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Aconcagua Plaza de Mulas trekking

Aconcagua Trekking Tour to Plaza de Mulas and Mt. Bonete Ascent 16,404ft.

From U$D 1650 per person
Aconcagua Trekking Tour to Plaza de Mulas and Mt. Bonete Ascent 16,404ft.
Level
Intermediate
Duration
7 days
Season
November to February

A unique opportunity to visit Aconcagua basecamps Plaza Francia and Plaza de Mulas and to Climb Mount Bonete of 5000 meters

Map of Argentina

ACONCAGUA PLAZA DE MULAS TREKKING TOUR AND MOUNT BONETE ASCENT 16,404ft.

Explore the Majestic Aconcagua Basecamps

Embark on a spectacular seven-day Aconcagua Plaza de Mulas Trekking Tour, where you will visit Confluencia Base Camp, the first camp on the Normal route, and Plaza Francia Camp. Here, you’ll witness the imposing 3,000-meter vertical South Face of the highest peak in America, surrounded by glaciers, lagoons, and breathtaking frozen waterfalls.

In the following days, you’ll journey to Plaza de Mulas and trek the main camp on the Normal route. Nestled at the foot of the vast west face of Aconcagua, this camp offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys.

Reach New Heights: Bonete Summit (optional climb or a day to explore and experience the base camp)

The adventure continues with an ascent of Mount Bonete, a 5,000-meter peak. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, the campsite, and the awe-inspiring west face of Aconcagua.

Our Aconcagua Plaza de Mulas Trekking offers a unique opportunity to explore the highest mountain in America from its two most prominent faces. This is an actual mountaineering experience, where you’ll share the journey with and learn from mountaineers from around the world preparing to reach this legendary peak’s summit.

Why Choosing Us?

  • Over 20 Years of Experience guiding in Aconcagua Park
  • Small Groups with personalized service
  • Certified and Experienced Guides | WFR First-Aid certified
  • Excellent Food Services in comfortable camps
  • Comprehensive Assistance from start to finish
  • Permanent Communication | Wi-Fi, medical service, and mules service available in Plaza de Mulas

Got Questions? Feel free to contact us anytime for more information!

See What Our Clients Say About Us:  Check here! 

Available dates

DEPARTURE TREKS / ACONCAGUA 2025 / 2026 SEASON

November 24th
U$D 1650
December 01st
U$D 1650
December 08th
U$D 1650
December 15th
U$D 1650
December 22nd
U$D 1650
December 29th
U$D 1650
January 05th
U$D 1650
January 12th
U$D 1650
January 19th
U$D 1650
January 26th
U$D 1650
February 02nd
U$D 1650
February 09th
U$D 1650
Topography

Itinerary

ACONCAGUA PLAZA DE MULAS TREKKING AND MOUNT BONETE PROGRAM

Previous day •  Mendoza

Pick up at the airport if needed (optional). Your guide will check your gear and assist you with the park’s trekking permit procedures. *The program does not include hotel and meals in Mendoza.

Day 1 •  Transfer Mendoza – Horcones | Hike to Confluencia Camp | Transfer 3 hs + Trek 3 – 4 hs  •  3,390 m

Private transfer from Mendoza to our warehouse in Penitentes. (there are lockers and storage places available for our guests). You can have coffee and snacks while the guides prepare the mule loads. Another 15-minute ride takes the team to Horcones. This is the trailhead and also where the Park rangers will check permits. A scenic hike (carrying only a daypack) leads to Confluencia, the first camp of the Horcones Valley routes. Max altitude 3,390 m

Day 2 •  Hike Confluencia –  Plaza Francia | South Face viewpoint •  6-7 hs •  4,050 m

We take a detour to admire the imposing South face of Mt. Aconcagua. We stop at an ideally located viewpoint at the foot of the sheer ice wall to have lunch. After a 7-hour hike, we spent the night back at Confluencia. Max altitude 4,050 m 

Day 3 •  Rest day at Confluencia camp •  acclimatization day
Day 4 •  Hike Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas | 7-9 hs •  4,350 m

After a demanding 8-hour hike, arriving at Base Camp feels like a reward. Our camp manager and crew will greet you like one of the family. A hot shower before a hearty dinner or free internet access to stay in touch with your loved ones are just some of the treats at our “home away from home”. Max altitude 4,350 m

Day 5 •  Rest day at Plaza de Mulas   •  Acclimatization day

Sleep in your tent, read in the dining tent, or try the yoga mats in our heated lounge tent. Walking around to witness the hustle of basecamp life.

