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The Polish Route, also called "The 360 Polish Glacier Traverse Route", is more challenging than the Normal Route due to its longer distances (5-7 hours) between camps resulting in steeper ascents through snow and icy slopes. Other notable differences include lesser used trails, greater sweeping views, colder temperatures and more gradual acclimatization. Despite being more technical than the Normal Route, you do not need previous rock or ice climbing experience to take on this route.
**Designed for experienced active travellers in excellent physical condition. Itineraries may include full-day hikes (sometimes at high altitude) or full-day climbing excursions. Trails often include steep ascents/descents on mountainous terrain, with some exposed sections.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Mendoza City including a scenic drive through the Andes
- Hike through Quebrada de Vacas
- Trek to Casa de Piedra (3,600m/11,880ft)
- Trek up to Plaza Argentina Basecamp (4,000m/13,200ft)
- Hike up to Camp 2 - Upper Guanacos (5,500m/18,095ft)
- Trek towards Camp 3 through the mythic base of the Polish Glacier (6,000m/19,740ft)
- Hike down to Plaza de Mulas
- Visit both Aconcagua basecamps, Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina
- Trek through the National Park Aconcagua
- Summit Aconcagua (6,962m/22,841ft)
ITINERARY
DAY 1
MENDOZA (760m/2,508ft) / ARRIVAL DAY
Upon arrival, make your way to the group hotel. If time allows, spend the day exploring Mendoza or relaxing in the comfort of your hotel. An afternoon briefing will be held by the expedition guide in your hotel to answer all questions and to check your equipment. If you're planning to rent/buy equipment, please do so today. In the evening, head out to a local steakhouse ("parrillas") to enjoy your first meal of Argentina's famously delicious beef. Vegetarian options also available.
DAY 2
MENDOZA / PENITENTES / PUENTE DEL INCA (2,725m/8,992ft)
Today, we take a scenic drive to Penitentes through the mighty Andes. At Penitentes, you'll check into the mountain refuge and finalize climbing permits. The afternoon is spent getting the mules ready for the next day.
NOTE: You need to purchase a permit in cash (USD $800) at the entrance of the park to grant you access to climb Aconcagua Mountain.
NOTE: You need to purchase a permit in cash (USD $800) at the entrance of the park to grant you access to climb Aconcagua Mountain.
DAY 3
PENITENTES / PAMPA LEÑAS (3,100m/10,230ft)
After breakfast in the refuge, a transfer will take you to Quebrada de Vacas at the entrance of National Park Aconcagua. From there, begin your hike towards Pampa de Leñas Campsite. Remember to pack lightly and hike with your daypack only since the mules will carry the rest of your belongings.
DAY 4
PAMPA LEÑAS / CASA DE PIEDRA (3,600m/11,880ft)
Today, after breakfast, start trekking to Casa de Piedra Campsite gaining 500m/1,640ft in altitude. Enjoy spectacular views along the way.
DAY 5
CASA DE PIEDRA / PLAZA ARGENTINA BASECAMP (4,000m/13,200ft)
This morning, begin a long trek ascending 400 m/1,312ft up to Plaza Argentina Basecamp. Along the way, enjoy views of the imposing Andes Mountain Range. Pack lightly as the mules will carry the rest of your belongings.
DAY 6
PLAZA ARGENTINA BASECAMP (4,000m/13,200ft)
Today, enjoy a day of rest at Plaza Argentina Basecamp.
DAY 7
PLAZA ARGENTINA / CAMP 1 CANADA (4,950m/16,335ft) / PLAZA ARGENTINA
Today will be an acclimatization trekking day with a hike up to Camp 1 Canadá at 950m/3,116ft. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch. Return back to Plaza Argentina Campsite.
DAY 8
PLAZA ARGENTINA BASECAMP (4,000m/13,200ft)
Enjoy another resting day at your leisure at Plaza Argentina Basecamp.
DAY 9
PLAZA ARGENTINA / CAMP 1 CANADA (4,950m/16,335ft)
Trek up to Camp 1 Canadá today. Upon arrival, enjoy some rest before dinner. You'll be carrying your daypack with your personal equipment only. Porters will take care of the tents, garbage, etc...
DAY 10
CAMP 1 CANADA / CAMP 2 NIDO DE CONDORES / UPPER GUANACOS (5,500m/18,095ft) / CAMP 1 CANADA
Today will be another acclimatization trek up to Camp 2 Nido de Condores, ascending 5,500m/18,095ft. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch then return back to Camp 1 Canadá.
DAY 11
CAMP 1 CANADA / CAMP 2 NIDO DE CONDORES / UPPER GUANACOS (5,500m/18,095ft)
Today's hike takes you across the Upper Guanacos to reach Camp 2 Nido de Condores, ascending 5,500m/18,095ft. Upon arrival, relax at your leisure.
