Mt Aconcagua Mountaineering Expedition

MT. ACONCAGUA Argentina - South America 20 - Day Mountaineering Expedition

January 8- January 27, 2011 Hosted by Priyantha Amarasinghe A Mountaineering & Adventure Specialist

America’s Highest Peak & one of the Seven Summits

Expedition Overview Mount Aconcagua located at an elevation of 22,829 ft/6962m above sea level is a spectacular mountain in the Andes in South America surrounded by numerous peaks over 20,000ft and the lowlands of beautiful desert landscapes with a large diversity of flora and fauna. This classic challenge has become a very popular goal for climbers looking to broaden their experience in the Seven Summits circuit. Ideally, it is the next goal for those who have achieved success in scaling other continental peaks, Mt Kilimanjaro, Elbrus or Denali. This climb is also suitable for experienced high altitude trekkers with success in base camp treks in the caliber of K2 Base Camp in the Karakoram or Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas.

Our preferred choice of the guided route up Aconcagua is the “Normal Route”, an easier and popular route among climbers and offers a scenic and aesthetic approach. Its aesthetic nature makes it the preferred route for a wide array of climbers those with intermediate climbing and backpacking skills and those with experience and in excellent physical condition – and does not present any technical difficulties or require any previous climbing experience on rocks or ice.

Our local outfitter is a 20-year veteran of guiding expeditions in Aconcagua providing world class guides and logistical support in the mountain. They accord you the best chance of proper acclimatization and summit success with an itinerary that is tried and tested for years. For example, we spend more days at the base camp to aid climbers perfect acclimatization in combination with training hikes, rest and high quality mountain diets.

Who qualifies for this challenge?

“This is an adventure that requires imagination, physical and emotional strength. Being mentally prepared to accept difficulties and hardships in the mountain will be the key to your success.”

Although non-technical, this is a highly challenging climb and by any means should not be underestimated. It demands more than most other non-technical climbs (such as Kilimanjaro).In the best interest of personal safety, success and team compatibility, we insist that members have adequate training and are in excellent physical condition to undertake this challenge. This expedition-style climb requires climbers to carry a reasonably heavy backpack and be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations and bad weather at high altitudes for multiple days. Undergoing a strenuous physical/strength and aerobic training program for three months or more is critical for your success and enjoyment. We stress this is essential for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral member of a balanced climbing team.

World class guides: 1 guide: 3-4 climbers Our guides are qualified professionals of AAGM (Argentine Association of Mountain Guides) and EPGAMT (School of High Mountain & Trekking Guides), the latter being a rigorous 36 months course on mountain education. All our guides have summited Aconcagua number of occasions. Their basic equipments kit includes: VHS radio, a first-aid kit, medications and drugs to treat altitude sickness, ropes, an altimeter and professional clothing and equipment.

Mules & Porter Service The group gear, your personal luggage from Mendoza city until Plaza De Mulas Base camp are carried by truck/coach and mules. From the base camp to higher camps, we employ highly skilled porters who will carry up to 20 Kg of load that consist of group equipment, tents, kitchen sets, altitude food stocks, fuel, stoves, ropes and garbage. Your personal items such as clothing, sleeping bag, drinking water, power foods, climbing boots and mountain gear are carried by you in your backpack.

Optional porter service is available should you wish to hire a porter to carry your personal backpack from base camp to high camps and back. (See page 4)

No Hidden Extras We include all transfers, 4 star luxury accommodation in Mendoza city, Welcome and farewell dinners, high quality base camp accommodation, North Face 2-person tent accommodation, freshly cooked mountain diets and packed meals when required.

(Special diets are arranged too).

Expedition Itinerary January 8 - January 27, 2011 January 8: Mendoza (760m) Our local expedition leader meets us at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Mendoza city. Mountain equipment check and rent any items locally if required. Enjoy the night at one of the best 4-star hotels in Mendoza city. A welcome dinner.

(D) January 9: Mendoza / Puente del Inca (2,725m) Expedition commences this morning. Before we proceed by coach to Puente Del Inca, we stop to obtain the climbing permits. Lunch.