Day 6 •  Cerro Bonete trek | 6-7 hs  •  5,004 m

A non-technical hike to the neighboring Cerro Bonete offers an astonishing view of the West Face of Aconcagua -and a 5,000 mt peak bagged- Max altitude 5,004 m

Day 7 •  Hike Plaza de Mulas – Horcones | Transfer to Mendoza | 6-7 hs + 3 hs transfer

After a delicious breakfast with the lead guide and the climbers who will continue with the summit ascent, we retrace our steps back to the Horcones valley. Our vehicle will be waiting at the trailhead (with cold sodas or even a beer) to take us back to Mendoza, where our program ends.

Optional •  Heli-Charter

End your trip in style by flying out of base camp in a private helicopter instead of walking. Seeing the Andes from the Condor’s point of view is an entirely different experience!
Early in the morning, our BC Manager will coordinate the helicopter flight (weather permitting). After enjoying one of the world’s most scenic transfers, the helicopter will land in Horcones. A more humble land vehicle will drive you to Mendoza, where our program ends.

NOTE (*): Please note that the program begins in Mendoza the day before the hike. This allows time to check your gear and obtain the trekking permit. Please schedule your arrival accordingly.

Recommended equipment for the Aconcagua Trekking Tour to Plaza de Mulas and Mt. Bonete Ascent 16,404ft.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR ACONCAGUA BASE CAMP AND CERRO BONETE HIKE

UPPER BODY

2 Long-sleeved Base Layer: Lightweight and breathable shirts that keep your body dry and comfortable during the trek, and protected from the sun.

equipo recomendadoFleece Jacket or Sweater: Provides additional warmth during cold mornings and evenings.

equipo recomendado

Waterproof or Windproof Jacket: Essential for protection against rain and wind. It should be lightweight, breathable, and durable. Preferably with a hood.

aconcagua equipment list

Insulated Jacket (Synthetic or Down): Offers an extra insulation layer, ideal for low temperatures at high altitudes. Preferably hooded.

equipo recomendado

1 Pair of Lightweight Gloves and 1 pair of warm/fleece gloves: For Keeping hands warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.

LOWER BODY

Trekking Pants: Comfortable and durable pants that allow freedom of movement. Quick-drying with multiple pockets.

equipment list aconcagua

Long Underwear or Tights: Additional layers that provide warmth under trekking pants.

interiores termicos trekking

FOOTWEAR

Trekking Boots: Sturdy and durable footwear with good ankle support, ideal for long walks on uneven terrain.

aconcagua trekking shoes

Thick Socks (2 pairs): Warm and cushioned socks to keep your feet warm and prevent blisters.

HEAD

Sun Hat: Vital for protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Choose one with a wide brim and UPF protection.trekking equipment list Wool or Fleece Hat: To keep your head warm in cold conditions. Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials.

climbing gear

Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection: Protect your eyes from UV rays and glare, essential at high altitudes. Preferably, with a wraparound design to minimize light entering from the sides.sunglasess for aconcagua trek

Neck gaiter or buff: Multifunctional, protects your neck and face from cold, wind, and sun.

OTHER

2 Liter Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated. Choose a durable bottle with a wide mouth for easy filling.

trekking bottle

45 – 65 Liter Backpack: This spacious and comfortable backpack is ideal for carrying all the necessary gear for a day of trekking.

back pack trekking aconcagua

45 – 70 Liter Duffle bag: super-tough expedition duffel to protect the gear and clothes the mules will haul to the base camp.

