The climbers spent their last night in base camp and headed up the mountain this morning to Camp 1 (16,300ft/4,970 m) as they continue to move on up the mountain. They’ve been enjoying the luxuries of base camp for several nights, with the excellent cook and heated dining tent, but that’s not what they are there for and it was time to say goodbye to Plaza Argentina. Ultimately, they will stay at 3 camps above base camp, and then descend the other side of Aconcagua to Plaza de Mulas base camp.

Here’s a text from James from Camp 1 this evening…

Mountain Trip Dec 3rd Aconcagua Team Update:

Good evening, James Partridge here on December 9th. Today was our move from base camp to Camp 1. The day started out with an excellent breakfast of eggs, bacon, homemade bread, fruits, juices, coffee, and tea. We broke the tents down, packed up, then had a heart warming send off from the base camp crew. The day was mostly climbing up Penitentes (snow channels created by the wind) and scree (loose rock of various sizes). While the climbing was hard, the weather was perfect! Blue bird skies, easy temperatures, and exceptionaly light winds for Aconcagua! Once reaching camp 1, Thiyag and I were treated to the porters already setting up camp. Those guys work hard! Fermin treated us to “Fajita Tacos” including chicken, steak, vegetables, guacamole, and all the other toppings. Excellent meal! We are in good spirits and health! How fortunate we are to be enjoying the beauty of the Andes! We would like to say hello to our friends and family!

The crew at Plaza Argentina Base camp Aconcagua

Leaving Base Camp for Camp 1