MOUNT ACONCAGUA NORTHWEST RIDGE

The Benegas Brothers Expeditions Aconcagua expedition enables you to develop a sound introduction to high-altitude mountaineering, culminating in climbing to the summit of Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of the Himalayas. Located in Western Argentina in the heart of the Central Andes, it is South America’s highest peak (6962m / 22,840 feet) and one of the much sought-after “Seven Summits.” An ascent of this eminent Andean Peak is ideal for those wishing to experience high-altitude expedition mountaineering. It is often undertaken as a preparation climb for the big mountains in the Himalayas.

Our expedition is designed to maximize your enjoyment of Aconcagua while fostering education and high-altitude climbing skills. We focus on bringing each climber to be a competent and active teammate and partner. You will benefit from our years of experience on this and other high mountains across the globe. Our highly qualified guides will offer you an experience that is not offered on Aconcagua.

Read the Ultimate Climbing Guide for Aconcagua here.

Unparalleled Aconcagua Expeditions with Benegas Brothers: A Legacy of Expertise and Passion

Discover why Benegas Brothers Expeditions is the premier choice for Aconcagua expeditions. Founded by twin brothers Damian and Willie Benegas, their legacy of climbing excellence and intimate, safe adventures has led to over 200 successful summits

How The Expedition Will Operate

The expedition begins and ends in the charming Argentine city of Mendoza. The city offers tree-lined avenues, beautifully tiled plazas, lively markets, and outdoor cafes with vibrant Latin rhythms. It’s a unique setting to sample the region’s fine cuisine and wine. We’ll have time in Mendoza to finalize organizing our equipment.

On Day 2, after completing the permitting process, we’ll travel to the Las Cuevas Valley at 3200m/15,000 feet. We’ll stay for three nights at Refugio Portezuelo del Viento, enjoying day hikes around the area to help us acclimatize. Our Las Cuevas section allows us to climb to considerable altitudes before entering the Aconcagua Provincial Park. This format allows us to acclimatize dynamically while ascending peaks in a seldom-visited region near the Aconcagua Massif.

From here, we’ll move into the second phase of the expedition inside the Aconcagua Provincial Park. We’ll drive to Horcones and organize mule loads for the trek to Aconcagua Base Camp. Upon arriving at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, we’ll establish our sleeping tents in rock windbreaks on the moraine of the Horcones Glacier. We’ll use a large mess tent and have excellent catered meals at Base Camp.

We’ll have a valuable acclimatization and preparation day before we begin carrying and caching equipment to Camp 1 Plaza Don Fernando (16,200’ 4938m.). It is here that we’ll feel the benefit of our prior acclimatization. We’ll retrace our steps to Camp 1 to sleep there, continuing the ascent in a lightweight expedition style by progressively establishing three camps over seven to ten days. The exact climbing itinerary is not fixed to allow for the optimal acclimatization program and stormy wind and weather.

The Aconcagua Massif is often subject to frigid temperatures and storms that sweep in from the Pacific Ocean 160 km to the west. Hence, your guide will constantly work around forecasted weather systems to plan for the best summit program. Climbing at altitude is more arduous than at lower elevations due to the thinner atmosphere. BBE’s vast experience at high altitudes has enabled us to develop a successful strategy for climbing high peaks with sensible acclimatization.

Summit Day: The Canaleta

The route crosses the Cresta del Viento (Windy Crest). From here, we traverse the upper part of the Gran Acarreo, which leads to the Canaleta – the most infamous and challenging part of the summit day. The Canaleta is an approximately 30-degree scree gully that climbs 1,300 feet. It requires great patience and stamina and is often done with crampons. Above Canaleta, you will find yourself on the Cresta del Guanaco, the ridge that joins the lower South Summit to the higher North Summit. We follow the ridge crest to the 22,841-foot true summit, where an aluminum cross marks the highest point in the entire Western Hemisphere. Summiting and returning to high camp usually takes 9 to 14 hours.

The Climbing Strategy

All expedition equipment is carried to base camp by mules. From there, we follow the philosophy of climb-high-sleep-low as we establish a series of higher camps. We have built numerous inclement weather days into the schedule to allow more time to attempt the summit climb. We’ve fine-tuned our mountain menu to provide tasty meals and easily digested food with the calories needed to maintain energy levels. Many years ago, we also recognized the advantage of using porters. Hence, we make this service available for climbers joining our teams. Now, more than 90% of our clients utilize this service, which makes things a bit easier and increases success rates. Most importantly, your guides provide leadership that fosters team building and supports all working toward it.

19 Days  ·  Mendoza → Las Cuevas → Horcones → Base Camp → Northwest Ridge → Summit → Mendoza

The exact climbing itinerary is not fixed — this allows for the optimal acclimatization program and accounts for stormy wind and weather. What follows is how a strong expedition typically progresses.

