The America´s Colossus is an awesome experience and magnificent challenge for mountaineers. Climbers from all levels, attempts the summit all the season, throughout the two regular routes. Aconcagua is a part of the Parque Provincial Aconcagua which protects over 71,000 hectares around the massif between the San Juan State limit, the Penitentes range, and the international highway, at the south which is the last civilize point before get in the park.
Our approach to the summit of Aconcagua is highly unique. We ascend via the less traveled and more aesthetically pleasing Vacas Valley route.(Actually a variation of the Vacas Valley route).This beautiful ascent offers a rare climbing opportunity as we encounter fewer climbers and spend quiet evenings in the rich mountain wilderness. During the 3-day trek to base camp our gear is carried by mules.
We take the less traveled and more aesthetical Vacas Valley route, up to Plaza Argentina, cause during the walk in, we´ll be able to enjoy the quiet days in the great and non polluted wilderness at this side of the mountain, take snapshots of the several several animals,such condors,almost extinct fifteen years ago, and already recovered due to human intervention,and ecological politics used to grow and multiply the few couples that were found around in the area.

Our Polish Traverse Route itinerary

Day1: Members should arrive to the airport, where an AEA Expeditions representative will be waiting for your convenience, to be sure you´ll get the right hotel at the right time. During late afternoon we use to enjoy a welcome brew with the whole group. After completing the equipment checks, we enjoy a group "welcome" dinner in Mendoza and good night's sleep after a long day of traveling.
Day2: Near Midday, we leave Mendoza towards the Aconcagua Park permit office,which is located in the central park, and them in the same vehicle, we bus to Penitentes town. Once been there, we organize mule loads and spend the night in a refuge dormitory style.
Day3: We drive to the trail head, 12 km away of town, and begin our walk in. All of our expedition food and equipment will be carried by mules, which will be join us in Pampa De Leñas by mid afternoon.
Day4: We continue our approach walking up the Rio de Las Vacas, about 17km to the Casa de Piedra(3300m). Here, we'll be able to take our first view of Aconcagua´s east face and Polish Glacier. We set our camp near by Casa de Piedra where there are a ranges check up point. (5o 6 hours).
Day5: We begin early, right after an nutritive breakfast, to be able to get the Base camp near the time, and after crossing the Rio de Las Vacas, we hike 16Km up the steep, narrow Relinchos Valley to the flat old moraine of Plaza Argentina, where we set up base camp for the next days(6-8 hours)
Day6: Acclimatization schedule rest day, we incorporate several schedule days as it is, to improve the chances of getting a proper acclimatization, and increase your success rates. We use this day, to walk around the base camp, and take snapshots of all the majestic mountains, near the area.
Day7: Carry loads upon our first altitude. The Camp one (4900m) was called like this, cause it was used as the first one above base camp during the Polish ´34 expedition which is merely recognized as one of the strongest groups in the Andean history. They made the first ascension of Polish Glacier, as well as many other new routes in the highest peaks of Argentina and Chilean Andes.4Hs.
Day8: Acclimatization schedule rest day.
Day9: We move up to Camp for overnight.
Day10: Acclimatization rest day at Camp I.
Day11: From Camp I, we take the scree straight up, through a succession of Switch backs, passing the Ameghino Col to Camp II (5850m) at the base of the Polish Glacier without doubts one of the most impressive places to camp, and take pictures of the Penitentes Range, Mercedario and Ramada Range.
  It will take us approximately 6 hours from Camp I. Here we'll leave food and gear return back down to Camp I to sleep.
Day12: We move up to Camp II to definitively, this is one of the hardest days, it use to take more than 7 hours, and the altitude will make us feel what the "Thin Air" means.
SUMMIT DAY: Summit day! Weather permitting. We start early in our special day, plenty of a mix of anxiety and excitation, we use lamps for a very first hours of ascension, so the entire group could be be contemplate as a lighted queue on the slopes, and the breath noises, far away to be quiet, makes this day "The very special day of your lifetime".
We surround the north east face, climb the north ridge, up to Independence ruins refuge, where we join the normal route, from there we traverse the West Face, up to the canaleta, the very well known final path, up to the guanaco ridge.
Day14: Second Summit attempt in case of bad weather.
Day15: Third Summit attempt.                    
Day16: After packing up all our staff and checking that any rubbish or anything from the trip could affect the campsite, visually or polluting it, we start walk out to Plaza Argentina close to noon, we'll be back down there at mid afternoon.             
Day17: Rest day at base camp, a bath will be recommendable to acclimatize ourselves to the next difficulties, to return to the city.
Day18: Walk out to Pampa de Lenas, the arrieros will cook an succulent Asado Criollo for us, always respecting the arrieros bible, we must to keep them happy, feeding them, and keeping their glass of wine well fill during the barbecue. At this day, we´ll be able to taste a great Merlot or cabernet sauvignon that grown very well on this lands.
Day19: Walk out to Punta de Vac as - Where we get the mini bus, and drive to Mendoza. During the night, we use to enjoy a celebration dinner, and taste all the delicious dishes of the finest Argentinean cooking.

Challenging Expedition
Fitness level required: Excellent, excelent equilibrium required
Departures an price list 2006 - 2007

Price Includes 

Two hotel nights accommodation in Mendoza, breakfast included
One refuge night accommodation in Penitentes all meals included.
Transfer Mendoza - Puente del Inca - Mendoza
Transfer from Penitentes - Aconcagua park entrance - Penitentes.
All the meals during the mountain itinerary.
Transfers from Airport to hotel.
Complete common Equipment (Sleeping tents, cooking gear ,stoves)
Mules transfer equipment until 20 kg. each person way up and back.

