Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the tallest mountain outside of Asia. It requires only a minimal level of technical climbing experience. Due to the high altitude and severe winds, however, the climb can be extremely challenging and serious.

The Falso Polacos (False Polish Route also known as the Polish Glacier Traverse) Expedition - The advantage of this expedition lies in the tried and true nature of this itinerary from successful previous ascents. This option ascends the Vacas and Relinchos Valleys to the High Camp (19000 ft -5791 m) at the base of the Polish Glacier. The route then ascends a rising traverse to the northwest, and connects with the normal route at approximately 20,000 ft - 6100 m. After reaching the summit, we take the normal route through Plaza de Mulas to return to Horcones and Mendoza after.

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Mendoza city
Arrive in Mendoza. Transfer to a hotel in middle of the town. 

Day 2: Penitentes 9000 ft - 2743 m.
We will arrange our permits in Mendoza and travel by private transportation to Los Penitentes Hotel to stay the night.

Day 3: Pamapa de Leñas 9000 ft - 2743 m.
From Penitentes we’ll start walking towards a flat valley to our first camp called Pampa de Leñas. This day, mules will carry our gear and all camp supplies.

Day 4:Casa de Piedra 10,496 ft - 3200 m. 
We continue hiking towards base camp via the Vacas Valley up to get to our second campsite in Casa de Piedra.  

Day 5: Plaza Argentina 13,800 ft - 4200 m. 
We complete the approach to the third campsite by following the Relinchos Valley to Plaza Argentina where we will set our base camp.

Day 6: Resting day in Plaza Argentina 13,800 ft - 4200 m. 
A gentle afternoon walk around the base camp could be done if desired.

Day 7: Camp One 16,207 ft - 4940 m.
Today marks the end of the trek and the true climb begins with our first carry of the trip. We will carry our supplies and technical equipment to Camp 1. After caching our gear, we will descend to the base camp for overnight, to rest and renew our energy.

Day 8: Camp one 16,207 ft - 4940 m.
Move to Camp 1. We leave Plaza Argentina base camp and climb back to Camp 1 with our remaining gear to establish our next camp. Night at camp 1.

Day 9: Camp Two 17,700 ft - 5396 m. 
Today we perform another carry of half our gear to Camp 2, Ameghino Col at 17,700 ft (5396 m). Here we get our first view to the north across the expansive screen fields heading towards the Guanacos Valley. In the distance, snow covered peaks of the central Argentinean Andes are now at our feet. We will set our cache at camp 2 and come back to camp 1. 

Day 10: Camp One 16,207 ft - 4940 m. 
Recovery day and further acclimatization at Camp 1.
 
Day 11: Camp Two 17,700 ft - 5396 m. 
Hike to Camp 2 and spend a night there.

Day 12: Camp Three 19,202 ft - 5853 m.
Carry to Camp 3, bringing the supplies to establish our camp here. The route to Camp 3 follows a steepening path to the high, broad bench just below the imposing Polish Glacier of Aconcagua. Place tents at camp 3 and return to camp 2 to sleep.

Day 13: Camp Three 19,202 ft - 5396 m. 
Move to Camp 3 and spend an overnight at this elevation to help the acclimatization process.

Day 14: Rest Day 19,202 ft - 5396 m.
Rest and recovery day to get more acclimatization at Camp 3. 

Day 15: Camp Four 20,500 ft - 6250 m.
Move to Camp 4, our high camp, located at 20,500 ft (6250 m).

Day 16: Aconcagua Summit Day 22,860 ft - 6962 m.
Aconcagua Summit Day! We will start early for the summit, joining the western ridge which is considered the Normal Route. From here, a gradual traverse along the mountain's northwest flank takes us past the Refugio Independencia and to the base of the Canaleta (big couloir), a 1000 ft (~300m) long couloir leading to the summit ridge. From the top of the Canaleta, it is a straightforward traverse to the summit. After spending time at the summit for celebration and photos, we begin our descent, returning to the base camp 2, Nido De Cóndores camp, at 17,368 ft (5300 m) to overnight depending on our energy level. Alternatively, we can continue down to Plaza de Mulas camp where a well-deserved celebratory dinner will be waiting for us.

Day 17: Plaza De Mulas 14,107 ft - 4300 m.  
This day, we'll hike down to Plaza de Mulas. If we are already in Plaza de Mulas, we'll hike out the final walk to Horcones where the transport will take us to Puente del Inka village. 

Plaza de Mulas to Horcones: The hike down follows a long and smooth valley called Playa Ancha which ends at the Confluencia river. After crossing it, the trail heads to Confluencia base camp and continues to Horcones entrance. From here, the trip keeps following the main road that connects Chile and Argentina to end at Puente del Inka village where we’ll overnight at a nice hotel. Although most of the way is downhill, consider that it will take between 6 to 7 hours in total. 

Day 18: Mendoza  
Return to Mendoza by our private transportation to have a resting or shopping day in the town. We will stay at hotel near downtown.

Day 19: Fly out
End of the trip.

TRIP INCLUDES:

• Airport pick up upon arrival and transport to the hotel
• Private ground transportation during the trip
• IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide 1 to 4 guide to client ratio
• All shared expedition gear (VHF radios, two people tents, large dining tent in the base camp, cooking equipment, etc)
• Two nights accommodation with breakfast at hotel in Mendoza
• Two nights accommodation with breakfast at hotel in Penitentes
• All food during the expectation
• Mules to transport gear and food from Penitentes to Plaza Argentina & Plaza de Mulas to Horcones

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare to Mendoza
• Aconcagua climbing permit
• Porter fees if needed
• Fees for any earlier departure from the program
• Personal items and gear
• Emergency evacuation insurance
• Travel or personal insurance
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Tips

I highly recommend Travelex Insurance or similar to protect your trip and to provide emergency medical coverage. Travelex also includes coverage of pre-existing conditions if booked within 21 days of trip deposit.