This climb is suited for beginning climbers who are in excellent physical condition with introductory mountaineering experience. However, the higher altitude, length of the climb, and additional extreme temperatures make Aconcagua more difficult than Mount Kilimanjaro. The actual terrain on the Normal Route is similar to Kilimanjaro, and it may demand the use of an ice axe and crampons.

Climbing Skill Level

Some prior roped climbing, crampon, and ice axe skills are recommended. It is also beneficial if you have previously trekked or climbed at high altitudes (over 18,000 ft / 5,486 m). For those with minimal mountaineering or high-altitude experience, we strongly recommend completing either our Baker 6-Day Mountaineering Course or our Ecuador High Altitude Mountaineering School before joining this expedition.

Are you ready for Aconcagua? Don’t worry if you have not yet reached this level — we offer courses like our Ecuador Climbing School to help you build the necessary skills and acclimatize to high altitudes. Contact us and we will have an honest conversation about your readiness and a pathway to get you there.

Conditioning

This climb is far more demanding than Kilimanjaro — and more demanding than most climbs in the continental US. Climbers should have spent multiple nights outdoors, completed winter camping, done multi-day trips with a 40 lb / 18 kg pack, and be able to assist guides with setting up camp and tents.

A reasonable conditioning benchmark: ascend 3,200 ft / 975 m carrying a 40 lb / 18 kg pack in 2–3 hours — roughly 1,200 vertical feet / 366 m per hour. Begin structured training at least 3–5 months before departure.

Self-Assessment — Four Key Questions

• Have you completed multiple overnight camping trips, including carrying a heavy pack (40–55 lbs / 18–25 kg) and setting up tent camp each evening?
• Do you have a good understanding of the physical difficulty of climbing Aconcagua?
• Do you train and exercise regularly?
• Have you previously trained 3–5 months before an upcoming climb or event?

What Will Feel Hard

• The pre-acclimatization phase in Las Cuevas — consecutive demanding days before the main expedition begins
• The Canaleta — 1,300 ft / 396 m of 30-degree scree at extreme altitude; patience and stamina are the primary requirements
• Summit day length — typically 9–14 hours of continuous movement; the longest day of the expedition by far
• The cold — extreme temperatures and Pacific-driven storms can sweep in with little warning on the upper mountain
• Pack weight on carry days — 37–48 lbs / 17–22 kg on move-up days above base camp

After you register, BBE will send a detailed confirmation package containing further logistics information, a complete gear and food list, and pre-trip instructions. Please read this section in full and contact us with any questions.

Documentation & Insurance

Required Paperwork — Submit at Booking

After registering, please submit the following as soon as possible:

• Evacuation insurance certificate
• A copy of your passport
• Your flight itinerary

This information is crucial for procuring permits and finalizing hotel and transport arrangements. Prompt submission is greatly appreciated.

Passport & Visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank pages. US, Canadian, EU, and UK citizens do not require a visa for Argentina for stays under 90 days. Confirm requirements for your nationality before departure at travel.state.gov.

Aconcagua Climbing Permit

Not included in the expedition price. Paid directly in cash (USD) at the start of your journey. Current rates: Regular Route $800; Vacas Valley $950 (subject to seasonal change). BBE manages the permitting logistics — you arrive with cash and we handle the administration.

Rescue Insurance — Mandatory

Your policy must cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical assistance in Argentina up to 22,841 ft / 6,962 m. We recommend Global Rescue — an annual membership covers this trip and all other adventures in the same year.

Travel Insurance — Strongly Recommended

Ripcord / Redpoint Travel Protection is our recommended provider. Look for a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy covering trip cancellation, interruption, and travel delay. In most cases, trip cancellation insurance is the only way to receive a refund for unused services in the event of an emergency.

Travel & Planning

Your gateway is Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), Buenos Aires — most routes connect through EZE before the domestic connection to Mendoza (MDZ). Domestic flights Buenos Aires to Mendoza are approximately 1.5 hours. The overland border crossing from Mendoza to Las Cuevas on Day 2 takes approximately 4 hours by vehicle.

Arrival Timing

Arrive in Mendoza on Day 1 by evening — hotel accommodations are included that night. Allow buffer time from your international arrival in Buenos Aires to your Mendoza connection. The orientation session and equipment check on Day 1 are mandatory.

Flights from Mendoza at the End

Final airport transfer on Day 18/19 is not included in the expedition fee due to varying departure schedules. Guides can advise on transport options. The Mendoza airport (MDZ) has multiple daily connections to Buenos Aires (EZE) for international departures.

