Aconcagua
Base Camps
— Plaza de Mulas, Confluencia & Plaza Argentina
Three fully equipped base camps across the Aconcagua routes, providing accommodation, food, equipment storage and logistical support throughout your expedition.
The heart of every aconcagua expedition
Base camps are a vital part of any Aconcagua expedition. They provide mountaineers with essential spaces to eat, rest, recover and prepare throughout the different stages of the climb.Andesport operates three base camps across the two main Aconcagua routes: Confluencia, Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina. Each location provides strategic support and essential services designed to make your expedition more comfortable, organized and safe.
Our Aconcagua Base Camps
Plaza de Mulas
4,200 m — Normal RoutePlaza de Mulas is the main base camp of the Normal or Northwest Route and its variants. It includes a heliport used for emergency evacuations and rescues, as well as Park Ranger control and medical services.
Access: Reached via the Horcones Valley, following the Normal Route.
Confluencia
3,400 m — Normal RouteConfluencia is an important stop on the Normal Route and is located about three hours from the Horcones trailhead. It has Park Ranger control, medical services and drinking water, and is an ideal place to spend a night for proper acclimatization.
Trekking time: Puente del Inca – Confluencia: 3 to 4 hours.
Plaza Argentina
4,200 m — Polish Glacier RoutePlaza Argentina is the base camp for the Polish Glacier Route, accessed through the Quebrada del Río Vacas and the Relinchos stream. It has permanent Park Ranger control, medical services and a heliport.
Trekking times:
Punta de Vacas – Refugio Leñas: 3 to 6 hours
Refugio Leñas – Casa de Piedra: 5 to 8 hours
Casa de Piedra – Plaza Argentina: 5 to 8 hours
Base Camp Services at Aconcagua
🏕️ Accommodation in domes with bunk beds and new mattresses
Sleeping bag required.
🍽️ Full food service at base camp
🥗 Special diets — vegetarian and celiac
🥪 Lunch boxes
⛺ Dining domes and rest areas
🚻 Bathrooms and toilets
💧 Drinking water
📡 Satellite Wi-Fi via Starlink & radio communication
🔒 Secure equipment storage
🎒 Porter services
👥 Permanent staff at base camp
🫁 Gamow bag and oxygen
🚨 Emergency protocols
🚿 Showers at base camp — coming soon
Why Base Camps Matter on Aconcagua
Base camps are a vital part of any Aconcagua expedition. They provide mountaineers with essential services for eating, resting, recovering and organizing their equipment throughout the expedition.Andesport operates three base camps across the two main routes of Aconcagua: Plaza de Mulas, Confluencia and Plaza Argentina.From accommodation and food service to equipment storage, communications and permanent staff, our base camps provide the logistical support needed to spend time on the mountain with greater organization and comfort.
Experienced Staff & Expedition Support
Our permanent mountain staff provides support throughout the expedition, helping coordinate the different logistical needs at the base camps.Our team is also responsible for receiving, handling and caring for equipment transported by mule, helping keep your gear organized during your time on the mountain.With permanent staff at the base camps, Andesport provides continuous logistical support for mountaineers throughout their expedition.
Food & Dining at Base Camp
✓ Food service is an essential part of life at Aconcagua base camp.
✓ Andesport provides food service at the mountain base camps, with special diet options available for vegetarian and celiac requirements.
✓ Lunch boxes are also available for days when mountaineers are moving through the mountain.
✓ Meals are served in the dining domes, providing a dedicated space for eating and resting at base camp.
Equipment Reception & Storage
Keeping your equipment organized is an essential part of an Aconcagua expedition.Andesport provides equipment storage at the base camps and coordinates the reception and handling of equipment transported by mule.Our permanent staff takes care of the equipment received at the mountain camps, helping climbers keep their gear organized throughout the expedition.
✓ SECURE EQUIPMENT STORAGE
Domes are available for storing equipment that mountaineers do not need at each camp.
✓ SECURE STORAGE LOCATIONS
Secure equipment storage is available in Mendoza, Penitentes and at the base camps.
✓ PRE-EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT CHECK
Equipment is checked in Mendoza before the expedition begins.
✓ PERMANENT STAFF
Permanent staff is available at the base camps to provide support throughout the expedition.
Communication & Emergency Support
Communication is an essential part of mountain logistics.
Andesport provides satellite Wi-Fi through Starlink and radio communication services at the base camps, allowing communication with the high-altitude camps.
The base camp services also include a Gamow bag, an oxygen tube and emergency protocols as part of the support available on the mountain.
Base Camp Experience for Trekkers
You don't have to climb Aconcagua to experience its base camps.For trekkers, reaching the base camp is an experience in itself, offering the opportunity to discover the mountain environment and experience life at one of the most important points of an Aconcagua expedition.Andesport also provides base camp services for trekkers visiting Aconcagua.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Plaza de Mulas?
Plaza de Mulas is located at 4,200 meters above sea level. It is the base camp for the Normal Route on Aconcagua.
Can I stay at the Andesport camp just for trekking?
Yes. The base camp service at Plaza de Mulas is available both for summit expeditions and for trekkers visiting the base camp as their destination.
Is there a doctor or medical service at Plaza de Mulas?
Aconcagua Provincial Park has a medical post at Plaza de Mulas during the official season. Andesport also has guides trained in mountain first aid.
Can I reach Plaza de Mulas by horse or mule?
Yes, it is possible!
When do the base camps at Plaza de Mulas open?
The camps operate during the official Park season, from November to March. Andesport opens its camp at the beginning of the season.
Reserve Your Place at Base Camp