Cost variation can depend on factors such as length of trip (17 to 21 days), guide to climber ratio, number of porters, amount you have to carry, quality of food and lodging, and reputation of the lead guides and the service in general. The longer days allow for more time to acclimatize to the altitude, thereby increasing your chance of summit success.

Additional expenses:

• $1,000 – Porter support is included in the charge for most guide services, but some leave it as an option, charging an extra fee.
• $500 to $1,000 – Cash to cover your extra expenses and gratuities for guides, porters, and staff

Independent Expedition: $850 to $1,750*

Aconcagua is a non-technical ascent. If you are in top physical shape, have experience climbing at altitude, and can arrange for all your gear, food, accommodations, transportation, porters and mules (optional), permits, and fees, then you can probably do the climb without a guide.

Aconcagua hotels and food are relatively affordable. You will have to deal with all personnel on your own, so knowledge of Spanish is a plus. You can buy supplies and stay a couple of nights in Mendoza before taking a bus to the Parque Provincial Aconcagua. One of many decisions is whether or not to use mules or hire porters. If you do, you’ll have to negotiate those transactions on your own, but you won’t have to haul your own gear. On the other hand, ferrying your own supplies, over the course of several days, allows you to save money, further adjust to the altitude, and if you have enough food, you can do all this at your own pace, building your endurance and strength.

• $300 to $325 – Climbers’ fee for the Normal Route
• $120 to $160 – Cost per porter per load. You may need 5 to 6 load carries from Base Camp (Plaza de Mulas) to High Camp, so maximum cost could be $960
• $200 to $250 – Cost of two mules with muleteers
• Food, supplies, and gear for three weeks

*plus food, supplies, restaurant meals, lodging, porters, and mules

There is a down side to doing Aconcagua on a shoestring budget. Some parties have found that skimping on things like hotels (in favor of tents) and food (hoping to get in, climb quickly, and get out) impedes their success on the mountain. Bad weather can extend your stay at Base Camp or above, and you may find yourself huddled in your tent, finishing off the last of your food supply. Some parties try to save money by shortening their stay, but they often underestimate the time it takes to acclimatize properly, and end up turning back. Finally, interpersonal problems arise when individual climbers arrive from all over the world and end up in groups, guided or not, with language barriers or personality conflicts. Aconcagua takes a psychological toll, as well as a physical one, and knowing you can count on team members is crucial.