Hotels & Lodging

Mendoza — Day 1

One night in a shared room in Mendoza before the climb is included. Note: climbers leaving the expedition early may incur extra hotel fees in Mendoza. Hotel arrangements after return to Mendoza at the end of the expedition are not included — climbers settle hotel charges directly to allow greater rooming flexibility.

Refugio Portezuelo de Viento — Days 2–5

Our base for the Las Cuevas pre-acclimatization phase at 10,500 ft / 3,200 m on the Chilean border. A comfortable mountain refuge with dormitory-style accommodations, meals, and a stunning introduction to the high Andes.

Confluencia — Day 6

Camp en route into the Horcones Valley at 11,257 ft / 3,431 m. Group tents set by the porter team. A short, recovery-focused day after the Las Cuevas phase.

Plaza de Mulas Base Camp — Day 7 onward

The most comfortable high-altitude base camp in the Andes. BBE operates a large mess tent with catered meals, fresh food, and a professional cook team. Services at Plaza de Mulas for purchase: Wi-Fi, showers, beverages, and medical facilities.

Upper Mountain Camps

• Camp I, Plaza Don Fernando — 16,200 ft / 4,938 m: established on the moraine above base camp
• Camp II, Plaza Don Benegas — 18,400 ft / 5,608 m: the BBE-named camp; fine-tuned over 30+ years of operations
• Camp III, Plaza Caluba — 19,600 ft / 5,974 m: high camp and summit staging; less than 1,000 m below the summit

Gear & Equipment

A complete gear and food list is provided in the confirmation materials at booking. Key categories:

Footwear — Most Critical Item

Double mountaineering boots compatible with step-in crampons are required. Bring your own — do not plan to rent boots for a 22,000 ft summit. Models that work well: La Sportiva G2 Evo, Scarpa Phantom 6000, or equivalent rated to -40°C / -40°F. Break them in thoroughly before departure.

Technical Equipment

• 12-point rigid or semi-rigid crampons — compatible with your boots
• Ice axe — 60–70 cm mountaineering axe; required for Canaleta and upper ridge sections
• Mountaineering harness; helmet
• Headlamp with spare lithium batteries — summit departs at first light

Layering System

Aconcagua’s upper mountain reaches extreme temperatures. No cotton at any layer.

• Base layer: heavyweight moisture-wicking merino or synthetic — top and bottom, ×2 sets
• Mid layer: heavyweight fleece; synthetic insulation jacket
• Down jacket: heavyweight expedition down — mandatory for high camps and summit push
• Hard shell: Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof/windproof jacket and pants
• Gloves: liner gloves + insulated mid-weight gloves + expedition mitts for summit
• Balaclava; warm hat; glacier sunglasses (Category 4); goggles for wind
• Sleeping bag: rated to -25°C / -13°F minimum; -30°C / -22°F recommended for high camps

Pack System

• Summit pack 30–40L; expedition duffel 90L+ for porter transport to base camp
• Trekking poles with large baskets — essential for the Horcones Valley approach and descent

Group Equipment — Provided

All group camping gear: tents, stoves, fuel, cooking equipment, kitchen hardware, and group safety gear are provided by BBE and transported by mule to base camp.

Daily Life on the Expedition

Acclimatization Strategy

BBE uses a progressive climb-high-sleep-low strategy refined over 30+ years. The Las Cuevas phase is the key differentiator — by the time you arrive at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, your body has already spent time at 10,500–14,500 ft with multiple summit pushes to 13,000–14,500 ft. This genuine acclimatization advantage is why our summit success rates consistently exceed the Aconcagua average.

Weather & Storms

The Aconcagua Massif is frequently subject to frigid temperatures and storms sweeping in from the Pacific Ocean 160 km to the west. Your guide constantly monitors forecasted weather systems to plan for the best possible summit window. We have built numerous inclement weather days into the 19-day schedule — this flexibility is what makes the program work. The summit itinerary is never fixed; it adapts daily to conditions.

Food & Nutrition

BBE has fine-tuned our mountain menu to provide tasty meals with the calories needed to maintain energy levels at altitude. Base camp meals include free-range Argentinian steak, fresh vegetables, soups, and vegetarian options — among the finest expedition catering available anywhere on Aconcagua. Above base camp, guides prepare hot meals at camp each evening. Eat even when you are not hungry — altitude suppresses appetite, but your body still needs fuel.

On the Mountain — Camp Craft

Guides will discuss the importance of personal maintenance, hygiene, and sleeping in cold environments throughout the expedition. Climbers are expected to help set up camp on the mountain — this is an expedition, not a resort. Your guides are teaching you, not just leading you.

