Aconcagua False Polish Climb

Aconcagua’s non-technical lines of ascent, free of the objective dangers of avalanche and rock fall are ideal for first time high altitude aspirants.

Come join us for a great climb on the False Polish Glacier!

At 6,965m (22,840ft) Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere and indeed the world, outside of the greater ranges. Contrary to popular belief the crest of the massif does not form part of the Andean range but lies due east of the main chain in an unusual geographic demarcation. For this reason her summit soars well above all the peaks surrounding her, making the view in any direction overtly panoramic.

About Aconcagua

Aconcagua’s proximity to Mendoza, and nearby roads, precludes the need for any extended or grueling approach march commonly associated with Himalayan 7000ers. Aconcagua’s non-technical lines of ascent, free of the objective dangers of avalanche and rock fall are ideal for first time high altitude aspirants, and for those seeking a training ground and springboard for loftier Himalayan objectives.

Field Touring & Aconcagua

We have been operating Aconcagua expeditions since 1994, and with the exception of one season, have placed more than 60% of our teams upon the summit. In recent years our strike rate has gone beyond 85%, an outstanding result when you consider that each year a staggering 2000 to 3000 climbers will attempt her, with less than 23% of those reaching the summit. We have now had over 200 climbers reach the summit as part of a Field Touring Expedition.

We run our expeditions as open trips, whether you choose to climb, with a guide, in a paired arrangement, or solo, a safety net of competent and experienced guides, backed up by a strong network of local support is in place to assure your safety for the duration of the expedition.

We have filmed 2 documentaries on climbing Aconcagua, the most recent of which has been sold to National Geographic television.

On out trips we make it a point to have a great time with our members and include rustic BBQ's on the trek in and have a team building acclimatization day in Pentitentes. With all that we know about acclimatization and avoiding AMS, we are convinced that it is prudent to have an acclimatization day in Penitentes. Our members enjoy the day and as a result enjoy the hike in with a very low incidence of headaches often seen with groups that spend one or no nights in Penitentes. As a result of feeling well on the entire hike into BC we seem to need less recovery time compared to groups that move in more quickly and end up summiting often on the same day!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Mendoza and Transfer to the Hotel. Team meetings and initial prep

Day 2 - Final Prep in the am along with picking up climbing permits. Private transport to Penitentes Resort

Day 3 - Acclimatization hike near Penitentes.

Day 4 - Transfer to Horcones Valley trail head. Hike to Leñas camp site. BBQ supper!

Day 5 - Hike to Casa De Piedras campsite and have first views of the Polish Glacier

Day 6 - early am river crossing and hike to Plaza Argentina base camp

Day 7 - Rest and Acclimatization day. Walk up 200-300m to excellent views of the route to C1.

Day 8 - Load carry to C1 and return to BC

Day 9 - Move to C1.

Day 10 - Rest and acclimatization day at C1

Day 11 - Carry to C2 and return to C1

Day 12 - Move to C2

Day 13 - Move to Colera Camp

Day 14 - Summit Day!

Days 15-18 - Spare Summit days

Day 19 - Descend to Mulas BC or to Plaza Argentina

Day 20 - Trek out to Penitentes

Day 21 - Private Transport to Mendoza Hotel

Day 22 - Onward Day

Note: this itinerary is approximate and due to weather, route and member conditions may be altered at the discretion of our guides to make the safest trip possible. We are typically out 3-4 days early with good weather and can help you fill the spare days with wine tours, golf, rafting and sightseeing!

Aconcagua False Polish Trip Gallery

Enjoy a few fun images from our trips!

if you fancy a trip to Aconcagua with a company that knows the hill well, has a great time with our team and has an excellent safety record, then we invite you to join us for a climb on the beautiful and less crowded False Polish Route!

note : base camp support, helicopter, medical and approach support (with or without permit inclusion) is also available as a separate option for experienced (only) independent teams – please contact us for details.