Seven Summits

Climb Aconcagua

Scale the highest peak in South America.

Aconcagua
Expedition

As the highest peak in South America - and the highest mountain on the planet outside of Asia - Aconcagua represents a significant conquest for any mountaineer. Surrounded by dramatic glaciers, including the 10km long Ventisquero Horcones Inferior, this magnificent 6,961m high peak is not without its challenges, but is not considered hugely difficult from a technical point of view. Many climbers - and Elite Exped clients - use this as a preparatory peak ahead of tackling greater objectives in the Himalayas.

Country

Argentina

Duration

19 days

grade

Easy 1C

Max Altitude

6961 m
22838 ft

Daily activity

Approx
4 - 7 hrs

Season

Summer

Dates Available

05 Jan - 17 Feb

Starting from

USD $6,500

Aimed at climbers who’ve made ascents of similar mountains. You must have mastered basic mountaineering skills and have a very high level of fitness.

Climb the highest peak outside Asia

Elite Exped’s leaders have unparalleled experience in the world’s most extreme mountain environments. Nims and Mingma David have climbed all of the world’s 8,000m peaks in record time. Nims has a 100 percent success rate on 8,000ers, and perhaps more importantly, the pair have a 100 percent safety record - when working together, not a single member of any of their teams has lost so much as a fingertip to frostbite.

This record offers the kind of reassurance you need when tackling any peak around the world, including in South America. Nims’ personal attachment to Aconcagua dates back to 2017, when he led a successful expedition to the summit. Our Aconcagua expedition plan is based on his itinerary from that trip, but with additional time allowed for clients’ rest days and acclimatisation.

Aconcagua’s relative accessibility means we can complete the climb within 20 days of your arrival in Mendoza, the regional capital some 112km away from the peak. This includes contingency days for weather.

As in Nepal, we oversee every aspect of the expedition when operating in Argentina - from carrying in food, to fixing ropes, we control the controllable, making sure that nothing is left to chance. The South American members of our guiding team have decades worth of experience scaling Andean peaks, including putting up first ascents on several challenging routes.

Aconcagua might not be as dangerous as some of the mountains in our founders’ backyard, but we never underestimate anything. Wherever we operate on the planet, we prepare for all eventualities, to make sure that the highest standards of safety are maintained.

Elite Exped’s highly experienced guiding team are not just record-breaking mountaineers - they also have extensive training in high altitude rescues. We have evacuation plans and helicopters in place for emergencies. Our guaranteed 1:1 guide to client ratio, with four guides constantly on standby if needed, ensures that we can respond rapidly in rescue situations. 

From our clients
Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

Komal Varasni
Aconcagua 2020

If I was to climb or attempt something big again it would  be with the Elite team. . Everyone was so positive and the energy surrounding the group was uplifting.

Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Mendoza before 12pm. Transfer to hotel/ welcome brief/ gear check and official formalities

  • Day 02

    Check in Aconcagua Park. Hike to Confluencia  

  • Day 03

    Hike: Acclimatization hike to the south face of Aconcagua  

  • Day 04

    Hike: Confluencia to Plaza de Mulas (Basecamp)

  • Day 05

    Rest day at Basecamp

  • Day 06

    Hike to Bonete Peak [55050M]

  • Day 07

    Rest day at Basecamp

  • Day 08

    Acclimatization trek to Canada camp (Camp 1). Back to Plaza de Mulas  

  • Day 9

    Rest day at Basecamp

  • Day 10

    Plaza de Mulas (4267m) to Camp 2 called “Nido de Condores” (5400m)  

  • Day 11

    Rest day in Nido de Condores

  • Day 12

    Camp 2 “Nido de Condores” to Camp 3 “Colera Camp”

  • Day 13

    Summit day and back to Colera Camp 

  • Day 14-16

    Extra days for weather conditions

  • Day 17

    Return to Basecamp

  • Day 18

    Plaza de Mulas to Horcones. Transfer to Mendoza, Check in to hotel

  • Day 19

    Transfer to mendoza airport; depart for the country of residence

Training

Developing your skills to achieve a new possible

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Environment

Protecting our mountains

We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What equipment is provided?
Will Nims or Mingma David be my guide?
Will the expedition cost include travel?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.

While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.

We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.

Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures.

We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks.

An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Enquire Now
Seven Summits

Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain, is located in the Kabardino-Balkaria region of Russia. Standing majestically in the Caucasus mountain range, it reaches an elevation of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), making it the highest peak in Europe.

Jul-Sep
$4,770
Seven Summits

As the highest peak in South America - and the highest mountain on the planet outside of Asia - Aconcagua represents a significant conquest for any mountaineer. Surrounded by dramatic glaciers, including the 10km long Ventisquero Horcones Inferior, this magnificent 6,961m high peak is not without its challenges, but is not considered hugely difficult from a technical point of view. Many climbers - and Elite Exped clients - use this as a preparatory peak ahead of tackling greater objectives in the Himalayas.

Dec-Jan
$6,500
Fast-Track

Mount Everest is undoubtedly on the bucket list of every adventurer. Who wouldn't want to conquer the highest mountain on the planet? Yet for the busy modern professional, finding two free months to achieve this life goal can almost feel as difficult as the climb itself.

Apr-May
$100,000