Trekking in the Andes – Aconcagua park

Trekking in the Andes – Aconcagua park

From Mendoza we shall cross the Andes, and set off West, driving towards the Chilean border. The scenery is an amazing mix of colorful mountains and dramatic rock formations and it was the chosen setting to shoot Seven Years in Tibet.

The road snakes along the Mendoza River through the Uspallata valley. After driving by small mountain settlements we shall stop at Puente del Inca, a natural rock formation painted and shaped due to the sulphur levels in the water. From there, we drive another 10 minutes to get to Parque Provincial Aconcagua.

The hike begins from the park ranger’s hut, bearing north. Ahead of us the majestic Aconcagua’s South Face and its summit. It is a magnetic view that we shall follow. Passing next to Laguna de Horcones, we walk passing by a ravine known as “Quebrada del Durazno”, and, during high season (November – April) and according to group’s physical condition, we might be able to walk up to “Confluencia” camp.

In the low season we are dependent on weather conditions and the park rules to hike furthermore than “Quebrada del Durazno” and if the park is covered in snow, we might need to trek with snow shoes that we shall provide.

Personal equipment required: comfortable warm pants, comfortable trekking or sport shoes with a good sole, warm socks, t-shirt, turtle neck shirt, wool sweater or warm fleece top, a good warm jacket, gloves, warm stocking cap, cap or hat, sun glasses and UV sun-block cream.