ACONCAGUA
SOUTH FACE

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TREK – ACONCAGUA SOUTH FACE - 13,123’ | 4,000m

OVERVIEW

It’s a three-day trek taking hikers to Plaza Francia, the reward being a close up look at the amazing Aconcagua´s South Face, 3,000mt vertical wall whit glaciers.

This hike is one of the most scenic in the Andes. In a few days, you will get a lot of fantastic views. Our guides and full camping facilities will make this a lifetime adventure.

If you are traveling to Mendoza, Argentina and want to see some spectacular scenery in the Andes Mountains, save some days and book now this hike!

DATE & PRICES

As this trek can be done only in a private way, you can choose the departure date that suits your group best along the climbing season.

ARE YOU READY?

Complete our request form to begin the quote process, or talk with us:

TRIP ITINERARY

Our itinerary presents an ascent that offers an excellent opportunity for a safe and successful visit to Aconcagua South Face.
We work bearing in mind the Wilderness Medical Society guidelines, and our itineraries have been tried and tested by more than six thousand climbers over the course of the past 20 years!

  • PREVIOUS DAY - MENDOZA • 2,494’ | 760m

    Our company will inform you our meeting time in your lodging place. We´ll meet our guide team. They will provide you with a complete orientation of the entire climb and a question and answer period.
    Guides will check your gear and will assist you with any gear rentals or purchases if required.
    Meals not included

  • DAY 1 - PENITENTES / CONFLUENCIA • 10,827’ | 3,300m

    You will meet our guide in Penitentes. From here, we take a short drive to the entrance of the Park.
    After completing the permit checks at Horcones Station, you’ll be faced with a short (3 to 4 hours) walk to the campsite Confluencia.
    The path is straightforward and well defined; following the big valley flanked by impressive scree slopes and folded strata. It is a perfect way start to the trek.
    You will spend two nights here with full board and hot drinks provided throughout the day.
    3-4 hrs. trek
    Meals: PL, D

  • DAY 2 - CONFLUENCIA / PLAZA FRANCIA • 13,123’ | 4,000m / CONFLUENCIA

    Today we hike to Plaza Francia and back to Confluencia.
    We hike into the Inferior Horcones Valley, which leads to a view of Aconcagua’s immense South Face, raising a sheer 3,000m from the head of the valley. This hike to 4,000m, at Plaza Francia, has all the ingredients for a perfect “acclimatization day.”
    Over a box lunch, we see the routes of ascent taken by the original French climbers and by Messner.
    6-7 hrs. trek
    Meals: B, PL, D

  • DAY 3 - CONFLUENCIA / PENITENTES • 8,940’ | 2,725m

    After packing our gear, we descend to Horcones, the entrance to the Park, on the last trekking day of the trekking. Transport will meet us to drive us until Penitentes. End of services.
    1,5 hrs. trek
    Meals: B, PL (Dinner not included)

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER: While it is our intention to adhere to the route itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary can be modifying due to weather conditions or others unpredictable factor of the mountain regions.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • TRANSPORTATION

    TRANSPORTATION FROM PENITENTES TO ACONCAGUA TRAILHEAD

    You will be driven in our vehicles, from Penitentes to the Ranger Station where your permit is reviewed, and you are informed about the Park rules before we start trekking.

  • LODGINGS

    LODGING AT CONFLUENCIA CAMP

    You spend two nights in CONFLUENCIA CAMP for proper acclimatization. It is a well-established camp with dining tents, lights, chairs and clean toilet facilities for your use.
    We have dining tents where you not only eat but also can relax as they are warm from the sun and keep you out of the weather.
    We provide two-man sleeping tents.
    Hot showers, and bunk beds (dormitory style) are available for an extra cost.

  • MEALS

    MEALS AT ACONCAGUA PARK

    From the moment you enter Aconcagua Park, all meals are included, so you should not worry about it. During the expedition, we will provide all meals (B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / PL: Packed-Lunch if you are on the move / D: Dinner).
    At the basecamp, meals are carefully planned by our professional chefs for you to have a balanced diet and plenty of food during your climb. They will prepare all your meals and provide hot drinks as desired.
    If you need a special diet, please let us know. It will be a pleasure for us to prepare a special menu for you. This service has an extra cost.