DAY 12
CAMP 2 NIDO DE CONDORES (5,500m/18,095ft)
Take today to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
DAY 12
CAMP 2 NIDO DE CONDORES / CAMP 3 BERLIN / COLERA (6,000m/19,740ft) / CAMP 2 NIDO DE CONDORES
Today will be another acclimatization day involving a hike ascending 500m/1,640ft up to Camp 3 Berlín - Cólera. Enjoy lunch then hike back to Camp 2 Nido de Condores.
DAY 14
CAMP 2 NIDO DE CONDORES / CAMP 3 BERLIN / COLERA (6,000m/19,740ft)
Traverse the "Normal Route" crossing through the mythic base of the Polish Glacier. We'll gain 500m/1,640ft when reaching Camp 3 Berlín - Cólera.
DAY 15
SUMMIT DAY
CAMP 3 BERLIN / COLERA / ACONCAGUA SUMMIT (6,962m/22,834ft) / CAMP 3
Today is Summit Day! Begin your hike at a very slow but steady pace in order to conserve energy as the route will take you through very high altitudes. Once you reach the summit, spend a good amount of time at the top taking in amazing views and resting for the trip down. The mountaineering guide will help you make your descent down to Camp 3 Berlín - Cólera to spend the night.
DAY 16
CAP 3 BERLIN / COLERA / PLAZA DE MULAS BASECAMP (4,260m/13,976ft)
Today, you'll make your descent down to Plaza de Mulas Basecamp where you'll spend the night.
DAY 17
PLAZA DE MULAS / PUENTE DEL INCA / MENDOZA
Today will be your longest trekking day, hiking over 20km back to Puente del Inca town. From there, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Mendoza City, arriving in the early evening. Enjoy a final farewell dinner tonight to celebrate your achievement.
DAY 18
MENDOZA / DEPARTURE DAY
Enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your hotel, concluding your Aconcagua Summit Tour. We hope you'll join us again to explore another part of South America! If you wish to arrange a transfer back to the airport, please let us know.
DAY 19
EXTRA DAY
An extra day for if weather conditions prevent the normal itinerary development.
Our itineraries are guidelines to follow day-by-day. However, some changes may occur prior to departure or during the tour due to weather conditions, seasonal changes that can alter timetables, flight schedules and transport routes. These changes can happen with little notice so please be prepared for alterations along the route. Bear in mind on occasion, the timing of included activities in each location may also differ from the timetable written on your itinerary.
We always work hard to make sure you have the best holiday experience. Nevertheless, things can and do go wrong occasionally due to the nature of travel. Please take it as part of the travel experience. Should any issue occur while on tour, please discuss with your local guide first. If the issues go beyond his/her control, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help.
For any emergency, contact us at our WhatsApp number, available 24/7 (+54.911.4434.6643), or send us an email at pepeconciergeservice@gmail.com.
We always work hard to make sure you have the best holiday experience. Nevertheless, things can and do go wrong occasionally due to the nature of travel. Please take it as part of the travel experience. Should any issue occur while on tour, please discuss with your local guide first. If the issues go beyond his/her control, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help.
For any emergency, contact us at our WhatsApp number, available 24/7 (+54.911.4434.6643), or send us an email at pepeconciergeservice@gmail.com.
|
Inquire about this trip.
Our friendly advisors are ready to work with you to understand your preferences and build them into an itinerary that matches your taste, schedule and budget. Get started today! |
ACCOMMODATIONS
| Day | Itinerary | Hotel | Room Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mendoza | **** Hotel | Shared Twin |
| 2 | Penitentes | Mountain Refuge | Shared Room |
| 3 | Pampa de Leñas | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 4 | Casa de Piedra | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 5 | Plaza Argentina Base Camp | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 6 | Plaza Argentina Base Camp | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 7 | Plaza Argentina Base Camp | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 8 | Plaza Argentina Base Camp | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 9 | Camp 1 | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 10 | Camp 1 | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 11 | Camp 2 | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 12 | Camp 2 | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 13 | Camp 2 | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 14 | Camp 3 | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 15 | Camp 3 | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 16 | Plaza de Mulas | Camping | Shared Tent |
| 17 | Mendoza | **** Hotel | Shared Twin |
| 18 | Mendoza | Departure day | Shared Twin |
| 19 | Extra day | ||
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a shared double/twin room (**** hotel)
- 1 night in a shared room (mountain refuge)
- 14 nights in a shared tent (camping)
- Shared transfer: Hotel - Penitentes - Puente del Inca - Mendoza
- Mules to carry 30kg extra from each trekker up to Day 5 only
- 17 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 12 lunches (boxed)
- 15 dinners
- Mountaineering guide from Day 2 to Day18
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights in and out of Mendoza
- Transfer in and out of Mendoza
- Mountaineering gear and sleeping bag (can be rented in Mendoza)
- Alcoholic drinks/soft drinks
- Meals on Day 1 and Day 16 except those described above
- Tips
- Climbing permit (required)
This permit grants you entrance to the National Park to climb Aconcagua Mountain. It must be purchased in person in cash at the entrance of the National Park. It costs USD $800 per person. - Travel Insurance (required)
It is mandatory for travelers to purchase travel insurance before joining a tour with us.
