ACONCAGUA TREK TO CONFLUENCIA
1-DAY TREK IN ACONCAGUA
AMG 1-Day Trek to Confluencia, Aconcagua
This amazing one-day trek offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the Andes Mountains. Our drive from Mendoza begins in Argentina’s renowned wine country, home to some of the finest wines in the world. About an hour later, we arrive at Potrerillos—a striking blue lake where windsurfers and kayakers take advantage of the consistent breeze. The lake is fed by the Mendoza River, which originates at the base of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas.
From there, we follow the Mendoza River westward for another two hours, climbing steadily into the heart of the Andes. The peaks grow taller as we approach the Chilean border, and the surrounding mountains reveal colorful mineral layers—an iconic feature of this region’s unique geology.
At around 9,000 feet, we reach the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park. Nearby is our mule ranch, Los Puquios, where we’ll take a short tour of our active operation. With over 170 mules, Los Puquios plays a vital role in transporting supplies to base camps on both sides of the mountain.
After our visit, we drive to the park entrance and begin our day hike to Confluencia—the first base camp used by climbers and trekkers before moving to higher camps. Confluencia sits at 11,122 feet (3,390 m), where two valleys converge. One leads south up the Horcones Valley along the Normal Route, which ascends Aconcagua; the other curves westward, wrapping around toward the dramatic South Face of the mountain.
We hike through a river valley for the next 4 hours, taking photos and slowly making our way to Confluencia. We are surrounded by mountains with excellent views of Aconcagua. As we ascend, the trail steepens for a few hours until we reach a plateau where Confluence lies. We are met by AMG staff with snacks and refreshment. We eat a well-prepared lunch and walk around the surrounding area. The views are amazing in all directions. At 3:30, we begin are descent back to the entrance of the Park and then return to Mendoza.
Highlights
- Hike through Aconcagua Provincial Park, surrounded by towering peaks and glacier-fed rivers.
- Visit Confluencia Camp, the first major base camp used by climbing expeditions.
- Enjoy a gourmet lunch and while viewing spectacular landscapes.
- Share trails with international climbers and immerse yourself in the mountain culture.
Essential Trek Information
Physical Preparation
The trek requires reasonable physical condition, (the ability to carry a light pack and trek for 4 hours and gain 2000 ft of elevation).
Gear List
Bring everything on the gear list! Please contact us with any gear questions you may have.
Lastly, enjoy the trek! It’s a wonderful experience.
This picture shows the 1 day route and it’s proximity to the summit of Aconcagua.
Itinerary
Pre-Trip: Gear Check & Orientation | Day Prior To Departure– Mendoza (2,493 ft / 760 m)
On the day before your trek, you’ll meet with one of our professional mountain guides for a slide show and a detailed gear check. If you’re missing any required equipment, your guide will assist you in renting or purchasing what you need from our local gear shop in Mendoza. This preparation ensures you’re fully equipped for a safe and enjoyable trek in the mountains.
DAY 1 – Mendoza / Los Puquios / Horcones / Confluencia (3,300 m) 10,824 ft.
05:40 a.m. – Meet Your Guide
Gather at the Mendoza central bus station, where your AMG guide will welcome you and review the day’s plan.
06:00 a.m. – Depart by Regular Bus to Puquios
Board a comfortable scheduled bus for a scenic three-hour drive through the Andean foothills. The route follows the dramatic Mendoza River valley, offering views of rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks.
10:00 a.m. – Arrive in Puquios and Transfer to Horcones
After reaching Puquios, the location of our private ranch, you’ll transfer via private vehicle to the Horcones trailhead, the official entrance to Aconcagua Provincial Park.
Park Entry and Permit Check-In
Complete the mandatory registration process and receive your trekking permit. This is a great time to take photos of the Horcones Valley with Aconcagua looming in the distance.
Begin Trek: Horcones to Confluencia Camp
Embark on a gradual but rewarding ascent along the well-maintained trail to Confluencia Camp. The trek typically takes 3–4 hours, with opportunities to spot native wildlife and enjoy sweeping views of the Central Andes.
Lunch at Confluencia Camp
Upon arrival at our fully equipped camp, you’ll be served a freshly prepared hot lunch in our dining tent—complete with tables, seating, and electric lighting. (Lunch included)
Afternoon Exploration and Rest
After lunch, take an optional short hike to a stunning viewpoint of the Horcones Glacier. Your guide will provide a briefing on the area’s geography and the history of Aconcagua expeditions. Relax and enjoy the high-mountain atmosphere before preparing for the return hike.
03:30 p.m. – Descend to Horcones
Begin your descent back to the Horcones ranger station, retracing your steps through the beautiful valley.
Return Transfer and Visit to Puente del Inca
Once at Horcones, you’ll be driven back to Puquios. On the way, make a short stop at the natural stone bridge and historic site of Puente del Inca, a cultural and geological landmark of the Andes.
Services Included
Transfers
- Mendoza to Puquios by regular bus (scenic 180 km journey through the Central Andes).
- Puquios to Horcones by private vehicle (round trip).
Meals
- Meals are professionally planned and prepared by our cooks.
- Menu includes lunch (L) during the trek.
- Vegetarian, gluten-free, or other special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice (extra cost applies).
Camp Services
Lunch at Confluencia Camp, which includes:
- Dining tents
- Tables and chairs
- Rest Rooms
Guiding
- Trek led by a professional, certified mountain guide from AAGM or EPGAMT (Argentina’s highest-level mountain guiding institutions).
Communications
- VHF radio contact between Horcones, Confluencia, and Puquios.
- Satellite internet available at Confluencia.
Services Not Included
- International airfare. Round-trip airfare from your home country to Mendoza is not included.
- Airline and airport costs. This includes excess baggage charges, lost luggage, airport taxes, and any airline-related fees.
- Payment and transfer fees. Wire transfer fees, credit card charges, and other administrative or payment-processing surcharges are not included.
- Trekking permit fee. The Aconcagua Park entrance permit/ascent fee is not included. Permit costs vary according to the climber’s nationality and the max. altitude.
- Guide and staff tips. Tips for guides and base camp staff are not included.
- Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary. This includes lunches and dinners in Mendoza and any other meals not specifically mentioned as included.
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, and personal snacks. Items such as candy bars, energy bars, gels, and specialty sports drinks are not included.
- Early departure costs. All fees incurred for early departure from the scheduled itinerary (whether personal or medical), including additional hotels, mules from Confluencia to Puquios, a guide or companion from Confluencia to Puquios, or the private transfer from Puente del Inca to Mendoza. There is a possibility that you will be evacuated by helicopter, and in that case, your belongings will not travel with you. If you do not wait for your belongings in Puente del Inca, you will have to pay not only for the mule to carry your equipment down, but also for transportation to Mendoza. A full schedule of departure evacuation fees will be sent in confirmation materials for early departures.
- Personal mountain gear and clothing. Please refer to the gear list for all required personal equipment.
- Costs caused by delays beyond AMG’s control. Any expenses resulting from weather, transportation disruptions, governmental measures, or other circumstances beyond AMG’s control are not included.
- Any service not specifically listed as included.
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