TREKKING TO PLAZA FRANCIA

On this expedition, we’ll hike to the Plaza Francia viewpoint, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level — the best place to witness the majestic South Face of Aconcagua rising 3,000 meters above us. A truly unforgettable sight.
This trek is perfect for those who want to discover Aconcagua without needing prior mountaineering experience.

Declared a Provincial Park in 1983, Aconcagua spans 71,000 hectares and protects one of the planet’s most valuable natural resources: fresh water. It’s stored in glaciers and mountain headwaters, with around 32 km² of ice covering the area — including the Güssfeldt, Lower and Upper Horcones, Vacas, and Polish glaciers.

The park is also home to rich biodiversity. The high-altitude wetlands, or vegas, are among the most productive ecosystems in the region and play a key role in sustaining the Andean food chain.

Without a doubt, Mount Aconcagua — which gives the park its name — is the main attraction, standing as the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.

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: 3
  • From 12 to 15 of December 2025
Difficulty Level: Moderate    

Daily hikes of 6 to 8 hours (estimated time), reaching altitudes of 4,000 meters above sea level. The terrain will be uneven, with gentle, moderate, and steep slopes, while carrying an average backpack weight of 8kg.

No prior experience is required, but a good level of physical fitness is essential to enjoy the experience.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy

Details of the Itinerary:

DAY 1 – MENDOZA TO CONFLUENCIA CAMP

After meeting in Mendoza, we’ll arrange the entry permits for Aconcagua Provincial Park and transfer to Horcones, where the trek begins.
We’ll pass by the beautiful Horcones Lagoon as we make our way to Confluencia Camp (3,400 meters), where a warm snack will be waiting for us.
This will be our base for the next two nights. The camp includes permanent medical assistance, provided by the park’s official medical service.

DAY 2 – CONFLUENCIA – PLAZA FRANCIA – CONFLUENCIA

Today’s hike takes us to the Plaza Francia viewpoint, one of the most iconic perspectives of Aconcagua.
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a 7-hour trekking day. Lunch will be enjoyed while admiring the majestic 3,000-meter South Face, where we’ll spot hanging glaciers and famous ascent routes.
In the afternoon, we return to Confluencia Camp to relax with some mate (the traditional Argentine herbal infusion) and share stories from the day. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

DAY 3 – CONFLUENCIA – HORCONES – MENDOZA

After breakfast, we’ll break camp and begin our return hike to Horcones, following the same trail we took on Day 1.
From Horcones, we’ll transfer back to the city of Mendoza.
End of the expedition.

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-liter 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

  • DAY 1: Lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.
  • DAY 2: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.
  • DAY 3: Breakfast and lunch.
    If you require a special diet (celiac, vegetarian, etc.), please consult with the organization in advance.
    Trail snacks include dried fruits, cereal bars, chocolate, etc.

ACCOMMODATION

  • Two nights of accommodation in shared high-altitude tents.

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 – Horcones – Mendoza City.

PORTER SERVICE

  • Transfer of personal equipment to Confluencia. Maximum 10kg per person.

SUPPORT

  • Assistance with equipment and park entry process.

INSURANCE

  • Personal accidents. Civil Responsibility.

LOGISTICS

  • Camp and kitchen logistics.

General Difficulty of the Program

Daily hikes of 6 to 8 hours (estimated time), reaching altitudes of 4,000 meters above sea level. The terrain will be uneven, with gentle, moderate, and steep slopes, while carrying an average backpack weight of 8kg.

No prior experience is required, but a good level of physical fitness is essential to enjoy the experience.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy

The service does not include:

MEALS

  • Meals and extra drinks not specified in this program.

ACCOMMODATION

  • Accommodation before and after the expedition is the responsibility of each participant. It is necessary to reserve in advance to avoid inconveniences.

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.

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.