Aconcagua Polish Glacier Direct Expedition

Our experienced team of guides and support staff is dedicated to providing the best possible experience, combining technical expertise, safety, and personalized care. Here are a few things that set our Aconcagua expeditions apart:

– Expert Guides: Our team consists of certified, bilingual, and highly experienced guides with extensive experience on Aconcagua, as well as other high-altitude mountains worldwide.

– Comprehensive Support: From the moment you arrive, we provide full logistical support, including equipment rental, transfers, permits, and more, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

– Tailored Itineraries: We offer various routes and itineraries depending on your fitness level, experience, and goals. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or looking to gain additional technical skills for the Himalayas and beyond.

– Safety First: We take safety seriously and operate under strict guidelines to monitor acclimatization, health, and weather conditions throughout the expedition. We also provide detailed pre-trip training and briefing to ensure you’re fully prepared.

The Aconcagua Climb Experience

Aconcagua offers mountaineers and fit adventurers the chance to climb on a big mountain expedition in a relatively short period of time. We climb a (technical) Polish Glacier Route allowing climbers to gain high altitude experience on a route which can be relatively safe from objective dangers and prepare them for similar conditions you will find on mountains such as Ama Dablam or Everest. Climbers can concentrate on testing their own high altitude ability and many will use this climb as a stepping stone to additional mountain objectives.

Mountain Professionals has over 20 years of experience leading expeditions to the summit of Aconcagua. Our senior guides have lived and worked in Argentina for many years and have developed an all around fantastic trip to climb Aconcagua. From our very comfortable hotels to the private transports and superb base camp meals, we have fine-tuned each and every detail along the way for a seamless experience.

The Mountain Professionals Difference

Our Polish Glacier Direct expedition to Aconcagua are limited to 2 clients per 1 professional mountain guide, ensuring a small team, personalized feel to each trip we run. We invite you to join a Mountain Professionals Aconcagua expedition and experience the best all around trip available.

The entire trip was simply awesome! Ryan and Dave did an incredible job from the very beginning; Aconcagua was my 17th climb in the past year and from the get go I could tell that they were very professional and knew exactly what they were doing. I know I’ll be climbing again with them soon!

Rudy Z.

As an Austrian I have been climbing in the mountains all my life. Most of the time supported by experienced guides. Very rarely did I encounter guides like Ryan and Tomas during our February 2019 Aconcagua expedition. Despite adverse wind conditions the guides kept their nerves and calm and ultimately guided the entire team up the mountain on a beautiful day. A 19 day trip, full of sometimes difficult decisions, not one mistake and ultimately crowned by a full team success. All of this with great consciousness about the safety of the team and the individual condition of the team member. This cannot be done better. “

Gerhard H.

Cerro Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas. It stands as the highest peak in South America and one of the 7 summits or the highest mountain on each continent.

Aconcagua Climb Preparations

Our expedition to Aconcagua climbs the Polish Direct route that is technical in nature, it is a big undertaking. There are long days and the weather can be extreme in this unique environment. Our goal on the trip is to be safe and have fun on the mountain. So arriving with a good attitude and in good shape makes things a whole lot more enjoyable. Training for a big mountain expedition is important and we work with you on an individual contact basis for several months in advance of the trip to suggest a program.

Aconcagua Climb Prerequisites

Team members should have a good understanding of mountain expedition living that could include a previous mountaineering course and/or climb of a lower elevation mountains. We recommend proficient experience in crampons and use of fixed lines to ascend a route. You should also have previous high altitude experience that could include an ascent or two of mountains such as Rainier, Mt. Blanc, Cotopoxi, a Himalayan 6000m peak or other comparable high altitude climbing experience. You should also be in excellent physical condition.

I have never had more confidence in any ones abilities than in Ted Alexander’s. The summit of Aconcagua was a long trip in difficult conditions, being able to see all the way to the Pacific made every step worthwhile.

Ciaran W.

