FAQs

FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BEFORE BOOKING

Should I join a scheduled expedition group?

Our expeditions are perfect for those traveling alone or couples who want more company. We limit expeditions to 12 clients with groups made up of climbers from all around the world of varying ages.
While most climbers join scheduled climbs, private expeditions can have more personal attention. This program’s flexibility makes it suitable for any type of situation during the ascent and allows for the possibility to make changes in the plans before the flight. Private clients are also able to select the starting date during the summer season.

When is the best time of year to go?

Summit attempts are permitted  from mid-November until the last days of February, due to the extremely harsh weather conditions such as low temperature and intense snowfalls starting in autumn until early spring. The trekking permits to enter the park (to the base camps only) are given until the end of March.

How many days do I need?

Our expeditions last 19 days as we feel the right amount of time needed to acclimatize as well some contingency for bad weather. We recommend not attempting to climb Mount Aconcagua with a guide service offering less than 17 days.

Can I pre-acclimatize to perform better at altitude?

Our expeditions include time to acclimatize but we also work closely with those coming pre–acclimatized (either from prior mountains or Oxygen tent systems). We are happy to put together a private expedition based on your needs.
Our trekking programs generally schedule at least two to three days over 4,000 m. Within this time, you will have exposed your body to altitude and will have started the acclimatization period. Do not hesitate to consult us with any questions.

Who answers my questions before, during and after my booking?

Our Customer Service staff gives personal attention to client’s specific questions. They will advise, inform, and make suggestions about all the aspects related to your expedition.
Our team guides are passionate, experienced, and committed to providing all climbers the best experience possible.

What are the requirements for a reservation? How much do I need to pay?

The Booking procedure has two parts. First, complete the Booking form through our website; Second, make an advance payment using our international bank account or a credit card. To learn more about this procedure, please contact Customer Service.

What is the maximum number of people in a group?

Thirty-five years of experience has taught us that the maximum number of climbers for an all-around successful expedition is 12. In our private expeditions (where the climber chooses the starting date and the expedition group), sizes can vary based on your needs.

How are climbers paired in hotels and tents?

People who are alone will share a double room with a partner. We will try to accommodate people of the same gender, but if not possible, we will discuss options. Hotels in Mendoza have double rooms. Penitentes has rooms for four to six climbers. On the mountain, expedition tents accommodate two people each. Only in the high camps, and if the guide considers it convenient, three climbers may sleep together. Please contact us for single tents or single room at an additional cost.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

If you need a special diet for any reason, please let us know in your Personal Information Form so that we may take prepare specific meals for you during the expedition for an extra cost.

What does AMG need to know about my health status?

When making a reservation, you will be asked to fill in a Personal Information Form. This will help guides when assisting with any medial issues.

If you are 65 or older, you will be required to show a medical certificate that you are in well enough physical and psychological health for the expedition.

How can I know if I am trained enough?

Prior experience is often the best guide but those preparing properly should have 4-6 months of mountaineering-style preparation (carrying a pack with weight up steep incline or in gym). Most successful climbers are training 4-5 days per week in the 4-6 months leading up to the expedition. Please contact us for assistance with finding a training regimen.

How difficult is this expedition?

Technical Difficulty: The classic routes used in Mount Aconcagua (Normal Route, Polish Glacier Traverse, and Vacas Valley Route) are not technically difficult, meaning the participant does not need to have any previous climbing experience on rock or ice.  Crampons and fixed ropes may be required. Climbers are expected to have strong self care skills usually only obtainable with prior mountain experience
Physical Difficulty: This is a highly demanding climb and climbers who are successful are usually in a 4-5 month mountaineering-based training regimen prior to the climb.
Other Difficulties: The biggest problem climbers face on expeditions is the effect of altitude on your body. Overcoming this is directly related to correct acclimatization (an aspect we cover widely in our programs) and fitness level. Low temperatures on the mountain and multiple days in the field are additional obstacles that climbers face.

What is the skill level of this climb?

How do I book my flights? When do I arrive/depart?

Please follow the itinerary AMG will send upon your booking or contact us to request itinerary for your climb.

What gear do I need for the expedition?

Please see our gear list.

BEFORE BOOKING

Can I reserve extra nights before and after the expedition?

