Entry Requirements
Visas are not required from any Western or first world country to enter Argentina. However, in order to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park various permits must be bought beforehand. These need to be acquired personally in the city of Mendoza and are a requirement of all visitors, whether the full ascent of Aconcagua is attempted or not. Permits are obtained from the Dirección de Recursos Naturales Renovables (Renewable Energy Resources Bureau) on Avenida de los Plátanos in Parque General San Martín. You will need to show your passport and fill in some forms, as well as pay the correct permit fee.
These offices are open 7 days a week and on national holidays but opening hours vary. Monday to Friday opening hours are 8am to 6pm and on weekends and holidays are 9am to 1pm only. The office is closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) and on New Years Day (1st January) so no permits are available on these dates. The park itself is accessible (for entry and departure) between the hours of 8am and 6pm each day only. Those under 21 years of age must present special documents to obtain permission to enter the park.
Further information can be found by contacting the department directly via email: aconcagua@mendoza.gov.ar
Separate permits will be required for trekking (up to 4300m maximum) and for ascending to the summit. A short trekking permit is valid for 3 days. A long trekking permit is valid for 7 days. An ascent permit is valid for 20 days. The validity of the permit starts on the date you enter the Park, which will be written on the permit at the checkpoint in Horcones or Pampa de Leñas.
The Park has several seasons during which you can climb, as well as a closed season (outside of the dates below) during which it is considerably harder to obtain climbing permission.
High Season – 15th December to 31st January
Middle Season – 1st December to 14th December and 1st February to 20th February
Low Season – 15th November to 30th November and 21st February to 15th March
Aconcagua Permit Prices
Aconcagua Provincial Park permit prices change every year and entrance is more expensive for foreigners than native Argentinians. Prices for Season 2013/14 in Argentinean Pesos are as follows:
Activity |
Length of Stay |
Low Season |
Mid Season |
High Season |
Normal Route Expedition |
20 days |
AR$ 3500 |
AR$ 4000 |
AR$ 5500 |
360 Traverse Expedition |
20 days |
AR$ 5000 |
AR$ 5000 |
AR$ 6500 |
The Permit fee is reviewed annualy and must be paid in Argentinian Peso.
To convert to £GBP please click here
Outside the seasons above permits are charged at high season prices to try and deter potential climbers. Resolution 950/2000 is also in force, which establishes admission rules. The main points are as follows:
- Climbers must submit a document detailing previous winter ascents they have made, which proves they have relevant experience and sufficient knowledge to attempt the climb.
- Climbers must submit an affidavit to the Administration where they assume all responsibility for the risks of the expedition, releasing from responsibility the Mendoza Government and all relevant institutions.
- Climbers must submit a list of the specific technical equipment they will be using for a winter ascent.
- Climbers must show a valid insurance policy to the Administration which guarantees cover in case of a rescue or evacuation or for emergency medical care.