This afternoon, the mules are loaded and prepare for the following day’s trek. Dinner and night at the Puente del Inca hostel (B, L, D) January 10: Puente del Inca / Confluencia (3,300m) The group proceeds to the entrance of the Park in a private van.

There the permits will be presented and you will start with the trekking to Confluencia Camp. The equipment will be carried by mules. On arrival, you will set up your tent with your partner and rest.

(B, PL, D) January 11: Confluencia/Plaza Francia (4,000m)/Confluencia Trek to Plaza Francia, base of the south face of Mt. Aconcagua.

Here you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a spectacular view. Return to Confluencia camp. This trekking is considered as part of the acclimatization process, fundamental to the success of this expedition.

(B, PL, D) January 12: Confluencia / Plaza De Mulas Base Camp (4, 260 m) The trek to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp lasts around 8 hours. You will stay in our own base camp with the necessary amenities to make you as comfortable as possible.

(B, PL, D) January 13: Plaza De Mulas Base Camp – Rest Day Full day of rest. We make a short trek to a nearby glacier to train and improve the use of crampons.

(B, L, D) January 14: Plaza De Mulas Base Camp – Rest Day Second rest day to improve the acclimatization.

(B, L, D)

January 15: Plaza De Mulas/Camp 1 (Camp Canada) – 4,910 m /Plaza De Mulas Acclimatization Trek to Camp 1 “Canada” where you will have lunch and then return to the Base Camp. Around 5 hours (B, PL, D) January 16: Plaza De Mulas – Acclimatization Trek (Mt Bonete) Acclimatization trek to Mt. Bonete summit at 5,100m and return to Plaza de Mulas. (6 hours). This activity will definitely turns on all the acclimatization mechanisms.

(B, PL, D) January 17: Plaza De Mulas - Rest Day Today you will check that all your equipment is ready for the days ahead.

(B, L, D) January 18: Plaza De Mulas / Camp 1 (Canada) A 3-hour trek to the Camp 1. The group will have lunch and set up the tents. Here at 4910m, you will begin to feel the affects of altitude on your body.

(B, PL, D) January 19: Camp 1/ Camp 2 “Nido De Condores” (5,250m) Climb to Camp 2. This trek lasts 4 hours. As on the previous days, you will set up the tents with the guides’ help and rest.

(B, PL, D) January 20: Camp 2 “ Nido De Condores” (5,250m) - Rest Day A complete rest day in Camp 2.

(B, L, D) January 21: Camp 2 / Camp 3 “Berlin” (5,900m) Climb to Camp 3 “Berlin”. This is a short hike for 3 hours, but all your strength is needed due to the characteristics of this part of the route.

This is the last altitude camp before the summit.

(B, PL, D)

January 22: Camp 3 “Berlin” / Summit (6,962m) / Camp 3 Berlin This is the great day! Early wake up, breakfast and start climbing.

Climb from Camp 3 to the summit. The view and 360 degrees on Aconcagua is an incredible experience and you are on top of the Americas and tallest mountain in the world outside Asia. The summiting and return to camp 3 takes between 9-12 hours. Return to Camp 3 for the night. Rest with the satisfaction of having reached your goal.

(B, PL, D) January 23 & 24: Extra Two days for Bad weather Extra days have been scheduled into the itinerary in case of bad weather at any part of the climb or delays in summit bids. (B, PL, D) January 25: Camp 3 / Plaza de Mulas (4,260m) After a 3 - hour descend, you will get to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp.

The group will have the day free to share those emotions experienced throughout the expedition.

(B, PL, D) January 26: Plaza de Mulas / Puente del Inca/Mendoza Descend to Puente del Inca and last leg of the expedition. Your belongings will be carried by mules so you will only take a light back pack with a jacket, essentials and packed lunch. The group will return to the comforts our 4* luxury hotel in Mendoza tonight.

Farewell dinner.

(B, PL, D) January 27: Mendoza – US/Canada After breakfast, own transport to Mendoza airport for homebound flight.

(B) IMPORTANT: We have kept aside extra two days on January 23 & 24 in the mountain for contingencies, bad weather that may prevent the normal summit bids or overall running of the program. There is a possibility that we may not use them at all or use only one extra day.