Of course! In fact, we highly recommend arriving one day before the expedition.
Please contact our Customer Service Staff for help in arranging additional nights in hotels included in our programs. You may also book additional night after the expedition finishes.

What if I have to cancel my expedition?

Cancellations must be made by written notice without exception (email is fine) up to 26 days before the start of the expedition. Your initial reservation deposit will be valid for life so provided you notify us at least 26 days prior to the start date, you may use it at a later time or transfer it to someone else.

Should I buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not required to participate in our expeditions. However, we highly recommend having coverage for at least medical care, emergency evacuation and, if possible, baggage and personal items loss as well. This will likely be the only way to get any refund if outside of our policies. This type of insurance can reimburse you for a number of expenses such as – cancellation, evacuation, early departure (limited to injury/illness), missed flights and lost luggage. Please contact us for recommended companies.

Do I need a climbing permit to climb Aconcagua?

Yes. To enter Aconcagua Provincial Park, it is obligatory to get a permit. AMG will assist with the permit and process. Main season permit fees are about $1000.

Are tips included? How much do I tip?

Tips are not included in the price of the expedition. We consider tips an expression of your gratitude and satisfaction for those who helped you throughout your expedition, so they are entirely up to you—there are no percentages and stipulated amounts. Normally, all members of the group collect money and give it to the main guide, who will divide it with his or her partners on the expedition. Tips for the camp staff and porters are separate.

DURING THE EXPEDITION

How are communications handled in the mountains?

We have base stations linked all around the mountain, which we use to communicate via VHF and BLU radio among the High Camps: Plaza de Mulas, Plaza Argentina, Confluencia, Puente del Inca, and Mendoza.

All our guides carry a VHF radio and they are in permanent communication with our Base Camps, the rescue patrol and the park rangers from every place in the park. In case of emergency, assistance can respond almost instantaneously. We also have a satellite phone in each base camp.

How does AMG manage human waste?

We are dedicated to taking care of the environment and hire porters and mules to carry all waste down from the mountain.

What happens if we have bad weather?

We schedule two extra days in our itineraries in case of bad weather. Owning and running 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 extra cost, otherwise expedition prices are based on each team member’s participation for the entire expedition.

Who carries our gear to high camp?

ACONCAGUA MOUNTAIN GUIDES employs porters to carry climbers’ gear to High Camp so they can keep their energy focused on the summit day.

Each climber will carry part of the food and equipment (10 kg at most) to High Camp. This is very important to part of learning how you will respond physiologically to the higher altitude.

Likewise, on days the group moves toward the high camps, team members will carry personal equipment and, without exception, food and equipment (5 kg tops). Porters will carry tents and other mountain equipment.
When descending to Base Camp, porters will move all previously mentioned equipment, including garbage.
Each member of the expedition must carry his or her personal gear in every section of the route, as well as food and the expedition equipment. If you would like to hire a porter to carry personal gear for an additional cost, please contact us and we can help arrange this.

Who prepares our food and water?

ACONCAGUA MOUNTAIN GUIDES employs porters to carry climbers’ gear to High Camp so they can keep their energy focused on the summit day.

Each climber will carry part of the food and equipment (10 kg at most) to High Camp. This is very important to part of We hire professional nutritionists to carefully organize the meals for our expeditions. These meals take into account daily calories, taste, and variety. At Base Camps, chefs will prepare meals, and at the high camps, guides will prepare both food and water.

How can I charge my devices during the expedition?

In Penitentes you can find 220V power sources. While on the mountain, depending on the route, there are different options.

On the Normal Route, we have generators in Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas Base Camp with equipment sockets to supply 220V and 12V power. In Confluencia, we are only able to use the generator for one hour per day, either in the morning or in the afternoon, to charge batteries for lighting up the camp at night. We can use the generator at Plaza de Mulas from 7: 00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for the same purpose.
On the Vacas Valley Route toward Plaza Argentina, the generator works like in Confluencia, one hour only.
At High Camps there is no electrical power supply, so we recommend you bring batteries or portable solar panels to change your devices.

AFTER THE EXPEDITION

Why is my feedback so important to AMG?

Feedback about your experience in Aconcagua is a very important part of our ability to continue offering our clients the highest quality adventure experiences. At the end of each climbing season, we review and discuss every aspect of the expedition with our staff. We are extremely grateful for all comments and suggestions.

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