• Day 1: Arrive in Mendoza and met by our staff for transport to our hotel. Evening meeting, group dinner and sleep at the Diplomatic Hotel. Guides obtain your climbing permits for you at the Permit Office in Mendoza
• Day 2: Early in the morning private transfer to Penitentes/Punta del Inca for an overnight in hotel and gear packing.
• Day 3: Transfer to the Park entrance in the Vacas Valley. Trek to the first camp called Pampa de Lenas at 10,230ft / 3100m.
• Day 4: Trek the second day on the trail to Casa de Piedra camp at 11880ft / 3600m.
• Day 5: Trek the third day on the trail to reach the base camp at Plaza Argentina located at 13200ft / 4000m.
• Day 6: Rest day in Plaza Argentina Camp.
• Day 7: Acclimatization trek up to Camp One, to also deposit some small items and return to Base Camp.
• Day 8: Rest Day in Plaza Argentina Camp.
• Day 9: Move to camp One 16335ft / 4950m walking on scree and ice or snow.
• Day 10: Acclimatization trek up to Camp Two (Guanacos Camp) located at 18095ft / 5500m then return to Camp One to sleep once again.
• Day 11: Move to Camp Two (Guanacos Camp).
• Day 12: Rest Day in Camp Two.
• Day 13: Move to Camp Three at the base of the Polish Glacier. 19740ft / 6000m.
• Day 14: Extra contingency weather day.
• Day 15: Extra contingency weather day.
• Day 16: Climb the Polish Direct route to the summit of Aconcagua 22837ft / 6960m. Descend back to high camp.
• Day 17: Descend to Plaza Argentina basecamp.
• Day 18: Hike out to the Pampa de Lenas camp.
• Day 19: Hike out to the Punta de Vacas and met by transfer van for the drive back to Mendoza. Hotel night and showers plus celebration!
• Day 20: Departure flight day to home country (Return Flight).

Trip Cost Includes

• Expert Mountain Professionals: Experience unparalleled guidance with a 1:2 guide-to-client ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a safe, rewarding adventure.
• Seamless Transfers: Enjoy a hassle-free journey with a private transfer from the airport to our luxurious 5-star accommodations at Hotel Diplomatic in Mendoza (double occupancy) for two nights—one at the beginning of your journey, and one to unwind after your summit.
• Gourmet Breakfasts: Start each day energized with delicious, nutritious breakfasts in Mendoza.
• Private Team Transfers: Comfortably travel to and from Pentitentes with our exclusive team transfers.
• Comprehensive Mountain Services: Enjoy full mountain support, including meals, top-tier group equipment, and professional tents to enhance your comfort on the ascent.
• Group Gear Porter Service: Porters carry group gear such as tents, food, stoves.
• Premium Basecamp Amenities: Relax and recharge with full basecamp services, featuring a heated, carpeted dining dome and dedicated culinary staff to prepare your meals.
• Cutting-Edge Connectivity: Stay connected with solar panel access and satellite phone availability for emergencies. Enjoy free Wi-Fi at basecamp and parts of the upper mountain, powered by Starlink.
• Daily Dispatches: Stay informed and connected with daily dispatches from the team, keeping you updated on progress and conditions.
• Helicopter Departure Option: For ultimate convenience, opt for a helicopter departure from Base Camp (available for an additional fee), ensuring a swift and scenic return.

Price does not include

• Personal Expenses: Any items of a personal nature, including individual travel costs, delays, taxis, and other miscellaneous charges, are not included.
• Climbing Permit Fee: The Personal Climbing Permit Fee (approximately $450 USD based on 2025 pricing) is payable prior to the expedition, with our early discount.
• Personal Clothing & Gear: Any personal clothing or gear required for the climb is the responsibility of the participant. Rental equipment and clothing is available in Mendoza.
• Alcohol & Personal Refreshments: Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks or drinks are not included in the package.
• Required Travel Insurance: The National Park requires purchasing Travel/Rescue Insurance to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind.