ABOUT ACONCAGUA MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning an Aconcagua expedition comes with many questions, from permits and gear to logistics, safety, training, and life on the mountain.
Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common topics climbers ask about before booking and during the expedition, so you can prepare with confidence and understand what to expect when climbing with AMG.
BEFORE BOOKING
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Should I join a scheduled guided expedition or make my own private group?
Our scheduled guided expeditions have group sizes of up to 12 climbers. The price per climber is fixed regardless of group size. These trips are perfect for those traveling alone or in groups who want to meet other climbers.
Private guided expeditions allow you to choose your team members, departure date, and length of the expedition. (Shorter for pre-acclimatized climbers, or longer for those who want more time to acclimatize.)
Private expeditions are more expensive than our scheduled guided climbs unless you have 6 or more climbers.
When is the best time of year to go?
Summit attempts are permitted from mid-November through the last days of February. Conditions can be cooler early in the season, though they vary. Storms can occur at any point during the season, and high winds are the primary challenge, sometimes persisting for several days. AMG has a strong summit record throughout the entire season.
How many days do I need?
Our expeditions on the Normal Route are up to 19 days, and the Polish 360 Traverse expeditions are up to 20 days. This includes two additional weather days.
Note: We offer a 12-day trip for experienced, pre-acclimatized climbers. See Rapid Ascents on the website or contact our office with any questions.
Can I pre-acclimatize to perform better at altitude?
Our expeditions include time to acclimatize, but we also work closely with climbers arriving pre-acclimatized, whether through prior high-altitude mountains or oxygen tent systems. We are happy to put together a private expedition based on your needs, or have you join a scheduled trip that began up to a week earlier.
Who answers my questions before, during and after my booking?
Our staff includes lead mountain guides who are always available to answer your climbing questions, including training and specific gear needs. The lead guides have many years of experience climbing and guiding on Aconcagua.
For Logistic Services, getting to Mendoza, purchasing a climbing permit, and similar matters, our administrative staff are ready to help answer all your questions.
What is the maximum number of people in a group?
Thirty-five years of experience have taught us that the maximum number of climbers for an all-around successful expedition is 12. In Private Expeditions, where the climber chooses the start date and team, group sizes can vary based on your needs.
What are the requirements for a reservation? How much do I need to pay?
The booking process has two parts: first, complete the Booking Form on our website; second, make an advance payment of $500 USD per team member via our international bank account or credit card. To learn more, please contact our Customer Service staff
BEFORE BOOKING
BEFORE BOOKING
Do I need a climbing permit to climb Aconcagua?
Yes. The Park requires a climbing permit. Our administrative staff will send you the application. If you purchase the permit before a certain date (usually sometime in July), the Park offers a significant discount. That date is set each year by the Park, and we will notify you as soon as it is published.
How do I book my flights? When do I arrive/depart?
AMG can assist with booking your flights. We recommend arriving one day early in case of flight delays or lost luggage, though it is not required. Follow your AMG itinerary, and we will work with you to ensure a smooth arrival. We can also help change your ticket from the mountain if the need arises.
What gear do I need for the expedition?
See our full gear list on the website and reach out with any questions. Our guides are available to help you select the right equipment for your expedition.
Can I reserve extra nights before and after the expedition?
Of course. In fact, we highly recommend arriving at least one day before the expedition. Contact our Customer Service staff for help arranging additional hotel nights before or after your program.
What if I have to cancel my expedition?
Cancellations must be made by written notice without exception (email is acceptable) +50 days before your expedition start date to receive a refund.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Rescue and evacuation insurance is required by Aconcagua Park. It can be purchased through Global Rescue or other similar companies. We can assist you with the purchase of your insurance.
Rescue and evacuation insurance is required by Aconcagua Park. It can be purchased through Global Rescue or similar providers, and we can assist you with that process.
Trip cancellation insurance is also available, but not required. These policies often cover the cost of your trip in the event of a family emergency or injury before departure. Read the policy carefully and speak directly with the insurer to confirm what is covered, as terms vary.
How are climbers paired in hotels and tents?