Please read our Booking Conditions.
TRAVELER TIPS
MULES
Mules will carry your belongings and supplies to Plaza Argentina Basecamp until Day 5, after which you'll carry everything on your own (this includes: backpack, sleeping bag, boots and personal belongings plus your share of meals and cooking elements). You can also hire a porter to transport your belongings from Plaza Argentina Basecamp up to Camp 3 Berlin-Colera and back to Plaza de Mulas Basecamp. From Plaza de Mulas, mules will be used again to help carry everything back to Puente del Inca town. Mules can carry a maximum of 30 kg. Contact us to request pricing information for porter hires.
PORTERS
Porters carry a great amount of equipment to multiple altitude camps. They've reached the Aconcagua summit many times and their bodies are well acclimatized to work in high altitude environments. Porters are responsible for carrying tents, team garbage (including toilet garbage that must be transported by each expedition according to regulations of the Aconcagua National Park) and first aid kit from Plaza Argentina Basecamp to Camp 1 Plaza Canada, from Camp 1 Plaza Canada to Camp 2 Nido de Condores, from Camp 2 Nido de Condores to Camp 3 Berlin-Colera and on the return from Camp 3 Berlin-Colera to Plaza de Mulas Basecamp.
ACCLIMATIZATION
Acclimatization is very important in order to successfully and safely reach the Aconcagua summit. As this is a factor on any of the Aconcagua expeditions, we recommend following an acclimatization training program as well as maintaining a balanced diet a few months before joining the expedition.
MOUNTAINEERING GUIDES
All guides leading the Aconcagua expeditions are professional mountaineering guides who have obtained their mountaineering qualifications at AAGM or EPGAMT (2 and 3 year courses). We believe the key to a successful expedition is to incorporate qualified leaders with at least 5 years of experience in leading Aconcagua expeditions to ensure they can provide the proper safety and leadership along the Aconcagua routes.
One mountaineering guide will be included for every three climbers beginning at basecamp. The guide’s equipments include a VHF radio, first aid kit with specific medications for altitude sickness, ropes, altimeter, digital oxymeter and professional clothing and equipment. Medication will be provided with the approval of Aconcagua National Park doctors to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
TENTS
Normally, during high-season in the summer, Aconcagua experiences favorable weather conditions. However, during the few stormy days that occur, high quality bedroom tents are provided. Our preference is for brands such as, North Face and Mountain Hardwear, that have proven records of excellent performance in Aconcagua camps over the years. We normally arrange to have 2 climbers per tent.
SAFETY
Your safety and health is our priority. If you need to be evacuated from Aconcagua for medical reasons or if you finish the expedition with any kind of medical condition, our team will provide personal bilingual support for all medical activities (i.e. medical tests, lung x-rays, medicine purchase and hospitalization) that might be needed to arrange while in Mendoza. All expenses arising from those medical activities are not included.
In addition, if you need to stay in Mendoza for an extended period in order to fully recover, you have the option to hire a bilingual assistant. He/she will be at your side to assist with any needs you might have and will be good company before your return trip back home.
Mendoza is a safe city. However, always be aware of strangers trying to get close to you. In restaurants, cafes and bars, don't hang your bag on the armchair without keeping an eye on it. In crowded places, always keep an eye on your pockets, bags and other belongings.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The Covid-19 has had a major impact in all South American countries, with more cases being found every day. We at Pepe Concierge Service have taken all necessary precautions to protect our customers integrity and health, and helped everyone to find their way back to their home countries. Our heart and good thoughts are with everyone who have been affected by this virus. We are deeply thankful to all those who are out there working to contain this fatal virus. We'll stay alert and on top to any changes on this subject to keep our customers updated.
For more information, visit our blog.
