Due to the distance and the road has many curves, it is vital to leave Mendoza first time in the morning. The trip, without stopping, is three hours. The treks usually include stops in restaurants that are also prominent such as Puente del Inca or the Potrerillos reservoir.
The trip runs entirely along National Route 7 and is not tiresome since the landscape is spectacular. The Puente del Inca is a protected area, very close to the entrance to the Park, where you will start your Aconcagua Expedition.
It is a rocky formation suspended over the Las Cuevas River at the height of 27 meters. It is made up of sediments and other types of materials. Under the shape, there are stalactites. Since 2006, the passage through the bridge has been prohibited due to landslides and cracks in the rock. For years the waters of the river were used as hot springs since it has healing properties. Experts believe that water produced water stress to the bridge, which together with the passage of goods caused the cracks that led to its closure.
Around the bridge, some shops sell local products, and many others serve food. Barely more than 100 people live in this town, many of them stationed in the barracks. Of all the wonders in Argentina, one of the most impressive is the Aconcagua peak, which earned the nickname “Sentinel of America” for its 6,962 meters high, making it the highest mountain on the continent. The Aconcagua hike is located in Las Heras, where it can only be accessed by car through provincial route 7 (3 hours of travel) from the capital of Mendoza.
If you want to do an Aconcagua Guided Climb, You should know that the hill has different faces for its ascent, some relatively easy, others on the contrary, indeed for experienced climbers. Anyway, it is necessary to hire the guide’s services and carry out the ascents in a group, always following the rules of the mountain; many of them were devised and rethought based on the experience of its climbers. The so-called “normal route” is to ascend the north face of the hill; the adventure begins at the Puente del Inca (entrance to the Aconcagua National Park, 1,900 meters).
On this route, no climbing techniques are needed but somewhat stealthy and constant trekking that is animated with the use of poles and all the essential equipment to climb. Those who start the famous “normal route” pass through different mountain camps, where they rest until they are in adequate physical conditions to continue climbing. It must be borne in mind that as one ascends, oxygen decreases significantly, so it is necessary to go acclimatizing to these changes. What is recommended is to do it in the different camps that I detail below: Base Camp (also known as Plaza de Mulas) at 4,300 meters, El Semáforo, Piedras Conway, Plaza Canada, La Piedra at 5,000 meters, Change of Slope, Nido de Cóndores at 5,250 meters, is a vast sector where the rocks serve as protection against the wind, here you can also see small frozen lagoons.