  • OUR GUIDES

    We’re proud of the fact that our guide’s team is among the most talented and experienced in the country. They can lead a group on the highest mountain as few can.
    All our guides hold full certification with the AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) and EPGAMT (School of High Mountain and Trekking Guides), the highest level of guide training available in Argentina.
    WhiteFox Adventures success was due in massive part to having exceptional guides team.
    They have become our friends and WhiteFox Adventures has become a vehicle for all of us.
    Our view is that if we don’t enjoy the people we work with, that our clients won’t either.
    Teamwork works, together we develop our climbing itineraries to be safer and flexible.
    Every WhiteFox Adventures guide is experienced, and familiar with our ethics, standards, and operations, from the technical skills of our guides to our risk management.
    As you reach higher elevations and test your limits, the value of an experienced guide cannot be understated. Our professional guides provide individual attention for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

  • MUCH MORE SERVICES

    GEAR CHECK AND ORIENTATION

    A thorough orientation will take place on the previous day of your program.
    We will discuss all details of the trek with ample time for questions and answers.
    After that, will be followed by a complete gear check. If the rental or retail gear is needed, our guides will assist you.

    ASSISTANCE WITH TREKKING PERMIT

    We will assist you with the paperwork to acquire a trekking permit.
    On the day of our departure to the mountain, our group will go to Park Headquarters where each climber must pay and sign for their permit.

    TREKKING TO PLAZA FRANCIA

    On the 2nd day of the expedition, you will visit the base of the mythical South Face of the Aconcagua. It’s the most vertical face of the mountain, with glaciers and walls almost 3,000 meters tall.
    During this trek, you will ascend 700 meters giving your body further acclimatization.

    COMMUNICATIONS

    All our base and approach camps are equipped with a system of communication via radio frequency, VHF, and satellite phone. These keep us permanently connected with our headquarters in Mendoza city and Penitentes as well as with all our expeditions on the mountain.
    So, we can facilitate those coming off the mountain whether scheduled or unscheduled on time. Should an emergency occur, we are in close contact with Rangers and the helicopter service to move climbers efficiently to additional services off the mountain.

    TREKKING CERTIFICATE

    Once your trekking is over you will receive an Aconcagua trekking certificate.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

The following items are not included in this program:

Wire Transfer Fees for deposit or balance (If Applicable)
Trekking Permit Fee ($200 – $240, depending on season)
Hotel Accommodations (Mendoza & Penitentes)
Airport transfers. (Due to multiple arrival schedules). Taxis are an easy way to get back and forth from the Airport to your hotel. You can also request personal pickups at the airport for an additional cost
Transportation Mendoza / Penitentes / Mendoza
Guide Tips
Some supplemental snacks such as candy bars and drinks which are not mentioned in provided services
Personal gear
Gear transportation during the trek
Other hotels and meals if the trekking finishes early and returns to Mendoza
All fees incurred for an early departure from the scheduled itinerary (whether private or medical), including additional hotels, meals & transportation (mules, auto or helicopter) a full schedule of departure evacuation fees will be sent in confirmation materials for early departures
Helicopter evacuation
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of WhiteFox Adventures
Trip cancellation insurance

GEAR LIST

We know how important it is to have the right equipment for the job. That is our specific gear list, and it has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip.

GEAR TIPS:

PRINT GEAR CHECK-LIST and it will ensure nothing is forgotten.
Bring only the equipment what is necessary, as this will help you during the entire trip.
The key to staying comfortable during this trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.
This list is for guidance; it does not have to be followed to the letter.
We know how difficult it is of having to purchase expensive specialist equipment, like boots, sleeping bag, etc. To help you with these costs, we offer 20% discount on our equipment hire service. We have deals with best mountain shops in Mendoza, which stocks everything you will need.
This equipment and prices are only available to hire exclusively to those booked onto our trips and booked the gear before 15th November. Click to see our gear list and prices.

PROVIDED BY WhiteFox Adventures

All Group Cooking Gear & Stoves
Sleeping Tents
Group First Aid Kit

  • REQUIRED

    SOCKS

    Two pairs for use with trekking boots or sports shoes on the hike.
    One set of hot socks. These must fit over your lightweight liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.

    HIKING BOOTS OR TREKKING SHOES

    Comfortable, lightweight walking boots for the walk-in. 2 or 3 seasons. More heavy walking boots will be too hot for the walk to base camp.

    HEAVYWEIGHT BASE LAYER BOTTOM

    Synthetic base layer bottoms that should fit snugly without constriction.

    MIDWEIGHT BASE LAYER BOTTOM

    Synthetic base layer bottoms.
    Must fit over your heavyweight base layer bottom.

    HIKING PANTS

    Lightweight, breathable & quick-dry hiking pants are recommended for the approach to base camp. Many choose to use zip-off versions for versatility.

    HEAVYWEIGHT BASE LAYER TOP

    Long-sleeved synthetic base layer tops (such as merino wool or polyester). Note that many guides prefer light-colored, hooded base layers for sun protection.

    MIDWEIGHT BASE LAYER TOP

    One midweight, form-fitting, lightweight fleece layer for use over base layers or as a base layer in cold conditions. Hoods are optional but recommended.

    FLEECE JACKET OR SWEATER

    A Long sleeves jacket will keep you warm and cozy without restricting movement, and layers easily to adapt to any outfit.

