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.
- A bathing suit

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).

- Temperatures can be icy at the top, even in the middle of the local summer. Plan on bringing winter mountain equipment.

- If you wish to rent mountaineering shoes, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, please inform us at the time of your booking. As Mountain World Travel does not itself rent out this kind of material, we will direct you to our partner store at location (you will be offered a discount)