Night 1
Refugio in Penitentes Village
Tucked away in Penitentes Village in the beautiful Andean mountains, this refuge provides a cozy shelter.
Mount Penitentes and Mount Aconcagua Base Camp Trekking Tour
Prices
Highlights
Trek among the highest peaks of the Andes on this 5-day circuit tour
Spend five memorable days among the majestic wilderness of the Andes on the Mount Penitentes Circuit Trek. At its pinnacle, this trek brings you to the foot of South America’s highest peak. You’ll wind through pristine valleys filled with streams, waterfalls, and epic mountain views.
Take the first day of the tour to acclimate to the area by hiking around Aconcagua Provincial Park near Mendoza, Argentina. Over the next two days, you’ll camp at the base of Mount Aconcagua, a peak that reaches an impressive 6,961m/22,837 ft. Once you traverse Serrata Pass at 4,000m/12,123 ft, you descend into the valleys, drawing closer to the Chilean border. You’ll be spoiled with otherworldly views the entire journey, including a look at the fourth-highest volcano in the world, Mount Tupungato.
This region in the Andes is incredibly well-protected—keep your eyes out for diverse wildlife and intriguing vegetation. Your English-speaking guide will be happy to discuss the local flora and fauna. If it’s on your list to get close to the highest peak in South America, this is your tour! Follow your expert guide into this remote and unique destination and make some unforgettable memories!
Mount Penitentes and Mount Aconcagua Base Camp Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 0 Arrival in Mendoza
It is recommended for you to arrive in Mendoza, Argentina, a day early to prepare for the tour. The guides will meet with you to make sure you have everything you need for the trek.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Mendoza (not included or pre-arranged)
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 1 Hike in Aconcagua Provincial Park
Your guide will meet you in the morning to collect you and the group and head to Penitentes Village. Spend your first day of this tour acclimating to the area with a 4-hour hike.
Aconcagua Provincial Park, located near Mendoza, consists of vast mountain landscapes, including the Andes’ tallest peak, Mount Aconcagua. The area suits hikers, climbers, skiers, and other thrill-seekers who crave remote adventure. You’ll spend the night in a mountain shelter in Penitentes Village.
- Overnight Location
- Refugio in Penitentes Village
- Distance
- 4 hours, 150m of ascent
- Meals
- Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Hike to Aconcagua Base Camp
Gather with your group for a hearty breakfast before heading into the wilderness.
During today’s 6-hour trek, you’ll climb to spots offering epic vistas of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Nothing like a walk in this park to make you feel small! Set up camp and enjoy the peaceful evening in this unique remote destination. You’ll sleep under the stars at the base of Mount Aconcagua.
- Overnight Location
- Camping at Mount Aconcagua Base Camp (3,267m / 10,718’)
- Distance
- 6 hours, 326m of ascent
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Traverse Serrata Pass (4,000m)
After breakfast, prepare to reach the highest point on the trek: Serrata Pass at 4,000m/13,123 ft. Hiking to this pass is challenging, but the effort will be worth it once you reach the top. Bask in your rewarding views of Mount Aconcagua. Take some time to admire these breathtaking views—and take some pictures, of course—before descending into the Tupungato Valley.
Your guide will lead you to a remote campsite to rest for the night.
- Overnight Location
- Camping along the route (3,270m / 10,728’)
- Distance
- 6–8 hours, 724m of ascent, 730m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Hike through Quebrada Arroyo Blanco Valley
Wake up immersed in the outdoors and meet your group for breakfast. Today’s hike is relatively flat and involves a few river crossings. A splash of water will be welcome after 4 days in the backcountry! The trail winds through the Quebrada Arroyo Blanco Valley, replete with fairytale scenes of waterfalls in lush green forests.
At the end of the valley, you’ll make it to Refugio Blanco to set up camp for the night.
- Overnight Location
- Camping at Refugio Blanco (3,375m / 11,072’)
- Distance
- 6 hours, 105m of ascent
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Explore Quebrada del Tupungato Valley and Departure
Finish the circuit trek with an 8 km hike through the Quebrada del Tupungato Valley. From here, you’ll see views of the fourth-highest volcano in the world, Mount Tupungato, at 6,570m/21,555 ft. Enjoy this sparsely populated region of the Andes as you hike towards the Chilean border to complete the journey.
You’ll receive a return transfer to Mendoza and then say adios to your group.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- 4 hours, 8 km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Mount Penitentes and Mount Aconcagua Base Camp Trekking Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Argentina is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price might vary based on your group size.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided groups of 2+: $1,600USD
Accommodation on the Mount Penitentes Circuit Trek
During this tour, you will stay in mountain shelters called refugios with basic amenities and camp in high-end, fully-equipped North Face tents.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
There is no single occupancy supplement available on this trip. There is no extra charge for staying in a solo tent and single rooms in Rifugios are not available.
Night 2-4
Camping in Andes
Rest easy each night in North Face’s V25 tent with solar panels, lights, and a 12v charger. You’ll be cozy and warm in this fully-equipped mountain shelter.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Mount Penitentes Circuit Trek?
Meals
All 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included in the tour. Note that your hotel the night before the tour begins is not included and you will need to select and book a room in Mendoza on your own. Please reach out if you desire any assistance with this.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for your luggage by mule is included throughout the trek. Roundtrip private transportation from your hotel in Mendoza is also included. Airport transfers can be booked as a supplement.
Also Included
- Transport of equipment on mules, up to 12 kg per person
- Complete shared camping equipment (tents, stoves, etc.)
- Dining tent with tables, chairs, and tableware
- First aid equipment
- Guide services
Not included
- Personal equipment (sleeping bags and sleeping pad)
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Personal expenses
- Rescue expenses if needed
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Mendoza, Argentina
- Airport pickup and drop off
Frequenty Asked Questions about Mount Penitentes and Mount Aconcagua Base Camp Trekking Tour
How hard is the Mount Penitentes Circuit Trek?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 8 hours daily on moderate terrain at high elevations and camping with very basic accommodations. Fit hikers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina or Chile?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Mount Penitentes Circuit Trek?
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Mendoza to start this tour?
You can fly into Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) in Mendoza, often by connecting through Buenos Aires. You can add an airport pickup for a small fee. You will be picked up from your hotel in Mendoza to begin the tour.
Is the Mount Penitentes Circuit Trek in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Mount Penitentes Circuit Trek end?
The tour ends in Mendoza with a drop-off at your hotel. You will need to arrange transportation to the airport from your hotel.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Argentina or Chile?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Argentina or Chile?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 8 hours daily on moderate terrain at high elevations and camping with very basic accommodations. Fit hikers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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