Why Our Aconcagua Rapid Ascent Costs More

If you’ve been looking at Aconcagua expeditions lately, you’ve probably noticed prices across the board are higher than they used to be. Ours included. For 2025/2026, our Rapid Ascent of Aconcagua is priced at $16,450. Here’s a transparent look at why — and what you get for that investment.

Argentina’s Economic Climate in 2025

One of the biggest drivers is Argentina’s economy. Inflation has been steep, and the peso has lost significant value. What that means on the ground is that everything involved in running an expedition — permits, mule services, food, fuel, lodging, transportation, and staff wages — is more expensive in U.S. dollar terms than it was a few seasons ago.

This isn’t unique to us. Every guide service is working with the same economic reality. The difference is in how we structure our trips, and the value built into the cost.

The Hidden Costs You Might Encounter

Here are some of the common items not always included in lower advertised prices—and what they realistically add up to:

• Helicopter flights in and out of base camp: as high as $2,000-3000 roundtrip. Without them, you’re committing to extra days of trekking, more exposure to altitude risk, and added logistical challenges.
• Porter or mule support for your gear: $800–$1,500 depending on how much you carry yourself. Without this, you’re hauling heavy loads for multiple days before the climb even starts.
• Hotel nights and meals in Mendoza: $500–$1,000 for a typical stay before and after the expedition.
• Base camp services (meals, dining tents, toilets, showers, etc.): $1,000–$2,000 depending on the provider.
• Medical support and safety infrastructure (oxygen, satellite communications, on-mountain medical staff): often not included at all, or billed piecemeal at a premium when you need them most.
• Guide ratios and certifications: some operators minimize staffing to save costs, which doesn’t show up as a line item, but directly impacts both safety and summit chances.

When you stack those items up, a “budget” expedition can quickly match or exceed the price of an all-inclusive one—and often without the same level of quality or safety.

What’s Built Into Our Price

At $16,450, our Rapid Ascent includes everything you’ll actually need once you’re on the mountain:

• Roundtrip helicopter access to base camp (saves days, reduces risk).
• Porters, mules, and full logistics covered for gear and supplies.
• Comfortable hotels and quality meals in Mendoza before and after the climb.
• A full-service base camp with high-quality food and infrastructure.
• A seasoned guide team, blending internationally certified guides with local expertise.
• Comprehensive safety systems: medical oversight, communications, and oxygen.

The only major expense not included in our price is the climbing permit, which you’ll pay directly to the park service.

At $16,450, our Rapid Ascent climb of Aconcagua reflects the real costs of running a modern expedition in Argentina. Other operators are charging similar rates — often with less support, fewer safety systems, and/or longer itineraries.

The Takeaway

Climbing big mountains isn’t inexpensive, and Aconcagua is no exception. But our approach makes the most of your time and resources. At $16,450, the Aconcagua Rapid Ascent remains the most efficient, well-supported, and safe way to climb the highest peak in South America — and the ideal stepping stone toward the Himalaya.