FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Prior to Reservation
Flights
Personal Equipment
Before Leaving Home
During the expedition
On my Return
Prior to the Reservation
Who will answer my questions before, during and after my booking?
Our sales team in charge of the customer service will offer a personalized and specialized attention. You will be advised, informed and we will also make suggestions on all those aspects related to your expedition.
Passion, experience and commitment identify our team. Demands, needs and even whims are our challenge to offer you the best.
What are the requirements to make the reservation? How much shall I pay?
The booking procedure consists of two parts: on the one hand, you must fill in the booking form you will find on our web page. And, on the other hand, you must make a payment of U$D 700.- You have two options to make this payment; using our international bank account or by credit card.
Does Aymara offer some kind of discount for groups?
We can offer special discounts to your group or company.
Can I organise my own expedition and perhaps save money?
You can probably organize an expedition on your own, but you must have lot of time and money.
A scheduled program with everything included allows you to a better service at the lowest price. This is achieved because our programs have fixed starting dates and a maximum of 12 participants per group, sharing among them all, the most important expenses. Thus, you can access to the dream of climbing the highest mountain in America, at a lower price with more and better services.
What is the maximum amount of participants in a group?
22 years of experience have taught us that the maximum number of passengers must be 12 per group.
However, in our private expeditions (in which the client is the one who chooses the starting date and the expedition group) the number of passengers may be from one person onwards.
What is the ratio guides - clients?
Our expeditions are led by a mountain guide every 3 mountaineers throughout the whole route. This allows us to have the group fully assisted anytime, everywhere. If for any reason a member needs to descend or has a slower step than the rest of the group, he will always be accompanied by one of our guides.
Who participates in the expedition?
You are probably anxious to know the people that will share the expedition with you, but because of privacy reasons, we can only give some details of whom will be your fellows three weeks prior to your trip. However, do not worry because these people will surely share a deep respect for nature, your same passion for the mountain and a great desire to reach the Summit of America (the second Summit of the circuit of the 7 Summits after the Everest).
Normally, in our groups, the age range varies between 20 and 70 years old. They are usually international groups with people who visit us from all around the world, mainly from the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, among the main countries that choose us.
Is there an age limit to join the expedition?
To join one of our expeditions you must be an adult according to the laws of your country. In addition, the Aconcagua Provincial Park requires the minimum age of 16 to enter.
In case you are older than 16, but a minor according to the laws of your country, you have to present a special authorization from your parents to be presented at the Aconcagua Park. Please, contact us if you need help with this important procedure.
In addition to the above, there are not age restrictions to participate in our expeditions. Only if you are 65 or older we need you to submit a medical certificate guaranteeing a good physical and mental state to perform the activity.
How is the distribution in hotels and mountain tents?
We believe that people who travel alone do not have to overpay their accommodation, that is why our expeditions are designed with shared rooms and they have no extra cost for solo travellers.
People who come alone will share a double room with one of his/her mates. We will try that you share the room with a person of your same gender. But, in case this is impossible, you will have to share it with someone of the opposite gender.
Hotels in Mendoza have double rooms. In Puente del Inca, the rooms are shared by 4 to 6 passengers. And in the mountains, the sleeping tents are for two people each. Only up in the mountain, and if the guide considers it properly, 3 passengers will sleep in one tent.
If you prefer, at some point of the trip, sleeping in single base, you can ask our customer service before the beginning of your expedition. This service has an extra cost.
If I have a special diet, what should I do?
If you have a special request in your diet because you are a vegetarian, celiac or because you suffer from an allergy, please let us know when booking so as we take it into account and we are able to provide you with a specific menu during the expedition.
This service has a cost extra.
What does Aymara need to know about my health condition?
To make a reservation you will be asked to complete our booking form on the website. It consists on a questionnaire about your health state; it is what we need to know to take care of you all the time. Then, it is vital to be fully filled and with the truth.
If you suffer from a medical problem that causes you uncertainty regarding your physical performance in the height, please do not hesitate to contact us since we can send your request to the medical corp of the Aconcagua Park so they can advice you on the matter.
If you are 65 or older, you will be required a medical certificate to support your physical and mental health for this expedition.
Can I join the expedition once it has already begun?
It is extremely difficult but not impossible. We do not recommend it as you would be losing valuable acclimatization days. In addition, you will be responsible for the extra expenses originated by trying to reach the group individually.
