Aconcagua Day 1: Trekking in the Vacas Valley

We got up at a leisurely 8:30 AM this morning and had a quick breakfast. We then organized our mule loads and took a 15-minute drive to Punta de Vacas right at the edge of the Vacas river where we will begin our 31 mile trek to Plaza Argentina Base Camp. Along the way, we will be climbing from 2980 m (9,780 ft) to 4100 m (13,530 ft).

Organizing our Mule loads for the trek to Base Camp.

We checked in with our permits and followed the river through green desert valleys dramatically enclosed between the mountains of Andes 11 miles to our first stop for the night.

Joe Ashkar at the entrance of the Vacas Valley.

Mules with our gear and food.

Although we didn’t get on the trail until 11 AM, we arrived at our first stop at 3:45 PM. We pitched our two tents and got settled in. Around 7 PM, we gave the meat we brought with us to the Arrieros (South American Cowboys) and they grilled it for us in traditional Argentinian way. It was absolutely delicious especially while consumed with a nice bottle of Malbec wine.

Our Camp in the Vacas Valley.

The trek was nice and easy but the trail was very rocky. It was blue skies and sunny but the wind was blowing pretty good. We’re going to bed around 9 PM and we’ll be waking up at 6:30 AM tomorrow morning for breakfast and hopefully be on the trail by 8 AM.

Arrieros grilling meat.

Our carnivorous dinner.