Summer season kicked off on November 1st. Everything you need to know to visit the Colossus of America
As is customary, the high season opens in early November on the highest mountain in the Americas, encompassing all activities, including the ascent.
And with the arrival of December, the influx of visitors increases, entering the most exciting period for summit attempts.
However, if you’re planning a trip to Aconcagua for any of the scheduled activities, here you’ll find the best information, sourced from the official Ministry of Energy and Environment of the province of Mendoza. As is typical at this time of year, they are publishing the requirements that all mountaineers must be aware of before embarking on any type of climb. Let’s begin.
It’s important to note that for both the Ascent and Long Trek, insurance/evacuation and medical assistance coverage is required, including air evacuation from 5,600 meters to Horcones. From December 1st to March 6th, Park Rangers, Medical Services, and Aerial Work will be operational, with the possibility of advancing or extending coverage depending on demand.
High-risk activities such as paragliding, base jumping, and skiing on the Polish Glacier and the South Face, among others, require a licensed provider, a specific insurance policy, and a 20-business-day permit process. Any activity carried out without authorization will result in a $10,000 fine.
There will also be strict limits on campsites to reduce the environmental footprint in the high mountains and support the relocation process of the Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina Base Camps, in compliance with the Glaciers Law.
Each service provider must operate within designated areas, and all terraces or infrastructure will require authorization from Park Ranger personnel, under the Directorate of Protected Areas. Dry toilets with solid and liquid separators will be permitted at the base, while wet toilets, septic tanks, and biodigesters are expressly prohibited, except with express authorization.
To strengthen waste traceability: fecal matter must be stored in approved and identified, unperforated drums with a maximum capacity of 200 L, and the waste may not exceed 50 bags per property. Waste and drum removal must be completed before February 28. After that date, only drums up to 400 L and up to 50 bags may remain in use. If there are any violations, the Authority will remove the waste at the service provider’s expense and, in the event of repeated violations, may suspend or disable operations.
The Animal Welfare Program remains in effect for the responsible management of mules, through the «Mule Ticket,» which will cost $6 per animal and includes ongoing veterinary checkups.
Regarding fees, visits will be subject to a stipulated charge based on the area entered. Payment must be made at the Protected Areas Directorate or at the entity, location, or system they indicate.
Visitors to Quebrada de los Horcones: The entrance fee for the general public is $10,000 COP and does not authorize camping. This fee grants access to the Quebrada de los Horcones interpretive tourist circuit and to the infrastructure established for public use within the circuit, with access limited to the Suspension Bridge located over the Horcones River.
Day Trip Activities: Access to Quebrada de los Horcones has an entrance fee for the general public of $10,000 COP and does not authorize camping. This pass grants access to the Quebrada de los Horcones interpretive tourist circuit and to the infrastructure established for public use within the circuit, with access limited to the Suspension Bridge located over the Horcones River.
Admission is free for:
• Children under 12 years of age; people with disabilities and one companion; Malvinas War veterans with valid identification.
• Public and private schools under the jurisdiction of the General Directorate of Schools, the National University of Cuyo, and other schools throughout the country.
• Retirees and pensioners residing in Argentina.
• Employees and their immediate family members of the Directorate of Protected Areas. Day Trekking
Available from November 15th to April 10th of the following year: This permit allows visitors to trek for the day, provided that weather conditions, trail conditions, and the availability of park rangers, drinking water, and restrooms allow the Confluencia Ranger Station to remain operational and safely conduct this activity, in accordance with current regulations. Overnight stays are not permitted.
• Horcones Ravine: Access is permitted only as far as the Confluencia Approach Camp. Visits to Plaza Francia are not permitted.
• Matienzo Ravine: Trekking is permitted to the La Cascada Camp, Cerro Mirador del Tolosa, and Laguna del Potrero Escondido, provided that weather and operational conditions permit.
• Vacas Ravine: This activity is not permitted.
Fees per person for Day Trekking:
• Residents of Mendoza: $15,000.
• Argentinians/Residents: $25,000
• Latin Americans: $45,000
• Foreigners (non-Latin Americans): $55,000
Overnight activities during the summer season with assistance from service providers
Ascent with assistance – Quebrada de Horcones Route:
• Mendoza residents: $100,000
• Argentinians/Residents: $190,000
• Latin Americans: $910
• Foreigners: $1,170
Ascent with assistance – Quebrada de Vacas Route / 360° Circuit:
• Mendoza residents: $120,000
• Argentinians/Residents: $230,000
• Latin Americans: $1,130
• Foreigners: $1,450
Long Trek with Assistance – Horcones Gorge Route:
• Mendoza Residents: $55,000 ARS
• Argentinians/Residents: $110,000 ARS
• Latin Americans: $320 USD
• Foreigners: $380 USD
Short Trek with Assistance – Horcones Gorge and Matienzo Gorge Route:
• Mendoza Residents: $35,000 ARS
• Argentinians/Residents: $60,000 ARS
• Latin Americans: $160 USD
• Foreigners: $190 USD
Overnight Activities without Service Provider Assistance:
Ascent without Assistance – Horcones Gorge Route:
• Mendoza Residents: $140,000 ARS
• Argentinians/Residents: $270,000 ARS
• Latin Americans: $1,270 USD
• Foreigners: USD 1,640.
Unsupported Ascent – Quebrada de Vacas Route / 360° Circuit:
• Mendoza Residents: $170,000.
• Argentinians/Residents: $330,000.
• Latin Americans: USD 1,580.
• Foreigners: USD 2,000.
Long Unsupported Trek – Quebrada de Horcones Route:
• Mendoza Residents: $80,000.
• Argentinians/Residents: $160,000.
• Latin Americans: USD 450.
• Foreigners: USD 540.
Short Unsupported Trek – Quebrada de Horcones and Quebrada de Matienzo Routes:
• Mendoza Residents: $50,000.
• Argentinians/Residents: $90,000.
• Mendoza Residents: $90,000. • Latin Americans: USD 230.
• Foreigners: USD 270.
Rescue Patrol
The Mendoza Police Rescue Patrol will be actively present from the start of the season until the operational closure of Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina.
Air evacuations are ordered by the Medical Service, Park Rangers, or Rescue, and the costs of search, rescue, and evacuation will be covered by the mountaineers’ insurance or, when applicable, by the service providers.
The sale of permits, payment methods, and processing will be handled at the location and through the system indicated by the Directorate of Protected Areas. Activities may be suspended for weather or operational reasons, always prioritizing the safety of people and the protection of the environment.
Source and photos: Mendoza Press
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