How is the expedition in terms of difficulty?
Technical difficulty: The classic routes operated in Mt. Aconcagua (Normal Route, Polish Glacier Traverse and Valle de Vacas) have no obstacles of a technical nature, so it is not necessary to have experience in rock or ice climbing. They can be climbed walking. In any case, according to the conditions of the climbing route, crampons and fixed ropes will be used for your security. The guides will be responsible for deciding about their use.
Physical difficulty: To avoid any acclimatization inconvenience and increase the chances of success, we recommend the members of each expedition to carry out a serious training according to the activity to be developed (specifically for the acclimatization in the mountain, carrying weight in your backpack). It is recommended to accompany the training with a good diet during the months prior to the arrival to the mountain. This is ideal to have greater opportunities to reach the summit.
Others difficulties: The main obstacle that can be found in the expedition is the effect of the height in your body which overcoming it is directly related to a prior and proper acclimatization (aspect which is widely covered in all of our programs).
Another difficulty is the low temperatures. However, its effects are reduced with proper clothing and equipment. For more information about difficulty, please contact us.
How do I know if I am properly trained?
Before booking the expedition, make sure that this kind of adventure is of your interest and that you are physically fit.
We recommend you to consult with a professional so you get an advice and he/she can organise you a training program.
Most of the members of the expedition will be physically in shape for this adventure if they begin serious training at least six months prior to their expedition.
We can suggest some lines as a guide, which can be adapted according to your preferences. Remember that before starting your training program you should consult a doctor to check your general condition.
Read moreWhat should I do if I am interested in an expedition?
We have much more to tell you about your expedition apart from what you can see on our web site. Do not hesitate to contact us…
Phone: ++ 54 - 261-424 4773
Address: 1023 - 9 de Julio st. - Mendoza - Argentina.
Flights
Can you fix my flights and extensions pre and post expedition?
You can access to the broadest range of domestic and international flights with our flight reservation department. We can also help you with extensions for your journey along the Andes from Tierra del Fuego to the Quiaca, and therefore, you will be able to know new places in our country.
While in Mendoza, you can not miss the opportunity of reserving a day to know and enjoy the fantastic world of wine and Mendocinean wineries.
Which should be the dates when booking my flights?
When you are ready to make your flight reservation we recommend you arrive to Mendoza city, at least one day prior to the starting date of the expedition. This is due to the constant problems of delayed flights and lost luggage in international connections. In this way, you have valuable time to get to our province on the corresponding date, and in case your belongings are lost, you have enough time to claim and request that your baggage arrives in time and form for the expedition. We do not guarantee you that the solution is immediate, this extra day is therefore extremely important to solve these kind of problems.
Your return ticket must be issued for the last day of your expedition, always considering that the extra days for bad weather will be taken. In case your expedition does not need these days; you have the possibility, once in the city, to bring forward the date of the flight or enjoy our famous Malbec wines.
Equipment
What clothes should I bring to my expedition?
The expedition has two stages for which you must be prepared. The first will be in Mendoza city, which is extremely warm during the summer months, so light clothing will be fine. Do not forget your swimsuit to enjoy the hotel swimming pool!
The second stage will be in the mountain, where the weather changes and it becomes extremely cold.
The document we send you with the description of the expedition contains a detailed list of the clothing and equipment for the mountain that you should bring. This has been design based on our experience over all these years.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any doubt about this.
Do I need technical equipment for climbing?
Technical equipment is not required for the Normal Route, the Polish Glacier Traverse Route and Valle de Vacas Route, as you will be walking through them.
The Direct Polish Glacier Route is a technical route where you need to have a suitable technical equipment and experience in rock and ice climbing.
For any case see the detail on each program.
What is the most appropriate bag for the expedition?
We recommend you bring your equipment in strong bags to travel, like duffle bag, and not suitcases. Once in the mountain, you may use your large 70-litre backpack during the trekking up to the base camps, or if you prefer you can send it in the mules in your bag and walk with a smaller backpack for hiking which does not exceed the 30 litre.
What kind of boots do I need for this activity?
Plastic boots or double boots are the best option to reach great heights, as it is the case in the height camps of Mt. Aconcagua, where we will face very low temperatures and intense cold (- 30 ° C / - 22 ° F). Koflach Arctic Expedition, Scarpa Vega or Asolo AFS 8000 are good examples of plastic boots for large mountains. In any case, there are excellent alternatives made of synthetic materials.