You are responsible for

Personal equipment
Additional hotels, meals and transportation should the climb end early
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Alpine Ascents
Extra expenses to desert itinerary or in case of a rescue
Porters
Aconcagua Park permit fee
Transport charges equipment exceeding 20 kg.
Travel insurance.
Extra food and beverages

General information

Plan well in advance - you are going to attempt a mayor peak, so, allow you time to think about it. One of the most important aspects of the climbing begins before the trip, and it´s self confidence.
Check out and read carefully everyone of the items we will require you , they are not there cause we just wanna bother you in finding them, they are essential!!!! You can hire some gear from us at a reasonably cost, or in a specialized shop, let us to help you in this duty, and ask about what you doubt, we will be looking after you for a long time, and it comprehends the period of pre departure.
You are in holidays!!!! Sometimes we have to take dramatic decisions during a expeditions in terms of orienting attention of people who are not focused properly, due to working issues. Remember, let your mind and soul flight and avoid to be plugged, only like this you will feel the experience as a whole and enjoy what you are doing.
Build up your fitness routine throughout your trip preparations. Self prepare your mind for the challenging times you will experience. As a general rule, the people who are specting more demanding challenges than they really are, do not reduce they stamina as soon as the hard times arose.
Pack your luggage with ample time before departure and in one final process so nothing is overlooked, nor extraneous items brought along.
Maintain your humor sense during all the expeditions, it will help everyone as we all work better in a good environment. AEA Expeditions will be keeping helping and solving all the logistics items for you, to keep you focussed in enjoying the expedition.

Hot to get Mendoza City?

By plane
Two airlines does actually operate the route to Mendoza Internattional Airport, from cities like Buenos Aires, Cordoba, San Juan, and Santiago (CHILE). There is a minimum of two flights per day, up to five, so, check out the day you are planning to get the city, and re confirm your tickets by telephone 72 hs Beforehand It´s free and saves you of getting a headache, specially during holidays time, and celebrations like Christmas.
You can get special prices if you get your tickets 15 days in advance, so, consider it as a good chance to save money that you may spend in getting some of the hundred delicious varieties of wines to gift your family or friends!!!

From Buenos Aires
http://www.aerolineas.com.ar
http://www.Lan.com

From Santiago de Chile
http://www.Lan.com

By bus or highway
The highways between Buenos Aires and Mendoza are in very good conditions, and signaled, anyway, depending on the route you are planning, check out the conditions. The roads in Argentine are not as bad as other South American countries, although they are far away of some western standards, specially in terms of assistance.

From Buenos Aires, there are about 1200km, which could be covered within one day. Anyway we do not suggest such a long journeys like this cause it involves a risk we do not accept at all. Take 2 or three days, and enjoy the great places on the way, having a good perception of what pampa means, and the incredible little mountains of Cordoba or San Luis...
From Santiago de Chile, you drive straightaway into Mendoza, crossing the stunning Andes through the Cristo Redentor Check In point, next to the Aconcagua sightseeing point. It takes, in bus around 8 Hours. (200km, and customs.

We expect form you to get this following gear list

Aconcagua valley Approach
Long shirt
Long trekking trousers
Sun Hat and neck shade cover
Walking poles ( highly recommendable)
Trekking boots waterproof and breathable recommendable.
An extra pair of socks

Head gear
Balaclava
Fleece cap ( Biny)
Fleece neck

Hands
Fleece or windstopper gloves 1 pair min
Liner thin gloves
Mittens and Gore tex or similar one, over mitts.

Note: It´s definitely not allowed to bring gloves and overmits.

Torso
Capilene, thermax, or polypropylene liner top. 1 pair minimum
Two fleece jumpers( 1 polartec 200 or 300 and 1 windstopper).
Down jacket 500g down filled recommendable
Shell jacket

Legs
Capilene, thermax, or polypropylene liner bottom. 1 pair minimum
Fleece trousers
Shell trousers

Foot
Expedition Socks: 2 pairs min ( one Reserved for summit day in a sealed bag)
Liner socks (Hydrofoil, or similar): Idem
Plastic double Boots or triple ones (highly recommendable supergaiters)
Gaiters (long ones) If not supergaiters

Hardware
Crampons ( semiautomatic recommendable)
Ice Axe (long regular one) with wrist strap
Head Torch (dual LED and regular one recommendable)
Sun glasses (a very good ones) They must to be category 4.
Sun glases ( good ones ) as an extra pair
Goggles.
Expedition Kitbag. (Duffel)
Stainless Steel Vacuum Bottle 3/4 or 1 Lt recommendable.
Two bottles of policarbonate 2lts cap in between
Backpack at least 90 + 10 Lts of volume.
A swiss knife or multi use tweezer
A lighter

Accessories
Personal hygiene kit
Personal First aid kit.
Sun Screen SPF 40 Or higher.
Alarm Waterproof watch.

Sleeping gear
Sleeping bag 1kg Down filled recommendable
Rubber Sleeping Mattress

Documentation
Passport and/or permit entrance.

Optional equipment(*)
Walkman
a book to read at basecamp
satelital phone
a towel to use at basecamp
Pen and notebook
Agenda
Film camera
Video camera
Gps
Match cards
A pair of strap sandals
And secret pocket for your values and goods