KAWS x The North Face Basecamp Duffle Bag White Black One Size

Trekking Poles: Help maintain balance and reduce strain on your legs during long hikes.

Headlamp with extra batteries: Hands-free light source for use at camp or in low-light situations.

Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Comfort -5°C): A sleeping bag provides comfort and warmth during cold nights in the mountains.

Sleeping Pad: Adds insulation and comfort for sleeping on hard and cold ground.

Comfortable Camp Clothes (sneakers, socks, cotton shirt, etc.): Comfortable clothes to wear after the trekking.

Sunscreen (recommended SPF 50+): Essential protection against UV rays at high altitudes.

Personal Hygiene Items (towel, soap, etc.): Basic personal hygiene items to stay clean and fresh during the trip.

Personal first-aid kit: bring any prescribed personal medications.

Services

What’s Included

  • Park Entrance Permit Assistance: Help with obtaining the necessary permits for entry to Aconcagua Park.
  • Round Trip Transport: Comfortable transportation from your hotel in Mendoza City, Luján, or Maipú.
  • Professional Bilingual Guide: Expert guides certified as WFR (Wilderness First Responder).
  • Communications: Our guides have permanent radio communication. Wi-Fi is available at camp with limitations.
  • All Meals Included during the hike: Gourmet dinners with dessert, breakfast and box lunch.
  • Access to dining-room geodesic domes: Dining in a comfortable geodesic dome.
  • Accommodation: Shared bedroom in geodesic domes with bunk beds or shared tents.
  • Camp equipment transfer: 10kg per person included (mules)
  • Optional services: Hotel in Mendoza, pick up at the airport or bus station, helicopter charter from Mulas to Horcones (ask for cost if you would like to include these additional services). 

What’s Not Included

  • Aconcagua Park Entrance Fee: More information here.
  • Personal Gear: Personal equipment and sleeping bag.
  • Accomodation: Lodging and meals in Mendoza not included
  • Phone Communications: Personal phone communications are not included.
  • Insurance Liability: Not included; personal insurance is recommended.
  • Ground or air evacuations evacuations 
  • Medical Expenses
  • Costs due to early abandonment or cancellation
  • Additional Services: Any other service not explicitly mentioned in this list is not included.

FAQs

Yes, we provide pick-up from accommodations in Mendoza City, Luján, or Maipú. Pick-ups from Valle de Uco are available for private trips only, at an additional cost. Ask us!

When hiking at high altitudes, it is important to be protected from the sun, the cold and the wind. Since we will be staying at campsites overnight, you will also need comfortable clothes. Additionally, good hiking boots are necessary. For a detailed list of equipment, check the equipment section for this trip.

If you do not have all the recommended gear, you can rent it in Mendoza. We will recommend stores with special discounts. Sometimes we can offer you some items for free, so please contact us.

This is an moderately difficult trek. You don’t need specific training, but you should be an active person who exercises at least 2 or 3 times a week and is in good health, as we will be hiking at high altitudes. This trek has significant elevation gain on some of the days, but don’t worry about fatigue, as you will be hiking with your day backpack only thanks to the mules that will carry the camp equipment. If you have any concerns, please contact us.

Full board is included at the basecamps and also the day snacks. Menus will be determined according to the daily camp menu. Some of the possibilities are:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Grilled meat with salads
  • Pizza
  • Carbonara rice
  • Bolognese pasta
  • Salads
  • Desserts
  • Fruits
  • Egg flan
  • Chocolate flan

Vegetarian, gluten-free and other special diets available upon request.

We will sleep in high-altitude tents (The North Face V25) for 2 or 3 people, equipped with comfortable sleeping pads, or in shared bedrooms in geodesic domes equipped with bunk beds, depending on availability.

Don’t worry! You will carry your day backpack only, with some clothes, water and snacks. All the camping equipment can be delivered with the mules. So, no worries..You’ll be hiking super light!

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