Solo travelers will share a double room with another climber in Mendoza. Private rooms can be arranged for an additional cost. We make every effort to pair people of the same gender, and if that is not possible, we will discuss options. Penitentes has larger rooms accommodating four to six climbers.
On the mountain, all five of our established base camps have dormitory tents with four beds. These are very comfortable and feature privacy curtains. We also offer heated glamping tents for two people, with beds, carpeted floors, and electric lights, for an additional cost.
In all high-altitude camps above base camp, we have steel 5-meter insulated domes for sleeping. Groups sleep together in these domes in sleeping bags.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
If you have dietary restrictions or special needs, please let us know in your application. We can accommodate a wide range of requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and others.
What does AMG need to know about my health status?
When making a reservation, you will be asked to complete a Medical Information Form with your medical history, current medications, and any special concerns. This helps our guides respond appropriately if medical assistance is needed on the mountain. All lead guides hold Wilderness First Responder certification. We strongly recommend a full physical examination during your training period or before departure.
If you are 65 or older, the Park requires a medical certificate confirming you are in adequate physical and psychological health for the expedition.
How can I know if I have trained enough?
Prior mountain experience is often the best indicator, but those preparing from scratch should plan for 4 to 6 months of serious physical training. See our training program on the website. AMG will support you throughout your preparation, and we also work with world-renowned mountaineering coaches available for hire to guide you online through your training.
Is tipping appropriate?
Tips are not included in the expedition price and are greatly appreciated by guides and mountain staff. There are no set percentages or amounts. Typically, team members pool together and hand the total to the lead guide, who divides it among the expedition team.
Tips for camp staff and porters are handled separately.
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DURING THE EXPEDITION
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How are communications handled in the mountains?
We have Starlink at all base camps and high camps on the mountain, so you will be able to communicate with family and friends from every camp. Between camps, guides carry VHF radios and inReach devices, allowing communication with other teams and the Park rescue patrol..
How does AMG manage human waste?
We are dedicated to protecting the environment. We have established toilets at all base camps and high camps, and all human waste is carried off the mountain by porters and mules for proper disposal.
What happens if we have bad weather?
We schedule two extra days in our itineraries in case of bad weather. Owning and operating all of our own services allows us the flexibility to work in additional days if necessary.
What happens if I have to leave early?
In case of illness or other personal issues, we can help arrange transport down the mountain for an additional cost. Otherwise, expedition pricing is based on each team member participating for the full duration.
How difficult is this expedition?
Technical difficulty: The classic routes on Aconcagua (Normal Route and Polish 360 Traverse) are not technically difficult. No prior experience on rock or ice is required. Crampons and an ice axe may be needed under certain conditions on summit day, and guides will provide training on their use during the climb.
Climbers are expected to have strong self-care skills, typically developed through prior mountain experience or guide-led training.
Physical difficulty: This is a demanding climb. It requires several days at high altitude carrying gear up to 19,800 ft (6,035 m) to Camp Cólera, our high camp. Summit day involves gaining 3,000 ft (915 m) in elevation starting from 19,800 ft, on trails with gradients up to 30 degrees. Round-trip time from high camp to the summit and back ranges from 8 to 14 hours.
Other challenges: One of the biggest challenges on Aconcagua is altitude. Managing it depends directly on proper acclimatization, which our programs address thoroughly, as well as overall fitness. Low temperatures and extended time in the field add to the challenge. All of these can be managed with good preparation.
Who carries our gear to high camp?
AMG employs porters to carry group gear to High Camps on the Normal Route. Team members will carry their own personal gear throughout the climb. Note: Porters are available for hire to carry personal gear.
On the Polish 360 Traverse, each member of the expedition must carry his or her personal gear as well as food and the expedition equipment. If you would like to hire a porter to carry personal gear and/or group gear, for an additional cost, please contact us and we can help arrange this.
Who prepares our food and water?
AMG mountain guides provide all water and prepare all meals throughout the expedition.
How can I charge my devices during the expedition?
All AMG base camps have charging outlets available in the dining tents and relaxation domes.