    DOWN PARKA

    An expedition down parka, which must be in excellent condition.

    SOFTSHELL JACKET

    This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a crucial part of a mountaineering layering system. We recommend a hooded model.
    This layer must fit well over your mid layer top and base layer top.

    T-SHIRTS

    Bring a small selection of t-shirts as well, for use around town and the trek into basecamp.

    LIGHTWEIGHT LINER GLOVES (2 Pairs)

    Very lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves that offer a snug, comfortable fit.

    BANDANA or BUFF

    Essential. For sun protection, for protecting your throat against the dry, dusty air and, higher up, for snow proofing the neck. Consider bringing two, as you will use these every day of the expedition.

    SUN HAT

    Any style of lightweight hat for shading the head will work well.
    Baseball caps and sombrero-style sun hats are the most common.

    WOOL / SYNTHETIC SKI HAT

    Non-Cotton wool or synthetic hat that covers the head and ears comfortably.

    GLACIER GLASSES

    High-quality glacier glasses; offering full coverage around both eyes and across the nose.

    TREKKING POLES

    Telescopic flick-lock (not twist-lock) poles. Essential.
    A large variety of poles can work well. 3-section models are preferred.

    TREKKING PACK

    A 60 - 75-liter pack designed with climber-specific features and an internal frame. The volume you choose depends on experience level packing and gear quality.

    SMALL DUFFEL

    This item can double as carry-on luggage for your flight and is used to store any things you do not plan to take into the mountains. Think light and simple, with 40-50 liters of total capacity

    5F DOWN SLEEPING BAG

    This sleeping bag should be rated to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and must be down-filled rather than synthetic filled for the sake of weight and bulk.
    Be sure to include a correctly sized compression stuff sack.

    INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD

    We recommend a full-length, modern inflatable sleeping pad.
    Ultralight full-length pads have superseded Older-style three-quarter length pads.
    We recommend bringing a valve repair/body patch kit.

    SLEEPING FOAM PAD

    This pad should be either 3/4 or body length.
    Cut pieces of closed cell foam or industrially-crafted pads are both acceptable.

    HEADLAMP

    A modern outdoor LED headlight is offering 90-200 lumens of output.
    Fresh, installed batteries plus spare batteries. Weather-resistant models are strongly preferred.

    WATER BOTTLES or CAMEL BAG

    Nalgene bottle of one-liter capacity. The wide mouth is essential.
    Camel bags are recommended.

    SUNSCREEN & LIPSCREEN

    Several 1-2 ounce tubes of SPF 30+ sunscreen & lipscreen.
    One ounce is typically sufficient per week, but several tubes.
    Sunscreen loses SPF rating over time; we strongly recommend brand-new sunscreen.

  • RECOMENDED

    TOILETRY BAG or PERSONAL BATHROOM KIT

    Include toilet paper (one roll stored in a plastic bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and some wet wipes if desired.

    TRAVEL TOWEL

    A lightweight microfiber towel.

    SMALL PERSONAL FIRST-AID KIT

    Necessary medical supplies in a compact package- we recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid tape, Band-Aids, and antiseptic wipes or gel.

    MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTIONS

    Bring any personal prescriptions, plus Pepto Bismol, Cipro (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, Z-Paks (250mg tablets), Diamox (125mg tablets, approx. 2 per day at altitude), and a variety of standard painkillers like Excedrin Extra Strength, Ibuprofen, etc.

    HAND SANITIZER

    Many alcohol-based hand cleaners will work well.
    Bring a small amount appropriate to the trip duration.

    CASUAL CLOTHING & SHOES

    Recommend for use traveling and town wear.
    We recommend bringing a rich variety of clothing for peace of mind, including some t-shirts, and swimwear.

  • OPTIONAL

    CAMERA

    Optional. Small point-and-shoot cameras (including compact SLR’s) are ideal & work well at altitude.
    Alternatively, many opt to use a smartphone camera.
    Due to weight & care in the mountain environment, large DSLR cameras are discouraged.

    TRAVEL POWER ADAPTER

    Type C (two round prongs) and Type I (three flat prongs, two of which are angled) are most common.
    Please research what adapters are necessary to plug in your devices.

    READING AND WRITING MATERIALS

    ALARM CLOCK

    TRAVEL PILLOW

  • TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

    VALID PASSPORT

    Make sure it is valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip.

    VISA IF YOU NEED

    Please check the relevant embassy or consulate of your country.
    It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday.
    Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.

DIFFICULTY

This trek requires no prior experience and doesn´t present technical difficulties.
A reasonable level of overall fitness is essential.

We reach Plaza Francia, the viewpoint of the Aconcagua´s South Face by walking easy and well-traveled paths from Confluencia basecamp. (8hrs. round trip)