This trek is recommended for outdoor enthusiasts who are not interested in reaching the 'summit of the Americas ' but would still like to enjoy an approach hike to one of the mountain's base camps. In this case, the base camp of the difficult and majestic South Wall of Aconcagua.
From the view point we visit you can appreciate this imposing, nearly 3,000-meter high wall with its immense hanging glaciers; and, witness the thundering crashes of falling seracs and avalanches that send clouds of snow down the wall.
Day 1
• Introductions between the members of the trek, the guides and the assistants. We review everyone's personal gear. Once all the gear is ready we load it onto the vehicles and head to the Park office to obtain the necessary trekking permits. From here we begin our trip towards the mountains. First we will stop for lunch in the town of Uspallata , 100 km ( 62 miles ) from Mendoza , and then continue to Puente del Inca and a little farther ahead the Laguna de Hocones entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park . There is a ranger's station here where we will be asked to show our permits. Once registered we set off on our hike to Confluencia at 3,300 meters ( 10,827 ft .) above sea level. Fifteen minutes up the trail we find the Laguna de Horcones, with it's reflection of the beautiful South Wall of Aconcagua. The trek continues to the confluence of the Horcones River , which flows from the glaciers above the Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,250 meters/13,940 feet), and the Lower Horcones River , with its source above the Plaza Francia Base Camp (4,200 meters/ 13,780 feet ). Near this junction, called Confluencia, we cross Río Horcones Inferior by way of a small bridge, continue 5 more minutes along the trail and arrive at camp. The hike takes 3 and a half to 4 hours. Dinner.
Day 2
• We have breakfast and prepare for a 4 to 5 hour march to a great viewpoint near Plaza Francia. From this spot, if there is good weather, we can take some excellent photos of the South Wall of Aconcagua, which, with its 2,700 meters of vertical is one of the world's tallest and most difficult walls. We have lunch and make our way back along the same trail to Confluencia.
Day 3
• After breakfast we begin the hike back down to Horcones where vehicles will be waiting to take us back to Mendoza . We take you back to your hotel or other point of return, such as the bus station or airport.
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