It is therefore important for participants to note that in any event that if we use these extra days in the mountain, any additional hotel expenses for extended stays at the end of the climb in Mendoza are not included.

Equipment & Essentials List

Pricing & Trip Inclusions

Footwear

Lower & Upper body

A Pair of fine synthetic pants Pair of thick shell pants Pair of rainproof/Gortex pants Pair of comfortable long pants (trekking type) Two Synthetic base & mid layer shirts One Turtleneck of synthetic material One Fleece jacket One Down Parka with hood (Minimum 800 fills) One Rainproof jacket

Head wear

Climb Only Price in a group of:

Two Pairs of synthetic inner socks Four Pairs of thick socks for cold A Pair of comfortable ankle-high trekking boots A Pair of gaiters

Sun cap or hat Shelter hat (wool or fleece) Light balaclava A good pair of sunglasses with UV filter and nose and side protection A pair of goggles A handkerchief for the neck

3-4 members: CA$4995 per person 5-7 members: CA$4495 per person 8-10 members: CA$3995 per person Sample R/T flights from Toronto to Mendoza: CA $975 (Tax $100, subject to change) Climb Only Price Includes:

Hand Wear

Two Pairs of light inner gloves Two Pairs of rainproof heavy weight mittens

Expedition material

Sunscreen (never less than factor 20) Two 2-liter water bottles An stainless steel thermo of one litter or half a litter Personal crockery (bowl, cup, fork and spoon) Six pairs of hand warmers Sleeping mattress for high mountain Personal care elements Head lamp with extra batteries A synthetic or duvet sleeping bag for – 20-30 º C A Book, music and personal medications Your digital camera with plenty of memory cards/charger/batteries if any.

Technical equipment

A comfortable backpack of 70 liters or more One Pair of mountaineering boots suitable for 7,000m and – 40ºc temperature (Example: Scarpa Inverno double boots with high altitude liners) Semi - automatic crampons One Pair of telescopic trekking poles One Ice axe Harness with one locking carabineer

Aconcagua A mountaineering guide to Summit of South America

By Harry Kikstra

FREE

Local transportation with driver/assistant Centrally located accommodation in Mendoza on sharing basis (Singles on request at extra cost) Guest house sharing accommodation in Puente Del Inca Two person “North Face” tent accommodation throughout the expedition.

Meals as indicated – B – breakfast; L – lunch- D – dinner including some packed picnic lunches (PL) and high altitude cooked hot meals.

English speaking qualified mountain guides ( 1 guide per 3-4 climbers ratio) Mules and porter services for carrying the group equipments to Plaza de Mulas Base camp and thereafter to higher camps (Camp 1- Canada, Camp 2- Nido de Cóndores”, Camp 3- Berlin, and finally on your return, from camp 3 to Plaza de Mulas base camp.) Group equipments include: Tents, kitchen sets, food, fuel, stoves, ropes and the garbage produced by the group) throughout the expedition Welcome and farewell dinner in Mendoza 2 Extra days tent accommodation/meals/services in the mountain in case of contingencies that may prevent normal operation of the itinerary Services of an experienced Canadian climbing leader

Not Included: Aconcagua National park permit fee (USD 395 approx payable in cash upon entry to park) mandatory medical/emergency insurance; meals other than specified; Sleeping bag and your personal mountain equipment (boots/trekking poles/backpacks/personal clothing/nutritional food); personal porters to/from high camps; Beverages, mineral water at restaurants during meals; Personal expenses, tips for guides, porters, muleteers, drivers and hotel staff.

Personal Porter Service - Optional (Maximum of 20kg weight) Plaza De Mulas Base Camp to camp 1(Canada): US$150 Camp 1(Canada)- Camp 2(Nido De Condores): US$210 Camp 2 to Camp 3(Berlin): US$265 Camp 3 (Berlin) to Plaza De Mulas Base Camp: US$265

Contact Your Expedition Manager Priyantha Amarasinghe 1 800 263 2995 |416- 391 0334 Press 3 & Ext 2680

Upon receipt of your enrolment & Deposit of $500 per person

Priyantha@tourcanvacations.com www.tourcanvacations.com