Adventure Alternative

Adventures/Aconcagua expedition

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Introduction

Adventure Alternative are embarking on this exciting expedition to Aconcagua, the highest point in the Western hemisphere and the highest mountain outside of Asia. This is a challenging climb for people who aim to reach a high point in their mountaineering life. It is led by a very experienced team and will fulfil ambitions and build experience for any aspiring seven summiteer or anyone who is looking to reach new heights!

Aconcagua is the highest peak in Argentina, but it also has the reputation as the highest peak in the world which is just a walk (ie no mountaineering skills are required), but it should not be underestimated. The weather can be appalling; there are loose boulder fields above 6,500m and there is sometimes snow and ice, which require the use of ice axe and crampons.

You will need to be in good physical condition. If you have not been to altitude before you must consider that 22,000ft + is very high and you will need to monitor your ability to acclimatize, which will require patience and good judgment. Your guides will help you make the right decisions and be assured that you are in qualified and very experienced hands.

Aconcagua is a big mountain, which deserves respect. Accordingly we have been careful to build in a thorough program of acclimatization giving you the best opportunity of reaching her summit.This is a strenuous expedition, in the following pages you will find the facts and no sales pitch! We are not interested in taking people to such an area, on such an expedition unless you have considered the reality of the challenge ahead. Saying this it is a feasible mountain to attempt with the right experience and motivation under your belt.

If at any time you have questions or want to chat through your suitability then do give us a call, as we’d love to see you standing on the top. Contact us on 02870 831258 or drop us an email - office@adventurealternative.com

The Mountain

Aconcagua has two summits, north and south joined by a ridge the Cresta del Guanaco, which is nearly one kilometer long. Other ridges radiate from each summit, and the whole massif is isolated from other peaks. Shaped like a giant wedge, it has a very steep and massive face to the South and a gentle slope to the North. The huge Polish glacier flows to the East and a series of arêtes and couloirs flank it on the West.

Weather on Aconcagua

In a word, unpredictable! The peak itself has its own microclimate. The weather can be pleasant in the central Andes whilst a storm is raging up on Aconcagua. During the summer months it can be windy all of the time. In the valleys it can be 27c and as low as 3c at night. At camp 3 in the night it can be -15c to -30c. In the middle of the day on the summit the temperature could range from -25c to +15c.
The daily pattern tends to be an early clearing of cloud that often provides clear weather until midday. In the early afternoon clouds usually appear, engulfing the summit by mid to late afternoon, then clearing again as night falls.

Our Route

Our route is along the Northwest Ridge often referred to as the normal route which is non-technical but physically demanding. This really is a step up from the likes of Kilimanjaro and Mt Elbrus not just in altitude but also in our approach which incorporates all the logistics of climbing a big mountain. This is a challenging route for novice and experienced climbers alike and an ideal choice for those with some high altitude and general mountaineering experience such as having already climbed Kilimanjaro or Mount Elbrus.

Expedition Daily Itinerary:

Day	Itinerary
Day 1	Depart on international flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Jan 9th 2009)
Day 2	Arrive Buenos Aires and transfer on internal flight to Mendoza. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3	Rest Day, obtain permit, buy food, preparations in Medoza
Day 4	Morning in Mendoza, afternoon drive to Puenta del Inca
Day 5	First day trek to Confluencia
Day 6	Trek to Base Camp
Day 7	Rest day
Day 8	Carry to Camp Canada, return to Base Camp
Day 9	Rest day
Day 10	Carry and sleep at Camp Canada
Day 11	Carry to Nido de Condores and descend to Camp Canada
Day 12	Carry to Nido de Condores and sleep
Day 13	Rest Day
Day 14	Weather Day - can be incorporated into the program when needed
Day 15	Carry to Berlin Camp with summit load
Day16	Summit attempt
Day17	2nd summit attempt or descend to Nido de Condores
Day 18	Descend to base camp
Day 19	Walk out to road head and back to Mendoza orl Puenta del Inca
Day 20	Flight to Buenos Aires- international flight home (Jan 29th)
Day 21	Arrive home (Jan 30th 2009)

Note: For a detailed day by day itinerary click here.
Note: this itinerary is subject to changes according to weather and group
conditions during the expedition. We will always endeavour to incorporate two
summit days in the programe though, to ensure a fair chance for everyone,
the group must travel together to the summit on the same day.

Equipment

A variety of clothing will be necessary for your trip. You will need clothing for dining in restaurants, the heat of Mendoza and lower altitudes, and to protect you from the colder temperatures whilst on the mountain. This list is designed to help you choose the right gear for the demands of this trek.The emphasis on equipment necessary for mountain travel follows two simple rules: Lightweight and functional. The items you choose to take should be lightweight, dependable and adaptable to a variety of weather conditions. When making the final decision as to what goes into your pack, remember that it’s a fine science of taking just enough clothes and accessories to do the job, whilst not over burdening yourself with items you probably will not use.

Equipment list:

Rucksack capacity 80 litres
Small day sack
Thermarest or foam sleeping bag
Plastic or leather mountaineering boots (compatible with crampons)
River shoes, sandals or old trainers to cross rivers
Inner and outer gloves
Sunglasses, suncream, lip salve
Small towel
Small first aid kit containing: plasters, aspirin, ibuprofen
Water bottle
Adjustable trekking poles
Wind proof fleece, polartec 300
Lightweight fleece pants
Wind proof pants/jacket/suit
Diary, pen, book
Waterproof inner or quality garbage bag
Sleeping bag rated to -20c
Ice axe, crampons (compatible with boots)
Approach shoes or lightweight trekking boots
Headtorch
Fleece hat, sunhat, balaclava
Toiletries, wet wipes
Personal medication
Shorts and t shirts, lightweight long pants
Pee bottle
Down jacket
Base layer top and bottom
Underwear and socks
Camera, batteries

Time Zone

Local time in all of Argentina is three time zones west of GMT. You must take into consideration daylight saving seasonality.

Money

The official currency is the Argentinean Peso, although the American Dollar is widely accepted. The official exchange rate is about 3 pesos to 1 dollar, but they can be exchanged for .5% fee as well. Due to the ease of forging US dollars not everybody is happy to exchange them and $20 notes tend to be the easiest changes however you should ensure they are clean notes. Sterling and Euros are also easily exchanged.

Language

Argentina and Chile’s official language is Spanish. English is spoken at most agencies, hotels and information centers. The Spanish is slightly different to European Spanish but spoken slower. Local street traders are friendly and if you speak ‘Spanglish’ to them they will happily help you although they will reply in Spanish!

Power Supply

220 volts, 50 hertz, most hotels have American and European shaving sockets or a combination of European / Australian sockets so it is worth bringing an adaptor.

Expedition fee includes:

Hotel in Mendoza 1 night
Hostel in Puenta del Inca 2 nights
Peak permit
Mule transportation for ferrying gear to and from base camp.
Tents and cooking gear
Transport return from Mendoza to the mountain
Welcome and farewell dinner
All meals on expedition
Western and local guide All organization and preparation

Land Costs do not include:

International round trip airfare to Buenos Aires
Internal airfare between Buenos Aires and Mendoza
Meals and hotels outside the itinerary
Personal equipment
Single room supplement for hotels
Medical/Evacuation insurance
Alcoholic and bottled drinks
Porters