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As we decided to be sustainable, to travel with us contributes to a better world. Find more information here.
read moreStanding at 6,962 meters above sea level, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas and one of the Seven Summits. Every year, climbers and trekkers from around the world travel to Mendoza to test themselves on its slopes. Some aim for the summit. Others come to walk its valleys, reach base camp, or simply stand close enough to feel the scale of the mountain.
At SAK Wine & Travel, we design Aconcagua experiences for all levels: from multi-week summit expeditions on the Normal Route to half-day soft trekking tours that bring you face to face with the mountain without technical climbing. Every trip leaves from Mendoza, with local expert guides who know Aconcagua as intimately as the vineyards in the valley below.
Aconcagua Climb
Hiking & Trekking
Small group tour to the high Andes up to Aconcagua viewpoint
Hiking & Trekking
Hiking & Trekking
Visit to the high Andes with trekking to Quebrada del Durazno – SPVD
Whether you are chasing a Seven Summits tick or simply want to feel the altitude of the high Andes, there is an Aconcagua tour for your fitness level, timeline, and budget.
Tour | Type | Duration | Level | Summit attempt |
Summit — Normal Route | Expedition | 21 days | Advanced | Yes |
360 Route Expedition | Expedition | Consult us | Advanced | Yes |
7-Day Trek — Plaza Francia + Mulas | Trekking | 7 days | Intermediate | No (5,000m max) |
3-Day Trek — South Wall | Trekking | 3 days | Moderate | No |
Base Camp Confluencia Hike | Day trek | 1 day | Easy/Moderate | No |
Soft Trekking Viewpoint (group) | Excursion | 1 day | Easy | No |
Soft Trekking Viewpoint (private) | Excursion | 1 day | Easy | No |
Your journey doesn’t end with Aconcagua. After completing an Aconcagua base camp hike, discover Mendoza’s world-famous vineyards, savor gourmet food tours, or venture on other high-altitude adventures. Each experience complements your Aconcagua Tour, revealing another layer of this remarkable region.
Aconcagua rises to 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) in the heart of the Argentine Andes, within Aconcagua Provincial Park in Mendoza. It is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the Seven Summits: the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.
The mountain offers several routes to its summit. The Normal Route, approaching from the northwest, is the most popular and considered non-technical, though the altitude, cold, and wind make it a serious undertaking. The Polish Traverse and the 360 Route offer greater challenge and reward for experienced andinists. The Southern Wall is considered one of the most demanding faces in the Andes.
Climbing season runs from mid-November through late February, with January offering the most stable weather windows. All climbers and trekkers entering Aconcagua Provincial Park require an official permit issued by the Mendoza provincial government. Permit costs vary by season and route: summit permits for the high season typically run between USD 1000 and USD 1,400 per person. SAK Wine & Travel provides guidance on permits as part of every expedition package.
There are international operators that lead Aconcagua expeditions from Seattle and New Zealand. We lead them from Mendoza. That difference matters more than it sounds.
Our guides grew up watching this mountain. They know which weather patterns to trust and which to wait out, which campsites protect best from the wind on summit night, and how to read an altitude response before it becomes a problem. Local knowledge is not a detail, at 6,962 meters, it is the difference between a safe turnaround and a summit.
SAK is also a small operation by design. You will not be in a group of twenty. You will know your guides by name before the first day ends. And when the expedition wraps, or even as an extension, the Mendoza wine country is right there waiting, which no Seattle-based operator can offer.
We operate under Legajo 14434, Disposicion 241/2010, and are committed to sustainable travel through our SAK IN Action program, which ensures that every tour contributes to the conservation of the landscapes we take you through.
As we decided to be sustainable, to travel with us contributes to a better world. Find more information here.
read moreThe Andes do not end at the park boundary, and neither does what Mendoza has to offer. Many of our clients combine an Aconcagua tour with one or more of these experiences:
After several days at altitude, the idea of a long table at a Valle de Uco winery lands differently. We think it should. Ask us to build the right combination for your trip.
If you are not sure to book a package but still you want to see day tours, see this section and find the best Mendoza tours. See either private or small group services.
Aconcagua demands honest preparation. The Normal Route is not technically difficult: you do not need ropes, ice axes, or crevasse training. But the altitude is real, and no amount of experience at lower elevations fully prepares you for how the body responds above 6,000 meters.
For summit expeditions, we recommend:
For multi-day treks (3-day and 7-day), moderate fitness and some hiking experience are sufficient. For soft trekking tours, no special preparation is required beyond general good health.
If you are unsure whether a specific tour is right for your current fitness level, contact us. We would rather help you choose the right experience than see you turn back frustrated.
Aconcagua is a non-technical climb on the Normal Route, no ropes or ice climbing required. But at nearly 7,000 meters, the altitude alone makes it a serious objective. You will need strong aerobic fitness, prior experience at altitude above 4,500 meters, and time built into your itinerary for proper acclimatization. The mountain is entirely achievable for motivated, well-prepared trekkers who are honest about their preparation. It is not a walk for weekend hikers.
The official climbing and trekking season runs from mid-November to late February, with the park closing to new permits at the end of February. January is widely considered the best month for summit attempts, offering the most consistent weather windows. The very beginning and end of the season can bring more unstable conditions and colder temperatures.
A fully guided Aconcagua summit expedition typically ranges from USD 4,000 to USD 8,000 or more, depending on the level of service, guide ratio, and duration. Park permits for summit attempts in the high season cost approximately USD 1000 to USD 1,400 per person, paid directly to the Mendoza provincial government. Shorter trekking tours (base camp hikes, multi-day treks, and soft trekking) are significantly more affordable. Contact us for current pricing on any specific tour.
Yes. Every person entering Aconcagua Provincial Park, whether for a day hike to Confluencia or a full summit attempt, requires an official permit issued by the Mendoza government. Permit categories vary by route and duration, with summit permits being the most expensive. SAK Wine & Travel provides guidance on obtaining the correct permit for your chosen tour and can assist with the process as part of your booking.