Short Trekking, Plaza Francia, Aconcagua South Face Viewpoint.
If you have little experience and want to start your first mountain outings, this is a great option. It all begins with the feeling of truly being immersed in the heart of the Andes. Arriving via Route 7 and leaving behind the beautiful Horcones Lagoon, your heart will inevitably leap when, from the initial viewpoint, the imposing figure of Aconcagua reveals itself before you.
The ascent begins along a somewhat arid path, dotted with stoic, low-lying vegetation, always accompanied by the constant murmur of the river. A short while later, we come to the iconic Puente del Durazno (Peach Bridge); crossing this wooden structure, with its unforgettable swaying motion over the water, is an experience that truly marks the start of the hike. Right after crossing it, we usually make our first rest stop. At this altitude, where larger wildlife is elusive and guanacos are rarely seen, our rest is often accompanied by small Andean birds that approach with curiosity, patiently waiting for a crumb from our sandwiches.
Upon reaching Confluencia, the human landscape is as breathtaking as the natural scenery. Seeing so many tents, domes, and the complex infrastructure of the expeditions seeking the summit creates a unique atmosphere of high-altitude camaraderie. If you're here for the day, this is the time to finish your snacks and head back. But if you're staying for the Short Trek, you'll start setting up your tent here, feeling an unusual heaviness in your body; this is completely normal, your body is acclimatizing to 3,300 meters.
You often spend that first night a bit uncomfortable, trying to rest at altitude. The next morning, you make breakfast to head towards Plaza Francia. I say "towards" because, in reality, it is not necessary to complete the 6.8 miles that separate Confluencia from the geographical endpoint; this entire place unfolds at the foot of the great South Face. You simply decide your goal for the day: you can advance to the first viewpoint (4.7 miles from Confluencia) or continue the effort to the second viewpoint (5.7 miles). From either of these points, you can spend perhaps an hour in silence, contemplating those overwhelming 9,843 feet of vertical rock and hanging glaciers. You return to Confluencia to spend your second night, now much better acclimatized, so that the next day you can return to the city and tell your friends and family about this tremendous experience.
Options and Logistics in the Horcones Valley
Aconcagua Provincial Park offers two main ways to experience this section of the mountain, each with its own demands.
Full-day trek to Confluencia:
We are talking about a total of 5 hours of physical activity at altitude (3 hours up and 2 hours down) to cover the 4.5 miles one way to the first camp.
The honest filter: This trek is usually classified as "easy," but if you don't remember the last time you went hiking in the mountains, you need to be responsible: Aconcagua demands respect even on its lower routes.
Restriction: This pass only allows you to reach Confluencia Camp. It does not permit continuing on the trail towards Plaza Francia under any circumstances.
Short Trek: Face to Face with the South Face
This challenge lasts 3 days and takes you to reach 13,451 feet above sea level. It is the ideal setting to experience sleeping in a tent and the technical approach.
The honest filter: This is the appropriate level if you already do day hikes in the mountains and are used to carrying a 10 to 15-kilogram (22 to 33-pound) backpack for several consecutive hours.
Fees and Permit Processing (2025/2026)
Mendoza Residents: ARS 15,000
Argentinians: ARS 25,000
Latin Americans: ARS 45,000 (approx. USD 45)
Iternationals: ARS 55,000 (approx. USD 55)
Short Trek to Plaza Francia (Self-Guided Permit):
Important!
Mendoza residents: ARS 50,000
Argentinians: ARS 90,000
Latin Americans: USD 230
Iternationals: USD 270
Photos from a short Aconcagua trek
The Essential Kit
In the mountains, the temperature range is brutal; it can be very hot and very cold within the same day. The sun and wind here are relentless. Always carry your three-layer clothing system, a hat, mandatory category 3 sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen, even if you're only going for the day.
Map of Plaza Francia
Want to experience the majesty of the South Face without worrying about logistics?
Come experience the Plaza Francia trek with everything taken care of. For $900 USD, I'll handle everything: professional guiding, high-altitude meals, and accommodation in the campsites.
You just focus on hiking and enjoying yourself!
Tap the button below to contact me and let's start planning your expedition.
Julian Kusi
About the author
Julián Kusi is a professional mountain guide with 17 summits on the "Stone Sentinel." Based in Mendoza, he specializes in the technical logistics and safety of the Normal and 360 routes on Aconcagua.
With a distinctly international and bilingual profile, Julián offers advice in Spanish, English, and Mandarin Chinese, facilitating access to the mountains for expeditions from around the world. His approach combines the precision of a high-altitude expert with modern logistical management, focused on maximizing the chances of reaching the summit for your next expedition.
Are you planning your next challenge? Connect with Julián for personalized advice and expedition availability on his Instagram: @julian_kusi or directly through aconcagua.co.
