PLAZA DE MULAS – TREKKING TO THE ACONCAGUA BASE CAMP

Discover Plaza de Mulas, Base Camp of the Normal Route on Aconcagua.
Located at over 4,350 meters above sea level, Plaza de Mulas is one of the most iconic high-altitude camps in the Andes. From here, trekkers can take on the challenge of Cerro Bonete, reaching 5,050 meters.

More than just a campsite, Plaza de Mulas functions as a high-altitude base where mountaineers prepare for their ascent of Aconcagua — the highest peak in the Americas.

During the expedition, we’ll also visit the viewpoint of the South Face of Aconcagua, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Aconcagua Provincial Park, in the heart of the Central Andes, is a natural treasure offering stunning scenery and a unique mountain experience. Join us to explore its beauty and discover the spirit of the Andes.

OUR PURPOSE

At MONS, we work to offer you more than just an outdoor activity — we invite you to live the Mons Experience. An experience built on trust, safety, and a genuine human connection. We encourage an active role in the mountains, one that helps each person discover what they’re capable of achieving or overcoming.
We make the most of every small comfort and take it to its fullest potential — so that you can let go of responsibility and enjoy the moment, knowing you’re in the hands of a prepared and dedicated team.

Info

Days: 7
Difficulty Level: Hard    

The pace and timing of each hike depend on the group, taking into account factors such as the physical condition of all participants to ensure we move together.

This experience involves physical activity and requires specific preparation. Having endurance and a positive attitude toward life in the mountains will help you fully enjoy each day.

Accommodation is in shared high-altitude tents. Given the remote setting and the challenges of accessing these areas, it’s important to understand that services at base camps are limited compared to those of an urban lodge. While this is not conventional tourism and doesn’t offer the same level of comfort, it provides access to a uniquely beautiful environment—one that can only be reached through experiences like this.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Hard.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy

Details of the Itinerary:

DAY 1 – Mendoza – Penitentes
DAY 2 – Penitentes – Confluencia
DAY 3 – Confluencia – Plaza Francia – Confluencia
DAY 4 – Confluencia – Plaza de Mulas
DAY 5 – Plaza de Mulas
DAY 6 – Summit of Cerro Bonete at 5,050 meters above sea level
DAY 7 – Plaza de Mulas – Mendoza

Recommended clothing:

Pants

One pair of pants suitable for walking. We recommend trekking pants.

One pair of winter / insulated base layers to be worn under the trekking pants.

Sweatshirt

Two. We recommend polar fleece due to its benefits.

Socks

two pairs of mountaineering socks.

T-shirts

One insulated base layers T-shirts.

2 t-shirts for walking. We recommend synthetic fibers.

1 cotton t-shirt to be worn in the afternoons and evenings when we are out of activities.

Coats

1 waterproof jacket.

1 windbreaker (it can be the waterproof jacket).

1 warm Jacket. degree duvet jacket.

Shoes

1 pair of trekking shoes.

We recommend a light pair of shoes to let feet rest such as Crocs® or similar.

Accessories for sun and cold protection

1 woolen hat or one made of synthetic fibers.

1 pair of base layers gloves.

1 fleece neck

1 hat o cap.

Recommended equipment:

30-litre or over backpack

A backpack that can contain all the personal equipment.

Trekking walking sticks 

Ice axe 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen SPF 50

Lip sunscreen

Sunglasses

UV protection sunglasses

Category 4

Special Medications

All personal medications.

Sleeping bag.

-10 C degree sleeping bag

Water Bottle

2-liter water bottle/s

Frontal Flashlight

With new batteries and a spare pack.

NYLON Bags

NYLON bags to keep clothes dry in case of rain.

The service includes:

MEALS

  • All meals from the Lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 7 included. If you require a special diet (celiac, vegetarian, etc.), please consult with the organization in advance.
  • Trail food: nougat, cereal bars, chocolate, etc.

ACCOMMODATION

  • 6 nights of accommodation in shared high-altitude tents.
  • 1 night of accommodation in a mountain refuge.

MONS GUIDES – ACTIVIDADES DE MONTAÑA

  • Professional Guides – registered by the Province of Mendoza and Parque Provincial Aconcagua, with specific qualification in First Response in wild areas.
  • VHF Communication equipment.
  • First-aid Kit

TRANSFERS

  • Mendoza City – Aconcagua Provincial Park – Mendoza City.

INSURANCE

  • Personal accidents. Civil Responsibility.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PORTAGE – 10kg MAXIMUM PER PERSON

SUPPORT WITH THE EQUIPMENT AND ENTRY PERMIT TO THE PARK

CAMPING AND COOKING EQUIPMENT

LOGISTICS

General Difficulty of the Program

The pace and timing of each hike depend on the group, taking into account factors such as the physical condition of all participants to ensure we move together.

This experience involves physical activity and requires specific preparation. Having endurance and a positive attitude toward life in the mountains will help you fully enjoy each day.

Accommodation is in shared high-altitude tents. Given the remote setting and the challenges of accessing these areas, it’s important to understand that services at base camps are limited compared to those of an urban lodge. While this is not conventional tourism and doesn’t offer the same level of comfort, it provides access to a uniquely beautiful environment—one that can only be reached through experiences like this.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Hard.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy

The service does not include:

FOOD AND DRINKS

  • Unspecified extra meals or drinks.

ACCOMMODATION

  • Accommodation before and after the expedition is the responsibility of each participant. Advance booking is required to avoid any inconvenience.

TRANSFERS

  • Transfer to Mendoza city.

EXPENSES

  • Expenses caused by the eventual abandonment of the program.
  • Tips, phone calls.

ENTRY PERMIT

  • Entry permit to Aconcagua Park. The cost is set by the Government of the Province of Mendoza before the start of each season.

EVACUATION SERVICE

  • Medical coverage evacuation service. If you wish to purchase this insurance, please consult with your preferred company.

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

 

Contracting Conditions

Reservation and Payment: To join the expedition, it’s necessary to book in advance and make a deposit, as agreed upon by both parties.

Cancellation: The organization reserves the right to cancel the expedition due to force majeure reasons, such as adverse weather conditions or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In such cases, you may choose a new departure date or receive a full refund of the deposit.

Program Modifications: Guides may modify the program in whole or in part if they believe the safety or well-being of participants is at risk, or due to weather or safety conditions that require adjustments. In these cases, no refund will be issued. The guides’ priority is to ensure your safety and accompany you throughout the expedition.

Tourism in Rugged Areas: This type of tourism differs from conventional tourism. The logistics are different, and activities may be affected by external factors, so schedules may vary, even when additional time has been planned for each stage.

Participant Responsibility: You must follow the guides’ instructions, act responsibly, and respect safety regulations at all times. You are responsible for your own health and well-being during the activity.

Refunds: Refunds are only issued in the cases mentioned above. No refunds will be made once the expedition has started.

Informed Consent: By participating, you acknowledge that you are aware of the conditions and risks involved and fully accept responsibility for your decision to participate.