Parque Provincial Aconcagua protects Mount Aconcagua (6,961m / 22,837ft), the highest peak in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Visiting the park requires clear planning based on your desired activity level.
Day Trekking vs. Expedition Trekking
Short Day Trekking: Day visitors can take the popular self-guided circuit to Laguna Horcones (approx. 1 to 2 hours) or complete the day trek to Quebrada del Durazno (approx. 3 to 4 hours round-trip). These trails offer views of Aconcagua’s south face without requiring multi-day gear.
Plaza de Mulas (Base Camp): Trekking to Plaza de Mulas (4,300m) is a multi-day expedition (typically 3 days round-trip from Horcones). It is NOT a single-day hike and requires appropriate permits, mountain equipment, acclimatization, and physical preparation.