ACONCAGUA CLIMBING POLISH ROUTE ITINERARY

If you are interested in the shorter 15 and 18 day programs, please contact us for details!

Climbing Polish Traverse 360 Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 1 – MENDOZA (760m)
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you will enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in the city, and then begin with an orientation meeting (please note meeting time in your confirmation letter). At this meeting, we will perform a comprehensive gear check, an overview of the entire climb, and answer all questions. Guides will assist you with any gear rentals or purchases, if required. For the evening, you will be free to walk the streets of Mendoza and enjoy the many great restaurants in the area (meals not included).

DAY 2 – MENDOZA / PENITENTES (2,725m)
After registration with Aconcagua Provincial Park, we drive to Penitentes to start our acclimatization. Upon reaching Penitentes, we will check in to our quaint hotel at the base of the mountain and have lunch. In the afternoon, the mule’s loads are prepared at our Depot at Los Puquios for the following day. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 – PENITENTES / PAMPA DE LEÑAS (3,100m)
The group will travel by private van to the entrance of the park and begin the trek to Pampa de Leñas Camp. Mules will carry our equipment (each climber carries a day pack) and staff will set up camps upon arrival. (B, PL, D)

DAY 4 – PAMPA DE LEÑAS / CASA DE PIEDRA (3,600m)
After breakfast and packing gear, we will head off on our trek to Casa de Piedra camp. This is a gradual, five to six-hour walk along the Vacas River. One of the most beautiful days on the trek, we will eventually see the magnificent East Face of Aconcagua with the Polish Glacier running directly to the summit. As on the previous day, staff will set up tents while climbers rest and wait for dinner to be ready. (B, PL, D)

DAY 5 – CASA DE PIEDRA / PLAZA ARGENTINA BASE CAMP (4,000m)The trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp is our longest trekking day (six to seven hours) with the reward of reaching Base Camp. Once at Plaza Argentina, we will stay in our own private campsite with the necessary comforts so as to make your stay as nice as possible. (B, PL, D)

DAY 6 – PLAZA ARGENTINA BASE CAMP
Here we take a rest day and perhaps a few short walks in the area. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 – PLAZA ARGENTINA / CAMP 1 (4,950m) / PLAZA ARGENTINA
Each team member will carry their own food and equipment to Camp 1 — about five hours of climbing. Once at Camp 1, we will enjoy a packed-lunch, then return to Plaza Argentina. Carries such as these are an important aspect of our acclimatization process. (B, PL, D)

DAY 8 – PLAZA ARGENTINA BASE CAMP
Resting and acclimatization day in Plaza Argentina. The group will also prepare gear for our move to Camp 1. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 – PLAZA ARGENTINA / CAMP 1
On this day, we move to Camp 1 — approximately six hours of hiking. Again, each client will carry their personal equipment and additional supplies. Porters will carry sleeping tents. On the way, the group will have lunch, and on arrival, team members will set up the tents with the help of guides. (B, PL, D)

DAY 10 – CAMP 1 / CAMP 2: UPPER GUANACOS (5,500m) / CAMP 1
Carry to Camp 2 will take four to five hours. As part of our acclimatization, team members will carry the necessary food and fuel. We will begin our day ascending moderate switchbacks that make the climbing easier, and then ascend 18,000 ft. (5,500 m) to reach Camp 2. While on the climb, the surrounding mountains open up to us with wide vistas along with a magnificent view of the Polish Glacier. Once at Camp 2, we will cache our supplies and rest while enjoying lunch. Then we descend back to Camp 1. (B, PL, D)

DAY 11 – CAMP 1 / CAMP 2: UPPER GUANACOS
The group will climb up to Camp 2 at 5,500 m (5 hours climbing) and set up camp. On this day, each client will be responsible for carrying personal equipment and additional supplies. Porters will carry sleeping tents and pitch them while team members rest and recover. (B, PL, D)

DAY 12 – CAMP 2
Rest day in Camp 2. (B, L, D)

DAY 13 – CAMP 2 / CAMP 3 CÓLERA (6,000m) / CAMP 2
Carry to Camp 3. Carry expedition equipment and food that you will need in Cólera, about four to five hours of climbing (each member of the group will carry gear to Cólera Camp). Once at Cólera Camp, we will have lunch, then return to Camp 2. This trek will continue helping with your acclimatization process. (B, PL, D)

DAY 14 – CAMP 2 / CAMP 3 CÓLERA
We begin with an early start, and after breakfast we will ascend toward the Normal Route. On this day, each client will carry personal equipment and additional supplies. Porters will carry sleeping tents. At Cólera Camp, staff will settle the campsite, which is strategically located for its altitude and protection from strong winds. The guide will check each member of the group and will orient climbers as to summit day plans. (B, PL, D)

DAY 15 – CAMP 3 / SUMMIT (6,962m) / CAMP 3
This is the great day! Our planned summit day will begin with a pre-dawn start. The goal is reach the summit be rewarded with an unforgettable experience before returning to Cólera. (B, PL, D)

DAY 16 – CAMP 3 / PLAZA DE MULAS (4,260m)
After a long trek, we will arrive at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp. On this day, each client will be responsible for carrying personal equipment and the expedition equipment assigned to him or her. Porter staff will carry sleeping tents and waste produced by expedition group. Once in Plaza de Mulas, the group will have the afternoon to enjoy the lower altitude and reflect on our experience. (B, PL, D)

DAY 17 – PLAZA DE MULAS / HORCONES / MENDOZA
Descend to Horcones (six to seven hours) on the last trekking day of the expedition. Mules will carry personal belongings while team members carry a light backpack with a jacket and packed lunch. Transfer to Mendoza city. Lodge in the hotel. (B, PL) (Mendoza dinner not included)

DAY 18 – MENDOZA
Breakfast. End of services. (B)

DAY 19 – EXTRA DAY
Extra day for weather.

DAY 20 – EXTRA DAY
Extra day for weather.

NOTE: THE ABOVE ACONCAGUA CLIMBING POLISH ITINERARY IS INTENDED AS A GUIDELINE ONLY. ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ADHERE TO IT, CHANGES MAY BE CAUSED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, TRANSPORT FAILURE, OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTS. PLEASE BE FLEXIBLE IF NECESSARY.