Do not hesitate to contact us about these new models as the Nuptse Sportiva, Vasque Ice 9000 or Salomon Pro Thermic. We need to make sure that your boots are suitable for low temperatures.
Before Leaving
What are my responsibilities as a member of the expedition?
As a member of the expedition you have responsibilities both towards Aymara tourism and your mates.
You are responsible of reading, understanding and accepting our
General Operation Conditions. Before accepting these conditions and making your reservation, each participant must be aware that the expedition booked coincides with his/her interests and abilities.
Also, you should be prepared to deal with the physical requirements demanded by the Aconcagua. You must know the itinerary with the included and not included services; and once in the mountain obey the leader guide instructions under all circumstances as your and the group's security depends on it.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not compulsory to participate in our expeditions. However, we recommend that you have an insurance covering minimally; medical expenses, emergency repatriation and if possible lost luggage and personal belongings.
When you purchase your permit for admission to the Aconcagua Park, it guarantees your evacuation by helicopter if medical park officials consider it necessary. In addition, the medical care within the Park are included and if necessary emergency aid and the actions of the Rescue Patrol.
However, once you are in Mendoza, you must afford any type of medical expenses. That is why it would be useful to have insurance that then refund you the money spent. So remember to always request an invoice for all your expenses. Aymara may deliver a report endorsing your medical condition explaining why you were attended.
Are tips included? And if they are not, how much should I give?
Tips are not included in the price of the expedition.
We believe that they are an expression of satisfaction to those who attended you in the expedition. That is why they are your sole discretion.
In Mt. Aconcagua there are not percentages or amounts stipulated, then usually all members of the group gather some money - what they consider convenient and fair for people who guided them in this adventure - and give this tip to the leader guide. Then, he will do the corresponding division with his peers.
If you also want to tip the camps staff or porters, you can do it separately.
Once the reservation is made, can the cost of the trip increase?
Argentina is a country with an inflationary economy and over the last years we have faced increasing costs difficult to absorb, such as fuel and food. Our policy is to do our utmost to prevent increased prices and throughout our history, we have never raised the final price to someone who has already done the reservation, even when our prices suffer increases.
We will continue giving the best of ourselves and strive to maintain this policy. It is a promise that we will fight hard to preserve.
Can I reserve extra hotel nights prior and after my expedition?
Yes, of course! In fact we recommend arriving at least one day before the starting date of the expedition, as explained in the question referred to the flights.
If you want to book extra nights before the expedition, do not hesitate to consult our customer service staff which will offer preferential rates at the hotels included in our programs.
At the end of the expedition, you can go to our offices and book more nights if you need them.
Can I change my expedition date if an unexpected problem arises?
Yes, you can change your expedition date in the same season. There is only one condition. You must notify us in writing and if that change is carried out during 30 days before the beginning of the journey, it will have an administrative cost of U$D 150.- per person.
What are the penalties if I cancel the expedition?
It is our policy to protect your money from unpredictable events that may make you cancel your trip or suspend it for a while.
If for any reason you need to cancel your participation in one of our expeditions, your initial deposit for reservation will be valid for lifetime and thus, you will be able to use it when you need it and have the possibility of doing the expedition.
In addition, your reservation deposit is totally transferable to whom you decide, in case you cannot take the service.
Please, bear in mind that you can use this credit in the upcoming season, only if you notify the cancellation of your trip to AYMARA EXPEDITIONS in writing (via e-mail) up to 26 days before the beginning of the service that you booked. If you inform your cancellation within 25 days prior to the starting date, the validity of the credit will expire.
*Cancellation policy: When the passenger does not take the service in the existing season and does so in the next.
What happens if Aymara cancels my trip?
Our schedule expeditions to Mt. Aconcagua are 100% guaranteed and never in our history we have cancelled a departure.
During the expedition
What are the means of communication in the mountain?
We have fixed stands on the mountain to keep us connected via VHF and BLU radio between the height camps of Plaza de Mulas, Plaza Argentina, Confluencia, Puente del Inca and Mendoza city. All our guides carry VHF radios and have permanent radio communication from any point of the mountain with our base camp, Rescue Patrol and rangers. So we can respond almost instantaneously to any contingency. In addition, we have a satellite phone at each base camp.
