Trek to Confluencia | Aconcagua
Walk the trails used by major Aconcagua expeditions to reach Confluencia at 3,400 metres, on a day of trekking through valleys and some of the Andes’ most imposing landscapes.
The experience
The day begins at around 7:00 a.m. with pick-up from centrally located hotels in Mendoza. From the city, we travel along National Route 7 through the foothills, passing the Potrerillos area on the way to the high mountains. Along the journey, the landscape, vegetation and shape of the mountains change progressively. We also pass tunnels and bridges linked to the old Trans-Andean railway and make several photo stops before reaching Aconcagua Provincial Park. Once in the park, the trek begins. From Horcones, we follow a broad, marked trail into the mountains towards Confluencia. The hike has an intermediate physical level, and altitude becomes an increasingly important factor as we progress. The route continues through Quebrada del Durazno before finally reaching Confluencia at around 3,400 metres above sea level. There, we pause to rest and enjoy the included box lunch while taking in the high-mountain surroundings. Confluencia is one of the strategic points used by those continuing towards higher sectors of Aconcagua and serves as an acclimatisation stop on mountain expeditions. After the break, we begin the descent through the same mountain environment back to Horcones, where the vehicle will be waiting for the return journey to Mendoza.
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The place
Aconcagua Provincial Park protects the surroundings of the highest mountain in the Americas, rising to 6,962 metres above sea level. It lies deep in the Andes on the high-mountain corridor linking Mendoza with Chile. The trek begins in the Horcones area and gradually enters a high-altitude landscape where vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the terrain is shaped by ravines, waterways and formations left by ancient glacial processes. The destination is Confluencia, at approximately 3,400 metres above sea level, one of the points used by expeditions as an acclimatisation camp before continuing to higher sectors of Aconcagua.
Why we love it
Because it lets you experience Aconcagua by walking a real section of the route used by mountaineers, without the need for a multi-day expedition.
Walk towards the heart of Aconcagua, following the tracks of those seeking its summit.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at centrally located Mendoza hotels.
- Round-trip transfer to Aconcagua Provincial Park.
- Certified professional guides.
- Guided trek to Confluencia.
- Assistance obtaining the Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance permit.
- Box lunch.
- Snacks and drinks during the route.
- Personal accident insurance.
Not included
- Aconcagua Provincial Park entrance ticket.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Breakfast.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Any other services not expressly mentioned.
What to bring
- Trekking trousers or similar.
- Synthetic-fabric T-shirt; avoid cotton.
- Fleece or mid-layer.
- Waterproof, windproof jacket.
- Light thermal gloves.
- Trekking boots with good grip and support.
- Cap or sun hat.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sunscreen.
- An extra pair of socks.
- 15–20 litre daypack.
- Bottle with at least 2 litres of water.
Accessibility
This experience is not designed as an accessible activity for guests with reduced mobility. The route involves 6 to 7 hours of trekking over mountain terrain and reaches approximately 3,400 metres in altitude. The trail is broad and marked, but the duration, elevation gain and especially the altitude require good physical condition and the ability to walk independently for several hours.
Recommendations
We recommend resting well the night before, eating breakfast before departure and starting the activity properly hydrated. Breakfast is not included. Hydration is especially important during a long day at altitude. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other special dietary requirements should be advised in advance so the box lunch can be adapted.
Restrictions
Minimum age: 16 years. Physical level: intermediate. Good physical condition required. The activity reaches approximately 3,400 metres above sea level.
Weather policy
The trek is subject to weather and operational conditions in Aconcagua Provincial Park. For safety reasons, the route, schedule or operation of the activity may be modified if mountain conditions are unsuitable.
Experience details
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Availability
- September, October, November, December
- Options
- Shared
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Suitable for children
- No
LocationMendoza