Set out on a captivating 3-day trek to Plaza Francia in Aconcagua Park, where the world’s largest rock wall, the South Face of Aconcagua, stands tall. This moderately challenging adventure promises an unforgettable experience, with essential support services, meals, and a bilingual guide included. Traverse breathtaking glaciers and waterfalls, and enjoy unique accommodations in a cozy geodesic dome that fosters camaraderie among fellow mountaineers. Whether you’re an avid hiker or seeking a remarkable journey in the heart of the Andes, this trek offers a chance to learn about the stunning landscapes…

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Mendoza.

Good To Know

3 Days Trek to Plaza Francia in Aconcagua Park - Good To Know

  • A 3-day guided trekking excursion to the Plaza Francia viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the South Face of Aconcagua, the world’s largest rock wall.
  • Accommodation in a comfortable geodesic dome, providing an opportunity for social interaction with fellow mountaineers during the trek.
  • Comprehensive base camp services, including meals, transfers, and park entrance fees, with exclusions such as personal gear and medications.
  • Minimum age requirement of 18 years and mandatory health questionnaire to ensure participants’ safety and fitness level.
  • Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, with positive reviews highlighting the stunning scenery, comfortable accommodations, and excellent organization by the bilingual guide and staff.

Trek Overview

This 3-day trekking excursion takes adventurers to Plaza Francia, the stunning South Face of Aconcagua in Mendoza, Argentina.

Hikers will witness breathtaking views, glaciers, and waterfalls along the way. The highlight is reaching the world’s largest rock wall, the South Face of Aconcagua.

Accommodation is provided in a geodesic dome, offering a unique opportunity to mingle with mountaineers from around the globe.

This trek is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in Aconcagua National Park, with knowledgeable bilingual guides ensuring a seamless and memorable journey.

Inclusions and Exclusions

3 Days Trek to Plaza Francia in Aconcagua Park - Inclusions and Exclusions

The package includes a bilingual guide and complete base camp services, such as meals and accommodation. All transfers are included, and the entrance fee for Aconcagua National Park is covered. Meals consist of 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. However, the following items are excluded: personal gear, medications, evacuations, room services, beverages, insurance liability, and hospitalization.

Inclusions Exclusions
Bilingual guide Personal gear
Base camp services Medications
Meals and accommodation Evacuations
Aconcagua National Park entrance fee Room services, beverages, insurance liability, hospitalization

Health and Safety

3 Days Trek to Plaza Francia in Aconcagua Park - Health and Safety

This trekking excursion isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems or pregnant travelers.

The minimum age for participants is 18 years. Travelers will be required to complete a health questionnaire, and those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or heart issues may be restricted from participating.

Plus, this trek isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a valid passport is required on the travel day.

  • Not recommended for individuals with back problems or pregnant travelers
  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Health questionnaire required; pre-existing conditions may restrict participation
  • Not wheelchair accessible; valid passport required on travel day

Recommended Gear

Proper gear is vital for a comfortable and safe trek to Plaza Francia. Hikers should pack polypropylene or capeline underwear, long-sleeve shirts, fleece and windproof jackets, and a warm down jacket.

Gore-Tex trekking pants and boots are recommended, along with wool gloves and gaiters. Glacier glasses, a headlamp, hiking poles, and a sleeping bag are essential items.

Hikers should also bring a mattress, utensils, sunscreen, lip balm, and a first-aid kit. A large backpack will be needed to carry all the necessary gear.

Following the gear list closely will ensure a successful and enjoyable trek to the stunning Plaza Francia viewpoint.

Fitness Level and Group Size

3 Days Trek to Plaza Francia in Aconcagua Park - Fitness Level and Group Size

A moderate physical fitness level is required for the 3-day trek to Plaza Francia.

The maximum group size for this excursion is 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

This trek isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems or pregnant travelers, and the minimum age requirement is 18 years.

Prior to the trek, participants must complete a health questionnaire, as pre-existing conditions like asthma or heart issues may restrict participation.

  • Moderate physical fitness level required
  • Maximum group size of 8 travelers
  • Not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers
  • Minimum age requirement of 18 years
  • Health questionnaire required to identify any pre-existing conditions

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The price for the 3-day trek to Plaza Francia starts from $648.65. This includes all the necessary base camp services, meals, transfers, and the entrance fee to Aconcagua National Park. However, personal gear, medications, evacuations, room services, beverages, insurance liability, and hospitalization are not covered.

Inclusions Exclusions
Bilingual guide and base camp services Personal gear
All transfers Medications
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Evacuations, room services, beverages
Aconcagua National Park entrance fee Insurance liability, hospitalization

Plus, the company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Reviews and Ratings

Based on the provided knowledge, the 3-day trek to Plaza Francia has received an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars, according to 2 reviews.

The reviews highlight several positive aspects of the experience:

  • Breathtaking scenery, including the South Face of Aconcagua, glaciers, and waterfalls
  • Comfortable and unique accommodation in a geodesic dome
  • Opportunity to connect with fellow mountaineers from around the world
  • Excellent organization and services provided by the bilingual guide and base camp staff

The high ratings suggest this trek offers an exceptional and memorable adventure for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of Aconcagua National Park.

Breathtaking Landscapes

3 Days Trek to Plaza Francia in Aconcagua Park - Breathtaking Landscapes

Towering peaks, glistening glaciers, and cascading waterfalls dominate the breathtaking landscapes of Aconcagua National Park. The trek to Plaza Francia offers a unique opportunity to witness the South Face of Aconcagua, the largest rock wall on Earth. Along the way, trekkers will encounter awe-inspiring vistas, including:

Landscape Feature Description
Aconcagua Peak The highest mountain in the Americas at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet)
Glaciers Massive ice formations that have sculpted the terrain over millennia
Waterfalls Powerful cascades that flow from the melting glaciers

This trekking experience promises to leave a lasting impression, as explorers enjoy the raw, untamed beauty of the Andes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Plaza Francia?

The best time to visit Plaza Francia is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March, when the weather is milder and more conducive for trekking in the Aconcagua National Park.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?

Participants can bring their own food and snacks on the trek. However, meals – 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners – are provided as part of the trek’s inclusions. Bringing extra personal snacks is allowed but not required.

Is There Any Way to Acclimatize Before the Trek?

To acclimatize before the trek, it’s recommended to arrive in Mendoza a few days early and do some light hikes at lower elevations. This will help your body adjust to the high altitude conditions of the Aconcagua region.

Can I Rent Any Gear From the Tour Operator?

The tour operator offers gear rental for the trek, such as trekking boots, sleeping bags, and hiking poles. Travelers can rent the necessary equipment to ensure they’re well-equipped for the challenging hike without having to purchase it themselves.

What Are the Typical Weather Conditions During the Trek?

The trek typically experiences cool to cold temperatures, with occasional snowfall or rain. Hikers should prepare for daytime highs around 10°C and overnight lows near freezing. Checking the forecast before the trip is recommended to ensure proper clothing and gear.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the grandeur of the Andes on a 3-day trek to Plaza Francia in Aconcagua Park. Marvel at the world’s largest rock wall, traverse glaciers and waterfalls, and bond with fellow mountaineers in cozy accommodations. With essential support services and a knowledgeable guide, this moderately challenging adventure offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Andes.