Trip Reports
The climbers are at Plaza Argentina, the basecamp on the Vacas Valley side of Aconcagua. It’s always nice to get through the first phase of the trip, the trek to basecamp, and settle in to basecamp for a few days before the climbing begins. They travelled up the Relinchos Valley today, leaving the Vacas Valley…
The Aconcagua team is on their way towards basecamp and will spend tonight at Casa de Piedra. This was day 2 of their trek in, with Mules carrying most of their gear, they are able to hike with a day pack and enjoy the journey. Today was a 5-6 hour hike continuing up the Vacas…
Truly the “Roof of the Americas,” Cerro Aconcagua, at 22,841 ft. (6,962 meters) is not only the highest mountain in South America, but also the highest peak outside of Asia. Located just east of the border between Chile and Argentina, the glaciated mountain rises above a very arid environment. Approaching the mountain feels very similar…
From the rainforest, to the high alpine and back again, the October 23rd Kilimanjaro team has made it off the mountain and is off to their next adventure, after a fun dance party of course. Waking up to a fresh dusting of snow really sets the mood for a proper alpine adventure, and after five…
The team reached the summit of Kilimanjaro at sunrise today! They woke up at midnight for an “alpine start” to the day, and after a bit of breakfast they started up the Western Breach. This is a steeper route to the top and the dusting of snow made the day a bit more challenging, but…
They had a short day today moving up from Lava Tower to their high camp at the toe of the Arrow Glacier. This is where they leave the standard Lemosho Route and start up towards the summit through the Western Breach which will put them on the floor of the summit crater. Arrow Glacier is…
The team trekked up to the Lava Tower today where they set up camp at 15,200ft. They hiked through the clouds today and got into camp before the rain hit, but it was a rainy and cloudy day on Kilimanjaro. These last couple of days of the trek before summit day are shorter days, gaining…
The team continued up the mountain across the Shira plateau to Moir Camp today. It was a frosty morning, but the skies were clear and the temps warmed up as it turned to a beautiful day. They are all doing great as they continue to acclimatize to the higher altitudes in preparation for their summit…
The team trekked up out of the rainforest today and climbed up into the alpine heath zone of Kilimanjaro. They trekked about 5 miles gaining over 2000 ft up tho the Shira Plateau on the flanks of the mountain. Shira is one of the three distinct volcanic cones that make up the Kilimanjaro massif and…
The team started their trek today and are settling down for the night at Big Tree Camp at 9,120ft. They woke up this morning at the break of dawn to coffee and tea delivered to their luxury safari style tents at Ndarakwai. After breakfast they loaded into the Land Cruisers and headed for the trailhead…