Inka’s proposed itinerary had us doing a carry to Camp 2 on Day 10. However, weather watchers were seeing a better window on Tuesday — one day ahead of schedule. That prompted a decision to move to Camp 2 instead, which meant all gear up in a single push. Doing so would place us in…
Aconcagua Day 9: Move to Camp 1
We moved to Camp 1 at 16,400 feet today, bringing the rest of the gear and food needed for the next 5 days. It was a repeat of the 2nd toughest day we did on Wednesday (Day 7), so I guess it was another tough day. It’s only onward and upward from here–no turning back…
Aconcagua Day 8: Another Day of Rest and Recovery
Part of the process of “carrying” is to help acclimate to the elevation — climb high, sleep low. Do that a few times and your body adjusts. We were also constantly being reminded to drink water; 3-4 liters per day on the lower section and now 6-7 liters per day at these higher elevations. I…
Aconcagua Day 7: Carry to Camp 1
With no further mule support, our job now was to move as much gear to Camp 1 as physically possible. For some who hired a porter, that meant a lighter load. For others who didn’t, it meant carrying a pack weighing anywhere between 15-17 kilos (33-37 lbs) for 2.5 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation….
Aconcagua Day 6: Rest Day at Plaza Argentina
Restaurant-style food, hot showers, yoga tent, foosball, internet cafe, wi-fi… I shoulda brought a shaver! Do I dare call this glamping?? (From left to right: kitchen tent, dining tent, foosball arena, yoga tent) No, this might not be your typical expedition experience, but I didn’t care. Inka Expediciones really has this dialed in. I was…
Aconcagua Day 5: Trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp
It was only our third day on the trail but after today, we will arrive at Plaza Argentina Base Camp. The day began with a frigid river crossing that involved several strands to navigate. The river wasn’t more then knee-deep. However, the water was pretty cold at 7 in the morning with its glacial headwaters…
Aconcagua Day 4: Trek to Casa de Piedra
The fourth day on the trail was another chill one. Our guides were really good at helping us conserve energy by always slowing us down. The pace was so laid-back. By the way, this 360° Traverse is waaaay more interesting than the standard route — more on that later. Here’s looking back at where we…
Aconcagua Day 3: Trek To Pampa de Leñas
This adventure finally got real on Day 3 with the trek from Punta de Vacas to Pampa de Leñas. The 360° Traverse route starts by following along Rio de las Vacas (Vacas River). The terrain along this trail in February is very hot and dry–much like hiking in southern Utah or Arizona. The mules pass…
Aconcagua Day 2: Shuttle to Puente de Inca
Following breakfast the next day, we were packed up and ready to roll by 10am. Our travels will take us from Mendoza to Puente de Inca, about 3 hours away up into the Andes. Our first stop was in Uspallata for lunch and Tiramisu (which turned into a constant craving for several of us during…
Aconcagua Day 1: Meet and Greet
Following Inka’s proposed itinerary, our first “official” day involved meeting the guides and having them check our gear at the hotel. We then visited with the front office staff to pay our balances before heading out to rent whatever we were missing from one of the few mountaineering shops nearby. This expedition was lead by…