Aconcagua Trekking – 7 days: Plaza Francia + Plaza de Mulas + Ascent to Cerro Bonete 5000m

Aconcagua Trekking – 7 days: Plaza Francia + Plaza de Mulas + Ascent to Cerro Bonete 5000m

Get ready to live 7 days of expedition and disconnection in one of the most fascinating scenarios in the world, Mount Aconcagua. A trekking for mountaineering enthusiasts who seek to approach the summit of America challenging their own limits.

Day 1

We will start our adventure early in the morning of the first day and arrive at the renowned Los Penitentes Ski Center, where we will spend the first night to acclimatize.

Day 2

On the second day, we will set off to Aconcagua Provincial Park with an expert guide in High Mountain who will accompany us throughout the journey. Upon arrival we will check the equipment and learn about the precautions to take into account to begin the trek to Confluencia, the base camp of the normal route. It will be 4 hours of quiet walking until we reach this incredible place where we will spend the night and prepare for the next days of trekking. We will have dinner in the dining tents and rest in comfortable mountain tents.

Day 3

On the third day, we will wake up early. After breakfast we will start trekking to Plaza Francia. We will take the trail next to the Horcones Inferior glacier and walk for 6 hours, until we reach about 4,000 meters above sea level. In a unique environment and with an incomparable view of the South Wall of Aconcagua, we will have lunch and then return to Confluencia where we will spend the night.

Day 4

On the fourth day we will ascend to Plaza de Mulas. A more demanding trekking that will take us between 7 and 9 hours of walking. We will cross the famous Playa Ancha and climb the Cuesta Brava to reach the largest camp of the Aconcagua Provincial Park. There we will spend the night and discover the ancestral silence of the stone sentinel.

Day 5

The fifth day will be a rest day. Arriving at the 4,350 m of Plaza de Mulas we will settle in and take quiet walks around the camp. We will share stories with those seeking to reach the summit and sleep in comfortable tents to recharge our batteries.

Day 6

On the sixth day we will ascend Bonete Hill. A trekking of low technical difficulty that will take us up to 5,000 meters. From the summit we will have unparalleled views of the west wall of Aconcagua and the route to the summit. After lunch we will return to Plaza de Mulas base camp, where we will spend the night.

Day 7

On the seventh day we will start our return. After taking the last photos of incredible places, we will start the return trip through the Quebrada de Horcones. Hiking time to the entrance of the Park will be approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Mendoza is a desert and water is a vital resource for its productive development, that is why in SAK Wine & Travel we contribute with its care and good use in every trip we plan. We know that sustainable tourism is the way to build a better world, respectful of people and their environment. By traveling with us you are joining our sustainable philosophy.

What do you need for this tour?

Essential items

We suggest you to bring these items for personal use to make your excursion perfect:

• Backpack [35-45 L].
• Extra mineral water.
• Personal care items (lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen SPF50, antibacterial gel/wipes, insect repellent, personal first aid kit).
• One duffel bag (45-70 L)
• Special clothing: 
  • Upper body: 2 Top underwear, polypropylene or thermal capelin, 1 long sleeve T-shirt, 1 fleece jacket, 1 Gore-Tex windbreaker jacket (must have hood), 1 Down jacket.
  • Hands: 1 pair of inner gloves, 1 pair of wool or polar gloves.
  • Head: 1 hat or cap for sun protection, 1 wool cap, 2 buffs.
  • Lower body: 1 pair of underwear, 1 pair of trekking pants
  • Footwear: 1 pair of good trekking boots – Gore-Tex recommended
  • Feet: 1 pair of light socks, 2 pairs of thick socks
  • Eyes: 1 pair of glacier goggles 100% UV protection
  • Others: 1 headlamp, 1 sleeping bag comfortable at -20°C, 1 pair of hiking poles, 1 pair of 2 liter aluminum water bottle

Note: The best clothing for mountain activities is wool or synthetic materials in layers, as they dry quickly and keep warmth better. We suggest a base layer, then an intermediate layer, such as a light fleece coat or similar, and then a windproof and waterproof layer.

Safety tips: Inform the guide or driver of any illnesses, allergies or physical restrictions. Remember to bring your medication and administration instructions.