Apart from this, all our schedule expeditions are assigned a tracking satellite called "SPOT" (
see more). This device will help us achieve an exact tracking of our expeditions. We will be able to follow our groups in real time and at the exact location, since they enter the Aconcagua Park and along their climbing to the summit and back.
What do we do with the waste produced by the group during the expedition?
Our expeditions comply strictly with the care of the environment. All groups carry out the evacuation of waste originated in the mountains. In addition, we are one of the few companies that is committed to take out the faeces produced by the group. For this, and when the weather and space allow us, we use a toilet tent and a container where passengers deposit their own waste. Then, the porters are responsible for its descend and at the end of the expedition these residues are delivered to the municipality for their right treatment.
What happens if we have bad weather?
We include two extra days in our itinerary to make it flexible for contingencies. Reorganize the services if you take these extra days is an easy task for Aymara because we are owners and not dependent on anyone. Thus, having a flexible itinerary is not a problem, but a solution that we offer to achieve your dream.
Who takes the ordinary equipment to the height camps?
To enable our passengers focus all their energy in the summit day, Aymara has the help of the "porters".
Generally, when doing the porteo (carrying the equipment to the height camps) to the first height camp, you should carry, without any exception, a food load for the expedition and fuel that will be used in the camp. It will be 10 kg maximum. This day will be very important to begin noticing your physiological response to height and it is a fundamental step to reach the summit.
Also, during the days the group move to the other height camps, you have to take your personal equipment and also, without exception, a food load for the expedition and fuel that will be 5 kg maximum. Porters will carry the tents and the rest of the ordinary equipment of the expedition, to lighten the porters’ help.
The return day to the base camp, the porters will carry all the ordinary equipment of the expedition, including the garbage generated by the group during all days of height.
Each member of the expedition must carry his personal equipment at each section in the altitude and the ordinary equipment of the expedition assigned to him. In any case, if you want the help of a porter for this task, please contact us. This service has a cost extra.
Who prepares the food and provides the water during the expedition?
The meals on our expeditions are carefully organized by professional nutritionists who calculate calories per day, carbohydrates, flavour and variety. In our base camps, our chefs are those that will surprise you and in the height camps, our guides will be responsible for everything.
How do I load my camera batteries during the expedition?
Up to Puente del Inca there are 220V electrical plugs. Then, according to the route you take in the mountain there are differences. If you choose the Normal Route, we have electric generators in Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas base camps. These equipments have 220 V and 12 v electrical plugs. In Confluencia, they are lit only during an hour throughout the day, in the morning or the afternoon, because they are used to charge batteries that will light up our camp during the night. In Plaza de Mulas the generators are turned on from 7pm to 11pm maximum.
If you take Valle de Vacas Route towards Plaza Argentina, the system is the same as in Confluencia.
Once you rise to the height fields, there is not electrical provision any more, which is why we recommend you to bring spare batteries or portable solar panels.
What happens if I need to abandon the expedition before its ending?
The itinerary is quoted for group services in order to have more and better services at a lower cost. When you abandon the itinerary for any reason (personal, disease, among others), you begin to take private and individual services. These will have an extra cost and must be paid by the passenger as they are not included in the price. However, you can use the hotel nights in Mendoza outside the dates established for the entire group.
If you need extra nights, we recommend you to pay them at our office to obtain a preferential rate.
Can Aymara take me or use my photos?
In some expeditions, Aymara may occasionally take pictures or produce videos of the group. When you make your booking and accept our general conditions you are consenting our staff can take photos or film during the process of the expedition and that these images can be used by the company for advertising in leaflets, web page and media.
On my return
Why is my feedback so important for Aymara? How do I send it?
As part of our work and to provide the best quality possible in our adventure travel, it is very important for us to receive your feedback about your experience with Aymara Expeditions. Your feedback is invaluable for us. At the end of each season, all our staff reviews and discusses each point of our trip. Sending your feedback is a simple procedure that will take you just a few minutes. Use the link on our web site Quality Survey to access to the form. We will be extremely grateful.
We want to share your photos
We want to see and share the photos you took in the expedition with Aymara. Just enter www.aconcaguaayama.com/comunidad and you can upload your photos and enjoy what others have posted.
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