Aconcagua National Park

Parque Nacional Aconcagua

Home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6,961 meters, located northwest of Mendoza in the high Andes. The park offers trekking opportunities at various difficulty levels and stunning mountain scenery, attracting climbers and hikers from around the world.

Things to do

• Summit Mount Aconcagua — Climb the highest peak in the Americas at 6,961 meters via the Normal Route, typically taking 14-16 days with acclimatization.
• Plaza de Mulas Trek — A 3-4 day moderate trek to the main base camp at 4,203 meters offering panoramic views of Aconcagua and surrounding peaks.
• Laguna de los Horcones Viewpoint — A short 1-hour walk from the park entrance to a glacial lake with dramatic frontal views of Mount Aconcagua.
• Penitentes Glacier Hike — A day trek exploring the unique ice formations and glacial landscape on the mountain's western slopes.
• Puente del Inca Natural Monument Visit — A scenic drive to nearby natural rock bridge formation with hot springs, located just outside the park boundaries.
• Acclimatization Trekking Days — Multiple shorter hikes around Confluencia and Plaza de Mulas camps to allow bodies to adjust to high altitude before summit attempts.

Food to try

• Empanadas Mendocinas — Savory pastry turnovers filled with ground meat, onions, and spices, a staple regional food available at park lodges and nearby towns.
• Locro de Papa — A traditional Andean stew made with potatoes, corn, and meat served at park refugios, perfect for warming up after high-altitude trekking.
• Asado — Argentine grilled meat barbecue featuring beef prepared over open fire, commonly served at park campsites and lodges during multi-day treks.
• Humita — A creamy corn dish steamed in corn husks, a regional specialty found in nearby Mendoza restaurants catering to trekkers.
• Mate Ritual — The traditional Andean social custom of sharing a gourd of yerba mate tea with guides and fellow trekkers throughout the day.

Local customs & good to know

• High Altitude Acclimatization Protocol — Respect the park's mandatory acclimatization requirements and heed ranger warnings about altitude sickness, as the extreme elevation demands proper preparation and gradual ascent.
• Mountain Guide Requirements — Hire accredited local guides registered with park authorities for climbing above Plaza de Mulas, as they provide essential safety expertise and knowledge of conditions.
• Respect for Indigenous Andes Heritage — Acknowledge that the Andes hold deep cultural significance for local indigenous communities; approach the landscape with reverence and avoid disrespectful behavior.
• Weather and Park Closure Awareness — Understand that the park operates seasonally (roughly December-February in Southern Hemisphere summer) and can close suddenly due to extreme weather or avalanche risk.