Aventuras Patagonicas on Aconcagua Polish Glacier via Ameghino Valley with traverse Full Itinerary

Aconcagua Polish Glacier via Ameghino Valley with traverse Full Itinerary

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  Day 01

  Group meets in Mendoza, Argentina. Equipment check and afternoon briefing will be at the hotel. For dinner we will have a chance to taste fine Argentinean cuisine and wine.

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  Day 02

  Drive west from Mendoza to Penitentes ski area at 8,500’. Our drive winds along the Rio Mendoza deep into the heart of the rugged Andes mountains where we begin our acclimatization in Penitentes. Afternoon hike is recommended, though optional.

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  Day 03 - 05

  Approach to Base Camp. Hike up the Vacas and Ameghino Valleys to Base Camp. Mules will carry our gear. Here we begin the route, which was established in 1934 by a Polish Expedition. Even today this eastern approach to the mountain is not as heavily traveled as the Normal Route. After three days of spectacular, colorful, high desert scenery we reach our Base Camp, at 13,800’. The hike to Base Camp is approximately 40 miles and gives us the perfect chance to begin our acclimatization.

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  Day 06

  Rest and acclimatization day at Base Camp. We want everyone to have the best possible chance to make the summit. The most effective way to do this is to take the time to acclimatize to the low oxygen environment. We will incorporate rest days into our schedule and climb in traditional expedition style. We will be carrying loads up to the next camp and returning to sleep below at the previous camp. The next day we will move to the higher camp. This is an excellent method of acclimatization, which is our main focus throughout your expedition.

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  Day 07

  Carry a load to Camp I at approximately 15,200 . The route goes up the narrow valley between the North side of Cerro Ameghino and Cerro San Francisco. Here we will be able to see Nieve Penitentes, unique snow and ice formations created by the direct sun. Return to Base Camp.

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  Day 08

  Leave Base Camp. Move to Camp I.

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  Day 09

  Carry a load to Camp II at 16,500 . Fantastic view of the Polish Glacier. We ascend scree slopes to a broad ridge crest where we will establish Camp II.

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  Day 10

  Move to Camp II.

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  Day 11

  Carry a load to Camp III, below the Polish Glacier at 17,800 .

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  Day 12

  Move to Camp III. depending on how group is doing.

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  Day 13

  Carry a load to High Camp, at 19,200 . We will establish this camp at the base of the Polish Glacier.

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  Day 14

  Move to High Camp.

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  Day 15 - 17

  Summit! Weather permitting. We allow several days for our Summit Day in case of poor weather.

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  Day 18

  Descend the Normal Route to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. This will be quite exciting since we will be descending a different side of the mountain.

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  Day 19

  Hike out the Horcones Valley, with its impressive views of Aconcagua s South Face. Spend the night in Penitentes.

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  Next Day

  Drive to Mendoza. Enjoy delicious team banquet! Next day fly home or continue traveling in South America.