Route

Polish Variation, Aconcagua (6 962 m / 22 831 ft)

Mountain: Aconcagua (6 962 m / 22 831 ft)
Activity type: Mountaineering
Activity level: Challenging/ Tough
Elevation: 6 962 m / 22 841 ft
Duration: 18 Day(s)
Expenses: from$ 4 600
Image of Polish Variation, Aconcagua (6 962 m / 22 831 ft)
Credit: Pablo Betancourt

Overview

Route Name:
Polish Variation, False Polish Glacier
Activity type:
Mountaineering
Activity level:
Challenging/ Tough
Type of Climb:
Snow & Ice & Rock
Location:
South America, Argentina: (Mendoza)
Starting Point:
Parent Range:
Mountain:
First Ascent: Please update
Duration:
18 Day(s)
Max. Elevation:
6 962m / 22 841 ft
Vertical Gain:
4 511m / 14 800 ft
Length: Please update
Climbing Season(s):
15 Nov-28 Feb;
Nearst
Airport(s):
Convenience Center(s):
National
Park(s):

Location

South America, Argentina: (Mendoza)
  • Your Chance To Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

    Ascent to Aconcagua is an unique opportunity for those who do not have high-altitude mountaineering skills to taste and smell the air up to 7 000 meters above sea level. For example, to find yourself on the same altitude somewhere in the Himalayas, Karakoram and Pamir, you will need several years of training and a special high-altitude equipment. Well, in addition to the above, it is an opportunity to climb one of the 7 Summits, which rightfully occupies first place in the ratings of several heights - it is the highest mountain in the whole of the Americas, the highest point in the Western Hemisphere and the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Description Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

    Route "Polish Variation" in comparison with the classic "Normal Route" has both its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include the facts that it is much less crowded by tourists and therefore - more clear. But the lack of a large number of tourists entails much less developed infrastructure, compared to "Normal Route". And this route is a little more difficult due to a long and steep approach. Up to base camp Plaza Argentina all carry loads are done by mules. Above base camp climbers to carry their loads themselves. Try not to drink unboiled water even if it's water from the glacial stream. Always use boiled, bottled or purified water.
  • Getting There Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

    Flight to Mendoza International Airport (Argentina). Take a car or bus to Uspallata or Penitentes. The entrance to the Aconcagua Provincial Park where Polish Variation Route begins is at Punta de Vacas.
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  • Tips Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

    Cellular Network: No (Guided Tours)


    The route conditions very varies from year to year - sometimes climbers have to struggle with deep snow starting from the Plaza Argentina. If the winter was dry you probably even wouldn't take your crampons out from your backpack. But anyway you have to be ready for the most unpleasant situation - even during the warmest month (February) a huge snowfalls and hurricane winds can happen. There were times when climbers could not leave their tents for several days because of the wind and were waiting for the end of the storm somewhere in camp at the altitude of 5 200 meters. In 99 cases out of 100, you will need crampons to approach from the summit camp to the summit. Be very careful when passing couloir "La Caneleta" - sometimes it could be so icy that local guides even were forced to fix some ropes there.

  • Parameters Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

    Base Camp Elevation: 4 200 m / 13 780 ft
    Summit Camp Elevation: 6 279 m / 20 600 ft
    Accommodation in Base Camp: Tents only
    Accommodation above Base Camp: Tents only
    Number of Camps: Please update
    Avg. Cost: 4 600 USD
    Age Restrictions: 14
    Soloing: Yes
    Descent Route: Same
    Specify descent time: 3 Day(s)
  • Key Points Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

    Name (Elevation) Description
  • Agencies Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

  • GPS-Tracks

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  • Did You Know Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

  • References Edit •  Add / Share you knowledge with mates

Last update: Slava Shevtsov (02 Jul 2018) • History
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Day 1

Move from Penitentes to Punta de Vacas.
From Penitentes it usually takes about 15 minutes by car/bus to Punta de Vacas, where you will begin your three-day, 30-mile trek into Plaza Argentina, which serves as Base Camp for most expeditions. Mules will carry your loads so you can enjoy the trek without heavy backpack. On the approach, you’ll walk through green desert valleys dramatically enclosed between the mountains of the Andes. Sometimes you’ll see wildlife, such as condors or guanacos.

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Day 2

Trek to intermediate camp.
During the first half of the approach, your objective will remain hidden by the nearby mountains. However, at the end of the second day, the stunning east face of Aconcagua will be dramatically revealed.

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Day 3

Arriving at Base Camp.
On the final day of the trek to Base Camp, you’ll cross the Vacas River in the morning, then ascend up the Relinchos Valley, for a steeper and more challenging day of trekking. You’ll set up your camp and say goodbye to the mules and Arrieros that transported your gear.

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