Having a good camp service is a priority in an expedition to Aconcagua. Why? Before the ascent, the energy level must be optimal and is the key to achieve the combination of good nutrition, rest and proper hydration.

Our base camp, located in Plaza de Mulas (4350 m) and Plaza Argentina (4190 m) (link to page Mules and Argentina) work throughout the climbing season and are designed exclusively peaceful places to relax and receive personalized first quality service after a long and exhausting expedition journey.

Grajales Expeditions guarantees the following base camp services

• Advanced technology

  Communication. You can connect to the Internet and communicate by telephone from Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina. The use of Radio allows us to get in touch with all the camps of the mountain, park rangers and rescue patrol as well as with our base in Penitentes. We also keep track of every expedition by radio communications even at the summit optimizing our logistics.

  In Renewable Energy: we have an independent power generation system: solar panels and advanced technology wind-powered generators, which are specially designed to generate great amounts of energy getting the most out of sunlight and the environment.

• Fresh food and a recommended diet

  The ascent to the Aconcagua demands a really high energy level. It is estimated that during summit day, the mountaineer consumes about 10.000 calories. The route itself from Plaza de Mulas (4.800m) to the first base camp, Plaza Canadá (5.050m) takes between 3 and 4 hours, and demands about 4.450 calories.

  As soon as the mountaineer enters the Provincial Park, the consumed diet has a direct effect over the organism’s performance; this is why nutrition and hydration are fundamental in an expedition.

  We supply our base camps with fresh and healthy meals to provide a correct diet based on glycides, lipids and proteins. This is one of our strongest characteristics because it implies the advanced logistics of more than 33 years of experience. Grajales Expeditions has more than 120 pack mules used for food, luggage, and people’s daily transportation.

  We serve three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) that include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, different types of meat, pasta, legumes, cereals, etc. We also provide snacks on ascent days (sandwiches. candy, soft drinks, etc.) as well as reception snacks every time the expedition arrives at a camp. On summit day, it is elaborated a special menu to recover energy and please the palate of the mountain’s most difficult journey.

  To maintain a proper hydration is vital to reduce the risk of heat, cold (including frostbites) and altitude disorders. Between 5 and 7 liters a day is the minimum and indispensable requirement for rehydration and height adaptation.

  Our camps offer hot water, coffee, tea and juices all day long. We recommend soups and clear soups as a first course of each meal, for staying hydrated.

  We also prepare special menus for vegetarians or passengers with any food allergy or celiac disease. Please let us know your request in advance.

• Comfortable facilities and specialized staff

  We carefully select our staff and we assure personal attention. Our camps are coordinated by a Head of Camp and attended by a specialist (and assistant chef) trained to satisfy your needs.

  We have dining tents with electricity, tables, chairs and crockery. Rooms with beds set up in large tents. Kitchen, bathroom and nursery tent luggage deposit. You can rent a mountain tent (link other services) in our base camps although it is recommend that you let us know about it in advance, to ensure stock. The North Face or MSR are the tents we provide to our clients.

• Logistical support

  Our staff (guide, assistant, porters, camp staff) are trained to assist and provide advice and logistical support either portages, food, equipment and anything else you may need before and during the expedition.

• Transportation equipment within the Aconcagua Provincial Park

  The safe transportation of food and equipment to the base camps or to the high is another service that distinguishes us. We are aware that any disruption could severely compromise the outcome of an expedition.

  Transportation by Mulas: The transfer of loads to base camp is by mules. Grajales Expeditie owns animals and have an organization to guarantee the delivery of equipment to pre-established place on schedule. Our services include the storage of equipment at our Base Camps.

  Porters: luggage is carried by porters to the High Camps, locations where mules could not reach. (Sherpa is the synonym in the Himalayas).Our porters, a whole team of experts, have conquered the Aconcagua summit more than once, and they know the mountain deeply. They carry 20 Kg and have been selected due to their experience and professionalism. Costs vary depending on where a load is taken to. If you want to hire a porter, please let us know.

• Rescue Helicopter Service

  In case of evacuation, excessive fatigue, accidents or any reason why the client demands it is possible to fly from our base camps to enter the Provincial Park. The flights always depend on weather conditions as well as load weight varying between 100 and 300 kg.

  Costs:

  • Plaza de Mulas - Horcones: U$D 1,500
  • Plaza Argentina - Horcones: U$D 1,800
    (Payment by credit card has an extra charge).

Learn more about our camps:

Ruta Normal:
Confluencia (3.390m)
Plaza de Mulas (4.350m)
Valle de Vacas:
Plaza Argentina (4.190m)