TRANSPORTATION
Transfer in/out of Mendoza is not included in your expedition. However, if you wish to hire transportation from/to your hotel in Mendoza, please let us know and we'll arrange one for you. You can also arrange a taxi service upon arrival in Mendoza.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We strongly promote responsible travel. You can minimize the impact on local cultures, the environment and turn the negative aspects of tourism into positive aspects. We believe you can make a difference.
read more
Mules will carry your belongings and supplies to Plaza Argentina Basecamp until Day 5, after which you'll carry everything on your own (this includes: backpack, sleeping bag, boots and personal belongings plus your share of meals and cooking elements). You can also hire a porter to transport your belongings from Plaza Argentina Basecamp up to Camp 3 Berlin-Colera and back to Plaza de Mulas Basecamp. From Plaza de Mulas, mules will be used again to help carry everything back to Puente del Inca town. Mules can carry a maximum of 30 kg. Contact us to request pricing information for porter hires.
PORTERS
Porters carry a great amount of equipment to multiple altitude camps. They've reached the Aconcagua summit many times and their bodies are well acclimatized to work in high altitude environments. Porters are responsible for carrying tents, team garbage (including toilet garbage that must be transported by each expedition according to regulations of the Aconcagua National Park) and first aid kit from Plaza Argentina Basecamp to Camp 1 Plaza Canada, from Camp 1 Plaza Canada to Camp 2 Nido de Condores, from Camp 2 Nido de Condores to Camp 3 Berlin-Colera and on the return from Camp 3 Berlin-Colera to Plaza de Mulas Basecamp.
ACCLIMATIZATION
Acclimatization is very important in order to successfully and safely reach the Aconcagua summit. As this is a factor on any of the Aconcagua expeditions, we recommend following an acclimatization training program as well as maintaining a balanced diet a few months before joining the expedition.
MOUNTAINEERING GUIDES
All guides leading the Aconcagua expeditions are professional mountaineering guides who have obtained their mountaineering qualifications at AAGM or EPGAMT (2 and 3 year courses). We believe the key to a successful expedition is to incorporate qualified leaders with at least 5 years of experience in leading Aconcagua expeditions to ensure they can provide the proper safety and leadership along the Aconcagua routes.
One mountaineering guide will be included for every three climbers beginning at basecamp. The guide’s equipments include a VHF radio, first aid kit with specific medications for altitude sickness, ropes, altimeter, digital oxymeter and professional clothing and equipment. Medication will be provided with the approval of Aconcagua National Park doctors to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
TENTS
Normally, during high-season in the summer, Aconcagua experiences favorable weather conditions. However, during the few stormy days that occur, high quality bedroom tents are provided. Our preference is for brands such as, North Face and Mountain Hardwear, that have proven records of excellent performance in Aconcagua camps over the years. We normally arrange to have 2 climbers per tent.
SAFETY
Your safety and health is our priority. If you need to be evacuated from Aconcagua for medical reasons or if you finish the expedition with any kind of medical condition, our team will provide personal bilingual support for all medical activities (i.e. medical tests, lung x-rays, medicine purchase and hospitalization) that might be needed to arrange while in Mendoza. All expenses arising from those medical activities are not included.
In addition, if you need to stay in Mendoza for an extended period in order to fully recover, you have the option to hire a bilingual assistant. He/she will be at your side to assist with any needs you might have and will be good company before your return trip back home.
Mendoza is a safe city. However, always be aware of strangers trying to get close to you. In restaurants, cafes and bars, don't hang your bag on the armchair without keeping an eye on it. In crowded places, always keep an eye on your pockets, bags and other belongings.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The Covid-19 has had a major impact in all South American countries, with more cases being found every day. We at Pepe Concierge Service have taken all necessary precautions to protect our customers integrity and health, and helped everyone to find their way back to their home countries. Our heart and good thoughts are with everyone who have been affected by this virus. We are deeply thankful to all those who are out there working to contain this fatal virus. We'll stay alert and on top to any changes on this subject to keep our customers updated.
For more information, visit our blog.
TRANSPORTATION
Transfer in/out of Mendoza is not included in your expedition. However, if you wish to hire transportation from/to your hotel in Mendoza, please let us know and we'll arrange one for you. You can also arrange a taxi service upon arrival in Mendoza.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We strongly promote responsible travel. You can minimize the impact on local cultures, the environment and turn the negative aspects of tourism into positive aspects. We believe you can make a difference.
read more
|
Inquire about this trip.
Our friendly advisors are ready to work with you to understand your preferences and build them into an itinerary that matches your taste, schedule and budget. Get started today! |
Copyright © 2020 Pepe Concierge Service. All Rights Reserved.
Booking Conditions | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Responsible Travel
Booking Conditions | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Responsible Travel
Photos used under Creative Commons from miroab, miroab, Hanna Norlin, John_Brennan, John_Brennan, John_Brennan, desbiens_jean, desbiens_jean, @jesusdehesa, @jesusdehesa, John_Brennan John_Brennan
