CLIMB VALLECITOS and "Polish Traverse" ACONCAGUA 2016 &2107

This is fast becoming a popular Aconcagua option, with the highest success rate. We spend the first week acclimatizing in the Silver Range, a part of the large frontal range, between main Andes and the Pre Andes. This pre-acclimatization approach is increasing summit success ten fold and also offers participants a little more of Argentina instead just going straight to the mountain and home again.

EVEREST ALTITUDE TRAINING- This past year successful Everest summits by various climbers including two Peak Freak members, made a trip to Aconcagua pre-Everest. This is a non-technical peak offering excellent altitude prior to an Everest bid. Acclimatization can stay with you up to three weeks or more making this trip an excellent pre-Everest preparation climb. We book up fast so if you miss this one you can also explore the idea of joining our Pumori Everest Training climb in the Himalayas: Everest Training Climb -Nepal

Day 1- Jan. 30:

Our expedition begins in Mendoza, Argentina. Upon your arrival to the international airport or bus station in the City of Mendoza transfer to the hotel to hitch up with Tim or Angel to go over your gear items. This is a very important step. Mendoza is the last place available, where you can buy or rent equipment, it is not always easy to find the things you need at the last minute in this city so please do your best to get properly geared up before arriving here. After this, there is a group meeting and later we will go out to one of the many fine restaurants for dinner. You get the chance to taste the delicious argentine "asado" (barbecued meat) and wonderful wines from Mendoza. There are numerous alternatives for those who do not drink wine or eat red meats. Dinner in Argentina is usually around 9:00 P.M.

We use the well appointed Hotel Aconcagua for our Mendoza base camp on our expeditions:

Pool

AIRPORT ARRIVAL

Transport by taxi (cost $6US to $9US) to th Hotel Aconcagua. After clearing customs proceed out the door and taxi's will be waiting to whisk you away.
Transport to and from Mendoza-Penitentes in a private vehicle. From the hotel we take you to Penitentes, 180km, over a mountainous road where you can enjoy the most spectacular view of the Central Andes. Overnight at the Aylen Hotel.
Transport to and from Penitentes to the entrance of Aconcagua Park to start the trekking.

PERMIT

We no longer include this amount in the above program costs. We are advised since the amount changes frequently so it is better that each participant pay upon arrival the rate at that time. You can estimate to bring with you between $300 to $400US for this.

LODGING

Hotel Aconcagua in Mendoza is at your expense. We have secured rates between $75 and $85US per night. You should budget for 2-nights here. One inbound and one outbound but adding an extra one inbound is a good idea should bags go astray.
We include one (1) night at the Aylen Hotel in Penitentes, a 3***, Double or triple, half board, beverages not included. For the past years, this ski center, Penitentes, has been the starting point for most expeditions to the Aconcagua. Some expeditions go through Puente del Inca, but we prefer Penitentes because the lodging is better. In Penitentes, you can find from hostels to 3*** hotels. Peak Freaks works with the Aylen Hotel *** Star, which offers single, double and triple rooms with private bathrooms. The welcome dinner, breakfast and taxes are included.
We include (2) nights at a basic lodge at the Vallecitos Ski Resort.

MEALS

All meals are included during the approach tot Base Camp and high altitude camps. Complete and balanced diet. Meals are prepared daily by the cooks at the camps. And then expedition simplified meals are organized for the higher camps.

COMMUNICATIONS

There is permanent communication, 24 hours a day, through VHF, HF radios, Satellite Telephones, between Base Camps, mountain expeditions, Penitentes and Mendoza. This is for safety and organization that will lead your expedition to be a successful one.

MULES

Mules for equipment transportation (30 kg/person) up the Valle de Vacas (Vacas Valley) is included. "Responsibility and Confidence service" means taking your equipment on time and in perfect conditions to and from Base Camp and back to Penitentes. Each person has the right to transport up to 30 kg. We recommend you take a resistant bag, even though the gear is protected for transportation.

PORTERS

We now employ two porters to 7 clients to help with loads on Aconcagua.

FOOD

The kitchen and food tents are completely equipped with tables, chairs, dishes. Our base camp tents is an exclusively designed dome, made to provide the highest comfort and quality services.

MEDICAL

Our Base Camps have hyperbaric chambers, oxygen equipment, oximeters and first aid kits for an immediate response under any situation. You will be seen by a medical examiner at base camp to determine your state of health for the climb.

TENTS

Peak Freak provides our own sleeping tents and we contribute financially to the use of the latrines established at the camps. We provide our clients with the best mountain tents available.