September 29, 2021
Aconcagua, 22,840’
Our contacts in Argentina report that the country will be reopening for tourism soon. However, it sounds like Aconcagua National Park will be putting new restrictions in place for the upcoming climbing season. For 2022 the only route available for climbers with be the “Normal†Route via the Horcones Valley through Plaza De Mulas Base Camp.  While we have descended via the Horcones Valley many times over the years, we normally ascend via the Relinchos Valley. So, for 2022 we are changing our IMG Aconcagua program to ascend the Normal Route. It’s not our first choice, but we are going to do our best to make this a fun and successful expedition!
Mule Train Leaving the Plaza de Mulas Basecamp (Luke Reilly)
Our goal for 2022 is to run a trip up the Normal Route that meets the high standards that IMG is known for, and we believe that we have a plan to do just that! In addition to sufficient time to acclimatize properly (not rush), we have also decided to utilize local porters to carry gear up and down the mountain giving our team lighter weight backpacks. Then, once we climb to the summit and return to Plaza De Mulas Base Camp, we will then take helicopters back to the Horcones Park Entrance and return to Mendoza, which saves several days of hiking back out.
A view up the Horcones Valley at Aconcagua
This is going to be a great trip that will allow us to conserve energy and gather beautiful views not only during the climb but also by air at the end of the trip! If you would like to join IMG on this adventure, let us know now, we have limited space available on our January 8 expedition to the top of South America! Sign up now for our trip to Aconcagua.