I first found Aconcagua expeditions online at aconcaguaexpeditions.com The reviews seemed good and the dates I wanted aligned so I sent them an email. Communication was excellent and within a few days Fernando put time aside to video call me and talk me through the plan for an expedition. What to expect, the equipment I would need and I had chance to ask any questions. Before we departed on the expedition we met our guides (one had summited 51 times and the other 23) and they checked all our equipment and helped me rent anything extra I required. We were then driven to Penitentes close to Aconcagua park to spend a night. We stopped on the way for some amazing authentic Argentinian Asado. The next day our permits were sorted quickly and the expedition had begun in earnest. The guides constantly kept us informed on what the plan was for each day. The accommodation at Comfluencia and Plaza de Mulas is in dorm tents and is comfortable. The food at both places was excellent and you can ask for seconds. We did an acclimatisation hike to plaza Francia fromConfluencia and another from Plaza De Mulas (4250m) to Mount Bonete (5050m). This was also an opportunity to test the plastic boots and make sure they didn’t cause any feet problems. The next day we rested and had a lesson and practice on how to self arrest with poles and to practice walking In crampons to ensure they fit well and gain confidence. The guides emphasise drinking at least 4 litres a day at this altitude and they always have hot and cold water on hand at camps. A medical check at Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas checks hear rate, oxygen absorption and blood pressure to ensure acclimatisation is working well. On leaving base camp things get more serious. The guides pace the ascents well and prepare food on arrival to recuperate energy. Porters are available to carry equipment up from base camp if required. On summit day the guides prepare breakfast and bring it to the tent as it’s dark and cold at 4am ish. Usually they start walking around 5am. One of our group didn’t feel up to going to the summit and wanted to decend asap. One of the guides took her down to base camp leaving just one guide for the remaining 3 people. The guide set a good pace on summit day and allowed for plenty of breaks. 200m from the summit a client wanted to turn around, this could of meant we all had to turn back but the guide went above and beyond, taking the tired client down to a safe spot to rest and wait and returned to the two remaining clients to take us to the summit. The other client reached the top but had exhausted themselves (the guides emphasised keeping energy in reserve to get down). However, the guides worked professionally to rope the client up and help them decend back to camp 3 safely. At this point I want to emphasise, Aconcagua is no joke and each person needs to be self aware and don’t push to exhaustion. The guides will help you but just be aware that it becomes more dangerous for everyone in this scenario. The guides got everyone back down safely and we descended the rest of the way to the park entrance in 2 days. I can’t speak more highly of the service I received and the commitment of the guides to get me to the summit safely. I highly recommend booking with Acomara. Once back in Mendoza we had a final celebration dinner and received a small medal.
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