Aconcagua
Aconcagua Expedition Budget Planner
Climbing Aconcagua is expensive. Working out what it will cost you shouldn't be confusing. This free spreadsheet lays out every cost so you can fill in your own numbers.
Download the Aconcagua Expedition Budget Planner (Excel, 32 KB)
What’s in it
The planner is a one-page Excel sheet. Each cost has a low-end estimate, a high-end estimate, a column for your own numbers, and a short note. The totals add up as you type.
The categories:
- Permits. The price depends on the season and the route.
- Flights to Mendoza, Argentina. Book early, and count baggage fees for your gear.
- Hotels in Mendoza before and after the climb.
- Transport from Mendoza to the trailhead. Private shuttle or public transport. Usually included if you join a guided team.
- Mandatory gear, bought or rented. The big items are double boots, a -20°F sleeping bag, an expedition parka and high-altitude mittens.
- Guide and logistics fees. Logistics start around $500 for mule service to basecamp, which we strongly recommend. Full-service guided expeditions usually include meals, logistics and guides.
- Food and supplies for the expedition, plus cooking gear. Usually included on full-service guided trips.
- Travel and rescue insurance. Make sure it covers high-altitude climbing and evacuation.
- Miscellaneous: showers at basecamp, souvenirs, tips for guides and porters, and anything unexpected.
- Other: an open row for anything else.
The estimates in the sheet date from October 2024. Prices change from season to season, so check current permit fees and fares when you plan.
More help planning
- The true cost of climbing Aconcagua, a full breakdown by Sunny Stroeer.
- Aconcagua Prep School, our live webinar series on acclimatization, cold, logistics, gear and the mistakes that end climbs.
- Extreme high-altitude fitness and acclimatization, on training and performance up high.
- Want to climb with a guided team of women? See our Aconcagua 360 and Aconcagua Normal Route expeditions.