Physiology of Mountaineering

Dehydration, hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude illness are all critical health conditions on Aconcagua. All guides maintain current medical certifications and carry comprehensive medical kits including pulse oximeters and supplemental oxygen. Continuous, open communication with your guide is essential — early detection of symptoms is what allows us to manage conditions before they escalate.

Leave No Trace

BBE practices Leave No Trace principles on all expeditions. Beyond managing our own waste, we hire porters specifically to remove waste from each camp. We actively clean up after less conscientious groups and leave every zone of the mountain in better condition than we found it.

Local Expenses & Tipping

Currency

The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the local currency. In Mendoza, USD, credit cards, and ARS are all widely accepted. Carry clean USD bills for the climbing permit payment (paid at the park entrance) and any personal purchases in the mountains. ATMs are available throughout Mendoza.

Personal Budget

• Climbing permit: $800–$950 USD (paid in cash at park entrance)
• Personal snacks for mountain (supplement to included meals): $80–$150 USD
• Base camp extras: beverages, Wi-Fi, shower — $30–$100 USD at Plaza de Mulas
• Meals in Mendoza after descent (not included): $30–$80 USD
• Wine tour / personal activities in Mendoza (if staying extra days): $50–$200 USD

Gratuities

Guide and staff gratuities are not included. Tips in USD are preferred and most impactful for local staff.

Price Includes

• All land transportation within Argentina; airport pickup upon arrival
• One-night shared hotel in Mendoza before the climb
• All meals from the first night’s dinner through departure from the mountain
• All group climbing gear and supplies: tents, stoves, cooking equipment
• Porter support for group gear on the Normal Route — one porter per three climbers
• Porter service to all camps (personal gear porter available at extra fee)
• Mule transport of gear to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
• Experienced IFMGA-certified guide(s) throughout

Price Does NOT Include

• International round-trip flights from the USA to Mendoza
• Aconcagua Climbing Permit: $800–$950 USD (paid in cash at park entrance)
• Single-room supplement (hotels)
• Guide gratuities
• Supplementary personal snacks
• Hotels, meals, and transportation if the climb ends early
• Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
• Final airport transfer upon expedition completion
• Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
• Personal climbing gear
• Trip cancellation insurance and rescue insurance (both strongly recommended/required)
• Additional expenses from delays outside BBE’s control

Full Personal Budget Estimate

• Expedition fee (group): $7,200
• International flights to Buenos Aires + domestic to Mendoza: $1,000–$1,800
• Aconcagua climbing permit (cash, USD): $800–$950
• Rescue insurance — mandatory (Global Rescue): $300–$500 / yr
• Travel insurance — strongly recommended (Ripcord): $200–$400
• Personal gear (boots, crampons, down suit, sleeping bag): $1,500–$4,000
• Porter for personal gear (optional but recommended): Contact us for current rates
• Personal snacks for mountain: $80–$150
• Base camp personal purchases (Wi-Fi, beverages, showers): $30–$100
• Guide and porter gratuities: $350–$500
• Mendoza personal expenses (end of trip): $100–$300
• Emergency reserve: $300–$500

Essentials total (fee + permit + flights + insurance + tips): ~$10,000–$11,500

Typical total with gear and personal costs: ~$12,000–$16,000

The Aconcagua climbing season runs November through February. BBE’s 19-day expeditions are capped at 6 climbers per team with a 3:1 guide-to-client ratio. Spaces are limited and fill well in advance of the season.

2026–2027 Expedition Dates

Departure: December 14, 2026  ·  Return: January 1, 2027  ·  Open

Departure: January 4, 2027  ·  Return: January 22, 2027  ·  Open

Departure: January 25, 2027  ·  Return: February 12, 2027  ·  Open

Pricing Summary

Group (max 6 per guide): $7,200 per person

Private 1:1 — Local Argentinian Guide: $16,495

Private 1:1 — International/Western Guide: $22,995

Private 1:2 — Local Argentinian Guide: $9,995 per person

Private 1:2 — International/Western Guide: $13,995 per person

Payment Policy

Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Payments by credit card, wire transfer, or check from a US bank account. All prices in USD. Once your deposit is received, your trip cost is locked — except for changes imposed by third-party providers such as park fees or government taxes.

Cancellation Policy

• 121+ days before departure: 75% refund of remaining balance
• 90–120 days prior: 50% refund of remaining balance
• 60–89 days prior: 25% refund of remaining balance
• 59 days or less: no refund

All deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations must be submitted in writing. You may transfer to another expedition in the same calendar year (space permitting) by written request at least 90 days before departure — transfer fees may apply. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. No refunds for unused services once the expedition begins.

Private & Custom Departures

Private departures are available on custom dates throughout the season. Contact us with your preferred dates, group size, and any specific requirements including requests for Willie or Damian Benegas personally.